What are gift cards?

Gift cards are prepaid stored-value money cards, usually issued by a retailer or bank, to be used as an alternative to cash for purchases within a particular store or related businesses. They typically look like credit cards or are available digitally, and usually have a specific amount preloaded onto them.

What types of gift cards are there?

There are two main types of gift cards:

• Closed-loop cards: These can only be used at specific retailers or restaurant chains that issued the card (e.g., Amazon, Starbucks)
• Open-loop cards: These carry a credit card network logo (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover) and can be used anywhere that brand is accepted

Gift cards can also be physical (plastic cards) or digital (e-gift cards delivered by email or through an app).

Do gift cards expire?

In the United States, federal law (the Credit CARD Act of 2009) prohibits gift cards from expiring for at least five years from the date of purchase or from the last date additional money was loaded onto the card. Some states have laws that provide even greater consumer protections. However, certain types of cards, such as promotional gift cards or reward cards, may have different rules.

Always check the terms and conditions of your specific gift card for expiration information.

Can gift cards be used online?

Yes, most gift cards can be used for online purchases. Store-specific gift cards (closed-loop) can typically be used on that retailer's website. Open-loop gift cards (those with a payment network logo like Visa or Mastercard) can generally be used anywhere online that accepts that payment method.

When using gift cards online, you'll typically need the card number, expiration date (if any), and sometimes a PIN or security code.

Are there fees associated with gift cards?

It depends on the type of gift card:

• Store-specific gift cards (closed-loop) typically don't have purchase fees or maintenance fees
• Bank-issued gift cards (open-loop) with a credit card network logo may charge purchase fees ($3-$7), inactivity fees after a certain period of non-use (typically 12 months), and sometimes replacement fees for lost or stolen cards

The Credit CARD Act limits some fees, but it's important to read the terms and conditions of any gift card before purchase.

How can I protect myself from gift card scams?

To protect yourself from gift card scams:

• Only purchase gift cards from authorized retailers or official websites
• Inspect physical gift cards before purchase for signs of tampering
• Be wary of heavily discounted gift cards from unofficial sources
• Never provide gift card numbers or PINs to someone who contacts you unexpectedly
• Be suspicious if someone insists on payment via gift card - legitimate businesses and government agencies never request payment in gift cards
• Keep your receipt as proof of purchase
• Register your gift card if that option is available
• Use gift cards promptly rather than storing them for long periods

What should I do if I lose my gift card?

If you lose a gift card:

• Contact the retailer or issuer immediately
• Provide proof of purchase if you have it (receipt, confirmation email)
• If you registered the card, mention this to customer service
• Be prepared to provide the card number if you have it recorded somewhere

Some retailers may replace lost cards if you have proof of purchase, but policies vary widely. Many won't replace lost cards, treating them like cash.

Are gift cards safe to use?

Gift cards are generally safe to use when purchased from reputable sources and when basic precautions are taken. However, they don't offer the same protections as credit cards against fraud or disputes. Gift cards are most safely used when:

• Purchased directly from the retailer or authorized sellers
• Used promptly after purchase
• Protected from physical theft or digital information theft

The biggest risks come from scammers who use gift cards as a payment method for fraud or from purchasing cards that have been tampered with.

How do I check my gift card balance?

You can check your gift card balance in several ways:

• Visit the retailer's website and look for a "Check Balance" or "Gift Card Balance" option
• Call the customer service number printed on the back of the card
• Check in-store at a customer service desk or register
• Use the retailer's mobile app if available

For bank-issued gift cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.), check the issuer's website or call the number on the back of the card.

Can I add more money to a gift card?

It depends on the specific gift card:

• Many retailer-specific gift cards (closed-loop) can be reloaded with additional funds
• Most bank-issued gift cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) cannot be reloaded

Check the card's terms or the retailer's website to see if your specific card is reloadable.

What if I want to use a gift card but don't have enough balance for my purchase?

Most retailers allow "split payments," meaning you can use your gift card up to its remaining balance and pay the difference with another payment method like cash, credit card, or debit card. For online purchases, you may need to enter the gift card first and then add a second payment method for the remaining amount.

Can I exchange or return a gift card I don't want?

Generally, gift cards cannot be returned for cash or exchanged once purchased. However, some options include:

• Selling the gift card on legitimate gift card exchange websites (though usually at a discount)
• Trading with friends or family for a card you'd prefer
• Some states have laws requiring cash redemption of gift cards below certain amounts (typically $5-10)
• Some retailers may offer exchanges or refunds in exceptional circumstances

Always check the specific retailer's policy regarding gift card returns.

What should I do with a gift card after spending all funds?

After spending all funds on a gift card, you should:

• Dispose of physical cards by cutting them up and discarding them (especially if they contain personal information)
• Consider recycling plastic gift cards where plastic recycling is available
• Delete digital gift cards or confirmation emails from your devices if you no longer need them for your records

Does GiftZari.org sell gift cards?

No, GiftZari.org does not sell gift cards or process any gift card transactions. We are strictly an educational resource providing information about gift cards to help consumers make informed decisions.

How can I contact GiftZari.org with additional questions?

You can contact us through our Contact Page where you'll find a contact form and additional contact information. We're happy to assist with educational questions about gift cards.

Can GiftZari.org help me with a problem with my gift card?

As an educational resource only, we cannot resolve specific issues with gift cards. If you're experiencing a problem with a gift card, you should contact:

• The retailer or issuer of the card
• The customer service number on the back of the card
• Your local consumer protection agency if you believe you've been victim of fraud