Master the Art of Gift Card Savings

Yes, when you use established, reputable marketplaces. Sites like Raise, CardCash, and Gift Card Granny have verification processes and buyer guarantees that protect your purchase. Always check the marketplace's guarantee policy, which typically ranges from 45 to 100 days of protection against issues like balance discrepancies.

For added security, verify the gift card balance immediately after purchase and use the card promptly. Avoid deals that seem too good to be true, especially for high-demand retailers where extreme discounts (over 25%) may indicate potential problems.

Yes, but with some limitations. Many credit cards earn regular points or cashback when purchasing gift cards, especially at grocery stores, office supply stores, or department stores. Some specialized credit cards offer category bonuses (5% back) at these locations.

However, be aware that some credit card issuers explicitly exclude gift card purchases from earning rewards or bonus category benefits. Also, many cashback portals exclude gift card retailers from earning cashback. Check our Cashback Programs page for specific details on maximizing rewards.

The best times to purchase discounted gift cards are:

• January (post-holiday): Many people exchange unwanted gift cards received during the holidays, creating higher supply and better discounts on resale markets.
• Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Retailers often offer bonus cards or special promotions when you purchase gift cards during this period.
• December: Many grocery stores and warehouse clubs offer special gift card promotions before Christmas.

Restaurant gift cards tend to have the deepest discounts in January and July, while electronics and department store cards typically see better rates after major shopping holidays.

Under federal law in the United States (Credit CARD Act of 2009), gift cards cannot expire for at least five years from the date of purchase or from the last date additional money was loaded onto the card. Additionally, inactivity fees cannot be charged unless the card has been inactive for at least 12 months.

However, there are some exceptions:

• Promotional gift cards given away for free may have different rules
• Rebate and reward cards may have expiration dates
• Cards for specific services (like spa treatments) might have booking requirements

Always check the terms and conditions of each gift card, especially for smaller or local retailers.

Yes, gift card "stacking" is one of the most powerful saving strategies. Here's how it works:

1. Buy a discounted gift card (5-25% off face value)
2. Use a cashback credit card for the purchase (1-5% back)
3. Purchase through a shopping portal when applicable (1-10% back)
4. Use the gift card during a store sale (10-50% off)
5. Combine with store coupons or loyalty program rewards when allowed

This multi-tier approach can result in total savings of 15-40% on your purchase. However, some retailers have policies against combining certain promotions, so check store policies before planning your strategy.

If you encounter issues with a gift card, follow these steps:

1. Verify the balance: Check the balance through the retailer's official website or customer service to confirm the discrepancy.
2. Contact the marketplace: If purchased from a third-party marketplace, initiate their guarantee or protection process immediately. Most reputable marketplaces offer 45-100 day guarantees.
3. Document everything: Save all receipts, emails, screenshots of balance checks, and communications.
4. Contact the retailer: For cards purchased directly from retailers with incorrect balances, contact their customer service with your proof of purchase.
5. Dispute the charge: If other methods fail and you purchased with a credit card, you may have the option to dispute the charge.

This is why it's important to verify gift card balances immediately after purchase and to buy from reputable sources with strong buyer protections.