How to Replace Lost Gift Cards and Damaged Gift Cards

It happens. Gift cards get lost. If you or the gift card giver saved the receipt, you will be able to cancel the old card and receive a new card at most retailers. Gift cards also get damaged by water or if they are made with thin plastic they can bend and break. Lost, stolen and damaged cards can be replaced, if you have back-up information related to the original purchase of the gift card, or if you have the card numbers available.

Tips on Safeguarding Gift Cards

1. Save the Receipts

The best way to safeguard your holiday gift cards is to save and store the receipts.

2. Copy the Back of the Card

If you do not have access to the original receipts, make a copy of the front and the back of the gift card before you stick the card in your wallet.

3. Record Card Information

Write down the store or type of card, the account number, access number, and/or any pin numbers on the back of the card. Keep the paper at home, in a safe place. If you lose the actual card, you will still have the information you need for the retailer to cancel the lost card and re-issue you a card with the full or remaining balance, whichever is applicable.

4. Register the Card

Some retailers will enable you to register your gift card, or redeem them online for future use. Visa cards can be registered, and Apple iTune cards can be redeemed and a balance will be created on your iTunes account.

Without the receipt or a record of the numbers, retailers will have no way to track your original purchase and you will not be able to replace your gift card through the retailer.

Replace Lost Gift Cards and Damaged Gift Cards

Apple Store and Apple iTunes

To report a lost Apple Store or Apple iTunes gift card you can call Apple at 1-800-MY-APPLE. Or go to your local Apple store.

American Express Gift Card Lost

If you lost your American Express gift card you can call call American Express at 1-877-AXP-GIFT.

Applebee's Gift Card Lost

If you lost your Applebee's gift card you can call Applebee's at 1-800-252-6722. Give Applebee's the number on the receipt or from the card when you call.

MasterCard Gift Card Lost

In order to report a lost MasterCard gift card, you need to know which retailer sold the card.

Simon Gift Card Lost

If you lose your Simon gift card you need the gift card numbers on the receipt if you want to replace the card, according to Simon.com

Target

To replace a lost Target gift card, you can call Target at 1-800-544-2943. You will need the original receipt. Target will replace the remaining balance on the card, according to Target.

Walmart

The only way to replace a remaining balance on a Walmart card is if you previously registered the card at Walmart.com, according to Walmart.

Sources

American Express, http://www.americanexpress.com/gift/giftcardslanding.shtml

Applebee's, http://www.applebees.com

MasterCard, http://www.mastercard.com/us/personal/en/aboutourcards/gift_prepaid/

Simon.com, http://www.simon.com/mall/customer_service.aspx?ID=191

Target, http://www.target.com