“New Federal Reserve rules provide important protections when you purchase or use gift cards. Here are some key changes that apply to gift cards sold on or after August 22, 2010. Covered by the new rules:

• Store gift cards, which can be used only at a particular store or group of stores, such as a book store or clothing retailer.
• Gift cards with a MasterCard, Visa, American Express, or Discover brand logo. These cards generally can be used wherever the brand is accepted. (Not all cards with a brand logo are covered; see “Other prepaid cards” for exceptions.)