Verizon replacing rebate checks with pre-paid Visa cards

Maureen

Effective 9/2/08: Verizon will no longer be issuing checks as rebates; you will instead receive a pre-paid Verizon Visa card that you can use just like you use any pre-paid debit card.

Read the full article on EVDOinfo.com

PrepaidWirelessGuy · EVDO Newbie Joined: 05 Sep 2008 Posts: 1

I'd be interested to see people's responses b/c I think this is a great idea. Prepaid cards are super easy to use, safe, and more convenient than cashing a check (I would think).

I expect they'll also start providing an option to "upgrade" the card to a reloadable card, which will put a branded card into customers hands.

Time will tell...

Cheers,

twinsfan · EVDO Newbie Joined: 03 Aug 2008 Posts: 10

alltel started this about a month ago as well.

SlyFerret · EVDO Heavy User Joined: 19 Mar 2007 Posts: 127

Thats great! Don't even have to cash the check to turn around and use the balance on the card to pay a portion of the Verizon bill on their website!

Too bad they can't just apply the rebate directly to my bill.

-SF

widgetman101 · EVDO Junkie Joined: 02 Apr 2008 Posts: 211

At&t has been doing this for a while. When I got my last phone in April they sent me a card instead of a check. Its easy to use and works just like a debit/credit card.

Just a side note that has raised some issues though. If you use it at say a restaurant lots of places put an authorization on your card that can tie up funds available on the card.

Its generally best to just use the card to pay your bill or use at a store on a purchase worth the amount on the card.

scottt732 · Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2008 9:48 am Post subject: the motives

Here are the incentives for Verizon & Citi:

1. It is a major pain to $0.00 out a check card.
2. The card expires after some time (see 1)
3. When the card expires, the supplier & bank split the money
4. Restaurant policies... If you have $50 left on the card, have a $50 restaurant bill, and want to leave a tip in cash, you're S.O.L.. The card will be declined. They add 15-25% to the amount you're trying to run at restaurants to make sure you don't stiff the bank on the tip (after approval)

With a check, you get all of your money to do what you want with. It doesn't expire, and you are free to use it at restaurants.

Torrey · EVDO Junkie Joined: 09 May 2007 Posts: 288 Location: USA

dario · Posted: Fri Oct 03, 2008 12:46 pm Post subject:

This is a great idea.
It's the same as cash and gets us one step closer to a cashless society as long as you keep good tabs on your spending habit you shouldn't have a problem.

If you have an off balance left on the card like $10.38 you can go over to your local gas station and tell the guy I want to put $10.38 of gas in my car.

misterbill · EVDO Newbie Joined: 26 Sep 2008 Posts: 3

So, has anyone actually managed to get them to send a check, or been able to cash out the gift card, as the original post stated would be possible?

I guess I am in the minority but I MUCH prefer a check since I make regular deposits at my bank and I don't have to remember to spend every last sent on the check, it just goes into my bank account.