You have all those nice shiny new gift cards just waiting to be used. Now what? Do you have to drive all over town to use them? In this day and age it is much easier than that. Merchants both online and off have made it extremely simple to redeem your gift cards. There are a few things you might want to know, however, before you put down the plastic.

Gift cards are simple to redeem, especially merchant gift cards. However, it pays to know a few things before redemption, to make sure you get the full value of your gift. Each card has its own terms and conditions, and that can decide for you just when and how you will want to redeem those cards. There are hidden fees for many cards, and some expire, so you will want to take stock of what you have before you set out to shop. Take a few moments to learn how to redeem a gift card so you are not caught by surprise.

This is an absolute must if you want to avoid nasty surprises. Find out what fees there are if any, and whether the card expires. Can you redeem more than one card at a time for one purchase? Can you refill the card? Is there a charge every time you use the card or check the balance?

If you are not familiar with the world of gift card fees you might want to read the Mahalo page How to Avoid Gift Card Fees.

Is the card for a local western store and you prefer designer clothing? ...maybe a garden shop, and you prefer books? If you have cards that don't match your buying habits, don't save them to regift next year... they might expire before then. Instead consider exchanging them for cards you would use. How to Swap Gift Cards has some easy instructions if you've never done this.

Make the decision right away so that either you or the person you swap with will have the most time possible to redeem the gift cards.

There are three ways gift cards are generally redeemed.

1. At a merchant location
2. At a merchant website
3. Over the telephone

Whether you have a card for a specific merchant or a bank gift card with a Visa or Mastercard logo on it, merchants will normally accept them at checkout just as they would cash (although the process seems more like using a credit card). Simply present the card and either pay for any remaining balance, or receive the card back if you have not used the entire amount. It is helpful to tell the cashier that you have a gift card when you begin the checkout process.

Many merchant websites have a way to redeem their gift cards online. Some even accept other cards. When you are in the checkout process, look for a box that is clearly labeled for you to enter your gift card. There will be a number or code printed on the card. Enter it in the box and double check it; then submit the information, and proceed through the rest of the checkout process.

Some retailers, like REI, have the option to redeem your gift card by telephone. The order is placed with an operator and you simply give the operator your gift card code to redeem.

There are some gift cards, (again like REI) which require you to also provide a PIN when you redeem your card. This should be stated in the terms and conditions.

Note: If you have not read the terms and conditions for the card you have, go do it before you attempt to redeem the gift card. Failure to do so could cost you.