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Access our expertly curated FAQ database covering retail shopping gift cards. From basic concepts to fraud prevention strategies, discover authoritative answers backed by rigorous research and field-tested expertise.
General Gift Card Information
What is a gift card?
A gift card is a prepaid stored-value money card, usually issued by a retailer or service provider, to be used as an alternative to cash for purchases within a particular store, a group of stores, or online platforms. Gift cards typically look like credit cards, with a stored value, and sometimes are customizable with a personal message or image.
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, Carrefour)
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
Entertainment Gift Cards: For streaming services, gaming platforms, and digital entertainment
Do gift cards expire?
Expiration policies vary by region and card type:
In the United States, federal law requires most retail gift cards to be valid for at least 5 years
In Canada, many provinces prohibit expiration dates on retail gift cards entirely
Bank-issued gift cards (Visa, Mastercard) may have expiration dates, typically 5 years or more
Promotional cards may have shorter expiration periods
Digital gift cards generally follow the same rules as physical cards
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 or app of the gift card issuer
From reputable major retailers like Target, Walmart, Best Buy, or authorized dealers
From trusted supermarket chains or pharmacies
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.
In Canada, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: 1-888-495-8501
File a report with your local police department or state Attorney General
If you paid for the card with a credit card, contact your bank 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: Many retailers and telecom providers have apps that allow you to check balances and manage gift cards
Retailer Apps: Download the retailer's mobile app to check balances and manage your gift cards
You'll typically need the card number and PIN (if applicable) to check the balance.
How do I activate my gift card?
Activation methods for gift cards vary by retailer:
Automatic activation: Most physical gift cards are automatically activated at the point of purchase
Online activation: Some digital gift cards require activation through the retailer's website
Mobile App: Add the gift card to the retailer's app to activate and track balance
Customer Service: Contact the retailer's customer service if activation issues occur
Always keep your purchase receipt until you verify the card is activated and working properly.
What happens if a store goes out of business and I have their gift card?
When a store goes out of business, gift card holders typically become unsecured creditors:
In bankruptcy, gift card holders often have low priority for repayment
Some businesses in bankruptcy will honor gift cards for a limited time
If a company is purchased by another, the new owner may choose to honor existing gift cards
In some cases, competitors might accept the defunct store's gift cards as a goodwill gesture
If you have a gift card from a retailer experiencing financial difficulties, it's best to use it as soon as possible.
Gift Card Fees & Policies
Are there fees associated with gift cards?
Fee structures vary by card type:
Retail Gift Cards: Typically have no fees under US and Canadian law
Bank-Issued/Network Gift Cards: May have purchase fees ($3-$6) and dormancy fees after 12 months of inactivity
Digital Gift Cards: Usually have no additional fees
Promotional Cards: May have specific restrictions but generally no fees
Always check the terms and conditions of your specific gift card to understand any applicable 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 original purchaser only
Gift card exchange platforms allow you to sell unwanted gift cards, though usually at less than face value
Some states have laws allowing cash back for small remaining balances (typically under $5-$10)
Check the specific retailer's gift card policy for details on their return policies.
About GiftSoli.org
Does GiftSoli.org sell gift cards?
No. GiftSoli.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 retail shopping gift cards to help consumers make informed decisions.
How can I contact GiftSoli.org with additional questions?
