Nearly Half of Americans Have Unused Gift Cards: Don’t Let Yours Go to Waste

Do you have unused gift cards, gathering dust in a drawer? If so, you’re not alone.

According to a recent survey from Bankrate, nearly half of Americans have at least one unused gift card.

While it may seem like a small oversight, these forgotten cards represent a staggering amount of money—$27 billion in total!
 

The Cost of Forgetfulness

On average, Americans have about $244 worth of unused gift cards each.

That’s more than double what it was just three years ago! Ted Rossman, senior industry analyst at Bankrate, believes that one of the biggest culprits is simple forgetfulness.

"Out of sight, out of mind," Rossman explains. “People forget they even have them.”

Losing track of a gift card can feel like losing cash.

Yet, many of us let them sit unused or, worse, expire, which means money is wasted.

If you’ve ever misplaced or forgotten about a gift card, you know how frustrating that can be.
 

Common Gift Card Missteps

Over a third of U.S. adults have lost money due to gift card missteps, including:

• Letting a gift card expire.
• Losing the card.
• Having a store go out of business before you can use the card.

These issues are common, but fortunately, there are ways to avoid them.

To help track your unused gift cards, try using digital wallets like Apple Pay here or Google Wallet here.
 

Make Your Gift Cards Work for You

Instead of letting your gift cards go to waste, consider these tips:

• Use It for Yourself: Treat yourself to something you’ve been wanting. It’s a no-brainer, and you’ll enjoy the benefits!
• Gift It to Someone Else: If the gift card doesn’t fit your needs, why not pass it along? You could gift it to a friend or family member who might use it right away.
• Purchase Merchandise: Instead of saving the gift card for a rainy day, use it to buy something practical, like groceries or household items.

If you want to keep track of your cards, apps like Gift Card Granny can help you manage them efficiently. You can visit them here.
 

Don’t Let $27 Billion Gather Dust

Bankrate keeps a close eye on the unused gift card trend and estimates billions of dollars are sitting idle.

Don't let your gift cards become part of this statistic. Whether it's a small amount or hundreds of dollars, using them wisely ensures you won’t lose out.

Remember, even if you’re not in a hurry to spend the gift card, it’s better to use it before it’s too late.

After all, it’s your money—why let it go to waste?

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