Gift cards can be a pretty handy gift and are usually nice to receive — provided you actually use them without letting them expire or incur fees for non-activity.
If you receive a gift card for a birthday or as part of a rewards program or just because, don't let the extra cash slip through your fingers. These tips can help you maximize the value of your gift cards and even figure out what to do with those pesky tiny remaining balances.
* Read the fine print. Most gift cards don't expire, but you won't know for sure unless you check. Some bank or credit card-issued gift cards may include a, valid thru' date when the card itself expires, but the balance may still be available with another card. Some cards, like the Visa Virtual Gift Card, will subtract a $4.95 monthly maintenance fee after 12 months of inactivity.
* Redeem or donate small remaining balances. Certain states require retailers to redeem gift cards for cash when the balance dips below a certain amount, and some retailers might offer cash redemption of small balances for their own branded gift cards. Some charitable organizations also collect gift card donations, which can be a great way to use that remaining couple of bucks.
* Record and register your gift card immediately to avoid scams. Retailers like Amazon let you load the balance directly into your account, and payment processors like PayPal can load certain prepaid gift cards into your account balance for later use. You won't have to worry about losing a physical card, and you're less likely to be swindled out of the cash value.