Surprising Secrets about Gift Cards
Posted: Mon Dec 15, 2003 1:23 pm
Gift cards get decked out for the holidays
By Lucy Lazarony • Bankrate.com
Prepaid gift cards are pouring on the star power and getting all dressed up for the holidays. That's because many people are finding them to be the perfect gift.
After all, you don't have to worry about size or color.
But there are disadvantages to the cards, too.
Here's a roundup of the cards and their often-overlooked downsides:
The card: Bloomingdale's Gift Card
The look: Harry Connick Jr. holding an armful of holiday gifts
The downside: Cannot be redeemed for cash
The card: Hilary Duff Prepaid Visa
The look: The teen star, wearing lots of pink, floating on a raft in a swimming pool
The downside: A $2 monthly account maintenance fee kicks in after six months
The card: Bank of America Visa Gift Card
The look: Christmas and Hanukkah designs
The downside: Service fees ranging from $5.95 to $11.95
Continued below
The card: National City Prepaid Visa Gift Card
The look: Snowflakes
The downside: $4.95 to $8.95 shipping and handling fee, plus a $2.50 fee if you don't use a National City debit or credit card to purchase the gift card
The card: CharterOne MasterCard Gift Card
The look: Special card designs for Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa
The downside: You pay a $2 fee for each ATM withdrawal you make with the card
The card: Target Gift Card
The look: A puppy in a stocking, red snowflake in a swirl, colored bows and holidays from around the world
The downside: $1.95 shipping charge for cards ordered online
The card: Borders Gift Card
The look: Harry Potter, SpongeBob Squarepants, or more traditional design of a gift box with stripes
The downside: Not returnable or redeemable for cash
The card: Barnes and Noble Gift Card
Looking for a better credit card? Check rates in your area.
The look: The Cat in the Hat
The downside: Will not be replaced if lost or stolen
The card: Blockbuster Gift Card
The look: Finding Nemo, SpongeBob Squarepants, Hello Kitty, Lord of the Rings
The downside: Will not be replaced if lost or stolen
By Lucy Lazarony • Bankrate.com
Prepaid gift cards are pouring on the star power and getting all dressed up for the holidays. That's because many people are finding them to be the perfect gift.
After all, you don't have to worry about size or color.
But there are disadvantages to the cards, too.
Here's a roundup of the cards and their often-overlooked downsides:
The card: Bloomingdale's Gift Card
The look: Harry Connick Jr. holding an armful of holiday gifts
The downside: Cannot be redeemed for cash
The card: Hilary Duff Prepaid Visa
The look: The teen star, wearing lots of pink, floating on a raft in a swimming pool
The downside: A $2 monthly account maintenance fee kicks in after six months
The card: Bank of America Visa Gift Card
The look: Christmas and Hanukkah designs
The downside: Service fees ranging from $5.95 to $11.95
Continued below
The card: National City Prepaid Visa Gift Card
The look: Snowflakes
The downside: $4.95 to $8.95 shipping and handling fee, plus a $2.50 fee if you don't use a National City debit or credit card to purchase the gift card
The card: CharterOne MasterCard Gift Card
The look: Special card designs for Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa
The downside: You pay a $2 fee for each ATM withdrawal you make with the card
The card: Target Gift Card
The look: A puppy in a stocking, red snowflake in a swirl, colored bows and holidays from around the world
The downside: $1.95 shipping charge for cards ordered online
The card: Borders Gift Card
The look: Harry Potter, SpongeBob Squarepants, or more traditional design of a gift box with stripes
The downside: Not returnable or redeemable for cash
The card: Barnes and Noble Gift Card
Looking for a better credit card? Check rates in your area.
The look: The Cat in the Hat
The downside: Will not be replaced if lost or stolen
The card: Blockbuster Gift Card
The look: Finding Nemo, SpongeBob Squarepants, Hello Kitty, Lord of the Rings
The downside: Will not be replaced if lost or stolen