Gift Cards this Holiday Season

Posted by Matt Maillet
Article by Gail Buckner

Sales of these credit card-sized “gifts” are expected to decline again this year, mainly due to current economic conditions. Still, they’re predicted to top $20 billion. But whether you’re the giver or the recipient, it’s critical to understand that all gift cards are not alike. The biggest differences are between those issued by stores and those issued by banks. The latter typically come with a “VISA,” MasterCard,” or “American Express” logo.

The National Retail Federation [NRF] points out that gift cards from “most national retailers do not have fees or expiration dates associated with them.” The downside, of course, is that the value of the card can only be spent at that particular store.

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