Educational resources for understanding and using gift cards
Our comprehensive gift card guides provide educational information to help consumers understand different types of gift cards, learn how to verify balances safely, protect against fraud, and maximize the value of their gift cards. These guides are organized by topic to help you find the specific information you need.
Learn about the different types of gift cards available, including closed-loop (retailer-specific), open-loop (Visa, Mastercard, etc.), digital e-gift cards, and physical cards.
Read GuideUnderstanding the fine print: expiration dates, fees, terms of use, and consumer rights when it comes to gift cards and how they're regulated.
Read GuideHow to use and manage digital gift cards, add them to mobile wallets, and take advantage of digital integration features with retailer apps.
Read GuideEducational guide on consumer rights and protections related to gift cards under federal and state laws, including expiration, inactivity fees, and replacement policies.
Read GuideBest practices for keeping your gift cards safe from theft and fraud, including physical protection, secure storage, and digital security measures.
Read GuideComprehensive educational guide on identifying and avoiding gift card scams, including impersonation scams, card tampering, fake prizes, and reselling fraud.
Read GuideEducational information on preventative measures against gift card fraud, red flags to watch for, and best practices when purchasing and using gift cards.
Read GuideA guide to securely checking gift card balances through official channels, including retailer websites, apps, phone systems, and in-store methods.
Read GuideHow to determine if a gift card is legitimate and verify its authenticity before purchase or acceptance, including security features to check.
Read GuideUnderstanding how to access and review your gift card transaction history through official retailer channels to monitor for unauthorized use.
Read GuideComplete educational information on Amazon gift cards, including types, how to check balances, redeem codes, apply to accounts, and understand Amazon's specific policies.
Read GuideEducational information on Apple gift cards, iTunes cards, App Store & iTunes cards, how to redeem them, and navigate Apple's unified gift card system.
Read GuideComprehensive guide to open-loop gift cards, including activation procedures, fees, usage restrictions, and balance verification methods.
Read GuideCan't find what you're looking for? Check our retailer directory for more specific gift card information, or contact us with your questions.
Helpful information to enhance your gift card knowledge
A downloadable PDF summarizing your rights as a gift card consumer under federal and state laws.
Download PDFA step-by-step checklist to follow when purchasing gift cards to ensure their security and authenticity.
Download PDFEducational glossary explaining common terms and concepts related to gift cards.
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