IME, it doesn't actually *work* exactly the same. The transaction has to be coded differently by the cashier (as opposed to a regular gift card), so you need to tell the person you are using a reward card before the order is totaled. I've had several situations where cashiers had not encountered the rewards cards previously, did not know how to properly code them, and had to call for help to get the transaction completed. So, yes, they can be used the same way as any gift card, but the transaction itself is just a wee bit different.