What gift card should I get?
 

I wasn't sure what forum to ask this so Mod, feel free to move this thread wherever it belongs.

I am hoping to find $$$ gift cards that has flexible usage - similar to credit card/debit card - where you can use the card at most of the places that accepts credit/debit cards. This includes purchasing an airline ticket.

1) Where/what websites are there to purchase such gift cards?

2) What gift card programs have the best value overall?

Rule One: Gift Cards are a sucker deal.

Rule Two: Don't buy gift cards.

Is there something wrong with credit cards from your point of view? :confused:

Visa: http://usa.visa.com/personal/cards/p...card_order.jsp
MasterCard: http://www.mastercard.com/us/persona...d/issuers.html

They each have their different issue fees, fees over time (such as assessing a monthly maintenance fee starting at 6 months, 12 months, or some other time period), sometimes the fees are different depending on if you have an account at the bank, and there's varying expiration dates for them. Sometimes the tradeoff for a lower issuance fee in the beginning is an earlier maintenance fee window (such as US Bank $3.95 issuance fee, then $2.50 monthly maintenance starting at 6 months, versus WaMu (Chase...) $5.45/$7.95 issuance fee (depending on the card's value) and then $2.50 monthly maintenance starting at 12 months). Which scenario provides a better value is dependent on what you plan on doing with the card, such as how much value it'll have and the amount of time you plan on having it around.

This is all I can provide. I don't buy these for gifts, usually I just give cash, or if it's a high amount, I write a check. Hopefuly this is somewhat helpful.

-A

We said!
 

Rule3: When in doubt, see Rule one:D

Actually, gift cards that are provided by credit card issuers like AMEX are a bad deal. Gift cards you get directly from a retailer can sometimes be a good deal if they have reasonable rules and sell for a slight discount. For example Macy's and Best Buy have no expiration and very lenient rules.

Buy supermarket gift card and you can exchange others. very flexible. Personally, prefer Safeway/Von. There are lots other company gift cards you can exchange.