Find answers to the most common questions about gift cards, from basic information to security concerns and troubleshooting tips.
General Gift Card Information
What is a gift card?
A gift card is a prepaid stored-value card issued by a retailer or financial institution that can be used as an alternative to cash for purchases. Gift cards typically have a specific monetary value and can be used to buy goods or services at participating locations or websites.
What are the different types of gift cards?
There are several main types of gift cards:
Store-Specific Gift Cards: Can only be used at specific retailers or restaurant chains
Visa/Mastercard Gift Cards: Universal cards that can be used anywhere these networks are accepted
E-Gift Cards: Digital gift cards delivered electronically via email or mobile app
Multi-Store Gift Cards: Can be used at multiple retailers within a specific shopping center or group
Restaurant Gift Cards: Specific to dining establishments and food service chains
Do gift cards expire?
In the United States, the Credit CARD Act of 2009 requires that gift cards cannot expire for at least five years from the date of purchase or the date funds were last loaded on the card. However, specific policies vary:
Most retail gift cards do not expire in the US
Bank-issued gift cards (Visa, Mastercard) may have expiration dates but must be valid for at least 5 years
Promotional gift cards may have different rules
International gift cards may have different expiration policies
Always check the terms and conditions of your specific gift card.
Purchasing Gift Cards
Where is the safest place to buy gift cards?
The safest places to purchase gift cards are:
Directly from the retailer (in-store or official website)
Official gift card issuer websites
Reputable major retailers (grocery stores, drugstores, big-box stores)
Official bank websites (for bank-issued gift cards)
Avoid purchasing from unofficial sources, online marketplaces, classified ads, or deals that seem too good to be true, as these may be fraudulent or compromised.
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, torn, or manipulated packaging
Missing or damaged security seals
Signs of card replacement or package resealing
Unusual or damaged barcodes
Cards displayed in easily accessible, unsecured areas
When purchasing physical gift cards, examine them carefully and consider selecting cards from behind the counter or in tamper-evident packaging.
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 official website and look for "Check Balance" or "Gift Card Balance"
Phone: Call the customer service number on the back of the card
In-Store: Ask a cashier or customer service representative
Mobile App: Some retailers have apps for managing gift cards
You'll typically need the card number and PIN (if applicable).
Can I use multiple gift cards for one purchase?
Most retailers allow using multiple gift cards for a single purchase, though policies vary:
In-store purchases typically allow multiple gift cards
Online purchases may limit how many gift cards can be used (often 3-5 cards)
Some retailers may not allow combining gift cards with other payment methods online
Check the specific retailer's policy before making a large purchase.
Are e-gift cards safer than physical gift cards?
E-gift cards and physical cards each have different security considerations:
E-Gift Card Advantages:
Cannot be physically tampered with before purchase
Delivered directly to recipient (no interception)
Often easier to track and replace if lost
No risk of stolen physical cards
E-Gift Card Risks:
Email account compromise can expose card codes
Phishing emails disguised as e-gift cards
Risk of accidental deletion or spam filtering
Both formats are safe when purchased from legitimate sources and handled securely.
Gift Card Security
What should I do if I suspect a gift card scam?
If you suspect a gift card scam:
DO NOT provide the gift card number or PIN to anyone
Contact the gift card issuer/retailer immediately
Report the incident to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
File a report with your local police department
If you paid with a credit card, contact your card company to dispute the charge
Document all information (receipts, communications, etc.)
Remember: Legitimate businesses and government agencies never demand payment via gift cards.
Are gift cards safe from fraud?
While gift cards are generally safe when purchased from legitimate sources, they can be targets for fraud. Common risks include:
Card tampering (PIN theft before purchase)
Phishing scams requesting gift card payments
Fake cards or counterfeit packaging
Balance draining after purchase
Protect yourself by: buying from authorized sellers, inspecting cards before purchase, keeping receipts, registering cards when possible, and never sharing card information with unsolicited callers.
Gift Card Fees and Policies
Are there fees associated with gift cards?
Fee structures vary by card type:
Retail Gift Cards: Typically have no fees
Bank-Issued Gift Cards: May have purchase fees ($2.95-$6.95), monthly maintenance fees (after 12 months of inactivity), or balance check fees
E-Gift Cards: Usually have no additional fees
The Credit CARD Act of 2009 prohibits inactivity fees unless a card has been inactive for at least 12 months and requires clear disclosure of all fees.
Can I return a gift card for cash?
Return policies for gift cards vary:
Most retailers do not allow returns of gift cards for cash
Some retailers may allow returns with original receipt by the purchaser only
A few states (like California) require retailers to provide cash for small gift card balances under $10
Gift card exchange platforms allow selling unwanted gift cards, usually at less than face value
About MahroGift.org
Does MahroGift.org sell gift cards?
No. MahroGift.org is strictly an educational resource. We do not sell gift cards, process payments, or facilitate any gift card transactions. Our sole purpose is to provide accurate, unbiased educational information to help consumers make informed decisions about gift cards.
How can I contact MahroGift.org with additional questions?
