Here are some helpful tips for how to ensure you are using the gift card you have purchased. These tips cover simple changes like changing where you keep your gift cards, to purchasing items to maintain your gift card organized. I also have some ideas that require technology, so that the process of keeping track of when to make use of your gift cards becomes automatic.
1. Store Gift Cards With Credit Cards
Although it may seem simple, the best method to keep track of your gift cards is to keep them close and on hand throughout the day. Placing gift cards near the credit and debit cards you use frequently is ideal since you’ll get an image reminder that gift cards are available whenever you reach into your wallet to purchase something. This is mine and these are my cards…and yes, I flip them over so that I know what gifts I can spend each when I go into my wallet.
2. Buy or Make a Gift Card Holder
To ensure that multiple gift cards are easily accessible, you can purchase or design a holder for gift cards. My sister gifted me an organizer for business cards that were used the time to store present cards on one side, and corporate cards to the next. If you browse Etsy or follow the eGift Card Girlfriend on Pinterest You’ll see many different gift card organizers that range from a basic key ring for gift cards to a smartly designed gift card wallet like this one by Ingenious Bros.
3. Keep a Gift Card Log
The gift cards should be handled as cash since there is no way to retrieve gift card money when the card itself is stolen or lost. Keep a record of the number of gift cards you’ve received (including all PIN numbers or serial number that is found on the reverse of the card). You’ll be more likely to remember to use your cards if you regularly write the numbers down. You might be able to use these cards online or by phone if you are unable to locate the card. In the event that you’ve got the card’s information and the card number, you’ll be able to obtain an alternate card as necessary, in accordance with the policy of the company that issued the gift card.
4. Take a Picture
Instead of writing the information about the gift card on paper, take pictures of the back and front of each gift card you receive. If you make use of the card, you can delete the picture. When you see pictures of cards in the photo library you’ll see which cards weren’t used. If anything happens on the cards you’ll be able to make use of your card on the internet, perhaps in shops, and certainly, on the phone should you contact the issuing company to request the replacement card. (Be sure to scratch any personal identification numbers (PIN) prior to taking the photo and, of course.)
I have a photo album stored on my phone to store pictures of gift cards. It helps me keep track of my gift cards, then delete them after they are used, and provide one place to go when I’m considering a purchase.
5. Use a Gift Card App
Gift Card apps like Card Smash and GiftPocket allow users to store gift cards in a digital format and view balances of gift cards. Transferring the care and food of your gift cards to digital versions of the exact identical cards is an excellent method of ensuring that you have all the cards you want and available for use.
6. Store Gift Cards in a Mobile Wallet
Another option to record your gift cards is to store the codes for gift cards in a mobile wallet stored on your phone. With the gift card numbers safely stored on your phone, you won’t have to carry the plastic around to keep your gift cards in your wallet. Gift cards kept in mobile wallets can be used online, over the phone, or on cash counters. (I’ve been there several times.) I especially like the SamsungPay wallet that allows me to save the gift cards that I already own and also purchase new cards using the app. Sometimes I’m even able to get the gift card deal.
Apple Pay will only let you add cards to your wallet when the retailer permits users to directly add the card from the retailer’s app. This is great if the connection is in place but you’re not able to utilize it if the card isn’t linked. Bummer.
7. Buy eGift Cards Instead
One thing I love the most about e-gift cards is that I don’t need to fret about losing the cards. If you happen to delete the message or email that sent the card, you can contact the company and request an alternative to be sent. Although not all companies will provide this and you must be capable of proving ownership by providing your delivery address.
You must treat your e-gift cards just like cash. It’s tempting to simply leave the text or email within your account feeds, however, don’t do it. Include the e-gift cards in your mobile wallet immediately and take a screenshot or print the paper copy as your backup should you get the credit card.
I transfer all of my gift cards into an email folder labeled, “*** Gift Cards to spend ***.” The idea is a great method to keep your e-gift cards in your wallet and available to use your gift card in the store.
8. Add Gift Cards to Store Accounts
If you’ve received either a physical or virtual card most effective method to track these is to transfer them to your accounts at stores whenever you can. For instance, on Amazon.com it is possible to add a credit card to your Amazon account right after the card is received. Amazon will ask you to use the gift card each time you go to checkout. If you’re unable to add gift cards to your store accounts, store your gift cards close to your computer that you use often to shop on the internet.
I also add my gift cards into store accounts and take the time to include a reminder in my list on my phone too. There’s a good chance that I won’t overlook using the gift card if I have reminders set up in different locations.
Something Else to Consider
I think that one reason people don’t make use of e-gift cards is that they instantly realize that the gift card isn’t the best match. Instead of finding an opportunity to use their gift card, they hang the card hoping that an opportunity to use it will come up.
If you get an unwanted card like an offer to an establishment that isn’t near as well as a gift card for an establishment you don’t enjoy You should find a new way to use the card the right way. Instead of storing the credit card forever or even keeping it in your wallet forever, you should make a sale of it, give away the gift card or give it away to another person.
