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- Check the balance on your gift card before making a purchase.
- Request a split payment to use the gift card for part of the purchase and pay the rest with another method.
- Combine multiple gift cards with small balances to cover a larger purchase.
- Many online retailers allow you to use gift cards with small balances as part of the payment process.
- Keep track of your gift cards to ensure you use them before they expire or go unused.
- Using a gift card with a small balance can save you money and prevent waste.
Gift cards are a popular and convenient way to pay for goods and services, but what do you do when you have a gift card with a small balance left on it? The good news is that you don’t need to let that small balance go to waste. You can still use your gift card for purchases by taking advantage of a split payment option.
In this blog post, we’ll explore exactly how to use gift cards with small balances and make the most of your remaining credit.
How to Use Gift Cards with Small Balances
Gift cards are often loaded with a set amount of money and used for specific stores or brands. Over time, it’s common to find that a gift card has only a small balance remaining. Rather than letting it sit unused, you can easily apply that remaining balance toward your next purchase. The process is simple, and most stores and online retailers allow you to use gift cards with small balances.
Understanding how to use gift cards with small balances can save you both time and money. You can combine your small balance with another payment method, ensuring that you get the full value of your gift card. Whether you’re shopping in person or online, there are easy ways to make your remaining gift card balance work for you.
Let’s dive into how to use gift cards with small balances and the simple steps you can take to get the most out of your cards.
1. Check the Balance on Your Gift Card
Before heading to the store or making an online purchase, the first thing you need to do is check your gift card balance. This will help you determine how much you have available to spend and avoid any surprises at the checkout.
Most retailers offer several ways to check your gift card balance. You can usually check the balance online by visiting the store’s website and entering the card number and PIN. Alternatively, you can call the retailer’s customer service line for assistance. Some stores may even allow you to check the balance at the point of sale when making a purchase.
Knowing how much is left on your gift card is essential for understanding how much more you need to pay with another method. This small step will help ensure a smooth transaction.
2. Ask for a Split Payment
When you’re ready to make your purchase, the key to using a gift card with a small balance is to request a split payment, also known as a split-tender transaction. This is when you use the gift card for part of the purchase and pay the remaining balance with another payment method, such as cash, credit, or debit card.
The process is straightforward:
- Inform the cashier: Let the cashier know that you want to use the gift card for a portion of your total purchase.
- Pay the difference: Once the gift card has been applied, pay the remaining balance using another payment method. This could be a credit card, debit card, or cash.
Most retailers and stores are familiar with split payments, and they can help you apply the gift card balance to your purchase while covering the rest with another form of payment.
It’s important to be clear with the cashier from the start so they can handle the transaction accordingly. This approach is widely accepted at both brick-and-mortar stores and online retailers.
3. Combine Multiple Small Balances
If you have several gift cards with small balances, don’t worry—you can often combine them into a single transaction. Instead of trying to use each card individually, you can apply the balances of multiple cards toward your total purchase.
For example, if you have three gift cards, each with a $5 balance, you can combine the $15 total to pay for a larger purchase. This is especially helpful when you want to clear out several small balances instead of letting them pile up.
To combine small balances:
- Check if combining is allowed: Some retailers may have limitations on combining gift cards, so it’s always a good idea to ask. However, most will allow you to apply multiple gift cards in one transaction.
- Ensure that the total value covers your purchase: If the combined total doesn’t cover the entire purchase, you’ll still need to pay the remaining balance with another payment method.
Using multiple gift cards with small balances together is a great way to avoid wasting money. It also helps you make sure that all of your gift cards get used up efficiently.
4. Consider Using Gift Cards for Online Purchases
You don’t have to limit yourself to in-store purchases when using gift cards with small balances. Many online retailers also allow you to use gift cards as part of your payment method. This means you can apply your gift card to your online order, just like you would in a physical store, and pay the remaining balance with a credit card, debit card, or other payment methods.
Here’s how you can use gift cards with small balances online:
- Add your gift card to your account: Some online stores allow you to add gift cards to your account balance, while others require you to enter the gift card number at checkout.
- Pay the remaining balance: If the gift card doesn’t cover the full cost, you can pay the difference using another method.
Online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target allow you to split payments between gift cards and other payment methods. By checking the balance on your card beforehand, you can ensure you’re making the most of it without leaving money behind.
It’s a convenient way to use your remaining gift card balance for items you might otherwise have to pay for in full with another payment method.
5. Keep Track of Your Gift Card Balances
To make the most of your gift cards, especially those with small balances, it’s important to keep track of them. Many people forget about the remaining balances on their gift cards and let them expire or go unused. By staying organized and keeping track of your cards, you can ensure you’re making the most of every cent.
Here are a few tips for keeping track of your gift cards:
- Use a gift card tracker app: Several apps are available that help you keep track of your gift card balances, expiration dates, and locations.
- Store your cards in one place: Keep your gift cards together in your wallet or a designated card holder so that you don’t forget about them.
Keeping track of your gift cards will help you take action when you want to use them, whether that’s for a smaller purchase or by combining them with other payment methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the related questions people also ask:
Can I use a gift card with a small balance in-store?
Yes, you can use a gift card with a small balance in-store by requesting a split payment, where the gift card covers part of the purchase and another payment method, like cash or credit card, covers the rest.
How do I check the balance on my gift card?
You can check your gift card balance by visiting the retailer’s website, calling customer service, or checking the balance in-store at the point of sale.
What is a split payment?
A split payment, also known as a split-tender transaction, is when you use multiple payment methods to pay for one purchase. For example, using a gift card for part of the cost and paying the remaining balance with a credit card.
Can I combine multiple gift cards with small balances?
Yes, many retailers allow you to combine the balances of multiple gift cards in one transaction, making it easier to use up small amounts on each card.
Can I use a gift card with a small balance for online purchases?
Yes, many online retailers allow you to use gift cards with small balances as part of your payment at checkout, and you can pay the remaining balance with another method.
What happens if my gift card doesn’t cover the full purchase amount?
If your gift card doesn’t cover the full cost of the purchase, you can pay the remaining balance with another payment method, like cash, credit, or debit card.
Are there any restrictions on using gift cards with small balances?
While most retailers allow gift cards with small balances to be used, some might have limitations, such as not allowing multiple gift cards to be combined or requiring a minimum purchase amount.
How can I prevent my gift card balance from going unused?
Keep track of your gift card balances by checking them regularly and using them before they expire. You can also use apps to help track your gift card balances.
Do all stores allow split payments with gift cards?
Most stores do allow split payments, but it’s always a good idea to confirm with the cashier or check store policies beforehand to ensure the option is available.
The Bottom Line
Knowing how to use gift cards with small balances is a great way to get the most out of your cards and avoid leaving money on the table. Whether you’re in-store or shopping online, it’s easy to apply the remaining balance of a gift card toward your purchase. By requesting a split payment, checking your gift card balance, and combining multiple small balances, you can ensure that your gift cards don’t go unused.
Additionally, online retailers offer convenient options for applying gift cards to purchases, which means you don’t have to limit yourself to in-store shopping. Stay organized by keeping track of your gift cards, and make sure to use them before they expire.
The next time you find yourself with a gift card that has only a small balance, you’ll know exactly how to use gift cards with small balances, making the most of every penny. So, don’t let those small gift card balances sit unused—take advantage of these tips and get the full value out of your gift cards.