In this digital age, gift cards have become more common and there are many retailers offering the same. Managing them can be quite a task especially when you have multiple cards from different vendors. As I was looking for a simple solution for me and my friends, I came across this useful list of apps that just might solve most of the problems. It has some useful options and I thought I’d share the same with my readers. So the best way is to start with possible app candidates. Here’s the list.
Considering you can never be too safe about where your money goes (or comes from) online, I listed a couple of useful tips to help you get the most out of online gift cards (without ending up with less money than you started with).
Use a virtual wallet that helps conveniently track the cards
Gone are the days when you’ve had to carry around plastic cards especially with it becoming more of a pollutant. As such, many companies now offer gift cards in a digital form as opposed to physical ones. However, unlike a physical card, keeping track of digital cards is much harder and as such, they are likely to be easily misplaced. An appropriate gift card wallet app is, therefore, a potential solution to this mess.
Depending on your requirements, you could choose an app that serves your purpose. Some apps are more complex which lets you go into more detail whereas certain apps give you a simple tracking feature that warns when a particular card is about to expire.
Furthermore, should you have gift coupons from online giants such as Amazon or Visa, they will be globally accepted. However, if you have gift cards from smaller chains, you might need an app that lets you search for the nearest stores of any chain you have a gift card for.
Exchange gift cards that you are less likely to use
The practice of giving gifts is a great way to show your family and friends that you care about them. However, sometimes, you may choose some items that they’ve already got or they may simply prefer something else. Gift cards are a great way to avoid such a problem as the recipient can choose any gift that they want from a particular store.
In a scenario where you don’t prefer the store in which the gift card is applicable, there are options for you to exchange gift cards too. By picking an app that lets you exchange gift cards, it helps you choose a more suitable one to get exactly the product you need.
While exchanging the gift cards, you might also want to consider the value you are going to receive from the store. Certain stores offer more value to an individual as opposed to another. Therefore, it’s important to choose an app that lets you exchange to a gift card that gives you a wider choice.
Watch out for coupons & discounts for cash-back and other rewards
Gift-giving can be an expensive practice, especially when it’s for Christmas or similar festivities. You are likely to have a budget and most often than not, it’s likely to be tight. A simple trick such as finding an app that combines gift cards with coupons and discount alerts can help you save some bucks in this process. It’s a great way to keep both parties happy.
Some apps also help you compare prices across different chains and see which one offers the best value. This way, you don’t have to compromise on the gifts you give to your loved ones and also save some money in the process.
Conclusion
For your next family gathering, or if you are going back home after a long time, gift cards are a great option and with these tips in mind, you are now more likely to save money in the process too.
I do enjoy getting gift cards. I never thought about using an app to help with them.. Thanks for the info.
I always like getting gift cards. I like giving them, too, since I know the person will use it to get something they really want.
I love gift cards. The tip for combining gift cards with coupons and discounts alerts is an even bigger bonus.