Scenario: You have less than $5 left on a gift card and it expires today, the cheapest item in that store costs $15. You rarely shop at this store.
Do you just leave it, or buy something using the gift card and your own money.
What to do with a gift card expiring very soon?
ribenaboy on 19/01/2018 - 13:29
Poll Options
- 20Don't spend the remaining balance on the gift card.
- 3Buy something that costs more than the gift card amount.
Comments
Was the card an actual gift, or did you buy it?
If you bought it, at full cost or at a discounted cost?
give it to someone else
Option 3: Give it someone else/post online.
I've done this a few times: if you happen to walk past the physical store, just walk in and give the card to who ever is being billed - its a small gesture and would brighten anyone's day.
Use the gift card to buy a new gift card, thereby extending the expiry date. Then sell it to someone for half price
Edit: I hadn't read the post above me when I replied, I like their answer better
Technically you're not allowed to do that. Some places you might be able to get away with it though.
some gift cards require "processing fee" which will make it double loss situation
If it's a store you don't see yourself using in the foreseeable future, give it away, bin it, etc.
If it's a store you'll use again (say the next three months) and it has a friendly returns policy, buy the $15 item and return it. You may only get a $15 gift card in return, but you'll use that over the next three months.
Go into the store, find someone about to checkout, say you'll stand with them at checkout, they can give you $3 and you'll give them $5 card and make sure it works. It's a win win - assuming you're going to be near the shop anyways. Or just give it to them for free and feel good about yourself.
If you dont really need the $15 item, let it expire. You save $10 vs saving $5