Gift cards have become increasingly popular over the past few decades as a convenient and flexible gift giving option. Rather than trying to guess what someone might want or need as a gift, gift cards allow the recipient to choose for themselves. This makes gift cards appreciated by many people. But where exactly can gift cards be used? There are actually many different places that accept gift cards these days.
Major Retailers
Some of the most common places to use gift cards are at major retail stores. This includes department stores like Macy’s and Nordstrom, big box stores like Target and Walmart, warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club, and everything in between. Most major retailers sell their own gift cards that can only be used in their stores. So if you receive a Walmart gift card, you would need to redeem it at Walmart.
However, there are also retailers that accept each other’s gift cards. For example, Target and Walmart accept gift cards from a variety of competitors. This gives customers even more flexibility if they receive a gift card to a store that they don’t frequently shop at. They may be able to use that gift card at another preferred retailer.
Restaurants
Another very popular place to use gift cards is at restaurants. Many restaurant chains sell branded gift cards that can be used to pay for meals at their locations. This includes fast food joints like McDonald’s and Starbucks, casual dining spots like Olive Garden and Outback Steakhouse, and upscale establishments.
Independent restaurants may also offer their own gift cards. Some even allow customers to pre-pay for a certain dollar amount that can be redeemed over multiple visits. This is convenient for frequent customers.
Grocery Stores
Grocery stores are another common destination for gift cards. Major supermarket chains like Kroger, Safeway, Publix, Whole Foods, and more all offer gift cards. These can help families and individuals offset their grocery bills throughout the year.
Some grocery stores even allow you to purchase Visa or American Express gift cards. These operate as prepaid debit cards that can be used in any location where the credit card brand is accepted. This includes retailers, restaurants, and more.
Entertainment
Using gift cards for fun entertainment activities is also very popular. Movie theater chains like AMC and Regal have gift cards that can be used for admission tickets and concessions.
Bowling alleys, mini golf courses, laser tag, arcades, and more family fun centers typically offer gift cards as well. These make great gifts for kids’ birthdays or stocking stuffers for teens.
Museums, zoos, aquariums, and other cultural attractions also tend to sell gift cards. These allow educational and inspiring days out for families, couples, and individuals.
Online Retailers
In today’s digital world, many shoppers prefer buying online. Fortunately, you can also use gift cards at many popular online retailers. Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy and other major chains all offer electronic gift cards that can apply discounts to your online purchases.
There are also specialized online gift card retailers like GiftCards.com that allow you to shop for gift cards from hundreds of different brands in one spot. These e-gift cards can instantly be sent to recipients via email.
Types of Gift Cards
Beyond the many places you can use them, gift cards also come in a few different forms. The main types of gift cards include:
Physical Gift Cards
These are the traditional plastic gift cards that you can hold in your hand. They have an ID number and bar code printed on them that gets scanned at checkout. Physical gift cards are sold at retail locations and usually specify the brand they can be used with.
E-Gift Cards
Also referred to as digital or online gift cards, these provide the gift card information electronically. Typically the card number, pin, and barcode are emailed to the recipient. They can print out the email or display it on their smartphone to redeem. E-gift cards allow remote sending and work with online retailers.
Visa/MasterCard Gift Cards
These types of gift cards operate just like prepaid debit cards. They have a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express logo and can be used anywhere those credit cards are accepted. Funds are pre-loaded by the purchaser onto the card. These are convenient when you don’t know exactly where the recipient might want to spend their gift card.
Reloadable Gift Cards
Some gift cards are reloadable. This allows the owner to add more funds over time. Often the initial gift card purchase must be made at a retail location. But reloads can happen online or over the phone. Reloadable gift cards are useful for parents giving monetary allowances, companies giving stipends for work expenses, and other situations where funds are ongoing.
Gift Card Benefits
There are many benefits that make gift cards a popular gift giving choice, including:
Convenience
Gift cards are extremely convenient. For the giver, they avoid the stress of trying to select a physical gift item the recipient will like and get the right size, color, style, etc. The recipient is guaranteed to get something they’ll want since they can choose for themselves.
Gift cards are also very convenient to send. Physical ones can be handed out in person. Digital ones allow you to send a gift instantly online, great for last minute or remote gifting.
Flexibility
The recipient has flexibility to choose what they want or need, rather than being stuck with one specific item. Even Visa/Mastercard gift cards give ultimate flexibility to spend anywhere. Gift cards also allow spending up to the total value in multiple transactions, rather than in one shot.
Budget-Friendly
Gift cards allow the giver to control exactly how much they spend. You can find gift cards at almost any price point from $10-$500. For group or office gift exchanges, gift cards of $20-25 take the stress out of trying to find affordable gifts for everyone.
No Returns/Exchanges
A benefit for the gift giver is that typically gift cards have no possibility of being returned or exchanged. The recipient is guaranteed to keep and use your gift rather than return it.
Disadvantages of Gift Cards
Despite their many perks, there are a few potential disadvantages to keep in mind with gift cards:
Possible Fees
Some retailers charge purchase fees or monthly fees that reduce the card’s redemption value. Gift cards with a Visa/Mastercard logo tend to be fee-free. But it’s important to read the fine print before buying.
Expiration Dates
Gift cards sometimes have an expiration date. This is usually at least 12-24 months from purchase to give ample time for spending. But it’s still possible to forget about a gift card and lose the remaining funds after expiration.
Lost or Misplaced
Since physical gift cards function like cash, it can be problematic if they get lost or misplaced. Often there is no way to recover the funds or replace the card if lost. Some retailers require registering gift cards under the purchaser’s name and address in case a replacement is needed.
Lack of Personalization
While convenient, gift cards lack the personal and thoughtful touch of a specific gift item you picked out for the recipient. Some people see gift cards as impersonal, especially for close loved ones.
Gift Card Statistics
Some interesting statistics on gift card usage include:
Gift Card Statistic | Data |
---|---|
Percent of shoppers who said gift cards are their favorite item to receive as a gift | 67% |
Number of gift cards purchased annually in the U.S. | Approx. 3 billion |
Average amount loaded onto a gift card | $47.18 |
Average number of gift cards an adult will buy for holidays | 5 cards |
Percent of shoppers who re-gift unused gift cards | 33% |
Percent of people who have let a gift card expire | 55% |
Conclusion
In summary, gift cards offer convenience, flexibility, and ease for gift givers and recipients alike. They can be used in a huge variety of stores, restaurants, entertainment venues, and online retailers. Both physical and digital gift card options exist. And shoppers can choose different types like retailer-specific cards, Visa/Mastercards, reloadable cards, and more. With billions purchased annually, they remain a popular gifting choice for many occasions. Knowing where they can and can’t be used, their benefits and disadvantages, and key statistics can help shoppers select and leverage gift cards effectively.