Why Gift Cards Make Great Holiday Presents

Introduction

Gift cards are becoming an increasingly popular way to show loved ones you care. Whether it is for a birthday, holiday, or simply to say thank you, gifting someone a card to use at their favorite store or restaurant can be thoughtful and practical. Plus, you no longer have to keep track of long receipts or remember where you bought that item they wanted two years ago!

But not all cards are created equal, so to help you out, we're here to guide you through the world of gift carding and the advantages of using them, so you can make sure your gift is exactly what your friend actually wants. We'll also take a look at some of the most popular gift card designs and services, as well as the pros and cons of each type.

Types of Plastic Gift Cards

When it comes to gift cards, there is a wide variety of different options. Each of these cards come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to weigh your options before making a purchase. Here are some of the most popular types of plastic gift cards available:

1. Prepaid Debit Cards

Prepaid debit cards are some of the most common plastic gift cards available. They work like a debit card and can be used wherever debit cards are accepted. They are typically loaded with a set amount of money and allow the user to make purchases up to that amount. A few popular prepaid debit card issuers include Mastercard and Visa.

Pros:

• Wide merchant acceptance
• Ability to access funds anywhere
• Good for budgeting

Cons:

• Can be expensive to reload
• Can have high usage fees
• Not all merchants accept them

2. Store/Gift Cards

Store and gift cards are ubiquitous in the world of gift carding and can be used as payment in many stores and restaurants around the country. These cards are often preloaded with a certain amount of money and can either be used in-store for purchases or online. Popular store cards include Walmart, Target, and Starbucks.

Pros:

• Convenient and widely accepted
• No usage fees
• Can be used online

Cons:

• May expire
• May have inactivity fees
• Can only be used in specific stores/websites

3. Open Loop Cards

Open loop cards are slightly different than store and gift cards in that they can be used at multiple merchants in diverse locations. These cards are accepted anywhere the card issuer is accepted, and some of the larger companies offer co-branded cards for merchants like Home Depot and CVS Pharmacy. Popular open-loop gift cards include American Express, Discover, and Visa.

Pros:

• Widely accepted
• Can be used at multiple stores
• Often rewards programs linked to them

Cons:

• May have usage and inactivity fees
• Difficult to replace lost or stolen cards
• May not be accepted everywhere

Summary and Review

Gift cards are an increasingly popular way to show someone you care, and with the wide variety of options available, there's bound to be a card that is perfect for the recipient. With prepaid debit cards, store and gift cards, and open-loop cards, all offering unique sets of advantages and disadvantages, there's something for everyone.

So if you're looking for a way to get the perfect gift for someone special, consider investing in a plastic gift card. Not only will you be able to give your loved one something they're sure to enjoy, but you'll also get the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're giving a thoughtful and practical gift.