Give A Credit Gift Card And Win Hearts

By Matt

Say good-bye to the days of the gift certificate, and good morning to the dawn of plastic and pin numbers. Paper gift certificates have been almost universally replaced by gift cards which allow for simple transactions through existing pin pads. Gift cards also ensure that 100% of funds gifted remain in the retailer’s cash register, that is, no change is given. The balance of unused funds stays on the card until it is used. While this point is relatively inconsequential to the consumer, it makes a card considerably more appealing to the retailer than a paper certificate.

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Types of gift cards

There are two main types of gift cards. Store gift cards, which can be used as credit towards any purchases made at that specific retailer and credit card gift cards, which are accepted anywhere credit cards can be used.

[See Table 1 below for pros and cons of types of gift cards]

Fees

There are very few fees associated with store cards. Generally, maintenance fees, which credit card gift cards are also subject to, are the only fees you will encounter. Maintenance fees usually kick in 12 months after the card has been activated and deduct a small sum from any unused balance until the card is empty.

Credit card gift cards are potentially subject to a variety of fees. Service fees can be charged on every transaction and can sometimes be as high as four dollars. Activation as well as maintenance fees may also apply.

All types of cards may incur a shipping fee if they are purchased online. To avoid this simply purchase the card in store. Supermarkets and other large retailers usually offer a very extensive selection of gift cards.

Why a gift card?

Gift cards will save you a good deal in time and headaches, especially when shopping for multiple people during the holiday season. Shopping for a variety of people can be done in the amount of time it takes to choose a few appropriate gift cards off the rack. You probably spend more time choosing a suitable card for your mom on Mother’s Day.

Gift cards, for the most part, are ideal in almost any gift giving situation. What man will turn his nose up at $50 he can spend, guilt free, on new tools of his choice at the hardware store? Is there a woman in America who would be offended by receiving a gift card for a relaxing afternoon at a spa? Gift cards are a convenient and simple way to keep your giftees looking forward to their next birthday.

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TABLE 1