Sears/Kmart & stimulus check

**StaceyS** · 04-25-2008, 11:18 AM

Sears/Kmart are offering 10% "bonus" if you convert your stimulus check into gift cards.

http://www.searsholdings.com/pubrel/...-15-0004793053

Unfortunately I don't have a Kmart or Sears close by...

**Lady_V** · 04-25-2008, 11:27 AM

I hate the deceptive ploys Sears uses... seriously, thats the part I hate the most about working there... don't even get me started on the credit cards!

They may offer a 10% bonus gift card, but what they will *ahem* forget to inform you is, you can't cash the gift cards out... not even for a penny!

I think it would be good if you had a large ticket item, like a fridge to buy. The clothes are expensive, the $660 won't stretch very far, and if you need to return something, yet another gift card!

**Sonnenwende** · 04-25-2008, 11:27 AM

LOL, I don't think so.

I wish a bank or credit union would offer such an idea though. :p

**StaceyS** · 04-25-2008, 02:05 PM

Looks like Kroger is doing it too.

http://www.thekrogerco.com/corpnews/...s_04162008.htm

**mmy2grls** · 04-25-2008, 02:19 PM

I want mine in cash.

**rudypoo98** · 04-25-2008, 02:27 PM

Two years ago xmas, my sis went to Sears to shop for air compressor for her DH.An employee saw her looking at one told her it's going be on sale tomorrow at such % off.So she went back the next day they had jacked the price way up then took so much % off, it cost more than it had the day before.She went to Lowes got one alot cheaper and hasn't been back to Sears again.She told the guy at Lowes all about it too, she used to buy alot at Sears but never will again.

**forHISglory** · 04-25-2008, 03:10 PM

I'm intrigued by the offer from Kroger!

**Dancing Lotus** · 04-25-2008, 04:03 PM

IF you don't need a lump sum of money for anything I would suggest the Kroger card. You have to eat and you will be buying groceries anyways. So get the gift cards and use them to buy your groceries but don't spend your own cash . Save whatever you would have spent on groceries.

**StaceyS** · 04-25-2008, 04:15 PM

Originally Posted by AnnK

IF you don't need a lump sum of money for anything I would suggest the Kroger card. You have to eat and you will be buying groceries anyways. So get the gift cards and use them to buy your groceries but don't spend your own cash . Save whatever you would have spent on groceries.

That's what I was thinking. Then I wouldn't have to worry about having enough for groceries! I wonder if the expire? I heard some cards start deducting "fees" if you don't use them quick enough.

**sdrjeolsen** · 04-25-2008, 04:21 PM

ok, dumb question, but I thought most people were getting the stimulus as a direct deposit. Most websites say your stimulus would be paid in the same manner as your tax refund. What do you do then?

**StaceyS** · 04-25-2008, 04:27 PM

Originally Posted by sdrjeolsen

ok, dumb question, but I thought most people were getting the stimulus as a direct deposit. Most websites say your stimulus would be paid in the same manner as your tax refund. What do you do then?

After reading and re-reading the Kroger one, it looks like you just buy the card in that amount and they give you the card, you don't need to cash your stimulus check there. I'm tempted to get a $300 one and save the other $300.

Edited: I just sent them an email to explain...