Everywhere you turn today, you will probably see an advertisement for gift cards. Retail stores, gas stations, restaurants, movie theaters, even McDonalds and grocery stores have gift cards.

Gift cards, while great for birthdays, holidays, and thank you gestures, can be used for more than gift giving. Here are a few situations where a gift card can be very beneficial:

1. You do not have a credit card or a checking and you need to pay a bill online or by telephone, if it has a MasterCard or VISA logo.
2. You want to make an online purchase and you don't want to reveal your personal information.
3. You need to send someone money.

Gift cards come in different denominations, and some are even reloadable. Many stores will allow you to purchase a gift card for whatever amount you choose. Some display the VISA or MasterCard logo. These cards, allow the recipient the added benefit of being able to shop or use the card anywhere that displays the VISA or MasterCard logo. Some cards have special pre-printed logos such as "Thank You," or "Happy Birthday."

Gift cards are also being used more and more as marketing tools for companies. Car dealers give away gas cards with the purchase of a car. Radio stations give them away in lieu of cash. Employers have even given them to employees for special occasions. The list goes on and on, and if you go to your local drug store, more than likely you will find a multi-display of gift cards with everything from American Express to Chili's.

The reloadable gift cards are great if you send someone money on a regular basis, such as a college student or a family member. Once the recipient has the card you can easily add more funds when needed. It can even be used for teens to promote good spending habits by forcing them to budget a limited amount of funds.

While some people knock gift cards as a cheap way out of giving a thoughtful gift, they can be used in many other useful ways for family, friends, or even for yourself.