How to Avoid Getting Stuck When Buying a Gift Card

For the holiday season, did you receive a card, check or certificate that allows you to purchase an item, activity or experience in exchange for a payment already made? How do you know if this is a toxic gift?

“Prepaid Card” means, for example, a cell phone card, a prepaid credit card or a gift card valid at a particular location, such as a bookstore. Several rules govern this type of gift.

Repayable cash balance

The balance on this card is refundable in cash under certain conditions. You must request a trade and the balance must be 5 dollars or less.

This rule is valid for all prepaid cards except cell phone card or prepaid credit card.

No more due dates!

Unless it’s a card that offers unlimited access to a service, such as a cell phone card or a bus pass, there’s no need to go to a store to use your prepaid card.

The reason is simple: all other prepaid cards no longer have an expiration date. You have been warned!

Feel free to talk about it

Having trouble using your gift card?

Discuss with people where it can be used. If you cannot solve the problem in this way, you can file a complaint with the Office of Consumer Protection.