What Is a Gift Card?

A gift card is a prepaid debit card that can be used to make purchases. Gift cards may have additional limits, such as requiring them to be redeemed all at once or splitting them between orders.

Key Takeaways

• Gift cards are a convenient and versatile way to give and receive gifts for various occasions.
• They can be purchased from various retailers, both in-store and online, and can be redeemed online or in-store.
• Gift cards can be used for corporate gifting, rewards and incentives, and charitable donations.
• When using gift cards, it’s important to be aware of any restrictions, such as expiration dates and fees.
• As a business owner, gift cards can be used to boost sales and customer loyalty, and can be promoted through various marketing channels.
• Offering gift cards as rewards for customer loyalty programs or for completing surveys can also be a valuable tool for businesses.

What Are Gift Cards?

Gift cards are reusable and can be reloaded with extra money, so the funds never expire. They’re a great choice if you want to give someone an exceptional gift or reward them for their accomplishments.

Store gift cards are typically affiliated with different retailers, so they can only be used at certain specific merchants associated with the store.

For a broader range of appeal, general-use prepaid gift cards are available, which can be used like normal debit cards at any retail store or ATM machine accepting Mastercard, VISA, or Maestro. Each card carries its own unique account number or code, making them highly secure as only the owner will know about the account details. Gift cards provide quick access to money without having to carry around large amounts of cash, putting more emphasis on safety and security.

Most Common Uses of a Gift Card

1. Gifting for special occasions: Giving gift cards as presents for important milestones, like birthdays, weddings, graduations, or holidays, is a popular way to give someone a more thoughtful and personalized gift than cash. With it, they can pick out the perfect item or service to suit their needs.
2. Corporate gifting: Companies often distribute gift cards to reward employees and show their appreciation. Gift cards can also be used as incentives to increase sales and motivate employees to reach certain objectives.
3. Rewards and incentives: Offering customers gift cards as rewards and incentives is a great way to boost loyalty and encourage them to come back. For example, businesses can give out cards to those who refer new customers or take surveys.
4. Charitable donations: Gift cards are a great way to give to charity. You can use them to make donations to a specific organization or cause, helping to spread awareness and encouraging people to make a difference in their community.

How to Take Advantage of Gift Cards as a Business Owner

There are several ways to take advantage of gift cards to boost your sales and customer loyalty. Here are some tips on how to make the most of gift cards:

• Sell gift cards: Selling gift cards can provide a boost to your revenue, especially during the holiday season or for special occasions. Consider offering physical and/or digital gift cards in a variety of denominations to appeal to different customers.
• Promote gift cards: Promote your gift cards through various marketing channels, such as social media, email marketing, and in-store displays. Highlight the benefits of purchasing a gift card, such as convenience and flexibility, and consider offering promotions or discounts to encourage customers to buy them.
• Use gift cards for promotions: Gift cards can be used as part of promotional offers, such as “buy one, get one” or “spend a certain amount, get a gift card.” This can incentivize customers to purchase and introduce them to your business if they haven’t shopped with you before.
• Offer gift cards as rewards: Consider offering gift cards as rewards for customer loyalty programs or for completing surveys or reviews. This can help build customer loyalty and provide valuable feedback for your business.
• Track gift card usage: Monitor gift card activity and expiration dates to guarantee that they are utilized and avert any illegal activity. Utilizing gift card management software could aid in streamlining the process.

Gift Card FAQs

Do Gift Cards Expire or Have Fees?

Gift cards can sometimes come with an expiration date, meaning the funds loaded onto them must be used within a specific period of time. This is a downside of gifting cards instead of cash, as the recipient may not be able to spend it later on.

In addition to potential expiration dates, another downside of some gift cards is that you may have to pay fees in order to activate a new card or reload money onto an existing gift card. You can usually find out if there will be any fees associated with your particular card by reading the corresponding contract and terms of usage documentation provided when purchasing or exchanging the card.

Furthermore, prepaid gift cards may also charge monthly or dormant account fees if you don’t keep topping up your account or use them regularly enough. As such, when gifting someone with a prepaid card, ensure they understand all the related costs associated with it so they know what they’re getting themselves into beforehand.

What Types of Gift Cards Are Available?

There are two main types of gift cards: store-specific and general-use.

• Store-Specific Gift Cards: Store-specific gift cards can only be used at the specific retailer or group of retailers associated with that card.

• General-Use Gift Cards: General-use gift cards function like debit cards and can be used at any store or ATM that accepts Mastercard, VISA, or Maestro. These cards offer more flexibility and can appeal to a broader range of recipients since they can be used almost anywhere.

How Can I Ensure the Gift Card I Give Is Secure and Safe to Use?

Gift cards come with unique account numbers or codes, making them secure as only the owner will know the account details. To enhance security, you can also register the gift card online if the card issuer offers that option. This helps protect the balance in case the card is lost or stolen.

Additionally, it’s important to purchase gift cards only from reputable sources, such as the retailer’s official website or store, to avoid potential scams or counterfeit cards.