GIFTCARD

Frequently asked questions

Still have questions about GiftCard? You will find answers to most of your questions here.

1. What is a GiftCard?

The GiftCard is a card that is processed electronically by a payment terminal. It is the modern alternative to a gift voucher. Once activated, a GiftCard can be used to pay for goods with the corresponding merchant up to a certain, set amount.

2. Where can I buy GiftCards?

Ask for a GiftCard next time you make a purchase in your favourite store.

3. Where can I use my GiftCard?

The card is only valid for use with the merchant where the GiftCard was bought. This merchant is named on the card.

4. How do I use my GiftCard?

The GiftCard is easy to use. You inset the card into the terminal to pay in the same way as a debit or credit card. You don’t have to enter a PIN code or provide a signature. Once you have pressed the OK key, the amount is deducted from your balance.

5. Is my GiftCard transferable?

Yes. The GiftCard is impersonal and transferable. It can be passed on or given as a present with no problem.

6. No amount is shown on my GiftCard – how much is on the card.

The GiftCard is a card with no value shown (no pre-defined value). You can check the balance at any time online at www.giftcard.ch. Alternatively, you can ask at the outlet where your GiftCard was issued – however, it is not possible to check your balance in any other store. In addition, the remaining balance shown on the receipt every time you use the Gift Card.

7. How can I check the balance on my GiftCard?

This card is a GiftCard with no indication of value (no predefined amount). You can consult your balance 24 hours a day via "Consult card data" or by following the instructions presented in point 7.

8. The balance on my GiftCard is wrong – what can I do?

You can obtain authoritative information regarding your remaining balance at any time online at www.giftcard.ch.

9. Why is there a CVC2 on the GiftCard?

The CVC2 is provided to allow for the GiftCard to be used on the Internet at some point in the future.

10. The online query function doesn’t work – what can I do?

In this case, you should contact the store for which your GiftCard was issued. The store will record the information and pass it on.

11. Can I have my GiftCard paid out in cash?

That is up to the individual merchant. Please ask the merchant concerned.

12. What happens to any remaining balance?

You can continue to use any remaining balance so long as the GiftCard is valid. The card is valid for 24 months from the date of activation, after which the remaining balance expires.

13. Can I top up a GiftCard?

No, it is not possible to top up a GiftCard at present.

14. Is the number of transactions limited with a GiftCard?

No, so long as you still have credit, you can use a GiftCard as often as you want.

15. Can I use several GiftCards when shopping?

In theory, you can fully use up the GiftCard and pay for any extra amounts using a new GiftCard, a credit or debit card, or cash. But we would recommend you clear this with the store before making your purchase.

16. I can’t read my PIN code any more – what can I do?

Unfortunately it’s not possible to issue a new PIN code. You can, however, check the balance directly in-store.

17. How can I found out how much longer my GiftCard is valid for?

You can check the expiry date online at www.giftcard.ch any time you want. The expiry date is similarly shown on the receipt every time you use the card.

18. Can I extend the validity of a GiftCard?

No. The 24-month period of validity from the date of activation is fixed. Please refer to the expiry date shown on the receipt.

19. My card has expired – can I get the unused balance back?

According to the General Terms and Conditions which you have accepted, you are not entitled to reimbursement of any unused credit on an expired GiftCard.

20. What happens to empty/used GiftCards?

You can return used or empty GiftCards to the appropriate stores, which will ensure appropriate disposal.

21. What happens if I lose my card?

Lost or stolen GiftCards are not frozen or replaced. GiftCards should be treated in the same way as cash. Please refer to the General Terms and Conditions, which you accept by buying a GiftCard.

22. My card doesn’t work – what can I do?

You should get in touch with the merchant who issued the GiftCard. He will check why the card isn’t working and take whatever steps may be necessary.