Before You Buy Gift Cards on Long Island, NY

Stumped for ideas on what to buy your family or friends for birthdays, holidays or other occasions? Gift cards are a great solution because the persons you give them to can choose exactly what they want. And it's easy enough to purchase gift cards throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. From retail stores to online sites and even supermarkets, gift cards abound.

But before you plunk down $10, $15, $20 or more, here are some things you should consider before buying gift cards on Long Island, NY.

• First and foremost, remember that New York State law requires full disclosure of all gift card terms and conditions at the time that you purchase the gift card.


• Always purchase gift cards from a reputable source, and make sure that the store is not going out of business.


• Always ask if there's a service fee in addition to the cost of the card itself.


• Find out if there's a charge for the card holder to see if there's any balance remaining on the gift card.


• If the card holder spends only part of the amount on a first purchase, will they have to make another purchase with the remaining amount, or can they request to get cash back?


• Find out if there a minimum amount that must be spent for someone to use the gift card.


• Ask if there are any restrictions on what a person may purchase with the gift card.


• Before you purchase a gift card, find out: what is the replacement policy --if any-- if someone loses their gift card or if it's stolen?


• You need to know when the gift card expires. The date should be clearly marked on the back of the card.


• Is the gift card sealed in its packaging? If not, someone may have tampered with it and written down the information to use to illegally purchase goods.

Dormancy and Expiration

If the owner of a gift card doesn't use it for a long period of time, the card is said to be "dormant." Although some companies that issue gift cards charge a dormancy fee for each month that the card isn't used, card holders in New York State cannot be legally charged a dormancy fee for at least one year. And these fees cannot be charged retroactively in New York State.

New York State law also prohibits monthly services fees for not using the card until the 13th month after purchase.

Purchasing Gift Cards Online?

Always deal with reputable websites and make sure that the website is secure before purchasing.

Know whether there are specific restrictions on the gift cards you purchase. Does the card holder have to buy online, or can them redeem the gift card's value by purchasing in a ricks-and-mortar store?

Make sure that you immediately print out your receipt and any confirmation information after you have purchased a gift card online.