Below you'll find answers to the most common questions we receive about digital gift cards. If you don't find what you're looking for, please feel free to contact us directly.
General Questions
What is a digital gift card?
A digital gift card is an electronic version of a traditional gift card that contains a specific monetary value. It typically consists of a card number and sometimes a PIN or security code. Digital gift cards can be used for online purchases at participating retailers and don't require a physical plastic card.
How do digital gift cards work?
Digital gift cards work by storing a prepaid balance that can be used to make purchases. When you use a gift card, the purchase amount is deducted from the card's balance. You can continue using the card until the balance reaches zero. Most digital gift cards come with a unique number that you enter during checkout when shopping online.
Are digital gift cards safe to use?
When used properly, digital gift cards are generally safe. However, it's important to treat your gift card information like cash. Keep your card numbers and PINs secure, only use cards on legitimate websites, and be cautious of phishing attempts. Never share your gift card information with unknown parties or via unsecured channels.
What's the difference between a gift card and a prepaid card?
Gift cards are typically designed for use at specific retailers or groups of retailers. Prepaid cards, on the other hand, can often be used anywhere that accepts major payment networks. Gift cards usually cannot be used to withdraw cash or at ATMs, while some prepaid cards offer these features. Additionally, prepaid cards may have different fee structures and regulatory protections compared to gift cards.
Usage and Management
How do I check my gift card balance?
Most gift card issuers provide several ways to check your balance. Common methods include visiting the issuer's website and entering your card number, calling a customer service number printed on the card, or checking your balance during the checkout process when making a purchase. The specific method varies by issuer, so check the documentation that came with your card.
Can I use multiple gift cards for one purchase?
This depends on the retailer's policies. Many online retailers allow you to use multiple gift cards for a single purchase, while others may limit you to one gift card per transaction. Some retailers let you combine a gift card with another payment method to cover the full purchase amount. Check the retailer's help section or contact their customer service to understand their specific policies.
What happens if I don't use the full balance on my gift card?
If your purchase is less than your gift card balance, the remaining funds stay on the card for future use. The card remains active until you've spent the entire balance or until it expires, if applicable. You can continue making purchases with the card until the balance is depleted.
How long do gift cards last?
In the United States, federal law prohibits gift cards from expiring within five years of purchase or the date of last reload. However, specific terms can vary by issuer and card type. Always check the terms and conditions that came with your gift card for specific expiration information. Some cards may never expire, while others may have different rules for different types of fees.
Can gift cards charge fees?
Under federal law, most gift cards cannot charge inactivity fees until the card has been inactive for at least 12 months. However, fees must be clearly disclosed. Other types of fees may apply depending on the card type and issuer. Always read the terms and conditions carefully to understand what fees, if any, may apply to your specific card.
Security and Protection
What should I do if my gift card is lost or stolen?
If your gift card is lost or stolen, contact the card issuer immediately. Many issuers can freeze the card and potentially transfer the remaining balance to a new card, though policies vary. This is why it's important to keep your gift card receipt and card number in a safe place separate from the card itself.
How can I protect my gift card from fraud?
To protect your gift card: Keep your card number and PIN confidential, only use cards on secure websites (look for HTTPS in the URL), be wary of unsolicited requests for gift card information, regularly check your balance for unauthorized activity, and use your cards promptly rather than holding onto large balances for extended periods.
Are there common gift card scams I should know about?
Yes, several common scams involve gift cards. These include: scammers impersonating government agencies or tech support demanding gift card payments, phishing emails asking you to verify gift card information, fake websites designed to steal gift card numbers, and requests to share gift card codes as part of supposed contests or prizes. Remember, legitimate organizations will never ask you to make payments via gift cards.
What should I do if I suspect gift card fraud?
If you suspect your gift card has been compromised, take immediate action: Contact the card issuer to report the fraud and potentially freeze the card, document all suspicious activity including dates and amounts, report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission, and if the fraud involved a scam, report it to your local law enforcement. Acting quickly can help prevent further losses.
About GiftBahram.org
What is GiftBahram.org?
GiftBahram.org is an educational website dedicated to providing information about digital gift cards. We offer guides, articles, and resources to help consumers understand how to use, manage, and protect gift cards effectively. We are not affiliated with any specific gift card issuer or retailer.
Does GiftBahram.org sell gift cards?
No, GiftBahram.org does not sell gift cards or any other products. We are purely an educational resource providing information about gift cards. If you want to purchase a gift card, you would need to visit a retailer or issuer directly.
Can you help me with a problem with my specific gift card?
While we provide general educational information about gift cards, we cannot resolve issues with specific gift card purchases or accounts. For problems with a particular gift card, you need to contact the issuer or retailer directly. We can, however, provide general guidance on what steps to take or where to find help.
How can I suggest new topics or content?
We welcome suggestions for new educational content! You can submit your ideas through our contact page. We review all suggestions and appreciate hearing what information our visitors find most valuable.
Is the information on your website accurate?
We make every effort to provide accurate, up-to-date information based on current laws, regulations, and best practices. However, gift card policies can vary by issuer, and laws can change. We recommend always checking with specific issuers for details about their particular cards and reviewing our disclaimer for more information about how to use our educational content.
Legal and Regulatory Questions
Are gift cards regulated?
Yes, gift cards are subject to various federal and state regulations. The federal Credit CARD Act of 2009 established important protections for gift card consumers, including rules about expiration dates and fees. Individual states may have additional regulations. These laws are designed to protect consumers and ensure fair treatment.
Can I get a refund for a gift card?
Refund policies for gift cards vary by issuer and state law. Many issuers do not offer refunds for purchased gift cards unless required by state law. Some states require issuers to provide cash refunds for small remaining balances (typically under ten dollars). Check your card's terms and conditions and your state's specific laws regarding gift card refunds.
What happens to gift card balances if a company goes out of business?
If a company that issued gift cards goes out of business, cardholders typically become unsecured creditors in bankruptcy proceedings. This means you may lose your remaining balance, though you may be able to file a claim in bankruptcy court. Some states have laws requiring gift card issuers to maintain reserves or insurance to protect cardholders, but protection varies significantly.
Still Have Questions?
If you couldn't find the answer you were looking for, we're here to help. Feel free to reach out to us directly.