This deal was posted by a member in my Facebook group. From the upcoming Coles catalogue for NSW/ACT.
Total cost for -
Maximum 5 gift cards per customer.
Mayver’s crunchy or smooth peanut butter 375g - $2.50
Full credit to the member on Best Aussie Markdowns for sharing.
Sometimes you don't need the full version and a five minute preview is just enough time… 😂😜💦
I've used maybe 40 cards over the past couple of years and haven't had any of my cards hacked. Is it really that common as people claim?
Don't forget you can use your HSBC Everyday Global debit card to stack discounts on the $100 card.
$95.36 - 2% = $93.45. 6.55% discount.
Once you've bought enough volume it's common enough. 40 cards over a couple of years is relatively low.
No one outside of Indue would really know how common "hacks" are.
I bought 77 Coles Gift Mastercards over the last two years, and I did not have an instance where someone else redeemed part or all of the balance on one of my cards. To be fair, someone may have tried to redeem one of the cards after I spent the entire balance on those cards. Who knows!
I try to make sure that I redeem the entire balance on my Coles Gift Mastercards as soon as I can, and that's what I plan to do with these Vanilla Visa gift cards too…
Beware that there is US product called Vanilla Visa which looks almost identical. It's easy to end up on US website if you just try search in google for a site to check balance.
I visited Coles a few weeks ago and they still had the old purple $100/$250 cards. I assume these (if left on the shelf) are not part of the discount offer?
The cyan coloured cards used to be discounted at the same time as purple.
You do realise that you're referring to a completely different prepaid gift card to the one in this deal?
Coles Gift Mastercards are issued by Indue, opreate on the Mastercard network, and the packaging is either predominately purple-coloured or cyan-coloured. They are not part of this deal.
Vanilla Visa gift cards are issued by Heritage Bank, operate on the Visa network, and the packaging is predominately silver-coloured. They are also sold at a number of other retailers (e.g. BIG W, The Reject Shop).
If you scan a vanilla card from bigw at coles would it work?
Yes, but you’d also be straying into the grey area of whether or not that would constitute theft or shoplifting.
Although these gift cards have no monetary value associated with them until you pay for them at the checkout, the gift cards were sent by a gift card distributor (e.g, Blackhawk Network) to the store for the store to sell. Sure, you’d be removing a gift card with no monetary value from one store and paying for it at another store, but that gift card was never intended to be sold at the store you eventually activated it at.
If you did this, you’d also run the risk of having the gift card deactivated, because I am not sure whether the gift card distributor keeps track of unique identifiers on each gift card. I am doubtful this would happen, but it is definitely a possibility.
@WookieMonster: It would definitely be shoplifting to take the cards out of bigw and then fraud for paying for them in coles. I’d imagine it would be possible to get caught paying for them at a store where the cards are supposed to sold out.
@WookieMonster: The cards before activated have value/cost. Even a piece of paper has its value/cost. The retail stores need to pay rental to have a space for those cards, need staff hard working to put those cards onto shelf.
So it should be theft or shoplifting.
Also 'unique identifiers on each gift card' has no technical difficulty at all. Just depends the distributor want to do it or not.
I dont think you can
Probably not. I’ve noticed the restaurant gift cards I’ve purchased from Coles and Woolworths (when they used to go on a sale once upon a time) have different barcodes. So it’s possible these ones will too, as Big W falls under the Woolworths group.
As long as I get ~7% off I don't really care who issues the cards. Can't wait for Wednesday to load up.
Blame the govt first.
Wow .. This looks like it would be worse than the only1 GiftCards!
No thank you.. thanks for the heads up @Coldlamb 😂
What’s wrong with only1 cards?
Cant use them everywhere and the website is useless to check balances…. Also they customer service is pretty much non existent! Lol
@asbindia: They work on Paypal so it shouldn't be too bad mate. But yes I agree that the balance check website is trash especially with the shitty rip off captcha everytime! Never had to deal with their customer service yet but not sure why I would need to do because they can't really help with chargebacks which is the only issue i anticipate could be a problem.
@vinnychase: Hahaha yeah, the Captcha is a joke! Lol.. Had to deal with their CS Team when I had a few cards that didnt work … not even at Woolies…Maybe I just got a bad couple… Anyways I only needed them this one time to divert from AMEX.. lol
@vinnychase: Call their hotline, that is how I check their balances. Quick and easy without the captcha nosenses.
@vinnychase: Yes compared to the coles mastercard website, but way faster and easier than doing it on Vanilla website.
@vinnychase: Oh alright, only1v website is okayish, definitely not as good as coles mc but way better than vanilla.
""This worked at coles and coles express for me.
Sign the card first.
1) Slide the card in the card reader.
2) Press the green button.
3)Then sign the printout the check out person gives you.""
WTH, these cards are absolute rubbish… they cant even be used at maccas…
I don’t get why we can’t purchase these gift cards online and get a digital card instead of running to the shops to buy which will always be no stock?
Because this is how the Unions demand. This is how governments buy votes.
Seriously we don't need humans, we have replaced humans with ATMs, self-checkouts, netbanking, immigration machines @ airports etc
time to replace truck drivers and port workers, they are the most redundant Australians.
Our ports are ranked the least efficient in the world in 2020, thanks to those unions
https://www.maritimes.gr/images/PORTS/Container-Port-Perform…
Page 21, BRISBANE 234/351
Page 24, MELBOURNE 302/351
Page 25, FREMANTLE 326/351
such a shame and toxic to our import export economy. Please learn from Yokohama, Japan!
self-checkouts
These aren't even replacing humans you dingus.
It's shifting the work from an employee to the customer
Our ports are ranked the least efficient in the world in 2020, thanks to those unions
No, it's because our governments and relevant departments are an archaic shambles, and our infrastructure is always a decade behind. If as a result our industries were efficient, adaptive/innovative and modern, upskilled workforces would be able to move further up the chain ie. replaced in an automated port.
You can thank the LNP for our import dependency.
I agree with you but I think the root reason of lack of investment are unions and votes.
Those low skills workers are afraid of losing jobs when new technology is introduced and they are too lazy to learn new skills.
A good example would be the old energy sector. The unions want to keep their jobs, which cause the current slow migration to renewable energy from ScoMo gov.
@TanedaR: It's good to have a constructive conversation, but…
they are too lazy to learn new skills.
I think this is so dehumanising and condescending. It's like calling people "dole bludgers" because they weren't born into wealth and sound circumstances.
The unions have barely any power these days. That's neoliberalism for you - I urge you to correlate the problems you're raising with the economic theory the LNP established in the late 90s and pursued in the last decade.
@Techie4066: I am sorry, I think I should have put it in a better way.
By saying low skills, I don't mean low income or lower class. I mean redundant skills. Any worker can be replaced by machines and AI is low skills. Some solicitors or bankers can be low skills because boring paperwork can be done by AI.
An engineer who works in a coal fire power station should learn new sets of skills, for example maintenance of wind turbine, instead of blocking the transition.
However, many union members just refuse to any changes, even with government subsidies for learning. Perhaps they just don't want to step out of their comfort zones.
Plus it's not only about import, export is also a huge contribution to our economy. We could have a much larger wine industry, fruit, meat, all you can named, if we have some efficient ports.
@TanedaR: No, I knew exactly what you meant. No backtracking on that. You attribute "redundant skills" to "laziness" - and didn't provide an alternate cause in your correction. If we want change in the public sector (yes, ports), government has to drive it. They could start by not deconstructing it block by block.
As I said, unions have very little leverage now. Include that in your warped picture and you will see the truth.
last time I checked one have to call to know the remaining balance. the mastercards are so much better.
Anyone have any experience using these to pay a zippay (or online in general)? Will be contacting the companies next week to confirm but thought I’d ask here too
Unfortunately, we can't accept prepaid or load and go cards as a payment method.
https://help.zip.co/hc/en-us/articles/360001571695-Why-can-t…
Thanks but that’s the USA website, the aus website is super vague
a couple of years ago i was able to add prepaid cards to zip but it wont let me do it again recently.
Has anyone here ever had their Vanilla Visa (not the Coles Mastercard) giftcard hacked? Experienced it firsthand?
I came here for the peanut butter deal
Can you use Vanilla Visa giftcards to purchase Vanilla Visa giftcards?
Yes you can.
no you can't. It says so in the terms.
But you can.
@9hcpz: So you will take full responsibility when someone comes back and says they were denied by Coles. You may be able to but it is not meant to be possible.
@powerinnumbers: The ozbargain police are going to catch him and take him to Oz jail where he has to pay full price for everything
What's the difference between these and Coles Mastercard gift cards?
My positive vote is for the peanut buttet
Can these be used to pay for rates notices?
I have used the Coles mastercard gift card for online rates payments, so probably can.
Thanks!
Everyone in here talking about the gift cards, while I'm just stoked Mayver’s is half price again!
Just ran out of my multiple jars of goodness.
Below is a pretty detailed review from product review. What concerns me is you can’t use these online straight off the bat.
I received Vanilla Visa gift cards for Xmas 2021.
After trying the cards at a few places and having them rejected I came here. From these reviews I have worked out that:
In Store
1. They are not gift cards. So don't use the gift card option at Woolworths or Coles. Use the credit card option. (This worked at a local bottle shop).
2. Most stores can't split payments if it's paid by a credit card. So if you are trying to say use one of these cards for a more expensive purchase, then it may not work.
3. The cards only use the magenetic stripe, so you have to use the "old style" swipe and press Credit.
Online
1. You will need to get your name and address assigned to the card (or each card)
2. Call the helpline, I found them helpful if a bit abrupt, but they will do that easily enough.
3. There is no online way to assign your name and address to the card. You have to call.
4. Any online store that uses 3D authentication (eg sends an SMS to your mobile to confirm purchase) will not accept the card. Just ask the store first.
5. I was able to purchase JB Hi-Fi gift cards with them.
Fees
There is no information in the Terms and Conditions about monthly fees. So if you have been charged monthly fees you may have a case with the AFCA for getting a refund.
It does appear that they have changed their complaints process in October 2021.
Look for the document called "Notice of Change – Important information regarding Vanilla Visa Gift Cards"
What worked for me,
1. A purchase at a local bottleshop, using Swipe and credit option
2. Calling the Helpline, getting my name and address assigned to the card, then going to JB HiFi and buying gift cards for the same value as the Vanilla Visa card.
Do you really need to assign your name to a card to use it online? Can’t you just enter the card numbers and CVV? I haven’t found that online payment forms check the name or address?
Not sure, that was a copy and paste of a review.
At checkout just tell operator to select credit
This is one of the worst deals with 100+ upvotes.
As I always say the user name is always the opposite !
$90 profit for 5 cards hehe :)
Stick to 45 X $2 deals instead .
As long as your 5 cards don't get hacked whilst remaining in storage.
If you are on a spending spree, you might be able to profit $90 tax free as long as you are willing to jump through some of the hoops.
Can you use these cards to buy more gift cards (cash machine exploit cha-ching)
Can I use this to pay bills?
Can I pay the rates/water/electricity bills online or at a post office?
It appears you can need on the comments
I suggest people buy a $25 card to do some testing of merchants
poor suggestion.
I read many 1 stars at https://www.productreview.com.au/listings/vanilla-visa-gift-… and I am a bit frightened and hesitant to go for this deal.
Scanning through the reviews, there are many cases that people had trouble using it both online and in-store. But we never know the ratio between happy vs unhappy customers. Generally, only unhappy customers will take time to put in complaints.
Yeah, reading those reviews doesn’t instil much confidence at first glance… I decided to punish enlighten myself by reading a few pages of reviews and I can see some themes:
I think some reviewers don’t realise that a lot of merchants will not accept these gift cards. The issue is that Heritage Bank (the issuer) loves to proclaim that these gift cards are accepted wherever Visa is accepted, which is false. These gift cards operate on the Visa network, but they are only accepted at merchants who either do not require a PIN for in-person purchases, or who do not require 3D Secure for online purchases. A lot of reviewers complain about the lack of PIN, and I think a lot of them don’t realise you can get around the PIN prompt at some merchants by simply pressing Enter or the green button. However, if customers are repeatedly told by the issuer that these gift cards can be used anywhere where Visa is accepted, I can understand why some of them are pissed off.
There are a number of reports of gift cards being “hacked” and being used at random overseas merchants (e.g. Cambodia). It just goes to show that “hacks” are a real possibility with these prepaid gift cards.
There were a few recent reports of monthly fees. Considering this gift card (as far as I am aware) falls under the gift card laws (which outlaws monthly fees for any gift cards sold from Nov 2019) and the terms and conditions for cards with an expiry of 08/23 or later do not mention anything about monthly fees, I think we can safely ignore this bit. However, if you’re going to hold onto a card more than six months after the date of purchase, I’d keep an eye out for monthly fees.
One negative review was of someone who “accidentally” purchased this gift card at Coles, and they’re unhappy about the fact that Coles will not allow them to return the gift card… Really?
There are a number of complaints related to the website stuffing up the registration process. You don’t need to register these gift cards to use them (for in-person purchases, anyway), but it is something you can do if you want.
Bottom-line is if the OZB gift card expert upvotes it you'll be alright .
Just basically clear it fast for more safety .
Even though the fees charged after six months would be illegal I'd still be using the cards up before then as getting your money back could be far more trouble than its worth.
Vanilla GC has got rid off the fee after 6 months many years ago because of the law changed that outlaw this kind of fee. Vanilla GC was the first one that has more than $100 face value with lower fee $7.5 for $250 gc. That was a very long time ago when none other has $250 value.
At the time the other card which is more than $100 is Only1 but with higher fee and only sold in Officeworks.
From the beginning until now Vanilla GC has the most tamper-proof packaging design. The barcode you scan is also on the actual card not the package and it doesn't have the design flaw of the ColesMC or the new Only1 packaging.
Only1 used to have the similar packaging design as Vanilla back then but has now changed and the current packaging design has similar weakness to ColesMC.
When Coles released the new $250, they intentionally set the fee just at $7 so that it can be the cheapest. All thanks to the VanillaGC that set the fee at $7.5
Nince summary! Thanks.
What happen you collect gift card from store before discount day and after go back discounts day to activate gift card at same store.
Technically you can't collect it before the sale date but you could hide it in the store so nobody else can find it.
I guess it's worthwhile buying this card, then use it to purchase wollies gift card at 4% off
They didn’t accept the Coles prepaid Mastercards at the woolies gift card online store last time round. Previous to this they did. Save with Suncorp benefits. :( #sadge
Thanks for the heads up. I won't bother getting this deal.
The only place I know of where you can get discounted Woolworths Group gift cards using prepaid gift cards is through portals operated by Lifestyle Rewards (e.g. HCF Thank You, Lumo Rewards).
Pretty much every other gift card portal I have tried (Suncorp Benefits, Woolworths Group gift card portal, Reward Gateway) requires cards to support 3D Secure (which prepaid gift cards cannot support). However, there are other portals I don’t have access to, and I don’t know whether they allow prepaid gift cards.
You could always get a $250 prepaid gift card, add it to PayPal and then use PayPal to purchase a WISH gift card through Prezzee, which would mean you’d get the WISH gift card at a 7.3% discount. However, whether the juice is worth the squeeze in that case is up to you.
@WookieMonster: Why get a WISH card, they have Woolworths specific cards on Prezzee?
So you have done this? Pay Pal accepts the cards?
Also, just went to Prezzee, they don't have Pay Pal option for payment anyway
@powerinnumbers: WISH card's are accepted at more places than the Woolworths specific one.
I use the WISH card to buy petrol and/or alcohol (not at the same time obviously).
Why get a WISH card
I only suggested a WISH gift card, as it offers more participating retailers than a Woolworths Supermarkets gift card.
So you have done this? Pay Pal accepts the cards?
Yep. Granted, I did this a couple of months ago, so who know if this works now. I added an OnlyONE Visa gift card (another prepaid Visa gift card) to my PayPal account last week and it works fine.
just went to Prezzee, they don't have Pay Pal option for payment anyway
You need to be signed into your Prezzee account to see the PayPal option. I just signed in on the Prezzee app, and I can see options for Google Pay and PayPal.
@WookieMonster: Up until the start of this year, woolies staff used to he able to get 5% off giftcard at woolies which included Only1 VISA gift cards. I used to buy the visa gift cards ($500 worth) and use them to purchase the woolies (not wish) through the woolies insurance site (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/61955) to get the extra 4% off. Thats why I thought I could do the same with this visa card.
There is a method not hiding or stealing to get a mountain of cards .
But with some of the motor mouths on this site there is no way it will be posted .
All those that hide behind nearby cards I want to say a BIG TY for all the extra bounty I got last time hehe :)
Checked out a local store and noticed no $100/$250 ones, only $25, $50…. and surprisingly $400!
Found this article from last year about customers finding it difficult to use these cards. https://au.news.yahoo.com/coles-customers-claim-gift-card-in…
I am battling in my mind weather to buy the $250 gift card and go through the hassle or simply skip one meal for the same saving…
$18 is a lot for 1 meal mate
Why not do both?
Report weight and height, and we will vote on it.
Would these cards count towards velocity status credit spend?
Probably not.
Purchases of gift cards at Coles (and First Choice Liquor and Liquorland) used to count towards the Velocity status credit earn, but it stopped counting around October last year.
I spend $200 on gift cards and $120 on groceries at Coles in January, but I was only credited 1 status credit for January, so my guess is that purchasing the gift card in this deal will not count towards it.
Ah that's unfortunate. Thanks wookie
Not on VIC catalogue. seems exclusive to NSW/ACT
Nit in SA catalogue, can anyone confirm that is it for nationwide or only in specific state???
You have answered your own question.
Ah sometimes you don't get the full versions 😅