Plastic gift cards offer the most convenient way to gift someone what they want. Furthermore, the merchants love gift cards as well because they get a substantial portion of the funds used by the cardholders.
Plastic gift cards are the fastest growing non-cash type of payment in the United States. However, they are still loved just like gifts. Buyers and users consider them as a risk-free and convenient way to gift someone what they like. Further in this blog, we have mentioned the best tips for buying and using plastic gift cards so make sure to give it a read till the end.
Buy from a reliable source
Avoid buying gift cards from unauthentic resources such as auction websites. They may sell you counterfeit or fraudulent cards.
Know the terms and conditions
Make sure to understand the terms and conditions of the gift cards. Find out if there is a need to pay any fee in order to buy the plastic gift card. Furthermore, if you don’t like the card you find online, buy elsewhere.
Know if there is any deduction from the card after you buy it
Make sure to know about the deduction after buying the cards. Generally, this wouldn’t happen.
Ensures that the card is valid
When you buy the card, ensure that all the protective stickers are intact. Make sure that the codes on the back of the card aren’t scratched off and the pin isn’t exposed. Report immediately to the plastic card manufacturer if the card is tempered in any way.
Give the recipient the original receipt
When you gift this card to anyone, make sure to provide them with the sales receipt as well. This will help the cardholder to prove the purchase of the card in case they lose it or someone steals it.
Check the expiration date
As per the CARD act, gift cards should be valid for at least five years from the date of purchase or from the last date any amount was added to it. In case, the earlier expiration date is mentioned, the money will be transferred to a replacement card without any additional cost.
Ask for the replacement of expired card
If your card is expired or the fee has been deducted, contact your plastic gift card manufacturer right away. They may replace the card or refund the fee.
Use the card early
Don’t delay using the plastic gift card for too long as there are chances of losing it.
Report the manufacturer about stolen card
The reputed plastic gift card manufacturer often replaces your card in case you lose them however they charge a little fee to do so.
Bottom line
