If You’re Giving Gift Cards This Year…

Gift cards always “fit,” never go out of style, and are the perfect choice for the hard-to-shop-for. As a result, gift cards have become very popular. In fact, a recent survey found that two-thirds of consumers will buy them this holiday season.

But before you join the crowd, you should know that under certain conditions a gift card can turn into nothing more than a worthless piece of plastic. When retailers go out of business or file for bankruptcy (think Sharper Image, Linens ‘n Things, and Tweeter), that gift card may not be redeemable. And if it is redeemable, it probably won’t be for face value. And, sorry, no refunds either.

So instead of buying a store-specific gift card, why not try an American Express or Visa gift card? (They can be used almost anywhere.) Or cash?

(Source: USA Today)

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