rebate cards

instead of getting a nice rebate check that i can deposit into my bank account, symantec is now sending out rebate cards(visa debit cards).  i'm sure most of you have received them by now.  i have been having difficulties in using these cards.   several merchants refuse to honor them;  they are not easily used d/t the fact the you must know exactly how much is left on your card;  many merchants will not do "split" purchases;  in restaurants and other establishments that offer a tip opportunity, there is an automatic "tip" added on for authorization, so if you want to pay a $20 check with a $20 card, it will not go through;  a maintenance fee is deducted after 6 months (some people have complained of this after only 3 months)...maintaining WHAT anyway?

the bank will not deposit them into accounts.

i believe these hurdles are intentional.   if you forget about a card, the money goes back to whom after the expiration date?

the $3/month maintenance fee goes to whom after 6 months?

the small amounts left on a card that most people will think is too little for the hassle created goes back to whom?

just send me a check!  or better yet....just lower the sale price and forget about rebates altogether!

i will think long and hard before i buy anything again that has a rebate card attached to it.  i would rather shop around for a more competitive product.   which means i probably will not buy a symantec norton antivirus again.

sandyh