But not all recipients are thrilled. If you don’t use them quickly enough, often within one year, cards can expire or issuers may start deducting monthly fees from the balance. Lose a card, and it really is just like cash–gone for good.
Home Depot and Starbucks recently started replacing lost cards; others may follow. Different cards have different policies, so read the small print. If you choose carefully, a gift card may still beat that tie.
