SAVE IT!
Rather than discard it, save the card and register it with the gift card vendor using your address. Be sure to uncheck any boxes other than agreeing to terms & conditions when signing up.
This way, (1) you have a “valid” credit/debit card to use when signing up for something like a free trial that requires a credit/debit card number and (2) providers don’t have access to your checking account information. . Should you forget to cancel, no harm done.
My wireless provider, who has suffered multiple data breaches in recent years, decided in its infinite wisdom to remove the autopay discount if you pay by credit card. They want you to autopay using direct debit to your checking account or a debit card. Nope, you’re not getting my bank account info. Wanna pay by cash? These geniuses now also now charge a $5 “convenience” fee to pay with cash in person at a retail location.
Someone suggested using this prepaid debit gift card hack as a workaround to avoid the fee. I did. The company accepted my near zero balance debit Visa/MC and shows me as still eligible for the autopay discount. I’ll simply have to remember to go in and pay using my regular credit card a couple of days before the account does its autopay thing. We’ll see how well it works.
Come Stitch With Me 