⚠️ EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY - This website provides educational information about gift cards. We do not sell gift cards or facilitate any transactions.
Find answers to common questions about gift cards. From basic information to advanced fraud prevention strategies, discover authoritative answers backed by research and expertise.
General Gift Card Information
What is a gift card?
A gift card is a prepaid stored-value card, usually issued by a retailer or bank, to be used as an alternative to cash for purchases within a particular store, group of stores, or online. Gift cards typically look like credit cards and contain a stored monetary value that can be used for purchases.
What types of gift cards exist?
There are several types of gift cards:
Retail Gift Cards: Can only be used at specific retailers (e.g., Amazon, Target, Walmart)
Open-Loop Gift Cards: Carry a card network logo (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) and can be used wherever those cards are accepted
Digital Gift Cards (e-gift cards): Electronic codes delivered via email or mobile apps
Multi-Store Gift Cards: Can be used at multiple retailers within a shopping center or chain group
Restaurant Gift Cards: Specific to restaurants or food service chains
Do gift cards expire?
In the United States, federal law (Credit CARD Act of 2009) prohibits gift cards from expiring within five years from the date of purchase. However, specific policies vary:
Retail gift cards typically don't expire in the US
Bank-issued gift cards may have expiration dates (minimum 5 years)
International gift cards may have different rules depending on local laws
Always check the terms and conditions on your specific gift card to understand its expiration policy.
Gift Card Purchase & Safety
Where is the safest place to buy gift cards?
The safest places to buy gift cards are:
Directly from the retailer (either in-store or through their official website)
From the official website of the gift card issuer
From reputable major retailers like grocery stores, drugstores, or big-box stores
From official bank websites (for bank-issued gift cards)
Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true from unofficial sources, online marketplaces, or classified ads, as these may be scams or compromised cards.
How can I tell if a gift card has been tampered with?
Look for these signs of potential tampering:
Scratched or exposed PIN areas
Damaged or manipulated packaging
Missing security seals
Visible signs of card replacement or package resealing
Unusual or damaged barcodes
Cards displayed in easily accessible, unsecured areas
When purchasing a physical gift card, examine it carefully and consider selecting one from behind the counter or in tamper-evident packaging.
What should I do if I suspect a gift card scam?
If you suspect a gift card scam:
Contact the gift card issuer/retailer immediately
Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov
File a report with your local police department
If you paid for the card with a credit card, contact your credit card company to dispute the charge
Document all information related to the purchase (receipts, communications, etc.)
The sooner you report suspicious activity, the better chance you have of potentially recovering funds or stopping further fraud.
Using Gift Cards
How do I check my gift card balance?
There are several ways to check your gift card balance:
Online: Visit the retailer's or issuer's official website and look for a "Check Balance" or "Gift Card Balance" section
Phone: Call the customer service number on the back of the card
In-Store: Ask a cashier or customer service representative to check it for you
Mobile App: Some retailers have apps that allow you to check balances and manage gift cards
You'll typically need the card number and PIN (if applicable) to check the balance.
Can I use multiple gift cards for one purchase?
Most retailers allow you to use multiple gift cards for a single purchase, though policies vary:
In-store purchases usually allow multiple gift cards
Online purchases may have limitations on how many gift cards can be used per transaction (often 3-5 cards)
Some retailers may not allow splitting transactions between gift cards and other payment methods for online purchases
Check with the specific retailer's policy before making a large purchase using multiple gift cards.
What legal protections do gift card holders have?
Gift card holders are protected by several federal and state laws:
Credit CARD Act (2009): Prohibits expiration within 5 years and regulates fees
State Consumer Protection Laws: Many states have additional protections
Bankruptcy Law: In retailer bankruptcy, card holders are typically unsecured creditors
Fraud Protections: Federal and state laws address gift card fraud and scams
Understanding your legal rights helps you make informed decisions and take appropriate action if problems arise.
Gift Card Fees & Policies
Are there fees associated with gift cards?
Fee structures vary by card type:
Retail Gift Cards: Typically have no fees
Bank-Issued/Network Gift Cards: May have purchase fees ($2.95-$6.95), monthly maintenance fees (after 12 months of inactivity), or balance check fees
Digital Gift Cards: Usually have no additional fees
The Credit CARD Act of 2009 regulates gift card fees in the US, prohibiting inactivity fees unless a card has been inactive for at least 12 months and requiring clear disclosure of all fees.
Can I return a gift card if I don't want it?
Return policies for gift cards vary by retailer:
Most major retailers do not allow returns of gift cards for cash
Some retailers may allow returns with original receipt by the purchaser only
Specialized gift card exchange platforms allow you to sell unwanted gift cards, though usually at less than face value
Check the specific retailer's gift card policy for details on their return policies.
About GiftNoor.org
Does GiftNoor.org sell gift cards?
No. GiftNoor.org is strictly an educational resource. We do not sell gift cards, process payments, or facilitate any transactions related to gift cards. Our sole purpose is to provide accurate, unbiased information about gift cards to help consumers make informed decisions.
How can I contact GiftNoor.org with additional questions?
