Really Autozone?

[invader166]

...people STILL think that these companies are gaining interest on money.

Of course they gain interest on that money! Haven't you noticed that, in many places payments are always instant while refunds tend to take 3-5 business days, or sometimes even longer?

...there is a distinct difference between old money...and new money.

What are you talking about? Money is money! Whether you spend it today or tomorrow, you'll still eventually have negative X amount.

What I'm seeing from all this, is that they're giving preferential treatment to the customers that don't pay using gift-cards. How is this fair? Is my $20 gift card worth less than someone who's paying with an actual $20 bill?

What do they benefit from giving you those points by using a gift card? Nothing.

No! What they gain is a returning customer! That's the whole point of the points program. Reward frequent shoppers! Give them a reason to return to the store.