What is a gift card?

A gift card is a prepaid card loaded with a specific amount of money that can be used to make purchases at a particular retailer or group of retailers. Gift cards can be physical cards or digital e-gift cards. They function similarly to debit cards but are typically not reloadable (though some exceptions exist) and have no connection to a bank account.

What are the different types of gift cards?

There are several main types of gift cards:

• Retail Gift Cards: Can only be used at specific stores (e.g., Amazon, Walmart, Target)
• Restaurant Gift Cards: For specific restaurant chains (e.g., Starbucks, McDonald's)
• Closed-Loop Gift Cards: Valid only at specific merchants or merchant groups
• Open-Loop Gift Cards: Branded with Visa, Mastercard, or American Express logos and accepted anywhere those cards are accepted
• Digital/E-Gift Cards: Electronic cards delivered via email or mobile app
• Physical Gift Cards: Traditional plastic cards purchased in-store or online

Do gift cards expire?

In the United States, under the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act (CARD Act) of 2009, most gift cards cannot expire for at least five years from the date of purchase or from the date money was last loaded on the card. In Canada, many provinces have laws prohibiting expiration dates on gift cards entirely.

However, there are some exceptions:

• Promotional or bonus gift cards may have shorter expiration periods
• Cards given as rewards or prizes may have different rules
• Prepaid cards with Visa, Mastercard, or American Express logos may have monthly fees after a certain period of inactivity

Always check the terms and conditions of your specific gift card.

Where is the safest place to buy gift cards?

The safest places to purchase gift cards are:

1. Directly from the retailer: Purchase at the store or the retailer's official website
2. Authorized retailers: Major retailers like grocery stores, pharmacies, and big-box stores
3. Bank or credit union: Many financial institutions sell branded prepaid gift cards
4. Official brand websites: Go directly to the brand's website rather than third-party sellers

Avoid:

• Online auction sites or classifieds (risk of fraud)
• Unofficial resale websites
• Social media marketplace listings
• Too-good-to-be-true discount offers

How can I tell if a gift card has been tampered with?

Check for these signs of tampering before purchasing:

• PIN area: Look for signs that the PIN cover has been scratched off and reapplied
• Packaging: Inspect for tears, resealing, or damage to the packaging
• Stickers: Check if security stickers or seals are intact
• Card condition: Look for scratches, alterations, or unusual markings
• Barcode area: Ensure barcodes haven't been replaced or covered with stickers
• Magnetic strip: Check for damage or alterations to the magnetic strip

If anything looks suspicious, choose a different card or purchase from behind a counter rather than from a display rack.

How do I check my gift card balance?

You can typically check your gift card balance through:

• Retailer's website: Most retailers have a "Check Balance" option on their website
• Phone: Call the customer service number on the back of the card
• In-store: Ask a cashier to check the balance
• Mobile app: Many retailers have apps where you can check and manage your gift cards
• Receipt: Your remaining balance is often printed on your receipt after a purchase

Can I use a gift card online?

Most retail gift cards can be used online at the retailer's website. To use a gift card online:

1. Add items to your cart as usual
2. Proceed to checkout
3. Select "Gift Card" or "Apply Gift Card" as a payment option
4. Enter the gift card number and PIN (if required)
5. The balance will be applied to your order

If the purchase amount exceeds your gift card balance, you can typically pay the difference with another payment method.

What are common gift card scams?

Common gift card scams include:

• IRS/Tax Scams: Scammers impersonate IRS agents demanding payment via gift cards
• Tech Support Scams: Fake tech support claims your computer has a virus and demands gift card payment
• Utility Scams: Threats to shut off utilities unless you pay with gift cards
• Romance Scams: Online romantic interests request gift cards for various "emergencies"
• Fake Prize/Sweepstakes: "Winners" must pay fees with gift cards to claim prizes
• Grandparent Scams: Impersonators claim to be grandchildren in trouble needing gift cards
• Employment Scams: Fake job offers requiring gift card payments for equipment

Remember: Legitimate government agencies, utilities, and businesses will NEVER demand payment via gift cards.

What should I do if I've been scammed?

If you believe you've been a victim of a gift card scam:

1. Contact the gift card company immediately: Report the scam and provide the gift card number. They may be able to freeze or refund the card
2. Report to authorities:
   • Federal Trade Commission (FTC): ReportFraud.ftc.gov or 1-877-FTC-HELP
   • Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: antifraudcentre.ca or 1-888-495-8501
   • Local police department
3. Document everything: Keep records of all communications, receipts, and card information
4. Warn others: Share your experience to help prevent others from falling victim

What if my gift card doesn't work?

If your gift card isn't working, try these steps:

1. Check activation: Ensure the card was properly activated at purchase
2. Verify balance: Confirm the card has available balance
3. Check expiration: Make sure the card hasn't expired
4. Enter correctly: Double-check that you're entering the card number and PIN correctly
5. Contact customer service: Call the number on the back of the card for assistance

If the card was purchased as a gift, ask the giver for the receipt as proof of purchase.

Can I get a refund for a gift card?

Gift card refund policies vary by retailer and location:

• Most gift cards are non-refundable once purchased, especially if they've been used
• Some retailers may allow returns of unused gift cards with receipt within a certain timeframe
• Digital/e-gift cards are typically non-refundable
• In some states/provinces, you may be entitled to cash back for small remaining balances (usually under $5-$10)
• Contact the retailer's customer service for their specific policy

Does GiftLian.org sell gift cards?

No. GiftLian.org is strictly an educational and informational resource. We do not sell gift cards, process payments, or facilitate any transactions. We are not affiliated with any gift card retailers or brands. Our sole purpose is to provide comprehensive, unbiased information to help consumers make informed decisions about gift cards.

How can I contact GiftLian.org?

You can reach us through:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +1 (416) 900-5678
• Fax: +1 (416) 900-5679
• Contact Form: Visit our Contact Page

We monitor our channels 24/7 and aim to respond within 24 hours.