Frequently Asked
Questions

Closed-loop gift cards can only be used at specific retailers or restaurant chains that issued the card. For example, a Starbucks gift card can only be used at Starbucks locations.

Open-loop gift cards carry payment network logos (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) and can be used anywhere that accepts those payment methods, similar to a debit card. These typically have activation fees and sometimes monthly maintenance fees after a certain period.

In the United States, the federal CARD Act of 2009 prohibits gift cards from expiring for at least five years from the purchase date or from the last date money was loaded onto the card. Some states have even stronger consumer protections.

However, there are exceptions. Promotional gift cards that are given away for free can have different expiration terms. Additionally, while the underlying funds may not expire, physical cards may have expiration dates printed on them, requiring you to request a replacement card.

Always check the terms and conditions for specific expiration policies for each gift card.

Yes, most gift cards can be used for online purchases, but the process varies by retailer:

• Retailer-specific gift cards (closed-loop) can typically be used on that retailer's website by entering the card number and PIN during checkout
• Open-loop gift cards with a payment network logo (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) can be used like a credit card on most e-commerce websites
• Some retailers allow you to add gift cards to your online account for easier use

For online use, you'll typically need the card number and PIN or security code. Some online retailers may not accept gift cards for certain types of purchases or may have restrictions on using multiple gift cards in a single transaction.

There are several ways to check your gift card balance:

1. Official retailer website: Most retailers have a dedicated section on their website where you can check your gift card balance by entering the card number and PIN/security code
2. Mobile app: Many retailers offer mobile apps that include gift card balance checking features
3. In-store: Visit the retailer's physical store and ask a cashier or customer service representative to check the balance
4. Phone: Call the customer service number printed on the back of the gift card

Always use official channels to check your gift card balance to protect your card's information and avoid potential scams.

Yes, there are third-party services that offer gift card balance checking, but we strongly recommend using only official retailer channels for verification. Third-party services may:

• Not always have real-time or accurate information
• Potentially store your gift card information, creating security risks
• Sometimes charge fees for what retailers provide for free

For the most accurate balance information and the best security, always check balances through the official website, app, or phone number of the gift card issuer. This information is typically printed on the back of the gift card or in accompanying documentation.

To check your gift card balance, you typically need:

• Card Number: The long number printed on the front or back of your gift card (typically 16-19 digits)
• PIN/Security Code: Often found on the back of the card, sometimes under a scratch-off panel
• ZIP Code: Some systems may ask for the ZIP code associated with the card (particularly for bank-issued gift cards)

Digital gift cards usually provide this information in the email or message that delivered the gift card. Keep this information secure and avoid sharing it with unauthorized parties.

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

• Purchase gift cards only from official retailers or authorized sellers
• Keep gift card numbers and PINs confidential, like you would with credit card information
• Register your gift card on the retailer's website when possible
• Check the balance immediately after receiving a gift card
• Save purchase receipts until the card is fully used
• Be wary of requests to pay for anything using gift cards - this is a common scam technique
• Regularly check balances on cards you're saving for later use
• Report suspicious activity to the gift card issuer immediately

Remember that reputable businesses and government agencies never request payment via gift cards. If someone asks you to pay with gift cards, it's almost certainly a scam.

Be aware of these common gift card scams:

• Payment Request Scams: Scammers impersonating government agencies, utilities, or tech support requesting payment via gift cards
• Tampered Cards: Physical cards in stores that have been compromised by fraudsters who recorded the numbers and PINs
• Fake Verification Websites: Phishing sites that claim to check gift card balances but actually steal the card information
• Resale Scams: Offers to buy unwanted gift cards that result in payment with fraudulent checks or stolen payment methods
• Social Media Gift Card Giveaways: Fake promotions requiring personal information or payment to receive "free" gift cards
• Empty Card Scams: Purchasing a "new" gift card that turns out to have zero balance

Remember: If someone specifically asks you to pay with gift cards, it's almost always a scam.

If you suspect your gift card has been compromised, take these steps immediately:

1. Contact the retailer or gift card issuer using the official customer service number on their website or the back of the card
2. Provide the card details and proof of purchase if available
3. Request that the card be frozen or deactivated if fraudulent activity is confirmed
4. File a police report for significant losses
5. Report the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov if in the US
6. Document all communications with the gift card issuer and authorities

The recovery of funds may depend on the retailer's policies and how quickly you report the issue. Some retailers may replace compromised cards if you have proof of purchase and the fraud is properly documented.

In the United States, gift card consumers are protected by several laws:

• Credit CARD Act of 2009: Federal law that prohibits gift cards from expiring for at least 5 years from purchase date and restricts inactivity fees until after 12 months of inactivity
• State Laws: Many states have additional gift card consumer protections that may be stronger than federal laws (e.g., California prohibits expiration dates and fees on most gift cards)
• FTC Regulations: The Federal Trade Commission enforces rules requiring clear disclosure of terms and fees
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): Provides additional oversight of prepaid and gift card issuers

These protections generally apply to store gift cards and general-purpose prepaid cards sold as gift cards but may not apply to promotional cards received for free or certain types of prepaid telephone cards.

In general, retailers must honor their own valid gift cards, but there are exceptions:

• Stores can refuse gift cards that have expired (if legally allowed to expire)
• If a business files for bankruptcy or closes permanently, they may no longer accept gift cards
• If ownership changes or a franchise location changes ownership, policies may change
• Some gift cards may have restrictions on what can be purchased (e.g., no alcohol or tobacco)
• Damaged or altered cards may be rejected

If you believe a store is wrongfully refusing a valid gift card, you can:

1. Ask to speak with a manager
2. Contact the company's corporate customer service
3. File a complaint with your state's consumer protection agency
4. Report to the FTC if appropriate

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

• Bankruptcy Proceedings: Gift card holders become unsecured creditors and may need to file a claim with the bankruptcy court
• Use Cards Quickly: If a store announces bankruptcy but remains open, try to use gift cards immediately as they may stop accepting them
• Sister Brands: Check if other brands owned by the same parent company will honor the gift cards
• New Ownership: If the brand is purchased by another company, the new owner may honor old gift cards (but isn't required to)

Unfortunately, gift card holders often receive little to nothing when a business closes completely. This is why it's generally best to use gift cards promptly rather than saving them for extended periods.

The primary differences between physical and digital gift cards include:

Feature	Physical Gift Cards	Digital Gift Cards
Delivery	Physical plastic card	Email, text, or app-based
Delivery Time	Requires shipping or in-store pickup	Nearly instant delivery
Usage	Both in-store and online	Primarily online; in-store with mobile wallet
Loss Risk	Can be physically lost or damaged	Can't be physically lost, but email could be deleted
Gift Presentation	Can be physically presented as a gift	Less tangible, but often include personalization options

Both types have the same legal protections regarding expiration and fees. Many retailers now offer both options, allowing consumers to choose based on their preferences and needs.

To redeem a digital gift card:

1. Online Shopping:
   • During checkout, look for a field labeled "Gift Card," "Promo Code," or "Apply a Gift Card"
   • Enter the gift card number and PIN (if required)
   • The gift card amount will be applied to your purchase total
2. In-Store Usage:
   • Add the digital gift card to a mobile wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.) if supported
   • Show the digital gift card on your phone screen to the cashier
   • Some stores can scan the barcode directly from your phone
   • You may need to provide the card number and PIN verbally or show it to the cashier
3. Retailer App:
   • Many retailers allow you to load gift cards directly into their apps
   • This often provides the easiest redemption experience
   • The app typically generates a scannable barcode for in-store use

Always save a copy of your digital gift card information until the card is fully used, in case you need to reference it again.

Digital and physical gift cards each have different security advantages and vulnerabilities:

Digital Gift Card Security Advantages:

• Cannot be physically lost or stolen
• No risk of card tampering in retail displays
• Often integrated with password-protected accounts
• Delivery is typically direct to the recipient's email

Digital Gift Card Security Vulnerabilities:

• Email accounts can be compromised
• Card numbers may be stored in unencrypted emails
• Phishing attacks can target digital gift cards
• Requires secure digital practices by the recipient

To maximize security with digital gift cards:

• Use secure, two-factor authentication on email accounts
• Add digital gift cards to retailer accounts when possible
• Delete emails containing gift card information after use
• Only access gift card emails on secure networks

Neither type is inherently more secure in all situations - security depends largely on how the cards are handled by both sellers and recipients.