Did you know that 80% of gift cards are redeemed within a year of purchase? That makes sense, given that gift cards are a pretty common way to pay for things both online and in-person these days. However, did you know that discounted gift cards exist?
If you're looking for a way to save some money, discounted gift cards are a great option. But before you buy one, there are a few things you should know.
In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about discounted gift cards, starting with the basics of what gift cards are and how you can use them. What are gift cards and how can you find great discounted gift cards? Keep reading to learn how!
What is a Gift Card?
A gift card is a 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 or related businesses.
When you purchase a gift card, you are actually buying a prepaid debit card that can only be used at the store that issues the card. The value of the card is determined by how much money you put on the card when you purchase it. For example, if you purchase a $50 gift card, that is how much money will be stored on the card and can be used at a later time.
Gift cards are popular because they allow the recipient to choose their own present. They also make it easy to stay within a budget since you know how much money is available on the card. In addition, gift cards can be personalized with a message or design, making them more thoughtful than cash.
Are eGift Cards the Same as Physical Gift Cards?
At most retailers, yes! An eGift card is a digital version of a gift card that can be used to purchase items online. A physical gift card, on the other hand, is a plastic card that can be used to purchase items in person.
Both types of cards can be used to purchase items from a specific store or merchant. However, eGift cards are typically sent electronically, while physical gift cards are typically sent through the mail. In addition, eGift cards may expire sooner than physical gift cards. As a result, it's important to check the terms and conditions of both types of cards before making a purchase.
What Can You Use Gift Cards For?
You can use gift cards for all sorts of things these days. You can use them to buy groceries, gas up your car, or even pay your bills. You can also use them to shop online, or in brick-and-mortar stores. In fact, there are very few things that you can't use a gift card for. This makes them a great gift for just about anyone, because you can be sure that they'll be able to find something that they need or want with the card.
However, if you get a Nike gift card or a Saks Fifth Avenue gift card, for example, you’ll be restricted to using it at that store specifically. This is typically the case with all branded gift cards. Unfortunately, you can’t redeem most gift cards for cash. So if you have a Macy’s gift card you’ll have to use it at Macy’s, whether that’s online or in a physical store.
Are Gift Cards Easy to Use?
Gift cards are super easy to use. In most cases, you use them just as you would use your regular debit card. The same goes for using a debit card to checkout online.
As mentioned above, if you have a branded gift card like a Nike gift card or JCPenney gift card, then you’ll only be able to use that card at that retailer. If you have a regular Visa or Mastercard gift card that’s just loaded with cash, you can use it anywhere they accept those types of cards.
To use a gift card, you will typically need the card number and PIN. You can then use the card like a debit or credit card to make purchases.
Additionally, one of the benefits of gift cards is that they can be reloaded with money, so you don’t have to worry about them running out of funds. You can also check your balance of gift cards online or over the phone.
Advantages of Using Gift Cards
Ultimately, using a gift card is advantageous simply because of the ease of use. Swipe it like you would swipe your regular debit or credit card and then enjoy your purchase. However, other benefits abound as well.
For example, most gift cards never expire, so the recipient can use them at their leisure. And many gift cards can be reloaded with money, so they can be used over and over again.
However, one of the biggest advantages of using gift cards is that you can get discounted gift cards, essentially saving your cash on your purchases. In fact, some companies offer special promotions when you purchase their gift cards, such as discounts or bonus points.
How to Use a Gift Card Online
Ready to check out online using your gift card? The process looks a bit different depending on the retailer.
However, most online gift cards will have a unique code that needs to be entered at checkout. When you're ready to make a purchase, simply enter the code in the appropriate field and the balance will be applied to your order. If there's any remaining balance, you can either pay it off with another form of payment or save it for a future purchase.
Overall, using a gift card online is a fairly simple process. Just be sure to keep an eye on the balance and expiration date so you don't lose any of the value.
How to Use a Gift Card for In-Store Purchases
If you want to use a gift card for an in-store purchase then here’s what to do. First, check the balance of your gift card before you go shopping. This will help you avoid any surprises at the register. Then, when making a purchase, let the cashier know that you'll be using a gift card.
They may need to swipe the card in a different way than they would for a credit or debit card. If you have a remaining balance on your gift card after making a purchase, ask the cashier if they can issue you a store credit instead. This way, you can use the credit towards your next purchase instead of having to carry around a partially used gift card.
Finally, be sure to keep track of your gift card balance. Many companies charge fees for inactive cards, so you'll want to use up your balance before it dwindles down to nothing.
Do Gift Cards Expire?
Do gift cards expire? It's a common question with a not-so-simple answer. The answer depends on the type of gift card and the issuer.
For example, Visa gift cards never expire, but some store-specific cards do. And even when a gift card doesn't have an expiration date, there may be fees associated with inactive cards.
So before you toss that holiday gift card in a drawer and forget about it, be sure to check the terms and conditions. Otherwise, you may be caught off guard when you try to use it down the line.
What Are Discounted Gift Cards?
Discounted gift cards work exactly the same as regular gift cards. They have the same rules, redemption policies, and expiration dates (of which there usually are none!). What’s different is that they’re, well, discounted.
The concept is simple: buy a gift card for less than its face value. For example, if a gift card is worth $100, you might be able to find it discounted to $85. This means that you're essentially getting $15 worth of merchandise for free. While it may take some time to find the right deal, discounted gift cards can be a great way to stretch your budget.
And, once you know what to look for, you’ll likely find that it’s pretty easy to snag great deals on discounted gift cards. Keep scrolling to see where you can start your search.
Where Can I Buy Discounted Gift Cards?
The Cheese app is a great place to start! If you’re a Cheese user and have access to our app, you can enjoy our partnership with Prizeout. Through Prizeout, we’re able to offer you more opportunities to save on gift cards.
Simply log into the app and purchase gift cards at up to 40% discounted rates. Gift cards of Nike, Lululemon, JCPenney, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s and more for you to explore! Don’t have a Cheese Debit Card? Get yours now. This debit Mastercard also comes with zero fees, up to 10% cashback opportunities, up to 3% deposit bonus and more benefits you don’t want to miss!
