Gift Cards Do's and Don'ts

Gift Card Do’s and Don’ts

Some people worry that gift cards are impersonal, won’t get used, or will be eaten up by monthly surcharges the card maker charges.   I find that a gift card to a store that that I like is very personal. I am pleased to receive them as gifts.It shows the giver thought about what I like.

There has been alot of discussion about surcharges on gift cards.There has been a change to allowable fees since August 2010 with The Card Act.

           Gift cards purchased directly from a retailer (a store) cannot have inactivity charges placed against them until one year after the issuance date. So buy them and suggest they get used within one year.

If you don’t want to drive to several stores to get gift cards, you can get them at gift card kiosks located in most grocery and drug stores. You can also get them online (giftcertificates.com, Plastic Jungle.com, etc)

·         Reloadable debit cards can still charge monthly inactivity charges. For example, a reloadable prepaid card with a MasterCard, Visa, American Express or Discover brand logo that is intended to be used like a checking account substitute is not covered by the Card Act. This means they can charge monthly inactivity fees and transaction fees. Check what type of card it is and the fees before you buy.