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- Good anywhere the Discover Card is accepted
- Free shipping
- No fees if used at least once in any 12-month period
- Loss/theft protection
- Not available in all states
- Various fees
- Two-year expiration
Reviewers say the Discover Gift Card has some of the most favorable terms among network-branded gift cards. However, while the Discover Gift Card can be used at more locations than retailer-issued gift cards, you pay a price for that versatility in fees and an expiration date. While you generally just pay for the monetary value of retail gift cards, the Discover Gift Card costs an additional $4. There is also a monthly maintenance fee of $2.50 that begins accruing after 12 consecutive months of inactivity. Experts suggest that you use up the balance of the card quickly to avoid fees altogether. A less restrictive option is the American Express Gift Card (*Est. $3), which has no expiration date and no inactivity fees at all.
We found the best review of the Discover Gift Card in a report by the Montgomery County (Md.) Office of Consumer Protection. This report gives in-depth information regarding the terms and fees of popular gift cards. BankRate.com also compares the terms of major gift cards, though with less detail. CreditCards.com lists details of several major gift cards. Note that this card is not available in Colorado, Hawaii, Rhode Island, Tennessee and Vermont.
American Express Have A Blast Gift Card $50
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Our Sources
1. Bankrate.com
BankRate.com investigates the terms, conditions and restrictions of 54 gift cards, including eight network-branded cards, Discover included. Free shipping is the only plus that sets the Discover gift card apart from its competition, which you can compare in an easy-to-read chart. Each card is listed with information about its expiration date, purchase fees, dormancy or maintenance fees, loss or theft protection, online balance check, e-gift card availability and ability to reload the card.
Review: Getting a Gift Card? Here's What to Know, Leslie McFadden, Nov. 1, 2010
2. Montgomery County (Md.) Office of Consumer Protection
Details explaining the various terms and fees of the Discover Gift Card are listed in this downloadable file, along with information for several other gift cards. The cards are not rated nor are any specific gift cards recommended over others, but the information can be used to compare cards.
Review: Gift Cards 2007: Best and Worst Retail Cards, Staff of the Montgomery County (Md.) Office of Consumer Protection, Nov. 2007
CreditCards.com compares the expiration date, fees, loss protection and available denominations of the Discover Gift Card to 40 other popular gift cards. No particular card is recommended over another and cards are not ranked, but you can compare fees and restrictions.
Review: Gift Card Survey: Details of Biggest Issuers' Cards, Editors of CreditCards.com, Nov. 20, 2007
