Frequently Asked Questions

Open-loop gift cards are issued by financial institutions like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. They can be used anywhere that accepts those payment networks, similar to a debit card.

Closed-loop gift cards are issued by specific retailers and can only be used at those retailers' stores or websites. Examples include Amazon, Target, or Starbucks gift cards.

Open-loop cards typically have more flexibility but may come with fees or expiration dates. Closed-loop cards are generally fee-free but limited to use at specific retailers.

Expiration policies vary depending on the type of gift card and where you live:

• Under U.S. federal law (the Credit CARD Act of 2009), store-issued gift cards cannot expire for at least five years from the date of purchase or when money was last loaded onto them.
• Many major retailers have eliminated expiration dates on their gift cards completely.
• Bank-issued gift cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) may have expiration dates, but they must be clearly disclosed.
• Some states have additional consumer protection laws regarding gift card expiration.

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

Fee structures vary by gift card type:

Retail (closed-loop) gift cards typically do not have purchase fees or maintenance fees when purchased directly from the retailer. However, when purchased from third-party sellers, there may be activation or purchase fees.

Bank-issued (open-loop) gift cards often have:

• Purchase/activation fees ($2.95-$6.95 typically)
• Potential inactivity fees after 12 months of non-use
• Replacement fees for lost cards
• Transaction fees in some cases

Always read the terms and conditions associated with your gift card to understand any potential fees.

There are several ways to check your gift card balance:

• Online: Most retailers have a dedicated page on their website where you can enter your gift card number and security code to check the balance.
• Phone: Call the customer service number printed on the back of the gift card.
• In-store: Visit the retailer and ask a cashier or customer service representative to check the balance for you.
• Mobile App: Many retailers have apps that allow you to store and check your gift card balances.

For a comprehensive directory of balance check methods for popular retailers, visit our Balance Checker Directory.

In most cases, you will need both the gift card number and the security code (PIN, CVV, or scratch-off code) to check the balance online or by phone. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized access to your gift card information.

If you have the physical card but the security code is scratched off or illegible, you can usually:

• Visit the retailer's physical store with the card
• Call customer service and verify your identity through other means

Some retailers may be able to look up balance information in-store with just the gift card number or by scanning the card.

When purchasing a gift card, look for these signs of potential tampering:

• Scratched or exposed PIN area (when it should be covered)
• Damaged or torn packaging
• Signs that security stickers have been removed and reapplied
• Unusual bar code stickers that may be placed over the original
• Gift card that feels unusually thick (might indicate a skimming device)
• Mismatched or altered packaging compared to other cards of the same brand

If you notice any of these signs, do not purchase the card. Instead, alert the store manager or customer service representative.

If you suspect your gift card has been compromised or used fraudulently:

1. Act immediately. Contact the retailer or card issuer as soon as possible through their official customer service channels.
2. Provide documentation. Have your gift card number, receipt, and any transaction details ready.
3. File a report. Many retailers have fraud departments that handle these issues.
4. Contact consumer protection. If the issuer isn't helpful, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state's consumer protection office.
5. Check other cards. If you have other gift cards from the same source, check their balances too.

While many retailers have policies to protect consumers from fraud, the level of protection varies. Some may replace compromised cards with proof of purchase, while others may not offer any recourse.

Be aware of these common gift card scams:

• Payment Scams: Scammers impersonating government agencies, utilities, or tech support demanding payment via gift cards. Remember: No legitimate organization requires gift cards as payment.
• Physical Tampering: Thieves record card numbers in stores, wait for activation, then drain the funds.
• Fake Giveaways: Phishing emails or social media posts offering free gift cards to steal personal information.
• Resale Scams: Selling gift cards with zero or lower-than-stated balances on marketplaces.
• Verification Scams: Callers claiming to verify gift card purchases but actually stealing the card information.

For more detailed information on gift card scams and prevention, see our Security Guide.

Yes, in most cases you can use multiple gift cards for a single purchase, though the process varies by retailer:

• In-store: Simply tell the cashier you want to use multiple gift cards before starting the transaction. They will typically apply them one at a time.
• Online: Most retailers allow you to apply multiple gift cards during checkout, though some may limit the number of cards per transaction (typically 5-10 cards).
• Mobile apps: Some retailer apps allow you to combine gift card balances or use multiple cards in a single transaction.

For very large purchases using many gift cards, you might consider contacting customer service in advance to ensure a smooth transaction.

Here are several strategies for using up small gift card balances:

• Combine with another payment method: Most retailers allow you to use a gift card for part of the purchase and cover the remainder with another payment method.
• Buy something small: Find an item that closely matches your remaining balance.
• Add to your account: Some retailers (like Amazon) allow you to apply gift card balances directly to your account, no matter how small.
• Check state laws: Some states require retailers to give cash back for small balances (typically under $5 or $10).
• Donate: Some charities accept gift cards with small balances as donations.
• Combine balances: Some retailers allow you to combine multiple gift card balances onto a single card.

For more strategies, check out our detailed guide on How to Use Up Small Gift Card Balances.

The redemption process for digital gift cards typically follows these steps:

1. Locate the digital gift card. Check the email that delivered it or find it in your digital wallet app.
2. Online redemption: During checkout at the retailer's website, look for the option to "Apply a gift card" or "Redeem a gift card" and enter the card number and PIN/security code.
3. In-store redemption: Show the digital gift card on your mobile device to the cashier. They will either scan the barcode/QR code or manually enter the gift card number.
4. App redemption: Many retailers have their own apps where you can load your digital gift card and use it directly from the app at checkout.
5. Add to digital wallet: Some digital gift cards can be added to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or other digital wallets for convenient use.

If you're having trouble redeeming a digital gift card, contact the retailer's customer service for assistance.

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

Digital Gift Card Advantages:

• Cannot be physically lost or stolen like a plastic card
• Not vulnerable to in-store tampering
• Often integrated with secure account systems
• Easier to track and monitor for unauthorized uses

Digital Gift Card Disadvantages:

• Vulnerable to email hacking or phishing attacks
• Could be compromised if your email account is accessed by others
• May be accidentally deleted or sent to spam folders

For maximum security with digital gift cards:

• Use a secure email account with two-factor authentication
• Store digital gift cards in a dedicated, secure digital wallet app
• Redeem digital gift cards promptly rather than leaving them in your email
• Verify the sender when receiving digital gift cards