Welcome to our friendly FAQ corner! We've gathered the questions real people ask most often about gift cards and answered them in straightforward, helpful language. Think of this as a conversation with a knowledgeable friend who wants to help you succeed.
GiftMani.org is an educational website dedicated to providing comprehensive, accurate, and trustworthy information about gift cards. We offer guides, safety tips, and resources to help consumers make informed decisions about purchasing and using gift cards.
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A gift card is a prepaid card that contains a specific amount of money that can be used for purchases at designated retailers, restaurants, or service providers. Gift cards come in physical (plastic) and digital formats.
Closed-loop gift cards (store-specific) can only be used at specific retailers, like a particular restaurant or store chain. Open-loop gift cards (network-branded) carry logos of payment networks (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, etc.) and can be used at most locations that accept those payment methods.
It depends on the card. In the United States, the Credit CARD Act of 2009 prohibits gift cards from expiring for at least five years from the date of issuance. However, some gift cards may have inactivity fees after a certain period. Always check the terms and conditions of your specific gift card.
Some gift cards are reloadable, while others are not. Store-specific gift cards are more likely to be reloadable than network-branded gift cards. Check with the specific retailer or card issuer to determine if your gift card can be reloaded.
To protect your gift cards from fraud: Keep card numbers and PINs private, purchase only from reputable sources, check cards for tampering before buying, register cards when possible, keep receipts, and use the funds in a timely manner.
Common gift card scams include phone calls demanding payment via gift cards, fake giveaways requiring you to pay fees with gift cards, email phishing scams asking for gift card information, tampered cards in retail stores, and fraudulent resale websites.
If you've been scammed: Contact the gift card issuer immediately, report the fraud to local law enforcement, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), contact your bank or credit card company if you used them to purchase the gift card, and document all details of the scam.
It can be safe to buy gift cards online if you purchase from reputable sources like the retailer's official website, major e-commerce platforms with buyer protections, or authorized resellers. Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true and check reviews before purchasing from unfamiliar websites.
Most gift cards can be checked online through the retailer's or card issuer's website, by phone using the number on the back of the card, in-store at customer service, or via a mobile app if one is available. You'll typically need the card number and PIN/security code.
Most gift cards can be used online, though the process varies. Store-specific gift cards can usually be applied during checkout on that retailer's website. For network-branded cards, you'll need to enter the card details as you would with a credit card.
Most retailers allow split payments, where you can use the gift card for part of the purchase and pay the remaining balance with another payment method. For online purchases, check if the retailer's website supports split payments before checkout.
Generally, gift cards cannot be redeemed for cash except in states with specific laws requiring cash redemption for low balances (typically under $5-$10). Check your state's laws and the card's terms and conditions for details.
If your gift card isn't working: Verify the balance, ensure the card is activated, check if the card is accepted at that retailer, look for any damage to the card, try again with the cashier, and contact the card issuer's customer service if problems persist.
If you've lost your gift card: Check if you registered the card (which may help with replacement), locate your original receipt with card information, contact the card issuer's customer service with proof of purchase, and be prepared that some issuers may charge a replacement fee.
Gift card refund policies vary by retailer. Many retailers do not offer refunds on gift cards once purchased. Some may make exceptions for cases of proven fraud or if the card is defective and unused. Always check the specific retailer's refund policy.
To dispute a gift card transaction: Contact the gift card issuer's customer service immediately, provide transaction details and evidence of unauthorized use, follow their specific dispute process, and document all communications. Network-branded cards generally offer stronger dispute protections than store-specific cards.
You can contact us via email at [email protected], by phone at +1 (415) 378-2164 during business hours, or by using our contact form. We typically respond within 1-2 business days.
GiftMani.org provides educational information only. We cannot access your gift card account, check balances, process refunds, or resolve specific card issues. For those matters, you must contact the gift card issuer directly. We can, however, provide general guidance on how to resolve common problems.
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