I am not sure as to who "pays out" the rebate but i know the mr rebates web site actually keeps track of all your spending and rebates. I recently purchased a laptap thru walmart and now i have a rebate showing on myaccount. When you want to redem it they will mail you a check. You just log into your mr rebates account and process it. I haven't done that part yet but my sister has. From all the various things she has bought she received a rebate for over $100. Pretty cool concept but i don't know who is paying out the money.