WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With the holiday shopping season quickly approaching, many are busily preparing budgets and making gift lists for loved ones. Gift cards are an excellent gift option that will help you avoid the common stresses and pitfalls of the season, so that you can spend less time preparing and more time enjoying the holidays with family and friends.
As a consumer, you have many options to choose from when it comes to gift cards. As you probably know, there are many gift cards that can be purchased directly from a retailer and used only at their stores; however, a potentially better option, that can take the guesswork out of your gift giving, are open loop gift cards that can be used at multiple different retailers. These cards, which bear the logos of American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or Visa, can be used anywhere debit cards of that card network are accepted, and are available online or at retail locations like grocery stores and pharmacies.
Open loop gift cards give the recipient the ability to choose their own gift and determine how to spend that money. They can be loaded with any amount you choose and can even be used online. This means your “foodie” friend can have a nice meal out, your music obsessed niece can buy concert tickets, and your child’s teacher can stock up on all the coffee he needs to get through the school day.
Not only are gift cards more convenient for gift givers, they are also the leading choice among gift recipients. According to the National Retail Federation’s annual holiday survey, when asked what gift they would like to receive, 61 percent of respondents chose gift cards, making it the most popular choice for the tenth year in a row.
“The holidays can be a hectic and stressful time which is driving consumers to seek efficient and cost-effective options,” said Brad Fauss, president and CEO of the Network Branded Prepaid Card Association (NBPCA). “This is why more and more people are turning to gift cards for their family and friends.”
Open loop gift cards are:
- Quick and Efficient: By opting for gift cards, all of your shopping can be done quickly, easily, and all at once.
- Perfect for Everyone: Recipients can choose where and how to use the funds loaded on the card.
- Flexible: Cards bearing an American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or Visa logo can be used anywhere debit cards are accepted – even online!
- Convenient: These are a great last minute option for anyone you accidentally left off your gift list.
- Preferred: Gift cards are among the most sought after gift each year.
This holiday season, gift cards can help take the headache of out shopping and make sure you’re giving a gift that will be appreciated by everyone on your list. Happy shopping!