 |
|
|
Saving You Money
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 to $6.95. Inactivity fees could eat up $3 dollars per month after the first year. The trade off: more freedom to shop where you want.
Janna Herron a credit card analyst with Bankrate.com says, "The biggest advantage of one of the general purpose gift cards is
the flexibility it gives 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."
Two-thirds of issuers said they would replace lost or stolen cards,
though some require that you register the card or have a receipt.
Herron says, "Consumers should look on the back of their gift card to find out what they really need to do to protect themselves."
95 percent of the cards surveyed did not have an expiration date.
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 to $6.95. Inactivity fees could eat up $3 dollars per month after the first year. The trade off: more freedom to shop where you want.
Janna Herron a credit card analyst with Bankrate.com says, "The biggest advantage of one of the general purpose gift cards is
the flexibility it gives 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."
Two-thirds of issuers said they would replace lost or stolen cards,
though some require that you register the card or have a receipt.
Herron says, "Consumers should look on the back of their gift card to find out what they really need to do to protect themselves."
95 percent of the cards surveyed did not have an expiration date.
Tuesday, November 13 2012, 10:42 PM CST
Saving You Money Videos
 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Business News
Bernanke signals Fed to maintain stimulus efforts
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Chairman Ben Bernanke is telling Congress that the U.S. job market remains weak and that it is too soon for the Federal Reserve to end its extraordinary stimulus programs.
Consumer Info
BC-US--Dow Record-Three Personal Stories, 1st Ld-Writethru,1173
Dow Record: Three tales of ups, downs and changes
AP Photo FX102, FX103
Eds: With BC-US--Dow Record. Adds photos.
By SCOTT MAYEROWITZ
AP Business Writer
NEW YORK (AP) -- When the Dow first crossed 14,000, investors were overjoyed. ...
Science/Tech News
IN THE NEWS: TEENS MOVING TO TWITTER TO DODGE PARENTS, OTHER BORES
WASHINGTON (AP) -- If you're one of those parents who are on Facebook in part to keep an eye on what your kids are up to -- here's a news flash: your kids are on to you and have moved to Twitter.
Get This
DOG BEACH WEAR
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- From bikinis to Hawaiian shirts -- it's time to gear up for the beach.
IE6 Float Fix
