The popular Staples Mastercard gift card deal is back! From May 18 through May 24, 2025, shoppers can purchase $200 Mastercard® gift cards in-store with no activation fee—a great opportunity for those looking to earn credit card rewards or make large purchases without additional costs.
Direct Link to OFFER
Staples: No Activation Fee on $200 Mastercard Gift Cards (5/18-5/24)
Offer Overview
- What:
$200 Mastercard gift cards with the $6.95 activation fee waived
- When:
Sunday, May 18, 2025 – Saturday, May 24, 2025
- Where:
Participating Staples retail stores in the United States
- Availability:
In-store only (not available online or via app)
Activation Fee Waiver
The standard $6.95 activation fee on each $200 card is
waived during this promotion, giving buyers a straightforward 3.5% savings per
card.
Fine Print
- Purchase
Limit: Limit of up to nine $200 Mastercard gift cards per
customer, per day. Some stores may set lower limits, so it's wise to
call ahead.
- Stock
& Enforcement: Availability may vary by location, and enforcement
of limits is at the discretion of the store staff.
- Payment
Methods: Most stores require a credit or debit card for purchase.
Using a Staples or category bonus credit card is recommended for extra
rewards.
Benefits and Strategies
Maximize Credit Card Rewards
If your credit card offers bonus rewards at office supply
stores (such as 5% cash back or 5x points), this is a perfect time to earn
extra rewards while skipping the activation fee.
For example:
- Buy
3 cards ($600) = $0 in fees
- Earn
5% back = $30 in rewards
This deal is particularly beneficial for:
- Earning
points or cash back
- Working
toward minimum spend on new credit cards
- Managing
business or personal expenses
Manufactured Spending Tactic
Frequent users of manufactured spending methods often use
these promotions to buy gift cards and then liquidate them via money orders,
bill pay services, or loadable debit card products. Always follow financial
rules and be mindful of fraud prevention policies.
Past Promotions for Comparison
Staples typically runs this kind of promotion once every 4–6
weeks. Recent examples include:
- April
20–26, 2025
- March
23–29, 2025
- Many
similar offers throughout 2024
This recurring pattern makes it ideal for both one-time
buyers and long-term rewards strategists.
FAQs
Do I need a coupon to get the waived fee?
No coupon or registration is necessary—the discount is automatically applied at
checkout.
Can I use a Staples gift card to buy these Mastercard
gift cards?
Generally, Staples does not allow the purchase of third-party gift cards using
Staples gift cards. Check with your local store to confirm their policy.
Does this purchase affect my credit score?
No. Buying a gift card is a regular purchase and doesn’t require a credit
check. However, using a credit card will count toward your card’s usage and
affect your utilization ratio.
Final Takeaway
From May 18–24, 2025, take advantage of this limited-time fee-free Mastercard gift card promotion at Staples. It’s an easy way to save money, rack up credit card rewards, and get the flexibility of prepaid spending—all without the typical activation cost. Be sure to shop early, as inventory may run out quickly!