Frequently Asked
Questions

Gift cards generally fall into two main categories:

• Closed-loop gift cards: These can only be used at specific retailers or restaurant chains that issued them (e.g., Amazon, Starbucks, Target).
• Open-loop gift cards: These carry payment network logos like Visa, Mastercard, or American Express and can be used anywhere those payment methods are accepted.

Additionally, gift cards come in different formats:

• Physical gift cards: Traditional plastic cards that you can hold in your hand.
• Digital gift cards (e-gift cards): Electronic versions delivered via email, text, or app that contain a code for online or in-person redemption.
• Mobile gift cards: Cards stored in mobile wallets or retailer apps for convenient redemption.

Digital gift cards (also called e-gift cards) work similarly to physical gift cards but exist in electronic format. Here's how they typically work:

1. Purchase: You buy a digital gift card online through a retailer's website or third-party seller.
2. Delivery: The gift card is delivered electronically via email, text message, or within an app, usually within minutes of purchase.
3. Redemption code: The digital card contains a unique code or number and sometimes a PIN.
4. Usage: The recipient can use this code to make purchases:
   • Online: By entering the code during checkout
   • In-store: By presenting the code on their mobile device or printing it out
   • Through apps: By loading it into the retailer's app or digital wallet

Digital gift cards often offer immediate delivery, making them convenient for last-minute gifts, and they can typically be redeemed both online and in physical stores, depending on the retailer's policies.

Gift card expiration policies depend on the type of card and local regulations:

• In the United States: Under the Credit CARD Act of 2009, store-issued gift cards cannot expire for at least five years from the date of issuance or from when money was last loaded onto them. Many major retailers have eliminated expiration dates entirely.
• Open-loop cards: Visa, Mastercard, and American Express gift cards typically have expiration dates (often 5+ years from issuance), which are required because they need valid "valid thru" dates to work with payment systems.
• Promotional gift cards: Cards received as part of a promotion (not purchased) may have shorter expiration periods.
• International regulations: Expiration policies vary by country. For example, in Australia, gift cards must be valid for at least three years, while in Canada, regulations vary by province.

Always check the terms and conditions on your specific gift card or the retailer's website for the most accurate information about expiration dates for your particular card.

There are several ways to check your gift card balance:

1. Online: Visit the retailer's official website and look for a "Gift Card Balance" or "Check Balance" section. You'll typically need to enter the card number and sometimes a PIN or security code.
2. Mobile app: Many retailers have apps that allow you to check gift card balances after registering or scanning the card.
3. Phone: Call the customer service number printed on the back of your gift card.
4. In-store: Visit the retailer and ask a cashier or customer service representative to check the balance for you.
5. Receipt: Some retailers print remaining balances on receipts after partial gift card use.

For security reasons, always use the official retailer website or phone number printed on the card itself. Be cautious of third-party websites offering to check gift card balances, as these could be phishing attempts to collect your card information.

Yes, in most cases you can use multiple gift cards for a single purchase, but policies and processes vary by retailer:

• In-store purchases: Most physical retailers allow you to split payment between multiple gift cards. Simply tell the cashier you want to use multiple cards before starting the transaction.
• Online purchases: Many online retailers allow multiple gift cards, though the process varies:
  • Some sites let you apply multiple gift cards during checkout
  • Others require you to add gift cards to your account balance first
  • Some may limit the number of gift cards you can use per transaction

For online shopping, check the retailer's help section or FAQs about payment methods before checkout to understand their specific process for using multiple gift cards.

If the retailer doesn't support multiple gift cards in a single transaction, consider using your cards for separate purchases or adding them to your account balance if that option is available.

If your gift card is lost or stolen, take these steps immediately:

1. Contact the retailer: Call the retailer's customer service as soon as possible. Provide any information you have about the card, including:
   • Gift card number (if you have it saved)
   • Purchase receipt
   • Where and when you bought it
2. For registered cards: If you registered the gift card with the retailer (an option some retailers offer), they may be able to cancel the lost card and issue a replacement.
3. For cards purchased with a credit card: Check with your credit card company, as some offer purchase protection that might cover lost or stolen gift cards.

Recovery possibilities depend on the retailer's policies and whether you have documentation:

• Some retailers may replace cards if you have proof of purchase
• Registered cards have better chances of recovery
• Unregistered cards without receipts are often difficult to recover
• Physical cards are generally harder to recover than digital codes

For prevention, always keep gift card receipts, register cards when possible, and record gift card numbers and PINs separately from the cards themselves.

To protect your gift cards from fraud, follow these security practices:

• Purchase from trusted sources: Buy gift cards directly from the retailer, their official website, or authorized sellers only.
• Inspect physical cards: Before purchasing, check for signs of tampering, such as exposed PINs or damaged packaging.
• Register when possible: Many retailers allow you to register gift cards online, which provides better protection if lost or stolen.
• Keep receipts: Save all gift card receipts as proof of purchase and value.
• Protect card information: Never share gift card numbers, PINs, or security codes with anyone you don't trust.
• Use cards promptly: The longer a card sits unused, the more time there is for potential fraud.
• Check balances regularly: Monitor your gift card balances periodically to detect unauthorized use.
• Be cautious online: Only enter gift card information on secure websites (look for https:// and a lock icon).
• Avoid public sharing: Never post photos of gift cards or card information on social media.

For digital gift cards, take these additional precautions:

• Store card information in secure, password-protected accounts
• Be wary of phishing emails claiming to be about your gift cards
• Use unique, strong passwords for retailer accounts where gift cards are stored

Be aware of these common gift card scams:

• Payment scams: Scammers posing as government agencies, utilities, tech support, or even relatives in distress demanding payment via gift cards. Remember: legitimate businesses and government agencies never request payment through gift cards.
• Tampered cards: Fraudsters record card numbers and PINs from in-store displays, then wait for them to be activated before draining the balance.
• Fake gift card resale sites: Websites claiming to buy unwanted gift cards at high rates but actually stealing card information without payment.
• Phishing emails: Emails claiming to be from retailers, offering to check gift card balances or warning about "problems" with your gift card. These contain links to fake websites designed to steal your information.
• Social media giveaway scams: Fake profiles impersonating well-known brands offering gift card giveaways that require you to provide personal information or pay shipping fees.
• Discount gift card scams: Offers for heavily discounted gift cards (like $500 cards for $100) that either don't exist or were purchased with stolen credit cards.

Protection tips:

• Never give gift card information to someone who contacts you unexpectedly
• Always verify offers directly on the retailer's official website
• Be skeptical of dramatic discounts on gift cards
• Check the packaging of physical gift cards for tampering
• Use only official retailer websites or apps to check card balances

Gift card return and exchange policies vary by retailer but are generally restrictive:

• Most major retailers: Do not accept returns or exchanges for purchased gift cards unless required by state law. Once purchased, gift cards are typically treated similar to cash.
• State laws: Some states have laws allowing gift card refunds under specific circumstances. For example, California requires retailers to offer cash redemption for gift cards with small remaining balances (under $10).
• Exceptions: Some retailers may make exceptions for:
  • Damaged or defective cards that haven't been used
  • Cards purchased as part of a proven fraudulent transaction
  • Special circumstances at manager discretion

If you need to convert an unwanted gift card:

• Consider using a reputable gift card exchange website where you can sell your unwanted gift card (usually at a discount)
• Check if the retailer has a trade-in or exchange program
• Re-gift the card to someone who would appreciate it

Always check the specific return policy for the retailer from whom you purchased the gift card, as policies can change and vary widely between companies.

When a retailer goes out of business, gift card holders often have limited options:

1. Store closing sales: If the company is liquidating inventory through store closing sales, gift cards may be accepted for a limited time. However, there are often restrictions, such as percentage limits (only 50% of purchase can be paid with gift cards) or early redemption deadlines.
2. Bankruptcy proceedings: If a retailer files for bankruptcy:
   • Chapter 11 (reorganization): The company may continue operating and might honor gift cards, either voluntarily or by court order.
   • Chapter 7 (liquidation): Gift card holders become unsecured creditors with very low priority in the payment hierarchy, meaning recovery is unlikely.
3. Acquisition by another company: If the retailer is acquired by another company, the new owner might honor the original gift cards, but this is at their discretion.

To protect yourself:

• Use gift cards promptly, especially if you hear news about a retailer's financial difficulties
• Pay attention to news about retailers where you hold gift cards
• Consider filing a claim as a creditor in bankruptcy court, though recovery is typically minimal
• Check if your credit card company offers purchase protection if you recently bought the gift card

Fees associated with gift cards depend on the type of card and applicable regulations:

• Store-specific gift cards: Most retailer-specific (closed-loop) gift cards do not charge fees in the United States. Federal regulations have eliminated most inactivity fees for these cards.
• Bank-issued gift cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.): These open-loop cards may charge:
  • Purchase fees ($2.95-$6.95 when buying the card)
  • Inactivity fees (typically $2-5 per month, but only after at least 12 months of inactivity)
  • Replacement fees for lost or stolen cards
  • Balance check fees (rare, but some charge for checking balances by phone)

Regulations in the United States (under the Credit CARD Act of 2009) specify that:

• Gift cards cannot expire for at least five years from the date of issuance
• Inactivity fees can only be charged after at least 12 months of inactivity
• Only one fee per month can be assessed
• All fees must be clearly disclosed before purchase

International regulations vary by country. For example, in the European Union, the Consumer Rights Directive prohibits most fees on gift cards, while Australia prohibits expiration dates shorter than three years.

Always check the terms and conditions for specific fee information before purchasing a gift card.