For the last two phones I purchased from AT&T Wireless (one was technically cingular) I have had my mail in rebate (which is a visa gift card and takes months to get) credited to my bill instantly. Both times it was really simple, I called and told the CSR that I bought the phone and it had a rebate but I had thrown away the box it came in so I couldn't mail in the rebate (mail in's need you to include the side of the box as proof of purchase). Both times the CSR immediately credited my wireless account for the amount of the rebate, no questions asked. Hope this helps.