Discover Gift Card

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 four dollars. What's more, it expires 24 months from the date of purchase. There is also a monthly maintenance fee of $2.50, but not until after 12 consecutive months of inactivity. Still, 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. $4), 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 due to local laws governing the use of gift cards.