The Ultimate Guide to Gift Cards: Perfect Presents for Every Occasion

A gift card is basically free money tucked inside a tiny piece of plastic or a digital code. You load it with a set amount, then hand it over so someone else can pick exactly what they want. Just shop online or in-store, enter the number at checkout, and the balance covers your purchase.

Why Prepaid Cards Have Become the Go-To Present

Prepaid cards have become the go-to present because they solve the core problem of gift cards: wasted value. Unlike a store-specific gift card, a prepaid card works anywhere the recipient shops, so they never have to feign excitement over a brand they don’t use. Recipients gain real spending freedom, whether that means groceries, gas, or a small splurge. Senders gain confidence that their money won’t sit unused in a drawer for years. And for those who dislike choosing gifts, a prepaid card is the rare present that feels personal precisely because it lets the recipient decide. That flexibility makes it the modern default for birthdays, holidays, and thank-yous.

The Psychology Behind Choosing Flexible Gifts

Choosing a flexible gift feels safer because you’re not gambling with someone’s taste. The psychology behind choosing flexible gifts comes down to reducing social risk while still showing you care. You get the warm glow of giving without the quiet worry of a fake smile. It also respects their autonomy, which people love. Here’s how that plays out:

1. You pick the gesture, they pick the item.
2. No size, color, or flavor mistakes.
3. They feel trusted, not managed.

How Digital Wallets Changed Holiday Shopping

Digital wallets turned gift cards into instant, last-minute lifesavers during the holidays. Instead of hunting for a plastic card, you now buy one in seconds and deliver it straight to a friend’s phone, where it sits alongside their other passes. How digital wallets changed holiday shopping is simple: forget printing, wrapping, or shipping. You send a code through text or email, and the recipient taps to add it to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. Redemption happens at checkout with a tap, no fumbling for a physical card. Real-time delivery means a forgotten gift becomes a five-second fix on Christmas morning.

• Buy and send gift cards instantly from your phone, no store trip
• Store balances alongside credit cards for tap-to-pay checkout
• Skip lost plastic and save gift codes directly in the wallet app

Statistics on Consumer Adoption Rates

Consumer adoption of prepaid cards as gifts has accelerated sharply: surveys indicate that nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults have both given and received a prepaid or gift card in the past year, with repeat purchase rates exceeding 80% among prior buyers. Among recipients, redemption within the first month reaches roughly 70%, while givers cite convenience and perceived recipient preference as primary drivers. Demographically, adoption skews toward ages 25–44, who report the highest annual purchase frequency.

Q: How quickly do most recipients actually use prepaid gift cards?
Approximately 70% redeem within the first month, with over 90% redeemed within six months.

Types of Loadable Cards Explained

When Maya received a gift card for her birthday, she discovered it was a closed-loop card, usable only at that specific retailer. Later, her employer gave her an open-loop card, which worked anywhere major cards were accepted. The key difference lies in reloadability. A reloadable gift card lets you add funds after the initial balance runs out, functioning almost like a prepaid debit card. Non-reloadable cards permanently expire once the balance hits zero. Some retailers offer hybrid cards that start as gifts but can be reloaded later. Knowing which type you hold prevents awkward checkout surprises and helps you maximize every dollar stored on the card.

Retailer-Specific Options for Niche Shoppers

For niche shoppers, retailer-specific loadable gift cards align directly with specialized purchasing habits rather than broad spending. A hobbyist who frequents a single craft chain, for example, benefits from reloading that chain’s card because funds remain usable only where the relevant goods are sold. This focus produces three practical outcomes:

1. Reloading occurs at the same retailer’s register or website, avoiding third-party activation steps.
2. Value stays confined to merchants whose inventory matches the shopper’s niche.
3. Balance tracking happens through that retailer’s loyalty or account system.

Consequently, such cards suit buyers who prioritize depth of selection within one brand over flexibility across many.

Multi-Brand Platforms and Mall Networks

Multi-brand platforms and mall networks bundle several retailers under one gift card, letting recipients choose where to spend without carrying separate balances. A mall gift card typically works at any participating store, food court, or cinema inside that specific shopping center, while online multi-brand platforms let you redeem across dozens of affiliated brands from a single code. You usually check the balance, activation, and expiration through the platform’s website or the mall’s customer service desk, not individual stores. These cards offer flexibility, simplify gifting, and reduce the risk of a single-store card going unused.

Multi-brand platforms and mall networks turn one gift card into flexible spending across many participating retailers, making them a practical, high-value choice for both givers and recipients.

Bank-Issued Versions vs. Store-Issued Variants

Bank-issued gift cards carry a payment network logo and are redeemable wherever that network is accepted, while store-issued variants work only at the specific retailer or chain that released them. This distinction determines where a gift card can actually be spent. Bank-issued versions often permit partial authorization, letting a remaining balance stay on the card after a split transaction, whereas store-issued cards typically deduct the full purchase and store any leftover value for future use at that merchant only. Consequently, bank-issued cards offer broader utility but may carry purchase or inactivity fees, while store-issued cards prioritize simplicity and targeted brand redemption.

eGift Codes vs. Physical Plastic

Choosing between eGift Codes vs. Physical Plastic comes down to delivery and use. An eGift code arrives instantly by email or text, so it works perfectly for last-minute gifting and never gets lost in a drawer. Physical plastic, by contrast, feels more tangible and personal, and it can be handed over or tucked into a card. However, plastic can be damaged, demagnetized, or misplaced, while a code is simply redeemed online or in-store with a few keystrokes. For speed and convenience, choose digital; for a traditional, tactile gesture, choose plastic.

Where to Buy Discounted Balance Cards

You can find discounted balance cards at warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club, which often sell multi-pack gift cards for less than face value. Online marketplaces such as Raise and CardCash let you buy verified gift cards at a percentage off, though balances vary. Retailer clearance racks and pharmacy endcaps occasionally drop prices on gift cards for restaurants or streaming services. Always check the card’s activation and expiration terms before buying, since a discount means nothing if the balance is unusable. For the best deals, combine store loyalty points with cashback apps when purchasing discounted balance cards.

Warehouse Clubs and Bulk Savings

Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club routinely sell gift cards at a discount, often 15% to 25% off face value for restaurants, movie theaters, and travel brands. These warehouse club gift card bulk savings let you buy multi-packs or higher-denomination cards, stretching every dollar further. Look for stacked discounts when members-only coupons align with already reduced card prices. Since clubs rotate inventory, check monthly for new offerings. Just remember: most cards are valid nationwide, but some carry expiration dates or regional restrictions. For frequent diners and travelers, this is the simplest way to lock in permanent savings.

Online Marketplaces and Resale Sites

Online marketplaces and resale sites let you buy discounted balance cards from other consumers, often at 5–25% below face value. Platforms like eBay, Raise, and CardCash list cards with verified balances, but you must check expiration dates and return policies before purchasing. Peer-to-peer resale platforms typically require you to pay via credit card for buyer protection, and some hold funds until the card is confirmed valid. A card discounted 30% or more often signals a scam or an unusable partial balance. Always redeem the card immediately after purchase and keep transaction records for disputes.

Cashback Portals and Credit Card Rewards

When sourcing discounted balance cards, cashback portals and credit card rewards can effectively stack savings on top of existing markdowns. A cashback portal may return a percentage of your gift card purchase if you click through its link first, while a rewards credit card can simultaneously earn points or cash back on the same transaction. Because gift card resale sites often categorize as general merchandise, the combined return can meaningfully lower your net cost. However, some portals exclude gift card purchases, so verify the terms before checkout. Always compare the portal’s rate against your card’s category bonus to confirm the discount is real.

Employee Benefit Platforms

Employee benefit platforms often sell gift cards at a discount, making them a smart place to buy balance cards. Through employee benefit platforms, you access negotiated rates on popular retail and dining cards, typically 2–10% below face value. Log into your company’s portal, browse the gift card section, and purchase instantly—no coupon hunting required. Can I buy discounted gift cards through my employee benefit platform? Yes, if your employer offers this perk; check your benefits dashboard or ask HR for access. These platforms deliver digital codes immediately, so you can redeem or regift without delay. Always verify the card’s terms and expiration before buying.

How to Check Your Remaining Balance Instantly

To check your gift card balance instantly, locate the card number and any PIN on the back, then visit the issuer’s official balance-check page or call the toll-free number printed on the card. Always use the issuer’s direct portal rather than third-party sites to avoid phishing. Many retailers also let you scan the card in their mobile app or ask a cashier to run a balance inquiry at checkout. Q: Can I check without a receipt? A: Yes, the card number alone is sufficient. Q: Is there a fee? A: No, balance checks are free. Instant results appear on-screen or via automated phone system.

Phone Hotlines and Automated Systems

Call the issuer’s toll-free number printed on the back of the card and follow the automated menu to hear your balance read aloud. Phone hotlines and automated systems typically require your card number and security code via keypad, then announce the remaining amount without a live agent. Some systems only display the balance after you press a specific option, so listen carefully to avoid disconnection. Q: Can I check my gift card balance without speaking to a person? Yes, most automated systems provide the balance instantly through a recorded voice response, available 24/7.

Mobile Apps and Website Portals

Retailer-specific mobile apps and website portals provide the most direct path to instant gift card balance checks. After logging into your account, navigate to the gift card section, where saved cards often display current balances without manual entry. If the card is not saved, most portals require only the card number and PIN for an immediate readout. Real-time synchronization ensures the balance reflects recent transactions, though third-party apps may introduce delays. For speed and accuracy, prioritize the issuer’s official platform over aggregators.

• Official apps often store gift cards for one-tap balance refreshes.
• Website portals typically show balances alongside transaction histories.
• Account login reduces repeated manual entry of card details.

In-Store Kiosks and Customer Service Desks

To check a gift card balance instantly at a physical store, insert the card at a self-service kiosk or present it to a customer service desk. At an in-store kiosk for gift card balance checks, swipe the magnetic stripe or enter the card number and PIN, then read the remaining amount on screen. If the kiosk is unavailable, visit the customer service desk and ask the associate to scan the card. Follow this sequence:

1. Locate a kiosk or the service desk.
2. Provide the gift card and any required PIN.
3. Confirm the balance displayed or printed.

Maximizing Value: Strategies for Smart Redeemers

To maximize gift card value, prioritize redeeming balances before expiration fees apply, and stack cards during retailer promotions that offer bonus credit. Combine multiple small-balance cards into a single purchase to avoid leftover unusable amounts, and track balances monthly to prevent forfeiture. Use gift cards for essentials first, reserving them for sales or clearance to stretch each dollar further. Not every card should be spent immediately, as holding a zero-fee card during a seasonal discount can yield more value than a rushed purchase. Finally, resell unwanted cards on reputable exchanges only when the resale rate exceeds the effort of direct redemption.

Stacking Promotions with Loyalty Programs

Buy gift cards through a retailer’s loyalty portal to earn points or fuel discounts on the purchase itself, then redeem the card during a separate store promotion. Stacking promotions with loyalty programs lets you collect rewards twice: once when buying the card and again when spending it. Timing the card purchase during a bonus-points event increases returns without altering the card’s face value. Can you stack a gift card promotion with a loyalty offer? Yes, if the loyalty program giftcardmall/mygift credits points on gift card purchases and the store allows promotional discounts at redemption.

Timing Purchases Around Clearance Events

To stretch a gift card furthest, align redemptions with predictable retail clearance cycles rather than spending immediately after receiving the card. Major markdowns typically follow holiday weekends, end-of-season transitions, and inventory resets, when retailers slash prices to clear shelves. Timing purchases around clearance events lets a fixed balance cover more items or higher-ticket goods that were previously out of reach. Start by tracking a store’s typical markdown schedule, then wait for the first wave of reductions before buying. If deeper cuts are likely, hold the card briefly, but avoid waiting too long, since popular sizes and colors sell out fastest at the lowest prices.

Using Partial Balances Before Expiration

Don’t let a lingering gift card balance slip away unused. Start by checking your card’s expiration date, then plan small purchases that chip away at the remaining funds before time runs out. You can also combine a partial gift card balance with another payment method at checkout, ensuring every dollar gets spent. If the balance is tiny, buy a low-cost item or add value to a digital wallet. Remember, some cards allow partial redemption across multiple transactions, so track each use carefully. By acting early and strategically, you squeeze full value from every last cent.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Failure to treat gift cards like cash leads to the most common pitfall: losing value through forgotten balances or missed expiration dates. Always register the card and check its balance immediately after receiving it, then set a calendar reminder to use it before any dormancy fees begin. Another frequent mistake is assuming full flexibility—many cards restrict usage to specific merchants or online only, so read the fine print before gifting. Never purchase gift cards from third-party resale sites unless the seller provides a verified receipt and transferable balance confirmation. Finally, avoid storing card numbers only in your email; photograph both sides and keep the photo in a secure folder to prevent loss if the physical card is misplaced.

Dormancy Fees and Service Charges

Those quiet months after a gift card lands in a drawer are exactly when dormancy fees and service charges can quietly shrink its value. Some cards deduct a monthly maintenance fee once the balance sits unused for a set period, while others charge activation or replacement fees that eat into what you can spend. These charges often apply only after a lengthy inactivity window, so a card you forget for a year may still be untouched. Read the fine print before buying, note the fee schedule, and spend or regift cards early. Watch for:

• Monthly dormancy fees that begin after a stated inactivity period.
• Activation or purchase fees deducted at the register.
• Replacement fees for lost or damaged cards.
• Fees for checking your balance by phone or in person.

Expiration Dates Hidden in Fine Print

Gift card issuers often bury expiration dates in fine print, placing them in terms and conditions rather than on the card itself. Because these dates trigger dormancy fees or full forfeiture, a card can lose value while sitting unused in a drawer. To avoid this pitfall, check the issuer’s terms immediately after purchase and record the deadline. If no date appears, assume a short window and spend promptly. Understanding these hidden clauses prevents silent value loss.

• Check the terms and conditions page, not just the card face.
• Note whether expiration triggers fees or full forfeiture.
• Record the deadline and set a reminder to use the balance.

Fraudulent Scams and Tampered Packaging

Scammers often tamper with gift card packaging by scratching off the PIN or replacing the card with a dummy, then resealing it to look untouched. To protect yourself, always inspect the packaging for tears, stretched plastic, or mismatched adhesive. Tampered packaging and fraudulent scams also include fake barcodes or stickers covering the original code. Never buy cards from open racks or third-party sellers. Instead, purchase directly from the retailer’s secured display or official website.

• Check for loose or re-glued edges on the cardboard backing.
• Scratch the PIN only after purchase, never before.
• Keep your receipt and report any drained balance immediately.

Lost or Stolen Codes: Recovery Steps

If a gift card code is lost or stolen, immediate action determines whether value can be preserved. First, locate the original purchase receipt or digital confirmation, since it often contains the card number and proof of purchase. Contact the retailer’s customer service and request a gift card code recovery review; provide the receipt, card number if known, and any activation details. Many issuers can freeze remaining funds and reissue a replacement only when ownership is verifiable. Without a receipt, recovery is unlikely, so treat the code like cash.

Q: Can a stolen gift card code be recovered after it is redeemed?
Generally no. Once redeemed, funds are gone; recovery depends on issuer discretion and police involvement.

Legal Protections and Consumer Rights

When you buy a gift card, federal law generally protects you from unexpected expiration for at least five years from the purchase date. If funds are deducted for inactivity fees, those fees can only apply if the card was inactive for a full year, and the card’s terms must clearly disclose this fee before purchase. You also have the right to request a replacement card if the original is lost or stolen, though a fee may apply. If a merchant goes bankrupt, you may become an unsecured creditor, meaning your card balance could be lost. Always keep your receipt and card number as proof of purchase.

Federal Rules on Expiration and Fees

Under the federal gift card expiration and fee rules, cards must remain valid for at least five years from the date of purchase or last reload. Dormancy, inactivity, or service fees are prohibited unless the card has been unused for twelve consecutive months, and even then, only one such fee may be charged per month. These protections apply to store gift cards and most general-use prepaid cards, but not to loyalty, promotional, or reloadable cards lacking a expiration date. Q: Can a gift card lose value just by sitting unused? Only after a full year of inactivity, and never more than once monthly.

State-Specific Variations You Should Know

Where you live can completely change what happens to your gift card balance. Some states require retailers to let you cash out small remaining balances, while others leave that decision entirely to the store. Certain states also prohibit expiration dates on cards, but the minimum dollar amount for redemption varies. State-specific gift card variations also affect whether unused value goes to the government or stays with the issuer after inactivity. To protect your money, always check your state’s rules before assuming a card is worthless once it sits too long.

• Some states mandate cash refunds for balances under a set amount, often $5 or $10.
• Expiration dates may be banned in your state but allowed in a neighboring one.
• Inactivity fees are restricted or capped only in certain states.
• Unclaimed card value may be transferred to the state instead of the retailer keeping it.

Filing Complaints with Attorneys General

When a retailer ignores your gift card grievance, filing complaints with attorneys general can escalate the issue beyond customer service. Your state attorney general’s consumer protection division accepts online or mailed complaints about frozen funds, denied balances, or missing disclosures. These offices often mediate rather than litigate, so your documented purchase and denial letter matter more than legal arguments. Include the card number, store location, and a clear timeline. Some attorneys general publish complaint forms specific to gift cards; others use a general consumer form. Expect a response within weeks, but not a personal payout. Filing also flags repeat offenders for broader investigations.

Best Practices for Sending Business Incentives

To make your business incentives truly land, pair each gift card with a clear, personal message explaining exactly why the recipient earned it. Choose digital delivery for instant gratification, but always confirm the recipient’s preferred email or mobile number before sending to avoid wasted rewards. Set a sensible expiration date and state it upfront, then follow up with a friendly reminder a few days before it lapses. Track redemption to measure what works, and never send a gift card as a generic blast—segment your audience so every incentive feels intentional, timely, and genuinely appreciated.

Corporate Bulk Ordering and Custom Branding

When placing a corporate bulk gift card order, consolidate recipients into a single spreadsheet with exact denominations and delivery dates to avoid processing delays. Request custom branding options such as a company logo, tailored card sleeves, or personalized messages that reinforce your incentive program. Always confirm minimum order quantities and lead times before committing, since branded cards often require extra production days. Centralize distribution through digital delivery or bulk shipping to one address, then redistribute internally for control. Q: Can I customize each card in a bulk order? Yes, many suppliers allow variable loads and individual branding per card, but you must specify these details upfront.

Tax Implications for Employers and Recipients

Employers must treat gift cards as taxable wages when given as performance rewards, which means withholding payroll taxes and reporting the value on Form W-2. For recipients, the tax implications for employers and recipients differ sharply: you owe income tax on the fair market value, even if you never redeem the card. To stay compliant and avoid surprise liabilities, clearly document each incentive’s purpose, consult a tax professional, and consider grossing up awards so employees receive the intended benefit without a reduced net value. Proper planning protects both your business and your team.

Tracking Redemption for B2B Campaigns

Tracking redemption for B2B campaigns requires assigning unique gift card codes to each recipient so you can monitor activation and spend. Use your gift card provider’s dashboard to track redemption rates by campaign, then segment results by team, region, or reward tier. Set up automated alerts for unused cards nearing expiration, and follow up with non-redeemers to remove barriers. Compare performance across multiple campaigns in a simple table to identify which incentive amounts or delivery timing drive higher engagement, allowing you to refine future B2B gift card sends.

Creative Ways to Personalize a Monetary Present

Turn a plain gift card into a memorable treasure hunt by hiding it inside a series of sealed envelopes, each with a playful clue leading to the next. Write a tiny poem or riddle on the card’s sleeve that hints at the amount’s purpose, like “For tacos, tunes, or a Tuesday treat.” Pair the card with a small, themed item—a coffee mug for a café card or a movie ticket stub for a streaming card. Q: What if the card has no physical form? A: Send a digital card via email with a personalized video message or a custom meme. You can also create a mini photo album where the last page reveals the gift card taped behind a picture.

Pairing with Handwritten Notes or Small Trinkets

Tuck a gift card inside a handwritten note that explains the memory behind it, turning a simple swipe into a story worth keeping. Pairing with handwritten notes or small trinkets lets you anchor the cash value to a shared moment, like a coffee date or road trip. Slip in a pressed flower, a lucky coin, or a photo booth strip for instant charm. Even a tiny keychain or a favorite candy can add delight without clutter. The note does the emotional work; the trinket adds texture. Together, they make the gift card feel curated, not generic.

DIY Holders and Scavenger Hunt Clues

Turn a gift card into an adventure by crafting a DIY holder and scavenger hunt clue set that builds anticipation before the reveal. Slip the card inside a decorated matchbox, film canister, or origami envelope, then hide it somewhere meaningful. Write rhyming clues on folded paper strips, each leading to the next location—under a pillow, inside a cereal box, behind a photo frame. Use a final clue that points to the holder itself. This approach transforms a simple gift card into an interactive experience, making the search as memorable as the reward.

Digital Delivery with Animated Messages

Send a gift card by email or text and pair it with a short animated message that plays the moment it opens. Choose a card, then select animated digital delivery to add motion, music, and a personal voice note or typed greeting. Customize the animation with the recipient’s name, a celebratory theme, and the exact amount. Schedule the send for a birthday morning or a payday surprise so it lands at the right time. The recipient taps the link, watches the animation, and redeems the balance instantly. This turns a simple code into a moment they will replay.

Future Trends: What’s Next for Stored-Value Products

Expect gift cards to become programmable stored-value instruments tied to a digital wallet identity, letting recipients split balances across multiple merchants or convert unused value into other stored-value products. Real-time balance portability will replace single-issuer silos, so a card bought at one brand can fund a purchase at a partner without manual exchange. Practically, users should soon set expiration reminders, auto-top-up rules, and spending caps directly in the card interface. Merchant-agnostic redemption will reduce breakage and force issuers to compete on flexibility, not restrictions. For practitioners, the key shift is treating a gift card as a dynamic account, not a fixed voucher, and designing every user touchpoint around transferability, transparency, and instant reconciliation.

Blockchain-Based and Crypto-Linked Options

Imagine a gift card that lives as a digital token you can send instantly, split with friends, or swap for another brand without waiting on a cashier. Blockchain-based and crypto-linked gift cards work like programmable vouchers: the balance sits in a wallet, and a smart contract releases funds only when redeemed. You can transfer value peer-to-peer, track every redemption on a public ledger, and sometimes earn tiny crypto rewards. Just double-check wallet compatibility and whether the card expires, since losing your private key means losing the balance. It’s convenience with a bit more responsibility.

Subscription-Style Recurring Loads

Imagine a gift card that tops itself up. Subscription-style recurring loads let you schedule automatic value additions—weekly, monthly, or custom—so the balance never runs dry. Perfect for teen allowances, coffee habits, or gaming credits. You set the amount and cadence once, then the card refills like a streaming plan. Just link a funding source, choose a reload trigger, and pause anytime.

Q: Can I cancel a recurring load without losing the card? Yes—pause or delete the schedule while keeping the current balance intact. No fees, no hassle, just seamless reloading on your terms.

AI-Driven Personalization and Recommendations

Future gift card platforms will use machine learning to analyze redemption patterns, browsing history, and purchase timing, enabling AI-driven personalization and recommendations that suggest the ideal card type, value, and brand for each recipient. Instead of static denominations, the system can propose dynamic balances or curated merchant bundles based on a user’s past gifting behavior. Recommendations may also surface complementary add-ons, such as a coffee card paired with a local bakery credit. Over time, the model refines suggestions by learning which gifts are redeemed quickly versus forgotten, helping senders avoid mismatched choices and increasing the likelihood of meaningful redemption.

What Exactly Is a Gift Card and How Does It Store Value

Digital Codes vs Physical Plastic: Key Differences Explained

How Funds Are Loaded, Held, and Drawn Down on a Card

Where and How You Can Redeem Your Prepaid Balance

Using a Card Online: Step-by-Step Checkout Process

In-Store Swiping, Scanning, and Manual Code Entry

What to Do When a Merchant Won’t Accept Your Card

Types of Gift Cards and Which One Fits Your Needs

Open-Loop Cards Usable Almost Anywhere vs Closed-Loop Store Cards

Multi-Store and Mall Cards for Flexible Gifting

E-Gift Cards Delivered Instantly by Email or Text

Smart Tips to Get the Most Value From Your Card

How to Check Your Balance Without Calling Customer Service

Avoiding Common Pitfalls Like Inactivity Fees and Expiration Dates

Combining Multiple Cards or Split Payments at Checkout

What to Do If Your Card Is Lost, Stolen, or Never Arrives

Answers to the Most Common Gift Card Questions

Can You Return an Item Bought With a Card for Cash Back

Do You Need to Register Your Card to Protect the Balance

Why Some Cards Charge a Fee to Activate or Replace

How to Regift or Transfer an Unused Balance to Someone Else