Since the beginning of March 2020, people worldwide have missed loved ones’ birthdays, weddings, christenings, and festive occasions – all of the events that we enjoy celebrating together with food, drink, and, of course, gifts. In the past 11 months, we’ve all made our lives smaller to supersize the fight against the pandemic. While most of us are unwilling to forgo gift-giving entirely, most accept that shopping for a gift, acquiring packing materials, and visiting a post office simply presents too high a risk. Because of this, the Cardtonic Trading App has reported a steep 2020 surge in the purchase of gift cards.
Play your cards right
Gift cards are a convenient and socially distanced way of showing we care when we can’t be together. Cards can be purchased online and sent to the recipient by email for a completely safe gifting experience. With no end to the pandemic insight, it is essential to know about the two main kinds of a gift card which can be bought and sent to loved ones:
Closed Loop Gift Cards
These types of gift cards are generally connected to just one retailer or umbrella company. These cards will usually be loaded with a pre-set amount of money, which can then be used to buy goods from that retailer’s store or website. These are a great option when you know for a fact that the recipient is an avid Amazon fan or is wild for Walmart.
Open Loop Gift Cards
These cards tend to offer much more flexibility to the recipient in that they serve as a debit card. The purchaser can load a cash value amount to the card at the checkout before sending it to the recipient. The recipient can then use the card to purchase goods at any store or website which accepts that particular card. These cards are a sensible choice for those who don’t feel confident picking a specific store for their gift to a loved one.
While open-loop cards are usually used relatively quickly due to their flexibility, many closed-loop cards, unfortunately, go unused every year due to non-suitability or the recipient simply forgetting about them. The Cardtonic App offers an innovative platform on which cardholders can quickly and easily sell or swap their unwanted cards. 100% secure and professionally audited, this game-changing platform and app help cut down on the millions of gift cards that go to waste every year.
With so many people currently having to tighten their belts due to the pandemic, a gift card is often a welcome and gratefully received gift – as long as you get it right. Before buying a gift card, it’s always a good idea to put some thought into whether you’re choosing the right option and, if in doubt, ask!