This is rare, in fact the first of its kind that I have ever experienced. I submitted a Canon rebate offer for a Canon camera maybe 3 weeks ago. I got it today, and called to activate it for 'online' use.

Entered the card number in system, and it shows $0 balance available. I talked to customer service (was going to need to anyway to register card for online use and they connected me with their (American Express was issuer) technical team member.

He asked some vague questions. Probing questions. Ones that made me wonder if I was in fact dealing with a fraud?! I knew I wasn't, since this is Canon, and I've got these rebate cards before - lots in fact.

Anyway after he verfied my information, we came to the conclusion that the card was entered into system last Thursday and hadn't even been loaded with the funds yet.

So Canon processed the rebate and mailed it faster than American Express can load it! I suppose equal credit needs to be given to the US Postal service?

He suggested I check back in a week and see if its been loaded / activated yet. The order was in, but the card simply wasn't ready yet.

I'll update if there are any further noted issues. If this happens to you, just know that you may have to wait a week or so or face a decline, and potential fraud alert if you try to use the card. Don't believe the notice that says the card is activated and ready to use!