How Do You Buy Gift Cards — Top-Rated

When you buy a card, you select an amount to load. That value is stored electronically with the retailer. Each time the card is used, the purchase amount is deducted until the balance reaches zero [7].

: Retailers often have large "gift card malls" containing cards for various brands (Amazon, Starbucks, etc.). Buying from major, reputable retailers is a recommended way to avoid scams [9]. how do you buy gift cards

: The IRS generally considers gift cards as "cash equivalent" income. If you are a business giving them to employees, the value is typically reportable as taxable income regardless of the dollar amount [4]. When you buy a card, you select an amount to load

: Only buy from trusted retailers. Avoid third-party websites you've never heard of, as they may sell fake or stolen cards [8]. : Retailers often have large "gift card malls"

: Always save your purchase receipt as proof of ownership in case the card has technical issues [3].