A gift card, also known as a prepaid debit card, is a lot of fun to receive as a gift. They make great gifts because they allow the recipient a lot of freedom about exactly the type of item he or she will buy. And, they are a lot more exciting to receive as gifts than cash.

If you have received one of these cool cards in recent days or weeks – or if you are considering giving one as a gift to somebody you know and care about – you may be wondering just exactly how people generally use them.

Learn how to use a gift card with these 5 tips:

1. Determine whether it is of the credit card or targeted brand variety:

In general, there are two main types of gift cards. The first type is sometimes called a prepaid credit card or prepaid debit card. These carry the logo of one of the major credit card issuing organizations, such as American Express, Visa, Discover, or MasterCard. You can basically use these as you would a regular credit or debit card, and they look the same as their more traditional cousin types of cards to the casual observer.

The second kind of gift card is the type issued by popular online stores, major department stores, and restaurants. In the case of these cards, they only be used to purchase the products from the particular brand or company represented by the issuer. They are a bit more limited in use, but then again they can also be fun to receive because the recipient is “forced” to use them on something fun for themselves.

2. For online purchases when using the credit card variety, select the credit card option whose symbol appears on the card:

If you have a gift card that features the symbol of a major credit card, simply visit any website that accepts that card as a method of payment (most do). Then, when you check out, simply enter the card number as if it is just a regular credit card.

3. For online purchases on targeted brand websites, you will see a gift card option during the checkout process:
On the other hand, if you have a card that is labeled as being for a particular company or brand’s products only, go to their website, select a product and go through the shopping card checkout process. When you get to their payment page, you will see a text box that says something like “Use gift card or gift certificate.” Just enter the card number into that box and proceed with your checkout.

4. If you lose your gift card, report it stolen immediately:

Your card carries a balance until you deplete (spend) the entire original amount. While most of these types of cards do not require the user to enter a password to use them, in all cases the issuer will keep track of your balance. You can find out the balance by calling a special, toll-free number or visiting online.

If you lose your card or it is stolen, you may be able to get a new one issued for the remaining balance. When you discover that you no longer have it in your possession, immediately contact the issuer. Important: when your first purchase the card, be sure to write down the card number and issuer phone # and keep them somewhere safe.

5. Some cards can be refilled or reloaded with value:

Once your card’s balance is depleted, you are done with the card. In some cases, the issuer will allow you to reload or recharge the card with more value either online or by phone. However, many do not. In that case, just throw it away.

Gift cards make excellent gifts. Take these 5 tips into account as you use your gift card or so that you can buy one for someone you care about.

Author Bio: Find great prepaid gift card deals at: Prepaid Gift Card Warehouse.

Category: Advice
Keywords: How to Use a Gift Card ,5 Tips for what to do with your gift card