2008 gift card comparison table

By Tyler Metzger

Gift cards will continue to be a popular present during the 2008 holiday season even in the face of the current economic disorder. Use this chart to find the gift card that's best for you.

Never expires	No dormancy or maintenance fees	Loss & theft protection
PIN available	Reloadable      eCard available	Online balance check

Retail stores
Kmart
Meijer
Target
Wal-Mart
Supermarkets
H-E-B
Kroger
Publix
Department stores
Bloomingdale's
JCPenny
Kohl's
Macy's
Sears
Convenience stores
7-Eleven
Pilot Travel Center
Clothing
Banana Republic
Gap
Old Navy
Restaurants
McDonald's
Olive Garden
Panera Bread
Red Lobster
Starbucks

Never expires	No dormancy or maintenance fees	Loss & theft protection
PIN available	Reloadable      eCard available	Online balance check

Pharmacies
CVS
Rite Aid
Walgreens
Electronics
Best Buy
Radio Shack
Home improvement
Home Depot
Lowe's
Office supply
Staples
Office Depot
Books
Barnes & Noble
Borders
Toy stores
Toys R Us
Bulk
Costco
General purpose
American Express
Discover
HSBC MasterCard
KeyBank MasterCard
Visa*

Never expires	No dormancy or maintenance fees	Loss & theft protection
PIN available	Reloadable      eCard available	Online balance chec

*Most, but not all, Visa gift cards offer online balance check. Visa gift cards are available through those who already have Visa cards. Talk with your card provider for details.

Can't find the card you want? Check out GiftCertificates.com and Gift Card Mall to shop hundreds of gift cards for stores not listed here.

See related: Gift cards 2008: Special section, As holidays tighten, gift cards remain popular, 2008 gift card comparison chart, Top 10 creative ways to wrap gift cards, 8 ways to get gift cards for less, Tips: Don't let those gift cards expire

Published: October 29, 2008

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