
Credit-card company gift card.
- Good anywhere the Discover Card is accepted
- Free shipping of card
- No fees if used at least once in any 12-month period
- Provides 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 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 12 consecutive months of non-use. Still, experts suggest that you use up the balance of the card quickly to avoid fees altogether. The Discover Gift Card is sold online in denominations from $20 to $500. Reviews suggest you consider store gift cards, such as the Gap Options Card (no purchase or shipping fees).
We found the best review of the Discover Gift Card in a report by the Montgomery County (Maryland) Office of Consumer Protection. This annual 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, Connecticut, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Tennessee or Vermont.
Our Sources
1. Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection
Details explaining the various terms and fees of the Discover Gift Card are listed 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, Members of the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection, Nov. 2007
2. Bankrate.com
BankRate.com compares the shipping, fees and expiration dates of the "big four" network branded gift cards, namely Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. All four cards have fees and expiration dates, but Discover is the only card to offer free shipping.
Review: 2007 Gift Card Study Comparison Chart, Ellen Cannon, Nov. 12, 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
