Know How to Use a Gift Card

We want to give the best gifts to our loved ones that they are likely to appreciate and so gifting can be tricky when you do not really know what they might like. A smart thing to do in such a case is to give them the freedom of choice and let them pick the gifts by simply swiping their Gift Cards! They could use it to shop, dine out, entertainment or even online purchases, -the choice will rest with them.

Whether you wish to buy a Gift Card or you have received one that you do not know how to use, here is everything you need to know about using a Gift Card.

How to purchase a Gift Card?

Several leading banks offer Gift Cards that are available at all their bank branches. Banks also allow you to purchase the Gift Cards online through their NetBanking facility and send it to the recipient. For example, here is how you can purchase HDFC Bank GiftPlus Cards through NetBanking.

Step 1: Log in with your NetBanking credentials, which is your customer id and password.

Step 2: Go to the Request section on the left panel.

Step 3: Go to the Cards tab

Step 4: Select ‘Purchase Gift Card’

Step 5: Customize the Gift Card by keying in the name of the beneficiary who will receive the Gift Card.

You can also opt for eGiftPlus Cards as an alternative to a physical Gift Card.

How to use a Gift Card?

So for example, if you have HDFC Bank GiftPlus card, you can swipe it at all merchant outlets that accept Visa cards within India. Gift Cards are considered as Prepaid Cards, so anytime you swipe the card for a purchase, the amount is automatically deducted from the value of the funds loaded on the card. You can easily check the balance on your Gift Card at HDFC Bank ATMs. For eGiftPlus Cards, you can use it on any e-commerce for any purchases. These Gift Cards cannot be used for cash withdrawal though.

What are the benefits of a Gift Card?

1) Freedom of choice

The recipient is free to use the Gift Card for any purpose-shopping, entertainment, eating out or as an alternative to cash!

2) Usable all around the year

The Gift Cards can be used by the recipient any time within a year from the date of purchase.

3) Offers!

Banks offer discounts from time to time that can be claimed by using the Gift Cards.

4) Customizable

You can personalize the Gift Card by having the name of the recipient on the Gift Card.

5) Easy to order

You can simply order a Gift Card online by using the NetBanking facility. So if you are running out of time to buy a gift, you can order a Gift Card in under a few minutes.

6) Widely available

It is a good idea to buy a Gift Card that has wider acceptance at merchant outlets. Visa Gift Cards are accepted across all the Visa merchant outlets. For example, HDFC Bank GiftPlus card is usable at over 4 lakh merchant outlets in India.

7) Safe

You can easily hotlist the card through NetBanking in case of loss of card. The card can be reissued by the purchaser too!

8) For anyone and everyone

Gift Cards are over the counter products which means you do not need to have an account with the bank in order to purchase their Gift Cards. You only need to visit the bank branch and make the purchase of the Gift Card.

Looking to apply for a e-GiftPlus Card? Click here now!

* Terms & conditions apply. GiftPlus Card approvals are at sole discretion of HDFC Bank Ltd