Don’t Leave Money (Gift Cards) on the Table
I recently cleaned out my wallet and found a $10 gift card from Outback Steakhouse, one of my favorite Twenty Dollar Dinner restaurants. A few months ago, Outback had a special, buy a $50 gift card and get a $10 gift card for a future visit. This works out to be 20% off. A no brainer right? Wrong.
Looking carefully at my $10 gift card, I only had a two month window to use it. I’ve been so busy lately, the card expired two months ago! With holiday season just around the corner, make sure you’re not leaving money or gift cards on the table. The only winner would be the store or restaurant who issued the card. If you don’t use it, they’ll be laughing all the way to the bank with your hard earned cash in their pockets.
Stay Inspired!
Buck
I use cards that have expiration dates right away because I will forget about it. I have othe cards that have no expiration date.
I should really use gift cards quicker. Besides expiration I could accidentally lose them altogether!
So I guess your $10 card was actually like a coupon. If I’m not mistaken, isn’t there a law in CA that says gift cards can’t have an expiration date? It makes sense. One needs to stay on top of these things to stay in the game. The whole gift card agenda is probably a bet that a number of those cards will get lost or go unused. It’s almost a scam, but it’s nice when you have a card and get to use it.
You’re right it was kind of like a coupon. I thought I heard about no expiration on gift cards and certificates too. Need to look into this. Thanks Lee!
Before my first was born I requested all gift cards. I felt it was the best way to not have to waste time, money and things I didn’t need. I think I used everything.
Some people might think it is impersonal, but I think it’s a win win situation for all!
Sometimes they print the expiration date with such a small font size, so you even don’t expect that such date exists.
Sneaky bums. Always read the fine print!