What to do if gift card doesn’t work?

Why does my gift card say 0 balance?

“Sometimes when you use a gift card, the cashier will give it back with a receipt that says ‘zero balance,'” Hunter says. “If you put the card back in your wallet without the receipt, there’s a chance you will pull the card out again and try to use it.

Can you return a gift card if it doesnt work?

Generally speaking, gift cards are considered non-refundable. When you purchase a card, you use it once and stick to what you bought. In practice, buyers are given a lot more leeway and they can refund most products under the right circumstances. Gift card return policies vary from retailer to retailer.

Why does my gift card not work?

The most common reasons are that the card hasn’t been activated, the cashier is running the wrong type of transaction, the dollar amount being charged is greater than the card’s balance or the credit card processing machine is bumping up the charge amount to either place a hold on the card or to allow for a gratuity.

How do I know if my gift card is activated?

Locate the activation sticker on the front of the card.

If your gift card requires activation, there’s usually a white sticker or some other indicator prominently displayed on the front that says so. These stickers typically provide a toll-free number or a website link that you need to use to activate the card.

Can I return a gift card if I have the receipt?

The issuer they refuse to accept a return of the gift card unless you have the purchase receipt. This can be awkward anytime you are returning a gift, including a gift card. The issuer may provide an in-store credit, which will do you very little good if you don’t shop at their outlets in the first place.

What states require gift card refund?

Some states with gift card laws include California, Colorado, Maine, and New Jersey. Each state requires card balances be less than a certain amount before cash redemption is mandated. The threshold is usually around $5 to $10.

Can you buy something with gift card and return for cash?

Most companies don’t issue refunds in cash for items bought with gift cards. Generally, companies grant refunds only to the original form of payment to avoid return fraud, which means that they will either: Deposit a refund to your gift card.