Quick Tech Tips for Managing Your Digital Gift Card Balances

While digital gift cards are easier to manage than physical gift cards, managing multiple balances along with expiration dates can be tedious. If you’ve ever lost track of gift funds or missed the opportunity to utilize a card within the time limit, you understand the hassle.

With the right tools and smart habits, managing your digital gift card balances seamlessly and accurately is a breeze. Consequently, this guide explains how to better utilize and track gift cards so that you will always know how much value you can optimally utilize.

The Importance of a System for Digital Gift Card Management

Gift cards pose a challenge to users because of a lack of standardization. Countless retailers are generating new gift cards but the old ones still haven’t been dealt with. Over 1.7 billion in gift card balance goes wasted each year due to people simply forgetting that they hold some.

With the right strategies and tech tools streamlining control over balances, one can ensure that not a single dollar remains unspent.

Managing and Monitoring Gift Cards

Email threads and physical plastic cards are a thing of the past. Mobile apps now offer to help store all your digital and physical gift cards in a single location.

Applications like Stocard enable you to scan barcodes and manually enter card details, allowing you to check balances and expiration dates in real time. In addition to this, these apps sync across devices, so you are never without the gift cards, irrespective of the location you choose to shop. 

These applications also allow you to confirm card balances before making a purchase. Therefore, they ensure you max out every cent before card expiry. Additionally, these apps help mitigate losses by monitoring low balances and alerting users to unused funds that are about to expire. 

Simplifying Balance Checks With Retailer Tools

Most large retailers and card issuers have dedicated retail portals for balance inquiries. As such, you can check effortlessly over a phone call and even in shops. To top it all, most retailers have dedicated websites — you only need to input the card number and PIN to see your balance.

Alternatively, you could also call the customer service number on the back of your card and follow the automated prompts to check your balance.

For those who like personal assistance, walking into a store and asking an employee to verify your balance would work, too. With these options, you will not have to guess the balance on your card.

Automating Alerts and Notifications

Reminders and alerts are among the most useful features of automated systems. Merchants and creators of gift card applications have taken a step further by providing options that notify users when their balances are low or when the cards are nearing expiration dates. This ensures that the users do not miss important opportunities to utilize their funds.

If you’re going to visit your favorite cafes and restaurants, set a reminder to check Dunkin gift card balance before visiting. Such financial management schedules are not limited to gift cards but also apply to almost any account.

Best Practices for Security and Organization

Your digital gift cards are just as important to keep safe as tracking their balances. Secure any apps that contain card information with strong passwords or biometric locks. Do not share your card password or app login credentials with anyone.

Avoid keeping physical cards whenever possible. This will reduce clutter and minimize the chances of losing a card. Numerous applications enable users to scan the barcode or enter the card number, instantly adding it to the digital wallet.

If several cards with a small balance are from the same store, inquire whether it is possible to merge balances onto one card. This makes the purse simpler and spending more convenient.

Managing Expiration and Unused Balances

Policies for the expiration of gift cards differ between retailers and geographical locations. Some cards do not expire, and there are others that expire after a certain period. Always read the terms and conditions while receiving a new gift card. 

For those in your account that are near their expiration date, if the balance cannot be fully utilized, consider buying a small item to offset things. Or, if permitted, add value to the card. Many apps and retailer websites provide balance and expiration date checks. 

Conclusion 

Through retailer tools, mobile apps, and smart approaches, digitally managed gift cards are easier to control than ever. Balances are manageable with reduced chances of forgotten funds, expiration losses, and a clear estimate of available spending money.