In this SAVING YOU MONEY report, we're delving a little deeper into the gift card market. Americans are expected to buy billions of dollars worth of gift cards this holiday season. A new survey offers insight into some trends that can help you spend wisely. The gift card game has changed over the last few years. The Card Act of 2009 extended many provisions regarding fees, terms and conditions to gift cards, but a new survey shows you still need to be aware of what you're buying. In the lead-up to the holiday shopping season, Bankrate looked at 63 gift cards, 8 issued by banks and credit card companies, and 55 from retailers and restaurants. General use gift cards were far more likely to have fees attached. Purchase fees ranged from $2.95-$6.95. Inactivity fees could eat up $3 per month after the first year. The trade off: more freedom to shop where you want. That's the biggest advantage of one of the general purpose gift cards is the flexibility it gives you to the person you give the gift card to. Store branded gift cards you have to use at the chain or the brand so that limits it, but there are fewer fees that come with those cards. 2/3 of issuers said they would replace lost or stolen cards, though some require that you register the card or have a receipt. Consumers should look on the back of their gift card to find out what they really need to do to protect themselves. 95% of the cards surveyed did not have an expiration date. Thursday on TENNESSEE MORNINGS and on FOX17 NEWS at 9, you can catch a special SAVING YOU MONEY report on warranties: to buy or not to buy?
SAVING YOU MONEY: Gift Cards