Martin Lewis warns of risks associated with Christmas gift cards

Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis has issued a warning regarding the use of gift cards as Christmas presents. While often seen as a more socially acceptable alternative to cash, vouchers carry specific risks for recipients.

One primary concern is the existence of expiry dates, which may not be clearly communicated to the buyer or the recipient. If a voucher is not used within the specified timeframe, the value may be lost. Additionally, Lewis highlighted the risk of retailer insolvency; if a business goes bankrupt, its gift cards typically become worthless.

Shoppers are advised to verify the expiry dates and assess the financial stability of the retailer before purchasing. Lewis suggested that cash or direct bank transfers remain the most flexible and risk-free options for gifting.