Often tainted with the stigma of being a thoughtless gift, streaming services like Netflix, Apple Plus, and Disney Plus have given gift cards a come back this holiday season.
From Google Play to Netflix, to newer streaming services like Apple Plus and Disney Plus, giving the gift of entertainment has has taken on the shape of a rectangular card.
But before you buy, Better Business Bureau Marketing Director Erin Dufner said that it's important to read the the fine print before purchasing a card.
"If you are going to get a store gift card, understand that these are generally one hundred percent non-refundable," Dufner said.
For buyers looking for a card that will allow the recipient to use it for any store purchase, opting for a gift card with a credit card logo is the way to go.
But Dufner said that there are a few things to know before ahead of time.
"It's best to get a non-reloadable gift card but sometimes there are fees associating with loading that gift card on the initial sale," Dufner said.
One reason why she said store gift cards carry the biggest advantage.
"When it comes to gift cards, generally for a specific store there is no expiration date which can make it great for people," Dufner said.
But no matter what kind of card you buy, Dufner recommends buying the card in person at a store instead through third party online websites.
"If it's not from somebody that you know, if it's maybe from a third party that is offering some kind of a discount, that could be a way from them to steal your money," Dufner said.
According to the Better Business Bureau, the best way to avoid a gift card scam is by registering your card, treating it like cash, and making sure the pin number on the back of the card hasn't been scratched off prior to purchase.
