Gift cards have become the popular holiday present du jour. But there are plenty of things to consider before giving or even receiving (and using) a gift card. For example, did you know this?

Retailers can’t account for the sale of a gift card until the card is redeemed for merchandise. If you don’t redeem a card within a certain period of time, your state’s escheat laws kick in and the unused money goes to the state or is divided between the state and the retailer.

The 8 tips after the break:

1. Fees for cards
2. Expiration dates
3. Terms and conditions
4. How stores treat cards
5. Register your card
6. Check balance before shopping
7. Personalize cards
8. Think outside the box

The full list with detailed tips can be found in the source article:
8 need-to-know tips for gift cards (CNBC)

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