Online Gift Cards. How To Buy, Tips, Tricks, Warnings

Online gift cards, also called e-gift cards, are probably the most convenient gift you could purchase. Online gift cards are also great for those last minute gifts, because they are almost immediately delivered to the recipient's email. These are not plastic gift cards and these are sent in email almost immediately.

Here is how one can buy online gift cards.

Decide which store you want to purchase an online gift card from and check their website for details. Unfortunately, not all online stores offer online gift cards yet, so you may have to check several options. However, most major stores that have a website will offer them. Another option is to purchase your online gift card from a credit card company, like Discover, so it can be used anywhere that card is accepted.

Decide and enter in the amount that you wish your online gift card to be. Usually there is a minimum of and a maximum amount of 0. If you want more than this amount you can purchase multiple online gift cards.

Enter in the recipient's name and email address. You will usually also have the option of entering a message on the online gift card, similar to if you send any e-card. If the site allows, you may also be asked to customize the email message that will accompany the online gift card.

As a security measure you may be asked to enter in the recipient's home address or phone number. This is to ensure that the correct person receives the gift. The recipient will be asked to confirm this information upon activation of their card.

Pay for and confirm your order and your online gift card will immediately be emailed to the recipient. It is that simple and easy.

Here are some tips and warnings

You may only purchase a maximum amount of cards within a certain time period. Check the website you choose for more details.

If online gift cards are not activated within a certain time period, usually 30 days, your funds may be returned to you, less a fee.

If gift card is not activated and used with certain time period, you may start losing value of the gift card.

Service charges will often incur after 12 months of inactivity.

Most online gift cards are only able to be used online and not at the store front.

Law enforcement sources have confirmed that a new kind of consumer fraud is on the rise. Criminals are copying down the account numbers of retail gift cards available on open racks in many stores, then using that information to check for activation and purchasing goods online.

People like gift cards because they can get exactly what they want. For difficult to shop for people, these are an excellent idea.

Avoid gift card trading scams

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