Frequently Asked
Questions

A gift card is a prepaid stored-value money card, usually issued by a retailer or bank, to be used as an alternative to cash for purchases within a particular store or related businesses. Gift cards are typically identified by a specific number or code, not usually with an individual name, and thus could be used by anybody.

There are two main types of gift cards:

• Closed Loop Cards: These can only be redeemed at specific retailers (like Amazon, Starbucks, etc.)
• Open Loop Cards: These carry a payment network logo (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) and can be used anywhere that accepts that payment network

Gift cards may be physical plastic cards or digital codes (e-gift cards) that can be emailed to recipients or stored in mobile wallets.

In the United States, the Credit CARD Act of 2009 provides consumer protections for gift cards, including:

• Gift cards cannot expire for at least five years from the date of issuance or from the last date on which funds were added to the card
• Inactivity fees can only be charged if the card has not been used for at least 12 months
• If a card has an expiration date, the expiration date must be clearly disclosed before purchase

However, policies can vary by retailer and by state (some states have additional consumer protections). Always check the specific terms and conditions of your gift card, which are typically printed on the back of physical cards or included in the email for digital gift cards.

While both gift cards and gift certificates serve similar purposes as prepaid methods of payment, there are some key differences:

• Format: Gift cards are typically plastic cards with magnetic strips or barcodes, while gift certificates are traditionally paper documents
• Technology: Gift cards are electronic and processed through point-of-sale systems, while gift certificates may be processed manually
• Tracking: Gift cards typically have more sophisticated balance tracking systems
• Partial use: Gift cards usually allow for partial redemption and will store the remaining balance, while some gift certificates may need to be redeemed in full
• Regulations: Gift cards and gift certificates may be subject to different regulations depending on jurisdiction

Today, traditional paper gift certificates are less common, with most retailers transitioning to gift card systems, both physical and digital.

There are several ways to check a gift card balance:

1. Online: Most retailers provide a balance check tool on their websites. Look for a "Gift Cards" or "Check Balance" link, typically found in the footer or customer service section
2. Phone: Call the customer service number printed on the back of your gift card and follow the automated prompts or speak with a representative
3. Mobile App: Many retailers have mobile apps that allow you to check and manage gift card balances
4. In-Store: Visit a physical store location and ask a cashier or customer service representative to check your balance
5. Receipt: Some retailers print the remaining balance on your receipt after a partial gift card purchase

To check your balance, you'll typically need the card number and sometimes a PIN or security code. These are usually found on the back of the physical card or in the email for digital gift cards.

In most cases, checking your gift card balance is free. Retailers typically provide balance check services online, through their apps, over the phone, or in-store at no cost.

However, be aware of these potential considerations:

• If calling from a mobile phone, standard calling rates may apply for phone-based balance checks
• Be cautious of third-party websites or apps that offer to check multiple gift card balances, as these may charge fees or could potentially be fraudulent
• Always use the official retailer website, app, or phone number printed on the card for balance inquiries

For most major retailers, you can find direct links to their official balance check pages in our Retailer Directory.

If you're having trouble checking your gift card balance, consider these common issues:

• Incorrect card information: Double-check that you're entering the correct card number, PIN, or security code exactly as shown (including any hyphens or spaces)
• Card not activated: Some gift cards need to be activated at the time of purchase. If the card was received as a gift, check if it's been properly activated
• System outages: Temporary technical issues with the retailer's balance check system may occur
• Expired card: Some gift cards may become difficult to check online if they've expired
• Damaged magnetic strip or barcode: Physical damage can make it difficult for systems to read the card information
• Card not registered: Some cards require registration before balances can be checked online

If you've tried multiple methods and still can't check your balance, contact the retailer's customer service directly for assistance.

To protect your gift cards and their value, follow these security best practices:

• Keep receipt: Always keep the purchase receipt as proof of purchase, which can help with replacements
• Register when possible: Some retailers allow you to register your gift card online, which can help protect the balance if the card is lost or stolen
• Treat like cash: Treat physical gift cards like cash—keep them in a secure place
• Secure digital gift cards: For e-gift cards, keep the email in a secure folder and consider taking a screenshot as backup
• Check for tampering: When purchasing physical gift cards in stores, check for signs of tampering on the packaging
• Use trusted sources: Buy gift cards directly from the retailer or authorized sellers to avoid fraudulent cards
• Beware of scams: Never provide gift card information to unknown callers or emails claiming to be from government agencies, utilities, or tech support—these are scams
• Use secure websites: When checking balances online, ensure the website is secure (look for "https://" and a lock icon)

If you suspect gift card fraud or unauthorized use, contact the retailer immediately to report the issue.

Gift card replacement policies vary by retailer, but here's what you should know:

• Proof of purchase: Most retailers require proof of purchase (receipt) to replace a lost or stolen card
• Registration benefits: Cards that have been registered with the retailer are easier to replace, as the balance and ownership are already verified
• Physical vs. digital: Digital gift cards can often be reissued more easily than physical cards, as there's a clearer electronic trail
• Timing matters: Report a lost or stolen card as soon as possible to prevent unauthorized use
• Store policies vary: Some retailers have generous replacement policies, while others explicitly state that they treat gift cards like cash and cannot replace them

To request a replacement:

1. Contact the retailer's customer service directly
2. Provide the original receipt if you have it
3. If you registered the card, provide your registration information
4. Have any information about when and where the card was purchased

Be prepared that some retailers may charge a replacement fee, even when they agree to replace a card.

Most retailer gift cards can be used both online and in physical store locations, but there are some important considerations:

• Retailer gift cards: Most store-specific gift cards (like Target, Best Buy, etc.) can be used both online and in-store at that retailer
• Online-only retailers: Gift cards for online-only businesses (like Amazon) can only be used on their websites or apps
• International usage: Some gift cards may have restrictions for international use on websites or in stores outside the country of purchase
• Physical vs. digital: Digital gift cards typically work online, but some retailers may require printing a physical copy for in-store use
• Mobile apps: Many retailers allow you to store gift cards in their apps for easy in-store use by scanning a code at checkout

To use a gift card online:

1. During checkout, look for the "Gift Card" payment option
2. Enter the card number and PIN/security code when prompted

For in-store use, simply present the physical gift card, a printout of the digital gift card, or display the gift card in the retailer's app at the register.

When a retailer goes out of business, gift card holders often become unsecured creditors, and there are several possible outcomes:

• Limited redemption period: Some retailers announce a deadline for redeeming gift cards before they close
• Acquired businesses: If the retailer is acquired by another company, the new owner might honor existing gift cards
• Bankruptcy proceedings: In bankruptcy cases, gift card holders can file a claim, but they typically have low priority among creditors
• Complete loss: In many cases, gift cards become worthless when a business closes permanently
• Consumer protection: Some states have laws requiring businesses in financial trouble to set aside funds for gift card redemption

If you hear news about a retailer experiencing financial difficulties:

1. Use your gift cards as soon as possible
2. Watch for official announcements about gift card policies
3. Check if your credit card offers purchase protection (if you recently bought the gift card with a credit card)
4. Contact your state's consumer protection office for guidance

This is why it's generally advisable to use gift cards promptly rather than holding onto them for long periods.

Converting gift cards to cash depends on several factors:

• State laws: Some states require retailers to cash out gift cards below certain remaining balances (typically $5-$10)
• Retailer policies: Most retailers do not offer cash back for gift cards unless required by law
• Gift card exchange services: Various online services and kiosks allow you to sell unwanted gift cards for cash, typically at 60-80% of the card's value
• Resale: You can sell gift cards to friends, family, or through online marketplaces (though this comes with some risk)
• Cash back options: Some retailers may allow you to buy something inexpensive and receive the remainder of your gift card balance as cash change

States with laws requiring cash redemption for small balances include:

• California (for cards with balances less than $10)
• Colorado (for cards with balances less than $5)
• Maine (for cards with balances less than $5)
• Massachusetts (for cards with less than 10% of original value remaining)
• Several other states have similar provisions

Always verify the current laws in your state and check the retailer's specific gift card terms and conditions.

International usage of gift cards varies widely depending on the type of card and issuer policies:

• Regional restrictions: Many retailer gift cards are restricted to use in the country of purchase
• Global retailers: Some multinational brands allow gift card use across countries, but policies vary
• Online usage: Some gift cards can be used on international versions of websites, while others are restricted to specific country domains
• Open-loop cards: Visa, Mastercard, or American Express gift cards may work internationally, but may incur foreign transaction fees
• Currency issues: Gift cards are typically denominated in the currency of the issuing country and may be subject to currency conversion fees

Before attempting to use a gift card internationally:

1. Check the terms and conditions for geographic restrictions
2. Contact the retailer's customer service for specific international usage policies
3. Be aware of potential additional fees for international transactions
4. Verify that the card will work with the country-specific version of the retailer's website

If you're traveling internationally and plan to use gift cards, it's advisable to research the specific policies before your trip.