On the lookout for a last-minute reward? Present playing cards are a preferred choice for these tight on time, however purchaser beware – not all playing cards are equal.
RateCity has printed a listing of the naughty and good reward playing cards available on the market from main retailers like Bunnings, Kmart, Coles and JB Hello-Fi that can assist you resolve the place to get one of the best worth this Christmas.
RateCity analysis director Sally Tindall stated reward playing cards are nice for items as a result of they are often purchased in “just some clicks” however warned some are riddled with hidden charges and circumstances that may chew down the highway.
“Whereas quick expiry dates and post-purchase charges are largely a factor of the previous, customers ought to nonetheless be on their toes when shopping for reward playing cards,” she stated.
Test for hidden charges
“Earlier than you hit the ‘purchase now’ button, learn the phrases and circumstances, examine for any hidden charges and ensure the cardboard fits the particular person you are shopping for for.”
Main manufacturers like Bunnings, JB Hello-Fi, Cotton On and Amazon have all made RateCity’s reward card good listing this 12 months – their playing cards all have perks like skipping supply prices should you store on-line.
However others have been named on the “naughty” listing, together with giftcardstore.com.au, which carries charges as excessive as $21 for a $500 card.
Qantas additionally made the naughty listing due to a $45 payment per passenger for bookings made by its contact facilities, net airport areas chat and social media – though there are not any on-line reserving charges.
Ms Tindall additionally pointed to laws handed in 2019 that requires reward playing cards to have a minimal expiry interval of three years, with dates clearly offered on playing cards.
Three-year expiry date
“When searching for a present card, examine the expiry and if it is sooner than December 2025, inform them that is not ok,” she stated.
“Folks making an attempt to restrict single-use plastics can go for a present card that’s reloadable, or higher nonetheless give an e-card and bypass plastic altogether.”
RateCity has quite a few ideas for Australians shopping for reward playing cards this 12 months:
- Learn the phrases and circumstances to make sure they’re simple to redeem
- Search for hidden charges. If there are any, strive different retailers
- Purchase playing cards from websites and belief. Test hyperlinks are safe
- Permit time for e-gift playing cards to be processed. It will probably take just a few hours for an e mail to be processed.
