Your Guide to the Different Types of Gift Cards

Whether you need to send a gift for a birthday, the holidays, or another special occasion like an anniversary, gift cards are the way to go. In fact a lot of folks would rather have a gift card for a present, since it gives them the freedom to choose exactly what they want. Gift cards are so popular because it allows the recipient to use it towards something they’ve likely had their eye on for a while, or something that they decide to purchase at the last minute. And even if it doesn’t end up paying for the entire cost of the item, it probably takes out a good chunk. 

People like to send gift cards to friends and family members because they know it’s for sure going to be put to good use. Sometimes when you need to purchase a gift for someone, you’re not exactly sure what it is they need. This can lead to gifts that the recipient doesn’t really need, or they have no use for. No one wants to waste a gift that will sit on a shelf, which is why everyone seems to be on board with gift cards.

If you’re interested in getting someone close to you a gift card, but aren’t sure what types of gift cards are out there, you’ve come to the right place because today we’re discussing:

• How gift cards work
• The types of gift cards you can pick up
• Our most popular gift cards available right now at GiftYa

Use GiftYa to send gift cards to loved ones

It’s easy to send a gift card when you choose to go with GiftYa, the all digital gift card platform that offers over 190,000 merchants. Whether you want to send a loved one in another state a gift card to a national restaurant chain like Chipotle, or you’d prefer to pick up a gift card to a local restaurant in their city, you can do both at GiftYa. Just choose the merchant and the amount you want to send, then personalize it with a video or an image, and send it via email or text. They’ll receive it almost instantly, and they’ll never have to worry about losing it since it’s in a digital format.

How gift cards work

A quick refresher about how gift cards work

Gift cards are always a welcomed gift for a variety of reasons, including:

• They’re always the right size. You never need to worry about whether or not you got a recipient clothing they’ll like, cosmetics they actually use, or home good items they really need. Plus since you don’t need to ask them their size or what color they prefer, you can keep the gift a surprise!

• Easy to redeem. Gift cards can be redeemed by the recipient whenever they choose, whether that’s the same day, or months down the line. They get to choose what item they want to use it on, making it a very thoughtful gift. You can use gift cards in store, or online as well. 

• No need for returns. The hassle of returning something is real, even with Amazon. So just avoid this potential entirely and give someone a gift card instead.
• Convenient. Digital gift cards are especially convenient, because not only are they easy to purchase, you can send them immediately. This makes them fantastic last minute gifts.

• Are budget-friendly. You always know how much you’re going to spend when you get a loved one a gift card, so you won’t have to worry about going over budget. This is especially helpful if you’re purchasing gift cards for a few people. Recipients understand that cards don’t have to cover the cost of the entire item either, as any money towards a more costly item is always appreciated!

Gift cards function as stored value cards, which means that the merchant received payment at purchase, and the gift card simply stores that monetary value. The recipient can then use the gift card at their leisure, but that also depends on what kind of gift card it is.

• Open loop. These are the Visa and Mastercard gift cards that can be used anywhere that accepts Visa/Mastercard, which is a lot of places! Open loop gift cards are not tied to one particular store and can be used in a variety of places.

• Note that open loop gift cards often have one-time fees associated with them when they are purchased

• Closed loop. On the other hand, closed loop gift cards are those that can only be used at specific stores. A Macy’s gift card can only be used at a Macy’s store or on the Macy’s site, and it has no value anywhere else. 

Types of gift cards

There are basically two types of gift cards

When you’re considering giving the gift of a gift card, you not only want to decide whether or not to get an open loop card or a closed loop card, but you should decide between the two types of gift cards out there.

• Physical gift cards. These are the gift cards you often see on racks at grocery stores or convenience stores. They are shaped like a credit card and typically made out of plastic with either a chip or magnetic strip for the credit card machine to read. You can use the physical gift card at the merchant as a means of payment at the register, or you can load the amount onto the store’s app and pay from there. Physical gift cards are very popular because you can give them to recipients in a card or a little box, giving them something to open.

• Digital gift cards. Additionally there are digital gift cards (also called e-gift cards or electronic gift cards), which are sent to a recipient via text or email. They have no actual physical form, instead they exist in the recipient’s text messages or email inbox. Digital gift cards have a bar code, QR code, or a specific number associated with them, which is how you can redeem them. 

The type of gift card that you decide to purchase depends on what you think the recipient would be more likely to use, and the amount of time you have to get them a gift. If you think they’d prefer to have something physical in their hands, or you want to give them a gift card to their favorite restaurant, you might want to go with a physical gift card. On the other hand, if you’re in a time crunch and you need the gift card ASAP, or you think they’d appreciate always having easy access to the card, then go with the digital version. 

What about pre-paid credit/debit cards?

Pre-paid debit/credit cards are different from gift cards because they can typically be reloaded with funds. A pre-paid card is often used not as a gift, but rather as a safe way of using your money if you don’t want to pay with cash or you don’t have a bank account. These types of cards also permit you to add additional money to the card once the original amount is done, which you cannot do with regular gift cards.

Top gift cards you can get at GiftYa!

Pick up these gift cards at GiftYa that are sure to please anyone on your list!

If you think you’d like to send some digital gift cards the next time you have a special occasion that calls for a gift, head over to GiftYa. We have over 190,000 merchants for you to choose from, and you can select gift cards in any amount from $10 to $250! 

Amazon

Text an Amazon gift card

When you want to send the gift card that is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face, you go with Amazon. After all, they’re just about the largest online store you can find. With this gift card you have so many options, it may even seem overwhelming! You can pick up items for your home like pots and pans, sheets, towels, side tables, chairs, and even tasteful decor. Or, if you need a new sweater, boots, pants, or jacket, you can always check out your favorite brands on Amazon. The reason this gift card is so popular is that no matter what you need in your life, chances are you can find it on Amazon. Whether it’s a new bookcase, books to fill that bookcase, dog toys, or even the latest tech, Amazon has it all, and can have it delivered to your door in no time.

Text an Amazon gift card

Target

Email a Target gift card

Another one of the top places to get a digital gift card to is Target. And although you can definitely use it online to have your items delivered, a lot of folks actually like going into stores to use their gift cards. This is because Target is actually quite a fun place to shop, and they have almost anything you might need, whether it’s new clothes, shoes, groceries, entertainment systems, jewelry, or anything in between. You can take this card and put it towards a larger purchase of a TV or gaming system, or you can use it to pick up that small appliance like a coffee maker or immersion blender that you’ve had your eye on. 

Email a Target gift card

Chili’s

Text a Chili’s gift card

If you know someone with a special occasion coming up and you want to give them a gift that they’re sure to use ASAP, consider texting or emailing them a gift card to Chili’s. This popular restaurant chain is located all across the U.S., so no matter where they live, chances are there’s a Chili’s by them. Here you can find all your casual dining favorites, with just a hint of Tex-Mex spice. Chili’s are known for their sizzling fajita dinners, but they also have delicious burgers, chicken sandwiches, steaks, ribs, and quesadillas all made fresh daily. You can’t go wrong ordering one of their many appetizers or adding a salad either. 

This is a great place to go when you don’t feel like cooking, and if you’d rather eat at home, you can always use the gift card to order Chili’s curbside to go instead!

Text a Chili’s gift card

Sheetz

Email a Sheetz gift card

Do you know someone that likes to take lots of road trips? Then getting them a Sheetz gift card is the way to go. This place offers them the chance to spend their gift card on two necessary items, gas and food! The recipient can choose to fill up the tank or see what’s available on the Sheetz menu. Known for their MTOs (made to orders) you’ll find all kinds of delicious items on the Sheetz menu including their popular breakfast sandwiches, deli sandwiches, loaded hot dogs, and plenty of delicious sides like fries and tots. You can also stop and pick up ready to go food like chips, pretzels, baked goods, and all the coffee, soda, or water you want. No matter if they want to fuel up the car for work or a trip, or would prefer to have a yummy lunch, there’s no losing with a Sheetz gift card.

Email a Sheetz gift card

Which is your preferred type of gift card?

Do you like the convenience of a digital gift card, or would you prefer to have a plastic gift card? There are pros and cons to both types of cards, and it all depends on personal preference. No matter which type you want to send to friends or family members, consider stopping by GiftYa first to check out our amazing library full of national merchants and local small businesses.