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[26 POSTS]

The blog

Firsthand manufactured spending research, monthly challenge recaps and the reward plays worth pairing with them.

Latest research

[No. 020]

Where Can I Buy a Money Order with My Gift Card?

Our 2023 tables of which gift card networks worked for money orders at Kroger, Safeway, and Walmart. Kroger, Safeway, and many Walmarts now refuse them.

[No. 016]

Funding an Investment Account with VGC

In 2023 you could buy Stockpile gift cards with a Visa gift card, redeem them for stock, and cash out. Stockpile shut down in April 2026.

[No. 014]

Gift Card Liquidation Using Western Union Bill Pay

Pay a credit union "bill" with Western Union at Walgreens, using several gift cards for one $4.99 fee. Walgreens may block gift cards now, so test small.

[No. 013]

Liquidating Gift Cards using Money Orders (Updated for 2023)

Money orders were the classic way to cash out gift cards for about $1 each. USPS, Kroger, and Safeway now block gift cards, so read this as history.

[No. 011]

Maximizing Manufactured Spending with Kiva Loans: A Step-by-Step Guide

Fund Kiva loans to entrepreneurs around the world with your credit card, earn the points, and cash out as the borrowers pay you back.

[No. 009]

Tips and Tricks for Acquiring Visa Gift Cards

Buy up to $1,500 in Visa gift cards per Kroger self-checkout transaction, and add gum so totals vary. Amex clawed back points over $505 multiples in 2023.