Rebate as "prepaid mastercard"

**alpha** · April 23rd, 2008, 07:14 PM

I bought some stuff and RadioShack and one of the items had a rebate form. I thought it was going to be a manufacturers rebate but it turns out to be something different. I have to fill out the form and then they send me something they're calling a "prepaid Mastercard" in the amount of the rebate.
I'm a little dubious about this -- it's money I'm entitled to, but is it really a Mastercard of some kind and will it get mixed up in my credit history?

**hjm331** · April 23rd, 2008, 07:49 PM

no, it has nothing to do with your credit history. A lot of companies are starting to do this because they are seeing the increase of people using credit cards. So instead of sending you a check, they think it's more convenient for the customer since they can just spend the money on one of their regular daily purchases such as gas or grocery.

**RivasGlo** · April 23rd, 2008, 11:09 PM

Nope its not an actual credit card... Its just the rebate money onto a card... kinda like a gift card w. the MC logo on it and it comes with your name on it. Its easier since all you have do is activate and ur ready to go anywhere MC is accepted.

<33

**alpha** · April 24th, 2008, 07:50 PM

Thanks! I'm glad it's not a "real" credit card. I saw some posts in another forum that said the companies are hoping you won't really use all the money, so they get it back. If they sent you a check, you'd just deposit all of it, but with a card it may not come out even.