Buying a Gift Card as a Christmas present?
Here are some simple steps to make sure you are buying the right one for your family and friends!
Check the T&Cs
These are often printed on the back of cards themselves, but you can save some time [and your eyes] by looking at the retailer’s T&Cs online before heading out to do your Christmas shopping.
Look out for common pitfalls such as where the gift card can be spent. A gift card for one retailer may not allow them to be spent with any partner sites; or some may have processing charges which will detract value from the gift card itself when used.
Check Expiry Dates
Different retailers have different expiry dates, so it is important to not only choose the retailer that suits the person you are buying for but also consider the longevity of the gift card.
Use your Credit Card
If you are spending £100 or more on a single voucher, you should make use of your credit card as this could provide backup if the retailer goes out of business as it may allow you to reclaim money via s.75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. This will only apply in instances where the gift card has been purchased from the retailer (that has gone out business) directly. I.e. vouchers bought for a one retailer from the till at another shop will not be covered.
If you have already done your Christmas shopping and used your debit card, or spent less than £100, you may be able to use chargeback, but the rules are much more limited; and the timeframe for making a claim are much stricter, i.e. 120 days rather than 6 years to make a claim.
