What Gift Cards Can Be Used Online and in-Store

Gift cards are a popular way to give gifts to friends and family. They make the perfect present for all kinds of occasions and allow the recipient to pick out exactly what they want.

Whether you’re looking to buy one for yourself or as a gift, there are some things to keep in mind when choosing the right card. Here are a few tips:

The Most Common Types of Gift Cards

Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards are commonly used as gift cards for both in-store and online purchases. They are easy to use, offer routing and checking numbers, and can be reloaded with money through Paypal or other online methods.

Open-Loop Credit Cards

An open-loop credit card is a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express gift card that can be redeemed anywhere the card is accepted. This type of card is a good choice for businesses that sell their products and services to customers around the world.

Digital Gift Cards

Also known as e-gift cards, digital gift cards are an increasingly popular option for shopping online. These e-cards are sent via email or SMS, and recipients can redeem them online or in-store. They are not as secure as physical gift cards, but they have many benefits for busy shoppers.

These cards are a great alternative to cash for time-crunched shoppers, and you can avoid shipping costs by ordering them online. Some retailers, such as Walgreens and Target, even sell discounted e-gift cards to their customers.

Resale Is Always an Option

If you’re not sure if a gift card will be used, it’s a good idea to look into selling it. There are several websites that will buy your gift card and give you a percentage of the value when it sells. You can then use the rest of it to purchase more items or give it as a gift.

Closed-Loop Gift Cards

A closed-loop gift card is a gift card that has the company logo on it and can only be used at that specific business. They are a great option for small businesses and require less effort to set up than an open-loop card.

They can be used in-store or online, and are a convenient option for business owners who prefer to not pay for processing fees. They can be used to promote brand loyalty and convert new customers into paying regular customers.

BHN Rewards, formerly Rybbon, offers prepaid Mastercard and Visa gift cards that can be used internationally. They have a Smart Global Choice feature that can detect where recipients live and automatically curate rewards in their region.

These cards can be used for marketing, research, and employee programs. They are available in a range of currencies and can be loaded with a variety of rewards.

Regardless of the type of card you choose, make sure you read all of the terms and conditions carefully before using it. Some gift cards have expiration dates, and some come with fees for reloading. Additionally, you should check with the merchant or bank that issued the card to find out their policy.