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You've all seen the offers: use your stimulus package check at blah-blah department store, and get a 10% bonus! Some of these offers are in the form of converting the stimulus to gift cards.
According to this MSNBC article, if you convert your check to a Wal-Mart Visa debit card (which can be used anywhere), you'll be paying lots and lots of fees. About $5 per month maintenance fee, plus fees for using it at an ATM, checking your balance, and calling customer service.
The article also points out that 10% of money put into such gift/debit cards goes unspent every year.
According to this MSNBC article, if you convert your check to a Wal-Mart Visa debit card (which can be used anywhere), you'll be paying lots and lots of fees. About $5 per month maintenance fee, plus fees for using it at an ATM, checking your balance, and calling customer service.
The article also points out that 10% of money put into such gift/debit cards goes unspent every year.
