I’m sure you heard by now that many stores and supermarkets are giving 10% bonus on your stimulus tax rebate check. They include RadioShack, Kmart, Lands’ End, Sears, Albertson’s, and many more. Since many people like myself will get the rebate check via direct deposit, we might be out of luck. No worry, I will show you the hustler’s angle on getting a better deal.
If you have a Krogers Supermarket, this is your best deal with their press release:
Customers who do not have a hard copy of their government-issued checks may still take advantage of this offer with cash, a credit card or by presenting a valid personal check to the Customer Service center. Kroger Gift cards do not expire. Bonus amounts cannot be used toward the purchase of alcohol, lottery tickets, pharmaceuticals or tobacco products.
You may be thinking “great, what the hell I’m gonna do with $1320 in Krogers gift card?!!.” Well, you can use your Krogers gift cards to buy other gift cards. Inside Krogers supermarkets, there should be a rack selling gift cards to many stores such as Best Buy, Circuit City, Restaurants, Home Depot, etc etc. They even have AmEx, Visa, and Mastercard gift cards although they have activation fees. I believe this code GIFT2008 will waived the $3.95 activation fees for American Express. YMMV.
Here’s my thinking.
- We all need gas so use the gift cards for gas station at Krogers. This will save me 10% + cash back from buying the gift cards earlier using a credit card.
- Use the Krogers gift cards to buy Best Buy gift cards inside their supermarkets. Use it in conjunction with a 10% Best Buy coupon, and you will save over 20% at Best Buy. Likewise with Home Depot or Circuit City.
This idea might have some merit in our situation. I just have to find a supermarket that is participating in our area.
My stimulus check went to bills