This gift-giving season, experts predict that total sales of gift cards will approach $100 billion--in the United States alone! While gift cards are a flexible, convenient gift option, consumers all too often fail to take into account that there is a price to be paid for the convenience of a gift card.
From expiration dates, to maintenance and inactivity fees, to card replacement fees, the cost of using a gift card can quickly add up if you're not careful. Our new tips will help you choose your gift cards wisely and avoid losing money on these cards.
Read our Gift Card Holder's Bill of Rights
National Consumers League has been joined by Consumer Action and the
Montgomery County, MD Office of Consumer Protection, to call on the gift
card industry to ease the burden on consumers by lifting expiration
dates, lowering fees, and more.
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Understanding Gift Cards
Not all gift cards are the same. Learn about the two basic types of cards, and how they are different. -
Terms and Fees
Learn about the fees that typical cards' policies include, like inactivity fees, activation fees, and more, so you can comparison shop and find the one that's best for you. -
More Consumer Tips
Useful advice for shopping, buying, giving, and using gift cards. -
Places to Learn More
More resources for understanding gift cards, including information specific to your state.