Log in to become a member of Bill Cash's Fan Club!
While it is fun to give, let's be honest - shopping for gifts can be a real dilemma.
Just what do you get the person who has everything? Gift cards may be the answer: one size fits all, and the recipients can get exactly what they want. But before you buy a boatload full of gift cards from your favorite retailer, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, wants you to know that some strings may be attached.
Here are some things to be aware of:
Some cards can be used only at the retailer's physical store; other cards can be used at any retailer and/or online.
* Some cards have expiration dates.
* Some let you "reload" or add money to the balance on the card.
* Some have fees that can reduce the card's value, like activation fees, transaction fees, monthly maintenance fees, inactivity or non-use fees, replacement fees for lost or stolen cards or balance inquiry fees.
Here are some other things you should consider before buying gift cards.
* Read the fine print. If you don't like the terms and conditions, buy a card elsewhere.
* Ask about expiration dates and fees. This information may appear on the card itself, on the accompanying sleeve or envelope, or on the issuer's website. If you don't see it, ask for it. Make sure that whatever the salesperson tells you is in writing.
* Check on purchase exceptions. For example, can you use a store-specific gift card at both the physical store and the store's website? Can an "all-purpose" card really be used to buy groceries or gasoline?
* Treat gift cards like cash. If your card is lost or stolen, report it to the issuer immediately. You may be out the entire amount on the card. Some issuers will not replace the cards, while others will replace them for a fee.
* If your card expires before you've had a chance to use it or exhaust its value, contact the issuer. They may extend the date, although they may charge a fee to do that.
If you buy a card from a retailer, there generally is no charge for it. However, you can sometimes buy a "gift type" of card from your local bank. Now they might charge you a fee for it. (These bank cards may come with a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that lets you withdraw cash from an ATM.)
Lastly, whatever you find out about the gift card should be passed along to the gift recipient so they too know what they have and how to use it so they don't lose out on any of the benefits.
Bill has been writing articles for over 5 years. Come visit his latest website over at www.BiometricGunSafeReviews.com which helps people find fingerprint gun safe and which is the best for keeping guns stored safely away.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
tweet this!