How to Buy a Gift Card with a Gift Card?

“Can I buy a gift card with a gift card”? This is one of the most asked questions we hear daily at our customer care department. Being the most perplexing concern, users often go wrong with it. Therefore, we decided to post this blog, with the motive to set the records straight for you. 

Gift cards have changed how we shop and share presents. They give recipients the freedom to pick what they want from various options.

Whether shopping at a favorite store, enjoying a meal at a renowned restaurant or exploring online platforms, gift cards have become the ideal choice for thoughtful gifting. 

This article will break down the world of gift cards, covering various ins and outs such as: 

• Types of gift cards, detailing their features and acceptance. 
• Benefits of gift cards, including safety, easy access, convenience, and tracking. 
• Policy and considerations of buying a gift card with another. 

Sound intriguing? Let’s delve deeper into it without further ado. 

What is a Gift Card?  

A gift card is a prepaid card one should use to pay for goods or services. The card features an amount of cash credit so that the recipient can choose the item he or she wants to buy or be given something a bit bigger in value but not larger than the original card at the time of purchase. 

The gift cards are cards issued by many different retailers, restaurants, and online shops, all giving several options for the buyer in determining what to gift someone. 

Gift cards are ubiquitous in today’s world, thanks to their utility and convenience: they make it easy to give something that a friend may like without the gift-giver having to know exactly what color or size a certain item is or even what the specific preference of the recipient might be. 

Basically, you can opt for a gift card as an option for a present instead of worrying about choosing out an ideal gift and leave the choice to your dear one. 

Types of Gift Cards 

Here is a breakdown of the types of gift cards available: 

1. Open Loop Gift Cards 

Open-loop cards are often the most commonly issued gift cards, and they are accepted at any merchant within the given card network.  

They are emitted by banks or debit card companies like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, offer a good deal of protection, can usually be used anywhere, and seldom incur fees.  

2. Closed Loop Gift Cards 

Closed-loop gift cards are branded cards that limit the use of those cards for the issuer.  

Moreover, they come without fees and are only acceptable to selected retailers and businesses.  

3. Reloadable Gift Cards 

Although issued by the banks or the issued companies, the reloadable cards have a customer-business nature and are made for multiple uses, even large purchases. Once the card is drained of funds, it adds money for further use.  

4. Non-Reloadable Gift Cards 

 In contrast to reloadable cards, non-reloadable cards cannot be refilled once emptied. 

5. Banks/Credit Card Companies 

Gift cards issued by banks or credit card companies are usually open-loop, allowing usage wherever the card network is accepted. Typically, these cards are fee-free for added convenience. 

6. Retailer Or Brand Gift Cards 

Gift cards from retailers, brands, or individual businesses are typically closed-loop, limiting use to a specific issuer. These cards may carry associated fees varying by the issuing entity. 

What are the Benefits of Gift Cards? 

The appreciation for gift cards can be enhanced by aligning the purchase with the recipient’s likes and interests.  

Beyond the joy of shopping, gift cards offer various benefits: 

1. Freedom to Choose 

In a world filled with online options, gift cards allow recipients to select whatever they want from a retail store or online platform. 

2. Safety 

Gift cards are a secure option since they function like debit cards. They can be frozen in the event of loss or theft, ensuring that your funds remain secure without any financial loss. However, it’s essential to stay alert to gift card scam warnings, as scams can target unsuspecting buyers.

3. Easy Access 

Prepaid gift cards require a simple swipe for electronic payments. This ensures quick and convenient transactions. 

4. Convenience 

Mobile gift cards can be sent directly to the recipient’s phone through email or SMS. It makes them easy to carry around the phone, and the card is linked to a specific mobile number, thereby increasing the level of security. 

5. Tracking 

Gift cards provide the ability to restrict and control spending associated with a pre-set amount, along with specifying use areas. 

This feature is particularly beneficial to younger shoppers, since tracking of purchases is a must, and with cash, such control is impossible. 

Key Considerations for Buying a Gift Card with Another Gift Card

Yes, you can buy a gift card using another gift card. That depends on certain policies determined by the merchant, along with specific types of gift cards.

Some nitty-gritty considerations before taking the plunge are discussed below.  

Merchant Policies 

Merchant policies governing the use of gift cards to buy other gift cards tend to be all over the board. Some merchants, like Target and Walmart, may Amazon may accept Visa-or-Mastercard-branded gift cards, though. 

Restrictions on Value 

Many retailers that allow gift cards to be used for the purchase of other gift cards have a limit on the extent to which a gift card can be used toward the purchase of a gift card. 

For instance, if you had a $100 gift card from Store A, and you want to buy a $50 gift card for men from Store B, it may let you apply only $20 of it toward the purchase. Usually, a gift card is the best way to receive its entire value.  

Documentation 

If returning a gift card, ensure that all evidence corresponding with the document regarding its purchase is retained. Such proofs could play a vital function in case any issues arise during the return process.   

Always observe and adhere to the policies concerning any particular gift card, as stipulated by the store or company it represents. 

Tips to Avoid Issues 

• Thoroughly check the terms and conditions of both gift cards before attempting this transaction. 

• Contact the merchant beforehand to clarify their specific policies on using gift cards for such transactions. 

• Calculate the usage limit, taxes, and additional charges before this transaction.  

Consider these tips to ensure a smooth and informed process. 

Why Would People Want to Buy a Gift Card with a Gift Card? 

Gift cards are widely regifted. If the balance on your current gift card is unsuitable for the intended gift, you can use it to obtain a new one.

This way, you leave the store with a newly loaded gift card of the correct amount and a gift. Let’s explore some popular stores where you might consider regifting an old gift card. 

While it might be better to leave certain specifics out of it, as long as you take pride in your choice of gift, it shouldn’t matter if you’re a bit embarrassed.  

Let’s discuss five great ways to give a gift card as a present.  

Food and Restaurants  

Once in a while, you may find yourself stuck with a gift card at a restaurant that doesn’t fall into your palate option, and that’s acceptable.  

This might be for a variety of reasons, such as a location that is not convenient for you or taste preference issues. Add in a birthday or holiday coming up, and you could just have the right set of circumstances to pass on that gift card. 

Clothes Shopping 

Inevitably, clothing is pricey; finding a befitting storefront can crush many people.  

For this reason, gifting a gift card from a store whose artistic sense goes beyond yours might be the right thing to do.  

It is one of the good reasons you might still continue carrying out the simple gift card, even though considerable interest in using it is lost after being re-gifted. Still, one of the main reasons for issuing that card remains: to save you money.  

Entertainment  

Entertainment gift cards can be a fun gift. Still, they can sometimes be a little riskier, especially when you get into the commitment of actual activity.  

 If you happen to find that an entertainment gift card you opened is not tailored to your tastes, feel free to give it away to someone who will use it.  

Beverages  

A drink, whether alcoholic or otherwise, can be extremely costly and are usually not everybody’s favorite gift. Coffee gift cards have always been one of the most traditional choices for gift card recipients, so out of respect, if you do not appreciate coffee, then you might as well pass that gift card to someone who would use it.  

Get the Gift Card of Your Choice 

So, if you’re sitting around with a gift card, wondering what to do with it, many stores allow you to use it to purchase another gift card in their store.  

Please remember that only specific places (such as grocery stores, online sellers, and supermarkets) sell other gift cards.  

You can also downside unused gift cards for your money on websites that let you do something silly, like the way you would if you’d escorted venues to get yourself some cash.

Sure, you’ll be left with less than the card’s actual worth, but it’s gotta be better than dealing with the prospect of never putting a gift card to use. 

The Bottom Line 

In conclusion, gift cards have completely changed how people exchange gifts, offering a sufficiently modern and convenient alternative.

These cards are deemed store-based and open-loop and are ultimately meant to give recipients a chance of choice while, at the same time, maintaining the security and convenience of their procurement.  

Furthermore, these benefits do not end simply with acquiring a tangible gift; they create memories.

Modernity is a polish that has added the shine of simplicity and versatility to the ancient concept of giving gifts in such a way as to make the act thoughtful and personalized.