Find answers to the most common questions about gift cards, from purchasing to usage and safety.
General Gift Card Information
What is a gift card?
A gift card is a prepaid stored-value card issued by a retailer or bank to be used as an alternative to cash for purchases. Gift cards can be physical plastic cards or digital e-gift cards sent electronically. They typically have a specific monetary value and can be used at the issuing retailer's locations or website.
What types of gift cards are available?
There are several types of gift cards:
Retail Gift Cards: Specific to one retailer (e.g., Amazon, Walmart, Target)
Restaurant Gift Cards: For dining establishments (e.g., Starbucks, McDonald's)
Prepaid Debit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, or Amex cards usable anywhere these networks are accepted
Digital Platform Cards: For gaming, streaming, or app stores (e.g., iTunes, Google Play, Xbox)
E-gift Cards: Digital versions delivered via email or mobile app
Do gift cards expire?
In the United States, under the Credit CARD Act of 2009, gift cards generally cannot expire for at least five years from the date of purchase. However, there are exceptions:
Promotional gift cards may have shorter expiration periods
Reloadable cards may have different rules
Some prepaid debit cards may have monthly fees after a period of inactivity
In Canada, several provinces have banned expiration dates on gift cards entirely. Always check the specific terms and conditions on your gift card.
Purchasing Gift Cards
Where is the safest place to buy gift cards?
The safest places to buy gift cards are:
Direct from the Retailer: Purchase at the retailer's physical store or official website
Authorized Retailers: Major grocery stores, pharmacies, or department stores
Bank or Credit Union: Some financial institutions sell prepaid debit gift cards
Official Mobile Apps: Many brands offer digital gift cards through their apps
Avoid purchasing from online auction sites, classified ads, or unknown resellers, as these are common sources of fraudulent cards.
How can I tell if a gift card has been tampered with?
Look for these signs of tampering:
The PIN scratch-off area appears damaged, resealed, or already scratched
Packaging is torn, resealed, or shows signs of being opened
Barcodes appear to be stickers placed over original barcodes
The card number or PIN is visible or exposed
The card feels different from others (thicker, thinner, or rough texture)
If you notice any of these signs, choose a different card or alert the store management.
Using Gift Cards
How do I check my gift card balance?
You can check your gift card balance through several methods:
Visit the retailer's website and look for a "Check Balance" link
Call the phone number on the back of the card
Visit a physical store location and ask a cashier
Use the retailer's mobile app (if available)
Check your receipt from your last purchase using the card
Always keep your gift card number and PIN confidential when checking balances online.
Can I use multiple gift cards for one purchase?
This depends on the retailer's policy. Many retailers allow you to use multiple gift cards in a single transaction, especially for online purchases. However, some retailers may limit the number of gift cards per transaction. Check with the specific retailer or try combining gift cards online before making a large purchase.
What if my purchase is less than the gift card value?
The remaining balance typically stays on the gift card for future use. Keep the card in a safe place so you can use the remaining balance later. Some retailers also allow you to request a cash refund if the remaining balance is very small (usually under $5-10, depending on state law).
Gift Card Safety & Scams
What are common gift card scams?
Common gift card scams include:
Impersonation Scams: Scammers pretend to be government agencies, tech support, or family members in distress
Fake Websites: Fraudulent websites selling discounted gift cards that are worthless
Card Draining: Thieves steal card information from stores before cards are activated
Romance Scams: Online dating scammers requesting gift card payments
Employment Scams: Fake job offers requiring payment via gift cards
Remember: Legitimate organizations never ask for payment via gift cards.
What should I do if I've been scammed?
If you've been a victim of a gift card scam:
Contact the gift card company immediately with the gift card number and receipt
Report the scam to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
Report to local law enforcement
If in Canada, report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501
Contact your bank if you used a credit/debit card to purchase the gift card
While recovery is difficult, quick action increases your chances.
Problems & Solutions
My gift card was declined. What should I do?
If your gift card is declined:
Verify the card has been activated (check your receipt or call the number on the card)
Confirm the card has sufficient balance
Ensure you're using it at the correct retailer
Check if the card has expired or been deactivated
Contact the gift card issuer's customer service
I lost my gift card. Can I get a replacement?
Replacement policies vary by retailer. If you registered your gift card or kept your receipt:
Contact the gift card issuer immediately
Provide your receipt, card number, and proof of purchase
Many retailers will replace lost or stolen cards for a fee
Registered cards are easier to replace than unregistered ones
This is why it's important to register your gift cards when possible and always keep your receipt.
About GiftElan.org
Does GiftElan.org sell gift cards?
No. GiftElan.org is strictly an educational resource. We do not sell gift cards, process payments, or facilitate any transactions. We are an independent information website helping consumers learn about gift cards. For purchasing gift cards, visit official retailer websites or authorized sellers.
