Frequently Asked
Questions

Store gift cards are issued by specific retailers and can only be used at that retailer's locations or website. Prepaid cards, on the other hand, are typically branded with major payment networks (like Visa, Mastercard, or American Express) and can be used anywhere those payment networks are accepted, much like a debit card. Prepaid cards often have more fees and different consumer protections than store gift cards.

Digital gift cards (sometimes called e-gift cards) are delivered electronically via email, text, or app, while physical gift cards are tangible plastic or paper cards. Digital cards typically can be delivered instantly and may be easier to redeem online, while physical cards may be preferred for in-person gifting. Both types generally function the same way at the time of redemption, though some retailers may have specific policies about using digital versus physical cards in-store.

In the United States, federal law prohibits gift cards from expiring within five years from the date they were activated. However, some exceptions exist, and some cards may charge inactivity fees if the card hasn't been used for a specified period (typically 12 months). Promotional gift cards received as part of a reward or loyalty program may have different expiration rules. Always check the terms and conditions of your specific card for complete information.

For maximum security, purchase gift cards directly from the retailer (either in-store or through their official website) or from authorized retailers like grocery stores, pharmacies, or reputable online gift card marketplaces. Avoid buying gift cards from online classified sites, auction sites, or unauthorized resellers, as these cards may be fraudulent, already used, or obtained illegally. If buying from a physical store, inspect the card for signs of tampering before purchasing.

There are several ways to check your gift card balance:

• Visit the retailer's website and look for a "Gift Card Balance" or "Check Balance" section
• Call the customer service number printed on the back of the card
• Inquire at the customer service desk in-store
• Check your balance through the retailer's mobile app, if available
• For some cards, you can check the balance by examining your last purchase receipt

Some retailers also offer the option to register your gift card online, which allows you to track your balance through your account.

Most retailer gift cards can be used for online purchases at the issuing retailer's website. To use a gift card online, you'll typically need both the gift card number and the security code (often a PIN or CVV). Some retailers may require you to register the gift card to your account before using it online. Digital gift cards are especially convenient for online shopping. Keep in mind that some in-store only gift cards exist, though they are becoming increasingly rare as retailers integrate their online and offline payment systems.

If you lose a gift card, immediately:

• Contact the retailer's customer service department with any information you have about the card (purchase receipt, card number if you have it recorded somewhere)
• If you registered the card online, log in to your account and report it lost
• If you have the original purchase receipt, some retailers may be able to cancel the lost card and issue a replacement

Unfortunately, many gift cards are treated like cash, and if you don't have the card number or proof of purchase, it may be difficult to recover the value. This is why we recommend keeping your gift card receipt and taking a photo of the front and back of your gift cards as soon as you receive them.

Some gift cards are reloadable, while others are not. Store-specific gift cards often allow reloading either in-store at the register, through the retailer's website, or via their mobile app. However, many promotional gift cards, rewards cards, and some prepaid cards are not designed to be reloaded. Check the terms and conditions of your specific card or contact the retailer directly to determine if your gift card can be reloaded.

To protect yourself from gift card scams:

• Never provide gift card numbers to someone claiming to be from a government agency, utility company, tech support, or any entity demanding payment via gift card
• Inspect physical gift cards before purchasing for signs of tampering (exposed PIN, damaged packaging)
• Purchase gift cards directly from the retailer or authorized sellers
• Keep your receipt as proof of purchase
• Register your gift card on the retailer's website if possible
• Use gift cards promptly rather than storing them for long periods
• Be skeptical of online offers for discounted gift cards that seem too good to be true
• Never share gift card information in response to unsolicited emails or text messages

If you believe you've been the victim of a gift card scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and contact the gift card issuer immediately.

When purchasing a physical gift card:

• Examine the packaging for signs of tampering or damage
• Check that any protective stickers or scratch-off PIN covers are intact
• Verify that the card's activation code or PIN is not exposed
• Select cards from behind the counter or from secure displays rather than easily accessible racks
• Inspect the card's magnetic stripe or chip for damage
• Choose cards that are kept in secure locations or need to be activated by a cashier
• Check the card's expiration date and any associated fees
• Keep the purchase receipt and gift card packaging

If anything looks suspicious, select a different card or purchase from another location.

Digital gift cards offer different security advantages and challenges compared to physical cards. They can't be physically lost or stolen like a plastic card, and they typically require account access to redeem them. However, digital cards can be vulnerable to email hacking, phishing attempts, or unauthorized access to your online accounts.

To keep digital gift cards secure, use strong, unique passwords for your email and retailer accounts, enable two-factor authentication when available, and be cautious about clicking links in emails claiming to contain gift cards. Neither type is inherently more secure; both require proper precautions to protect their value.

If a retailer won't accept your gift card:

• Verify the card hasn't expired and has available funds
• Confirm you're using it at the correct retailer (some parent companies have multiple brands)
• Check if there are location restrictions (some cards are limited to specific regions or countries)
• Ask to speak with a manager, who may have more authority to resolve the issue
• Contact the retailer's customer service department directly
• If purchased from a third party, contact that vendor for assistance

If the retailer has gone bankrupt or closed stores, you may have limited options. In some cases, you might be able to file a claim in bankruptcy court, but gift card holders are typically low priority creditors.

When a retailer goes out of business, gift card holders often face challenges:

• In bankruptcy, companies may continue to honor gift cards for a limited time, but they're not required to do so
• If the retailer is completely liquidating, they might stop accepting gift cards entirely
• In some cases, a competitor or new owner might honor the defunct company's gift cards to generate goodwill
• Gift card holders can file a claim in bankruptcy court, but they're typically considered unsecured creditors and often receive little or nothing

This is why we recommend using gift cards promptly rather than holding them for extended periods. If you hear news about a retailer's financial troubles, use any gift cards you have for that store immediately.

Most retailers have policies against refunding gift cards for cash, as this could facilitate money laundering and other financial crimes. However, you have several options for unwanted gift cards:

• Use the card to purchase something you need or could resell
• Exchange it for a different gift card through gift card exchange websites
• Sell it on legitimate gift card resale marketplaces (though you'll typically receive less than face value)
• Give it to someone else who would use it
• Donate it to a charity that accepts gift card donations

In some states, there are laws requiring merchants to cash out gift cards below a certain amount (typically $5-$10), so if your card has a small remaining balance, you might be able to get that amount in cash.