"KNOW" Before You Give Bank-Branded Gift Cards
Although gift cards like Visa, MasterCard, or American Express give the gift recipient more purchasing opportunities and unlike store gift cards, they can slowly eat away the balance if it’s not used within a certain time limit. In addition, there are sometimes fees to reactivate them.

Choose a Store They Like
If you decide to get someone a gift card, make sure it’s a general purpose store with something for everyone (like Target, Wal-Mart or Macy’s), or a specialty store they like.

Can’t Afford the Expensive Gift, Get a Gift Card for that Store
You can purchase $10, $20 or more from just about any store.

Kids Love Gift Cards
Stores like Gap, Old Navy, Target, and Toys R Us where they can spend the cards without dipping into their allowance money. And unlike adults who don’t spend gift cards because they don’t have time, kids will spend those gift cards as quickly as possible.

Check the Expiration Date
Gift cards branded by credit card companies can and do expire. Rules for store cards vary by state. In California, it’s against the law to expire store cards. Other states leave it to store policy. If you’re not sure, ask before you buy the gift card.

Make Sure the Store is Financially Stable
Gift cards are considered an unsecured loan to the company, so if the company files bankruptcy, gift card holders are low on the list to get paid (meaning repayment may never happen). Likewise, if you lose most gift cards, you are also out the money.

Advantages of giving gift cards

• Convenience.
• Low shipping costs.
• Save money.
• Avoid giving unwanted gifts.

Dis-Advantages of giving gift cards

• Gift cards are impersonal.
• Interest free loan to the company.
• Not guaranteed.
• You may spend more money.
• Fees.
• Expiration dates.