Inactivity Fees and Expiration Dates Note all of the information clearly defined as printed or embossed on the front and back of this rewards card. For example, if you have a gift card good at Chili’s restaurants in your possession, it is most likely also good at Maggiano’s Little Italy, as those two restaurant chains are brands under Brinker International - so if you would rather have a meal of Chicken Parmesan with pasta at Maggiano’s instead of a hamburger with French fries at Chili’s, you have that option.Ĭheck the fine print on your gift card to see exactly where it can be used. On the positive side, some gift cards are good at multiple establishments because they are part of the same company. You might have $30.00 in value on that Bed, Bath and Beyond gift card but it will do you no good in paying for your shrimp scampi dinner at Red Lobster - unless, of course, you were able to sell or trade it. Like miles and points, gift cards are limited in scope as to where you can use them. Here is a list of the six pitfalls of gift cards into which you should be careful not to fall. …but you also have to watch out for the six pitfalls of gift cards - because if you do not pay attention, you could get burned. You can get gift cards for just about any company at many denominations of value - such as a gift card to a restaurant worth $25.00…Ħ Pitfalls of Gift Cards Which Can Cost You Serious Money Unlike frequent travel loyalty program miles and points - in which I questioned in this article as to whether or not they are a currency - gift cards use actual currency to comprise its value.