Gift cards: Everything you need to know

By David Munns

With more than half of American consumers planning to purchase at least one gift card this holiday season, the CreditCards.com staff assembled a suite of stories to help you compare gift cards, find the right one for you, figure out how to dress them up, get discounts on gift cards and check out their expiration rules so the recipient gets to spend the dough.

As holiday budgets tighten, gift cards remain popular

Despite the sour economy, gift cards will remain a popular present this holiday season. Learn about gift cards' place in the changing economy ... (more)

How to replace a lost or stolen gift card

The reason so many of us love gift cards -- they're a lot like cash -- is also the reason they can be hard to replace when they're stolen or lost. However, there are steps you can take to reclaim your moolah ... (more)

2008 holiday gift card comparison chart

This chart compares gift cards from the largest retailers and credit card issuers -- including pricing, discounts offered, expiration information and whether they can be used online -- so you can find the perfect card for your needs ... (more) 

10 creative ways to wrap gift cards

Face it. Gift cards are just pieces of plastic. Your choice of presentation, though, can still make the gift special. Here are 10 ideas ... (more) 

13 ways to get gift cards for less

Psst. You don't always have to pay full face valule for a gift card. It's not widely known, but with some work, you can spend less than you give ... (more) 

Updated: October 29, 2009

	Three most recent Emerging payment systems: Prepaid, debit, gift cards stories: 11 golden rules of practical gift card giving – Pampering at the spa? Expensive round of golf? Out. Practical gifts are in this holiday season, and that goes for gift cards, too ... Collectible gift cards can be both practical and fun – Although the holidays this year are expected to be heavy on practical presents, giving gift cards can still be fun -- including those featuring 'Twilight' and 'Star Trek' themes ... 6 ways to prevent bank overdraft fees – Banks and credit unions collected nearly $24 billion in overdraft fees last year. Find out how you can help keep some of that money in your pocket ...

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