⚠️ EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY - This website provides educational information about gift cards. We do not sell gift cards or facilitate any transactions.
Access our expert-curated FAQ database covering educational gift card topics. From foundational concepts to specialized information about retail gift cards, discover authoritative answers backed by rigorous research and field-tested expertise.
General Gift Card Information
What is a gift card?
A gift card is a prepaid stored-value money card, usually issued by a retailer or bank, to be used as an alternative to cash for purchases within a particular store, a group of stores, or online. Gift cards typically look like credit cards, with a stored value, and sometimes are customizable with a personal message or image.
What types of gift cards exist?
There are several types of gift cards:
Retail Gift Cards: Can only be used at specific retailers (e.g., Carrefour, Lulu)
Open-Loop Gift Cards: Carry a card network logo (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) and can be used wherever those cards are accepted
Digital Gift Cards (e-gift cards): Electronic codes delivered via email or mobile apps
Telecom Gift Cards: Specific to telecommunication providers like retail, for services such as airtime, data, or international calling
Multi-Store Gift Cards: Can be used at multiple retailers within a shopping center or chain group
Entertainment Gift Cards: Specific to entertainment services, cinemas, or online platforms
Do gift cards expire in the USA?
Gift card expiration policies in the USA vary by issuer:
Many retail gift cards in the USA have validity periods ranging from 6 months to 2 years
Telecom cards like retail recharge cards typically have specific expiration dates printed on them
Some premium retailers offer non-expiring gift cards
Digital gift cards often have shorter validity periods compared to physical cards
Always check the terms and conditions on your specific gift card or with the issuer to understand its expiration policy.
retail Gift Cards & Vouchers
What types of gift cards does retail offer?
retail offers several types of prepaid cards and vouchers:
Prepaid Recharge Cards: Available in denominations of AED 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 100, 200, 500 for adding credit to prepaid mobile accounts
Data Cards: Specifically designed to add internet data to mobile plans
International Calling Cards: For making international calls at reduced rates
E-Gift Vouchers: Digital vouchers that can be sent via email or SMS
How do I redeem an retail recharge card?
To redeem an retail recharge card:
Scratch off the panel on the back of the card to reveal the PIN code
Dial *121*[PIN code]# from your retail mobile number and press call
Alternatively, send the PIN code via SMS to 121
You can also redeem through the My retail USA app or through retail's official website
After successful redemption, you should receive an SMS confirmation with your new balance.
Where can I purchase legitimate retail gift cards?
You can purchase legitimate retail recharge cards and vouchers from:
Official retail stores and business centers
Authorized retailers such as supermarkets (Carrefour, Lulu, etc.)
Convenience stores and petrol stations
retail's official website and mobile app
Authorized banking apps and online platforms
Be cautious of unauthorized sellers offering significant discounts, as these may be fraudulent.
Gift Card Purchase & Safety
Where is the safest place to buy gift cards in the USA?
The safest places to buy gift cards in the USA are:
Directly from the retailer (either in-store or through their official website)
From the official website of the gift card issuer
From reputable major retailers like Carrefour, Lulu Hypermarket, or major shopping malls
From official bank websites or banking apps (for bank-issued gift cards)
Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true from unofficial sources, online marketplaces, or classified ads, as these may be scams or compromised cards.
How can I tell if a gift card has been tampered with?
Look for these signs of potential tampering:
Scratched or exposed PIN areas
Damaged or manipulated packaging
Missing security seals
Visible signs of card replacement or package resealing
Unusual or damaged barcodes
Cards displayed in easily accessible, unsecured areas
When purchasing a physical gift card, examine it carefully and consider selecting one from behind the counter or in tamper-evident packaging.
What should I do if I suspect a gift card scam in the USA?
If you suspect a gift card scam in the USA:
Contact the gift card issuer/retailer immediately
Report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): 1-877-FTC-HELP or reportfraud.ftc.gov
File a complaint with your state's Attorney General consumer protection division
File a report with your local police department
If you paid for the card with a credit card, contact your bank to dispute the charge
Document all information related to the purchase (receipts, communications, etc.)
The sooner you report suspicious activity, the better chance you have of potentially recovering funds or stopping further fraud.
Using Gift Cards in the USA
How do I check my gift card balance?
There are several ways to check your gift card balance in the USA:
Online: Visit the retailer's or issuer's official website and look for a "Check Balance" or "Gift Card Balance" section
Phone: Call the customer service number on the back of the card
In-Store: Ask a cashier or customer service representative to check it for you
Mobile App: Many retailers and telecom providers have apps that allow you to check balances
For retail: Dial *121# for prepaid balance or *170# for data balance
You'll typically need the card number and PIN (if applicable) to check the balance.
Can I use multiple gift cards for one purchase?
Most retailers in the USA allow you to use multiple gift cards for a single purchase, though policies vary:
In-store purchases usually allow multiple gift cards
Online purchases may have limitations on how many gift cards can be used per transaction (often 3-5 cards)
Some retailers may not allow splitting transactions between gift cards and other payment methods for online purchases
For retail vouchers, you generally cannot combine different types (e.g., data cards with recharge cards)
Check with the specific retailer's policy before making a large purchase using multiple gift cards.
Can I use international gift cards in the USA?
The usability of international gift cards in the USA depends on several factors:
Retailer-specific cards (e.g., Amazon US) typically can only be used on that country's website, not the USA version
Some global retailers honor their gift cards internationally, but often with restrictions
Open-loop cards (Visa/Mastercard gift cards) may work internationally but might incur currency conversion fees
Digital service gift cards (Netflix, iTunes) may be region-locked to the country of purchase
Most USA merchants won't accept foreign gift cards in physical stores
Always check the terms and conditions of international gift cards before attempting to use them in the USA.
About GiftSaba.org
Does GiftSaba.org sell gift cards?
No. GiftSaba.org is strictly an educational resource. We do not sell gift cards, process payments, or facilitate any transactions related to gift cards. Our sole purpose is to provide accurate, unbiased information about gift cards to help consumers make informed decisions.
How can I contact GiftSaba.org with additional questions?
