Frequently Asked Questions

A gift card is a prepaid card or electronic voucher that contains a specific amount of money that can be used for purchases at retail stores, restaurants, online platforms, or other businesses. Gift cards come in two main types: closed-loop cards (usable only at specific retailers) and open-loop cards (usable wherever the card brand is accepted, like Visa or Mastercard gift cards).

Store gift cards (closed-loop cards) can only be used at specific retailers or brands. They typically don't have activation fees and may have fewer restrictions. Prepaid cards (open-loop cards) carry a payment network logo (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) and can be used anywhere that accepts that network. Prepaid cards often have activation fees and may have additional terms regarding expiration and dormancy fees.

In the United States, under the Credit CARD Act of 2009, gift cards cannot expire for at least five years from the date of purchase or from the last date additional money was loaded onto the card. However, inactivity fees may apply after a certain period of inactivity (usually 12 months). Store-specific gift cards often have their own policies that may be more consumer-friendly, with many never expiring. Always check the specific terms for your gift card.

There are several ways to check your gift card balance:

• Online: Most retailers provide a balance check tool on their website.
• Phone: Call the customer service number printed on the back of your gift card.
• In-store: Visit the retailer and ask a cashier to check your balance.
• Mobile app: Some retailers offer apps that allow you to check your balance.

For accurate balance information, you'll typically need the gift card number and PIN (if applicable).

Most retailers do not allow returns or exchanges of gift cards for cash or other cards as part of their standard policy. This is because gift cards are treated as cash equivalents. However, there are a few options:

• Some states have laws requiring retailers to cash out gift cards below a certain value (typically $5-10).
• Third-party gift card exchange services allow you to sell unwanted gift cards for cash (usually 60-90% of face value).
• Some retailers may make exceptions for damaged cards that haven't been used if you have the receipt.

Check the specific retailer's policy for detailed information.

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

1. Contact the retailer's customer service as soon as possible.
2. Provide proof of purchase if available (receipt, confirmation email).
3. Supply the card number and other identifying information if you have it recorded.

Replacement policies vary by retailer. Some may replace the card if you have the original receipt and card number, while others may not offer replacements. Cards that were registered on the retailer's website generally have better protection. For this reason, it's recommended to keep gift card receipts and register cards when possible.

To protect yourself from gift card scams, follow these educational tips:

• Never provide gift card numbers or PINs to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.
• Be wary of any request to pay for services, taxes, or emergencies using gift cards.
• Legitimate businesses and government agencies never require payment via gift cards.
• When buying physical gift cards, inspect the packaging for tampering.
• Purchase gift cards directly from the retailer or their official website.
• Keep receipts and register gift cards when possible.
• If you suspect a scam, contact the FTC and the retailer immediately.

In the United States, gift card consumers are protected by federal and state laws:

• Federal Protections (Credit CARD Act of 2009):
  • Gift cards cannot expire for at least 5 years from the purchase date.
  • Inactivity fees cannot be charged unless the card has been inactive for at least 12 months.
  • Fee terms must be clearly disclosed on the card or packaging.
• State Laws: Many states have additional protections that may be more consumer-friendly than federal law, such as:
  • Prohibiting all expiration dates (California, Maine, others)
  • Prohibiting all inactivity fees (Oregon, New Jersey, others)
  • Requiring cash redemption of small remaining balances (California, Maine, others)

State laws vary significantly, so check the specific regulations in your state.

Digital gift cards have different security considerations than physical cards. In some ways, they can be more secure because:

• They cannot be physically lost or stolen.
• They are often linked to your email or account with the retailer.
• There's no risk of in-store card tampering.

However, they also have unique security challenges:

• Email accounts containing digital gift cards can be compromised.
• Screenshots or forwarded emails with card information can be misused.
• Phishing scams may target digital gift card deliveries.

To maximize security for digital gift cards, use strong passwords for your email account, be cautious about forwarding gift card emails, and purchase digital gift cards only from reputable sources.

Yes, you can typically use physical gift cards for online purchases. When checking out online, you'll need to enter the card number and PIN (if applicable), which are found on the physical card. The card number is usually 16-19 digits, and the PIN is often under a scratch-off panel on the back of the card.

Some retailers allow you to add physical gift cards to your online account, making it easier to use them for future purchases without re-entering the information each time. Note that some retailers may have restrictions on using gift cards for specific online purchases or promotions.

Whether you can reload money onto a gift card depends on the type of card:

• Reloadable gift cards: Some retailers offer reloadable gift cards that allow you to add funds in-store, online, or via a mobile app. Examples include Starbucks, Amazon, and Target.
• Standard gift cards: Most traditional gift cards are not reloadable; once the balance is spent, the card has no further value.
• Reloadable prepaid cards: These are different from standard gift cards and function more like prepaid debit cards. They typically have more features but may also have more fees.

Check with the specific retailer or the card's terms and conditions to determine if your gift card is reloadable.