How to Use a Rebate Debit Card

A lot of companies are not issuing rebate checks as often as they used to. More often today they are using rebate debit cards. Using a rebate debit card is just like using your personal credit card. Even though the card is called a debit card, since there is set amount of money on the card that you are limited to, you do not get a PIN number for it. Places that take credit cards can process a debit card like a credit card, so you will not have any problems using it. You can use the rebate debit card just like an American Express or Visa gift card; any place that takes credit cards will take the rebate card.

Things You'll Need

• Rebate card

Instructions

1. Sign the back of the card.

2. Hand the card to the employee at check-out--if there is no card machine--and tell him to use it as a credit card, but that it is a gift card. The employee may ask if you know the amount on the card because sometimes the card will be declined if the exact amount isn't inputted by the cashier.

3. If you notice there is a card machine for you to swipe the card yourself, still tell the employee that you want to use it as a credit card, but that it is a gift card. Again, the employee may ask how much money is on the card.

4. Swipe the card.

5. Sign the credit card machine's pad or on the receipt from the cashier.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the card as soon as possible. Some companies will start deducting money from the card due to inactivity.

• Know the exact amount on the card when using it for a purchase, since it may be declined otherwise.

• If you have any issues with the card contact the customer support line. The phone number will be on the back of the card.

References

• Verizon Wireless Rebates
• AT&T Mail-In Rebates
• Why Retailers use Rebate Cards instead of Checks