: Some apps, like EverUp , allow you to earn a percentage of cashback when purchasing gift cards for various brands [12]. Purchase Checklist & Safety Tips

: The IRS generally considers gift cards as "cash equivalent" income. If you are a business giving them to employees, the value is typically reportable as taxable income regardless of the dollar amount [4].

To ensure the card is valid and your money is safe, follow these expert recommendations from the FTC and other financial sources:

: It is best to use a gift card as soon as possible after receiving or purchasing it to reduce the risk of it being compromised by scammers [9].

: For business needs, such as employee rewards, platforms like Uber for Business allow you to send cards in bulk using email lists [2].

Buying gift cards is a straightforward process whether you are an individual shopper or a business. You can purchase them as physical cards or digital "eGift" cards through major retailers, official store websites, or specialized corporate platforms.

: You can buy cards in-person at physical stores or through their official websites. For example, Lululemon offers both physical cards in-store and eGift cards online via their partner, CashStar [13].

: Always save your purchase receipt as proof of ownership in case the card has technical issues [3].