Independent Gift Card Reviews
By Shelley Hunter, Your Consumer Guide to Gift Cards
HOW IT WORKS
GiftCardsYouCanTrust.com is dedicated to providing consumers with reliable and secure gift card options. Each gift card featured on our site has undergone independent certification to ensure it meets requirements, confirming that it is easy to use, fraud-free, and guaranteed.
When a merchant signs up for an independent review of their gift card program via GiftCardReform.com, Shelley Hunter and her independent reviewers test the end-to-end experience as follows:
1.
Purchase Assessment: Buy digital and physical gift cards directly from the merchant to evaluate the purchase process and look for fraud pitfalls.
2.
Redemption Testing: Redeem the gift cards online and in stores (where applicable) to assess their ease of use and flexibility.
3.
Problem Resolution: Clarify the process consumers can follow if there is an issue with their gift card.
4.
Feature Highlighting: Highlight features we love and provide suggestions for improvement.
The results of the comprehensive review are not only shared with the merchant but also made public on GiftCardsYouCanTrust.com. This commitment to transparency is a testament to our dedication to providing reliable and secure gifting options.
To learn more, check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
About Shelley Hunter
Your Consumer Guide to Gift Cards
Shelley Hunter has been the leading voice in the gift card industry for over 15 years, dedicated to helping consumers navigate the complexities of gift cards. In 2009, she launched GiftCardGirlfriend.com (later acquired by Giftcards.com and then Blackhawk Network) to show how to transform gift cards into thoughtful, personalized presents.
However, it quickly became evident that consumers faced more pressing issues, such as what to do when a gift card doesn't work or when the issuing store declares bankruptcy. Shelley addressed these questions (and more!) via her blog, YouTube channel, social media, and traditional media interviews.
With the alarming rise in gift card scams, victim-assisted gift card fraud, complex redemption processes, and other concerns, Shelley left the corporate environment and is now back on her own, working to restore gift cards to their rightful place as simple, fraud-free, and supported gifts.
Her business also includes working with merchants to create consumer-first programs through a partner site—GiftCardReform.com.
Through unwavering commitment to consumer education and advocacy, Shelley remains your trusted expert for all things gift card-related. She aims to equip you with the knowledge you need to make safe and informed gift card choices.
IN THE NEWS
Shelley Hunter is a recognized gift card expert and consumer advocate in the gift card industry. Check out recent news coverage:
FAQ
GiftCardsYouCanTrust.com is a platform dedicated to providing reliable and secure gift card options. We offer independent certification of gift cards to ensure they are easy to use, fraud-free, and guaranteed. Merchants should sign up for a review on GiftCardReform.com.
We purchase physical gift cards directly from the issuing merchant (e.g., store, restaurant, etc.) and test the end-to-end experience. Our rigorous testing includes purchasing gift cards, assessing security features, and evaluating consumer support in case of issues. We also redeem gift cards to ensure ease of use and flexibility.
We review physical gift cards from various merchants to comprehensively assess their performance and reliability. We primarily focus on national and large regional gift cards—those redeemable in multiple locations or popularly redeemed online. Currently, we do not test digital gift cards, as many national merchants use the same providers, resulting in similar experiences across the board.
Our reviews are conducted independently and without bias. Shelley Hunter, a leading expert in the gift card industry with over 15 years of experience, leads the review process to ensure accuracy and reliability.
If you encounter an issue with a gift card, refer to our detailed review for guidance on the problem-resolution process specific to that card. We outline the steps consumers can take and the support they can expect from the merchant.
No, there are no fees for consumers to access our reviews and information. Merchants pay for an independent review but are not allowed editorial control. They can only submit changes if we accidentally report inaccuracies. We aim to provide free, valuable insights to help you make informed gift card purchases.
We may occasionally update reviews to reflect significant changes in a gift card program, but generally, the reviews are repeated annually.
Yes! We welcome suggestions from consumers. If there is a specific gift card you would like us to review, please contact us through our website.
The best gift card to buy is the one you believe the recipient will most enjoy. Beyond that, our reviews highlight each gift card's best features and potential improvements. Please review the detailed posts for the gift cards you are considering to make your decision.
We appreciate your interest in joining our team of independent reviewers. Currently, Shelley personally trains a small group of reviewers to ensure the highest-quality output and attention to the details that matter most.
Why work with us
If you're a merchant, I bring a fresh perspective to your business and will help you create a consumer-first gift card experience. Visit GiftCardReform.com to sign up.
If you're a reporter on a deadline, send up a flare. With hundreds of interviews under my belt, I can provide gift card insights quickly. Or you can join my media list to get updates on gift card news, tips, and trends.
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