I understand the point of the cards, and my (unorganized) rant was supposed to be about how I hate them. I understand the benefits to the retailer of locking in their customers. I hate being locked in unnecessarily.

Waste cards. I have a Starbucks card already. I reload it when needed. At Christmas or as bonuses from work I sometimes receive another card(s). Wasteful and there isn't a thing I can do about it.

I don't have all the answers. I just rant from time to time.