Thanks ARS.
I don't think I've seen 2.95 for $500, but I don't generally pay too much attention to those gift cards. Is it fairly common, or just through a few vendors?
I donno, I just went the path of least resistance, and that was the price. I'm not sure if more or less or what is common.
For me I'd rather pay an extra buck or two for ease, knowing that if I'm spending $30 to make $600 or spending $40 to make $600, I'd rather spend the 40 if it makes me go "this is easy and worth my time" versus "this is frustrating, is it worth my time?"
The outlet mall near me is where I get the gift cards for that price, and any malls run by Simon (google it and search for their malls, you may be surprised) should have a customer service/help desk kiosk or similar where you can buy them. If you aren't near one, you'll have to find what options are near you.