Hey everyone, DennisCW here! Today, I want to dive into a hot topic that’s been buzzing in the Tesla community: the Tesla gift card loophole for new car purchases. If you’ve been following my channel, you might have heard about this trick where folks were buying massive amounts of Tesla gift cards—think $5,000 or even $6,000—and using them as a down payment on a new Tesla. It was a fantastic way to rack up credit card sign-on bonuses, sometimes scoring 80,000 to 100,000 points! But, as with all good things, it seems Tesla might have caught on. Let’s break it down and see if this loophole is still worth exploring.
Previously, Tesla’s gift card purchase page explicitly mentioned that these cards could be applied toward a new car purchase or discount. This opened the door for savvy buyers to use gift cards as a down payment, maximizing credit card rewards in the process. However, in a recent update, Tesla has removed “new car purchases” from the list of uses on their gift card page. It’s a subtle but significant change, and it looks like they’re trying to steer people away from exploiting this loophole.
That said, the door might not be completely closed. I’ve heard from some of you in the comments of my recent video that this trick still worked as recently as a few days ago. For instance, Christian mentioned, “I just did this like 3 days ago. I got lucky.” Another viewer said they pulled it off last week, describing the process as “cutting through butter.” On the flip side, someone chickened out when they tried it on a Friday. So, while Tesla might be discouraging this practice, it seems a few lucky folks are still slipping through the cracks.
Here’s my take: proceed with caution. If you’re considering buying Tesla gift cards to use for a down payment, don’t overcommit. Only purchase an amount you’d be comfortable using on other Tesla products or services if the loophole doesn’t work out. Think about items you might need anyway, like a Tesla Wall Connector, Universal Wall Connector, floor mats, roof racks, or even Supercharging credits and Tesla service. These can easily add up to $1,000 or $2,000. In that case, I’d suggest buying gift cards worth $2,000 or maybe pushing it to $3,000 to test the waters. That way, you’re not stuck with credit you can’t use.
Speaking of Tesla Wall Connectors, if you’re in the market for one and need installation, I highly recommend reaching out to my friend Mario at Smart Plug EV. Mario is a Tesla-authorized installer, which means you’ll get a four-year warranty on the installation. His pricing is fair, and he’s even got a special “Dennis Deal” for my viewers. Hit him up on Instagram or give him a call (details in the video description) and mention the Dennis Deal to get hooked up. Trust me, going with a Tesla-authorized installer like Mario is the way to go for peace of mind.
Now, let’s pivot to something every Tesla owner should know: your new Tesla comes with zero accessories. Seriously, not even a phone mount! But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with some must-haves to make your Tesla experience even better. Here are my top picks:
You can grab all these accessories and more from my partner, Jowua. I personally use their products, so I can vouch for their quality. Plus, if you use my promo code (check the video description), you’ll save some money and support the channel. Jowua doesn’t stop at the basics—they’ve got cool extras like a wireless game controller that fits perfectly in the glove box, a portable air compressor for long road trips, and even an electric scooter (because why walk from a Supercharger?). Orders over $120 also get free shipping, so be sure to check them out via the link in the video description. A huge thanks to Jowua for partnering with us!
So, what do you think about the Tesla gift card loophole? Have you tried it recently, or are you planning to buy a Tesla soon and considering this strategy? Let me know in the comments below—I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. And if you’ve already got your Tesla, what accessories are you loving? Drop a comment and let’s keep the conversation going.
As always, thanks for reading and supporting the channel. If you found this post helpful, be sure to check out the full video for more details and links to the products and services I mentioned. Until next time, stay charged up!
— DennisCW
Tesla enthusiast and EV expert. Sharing tips on maximizing your Tesla ownership experience.