Montgomery County, Maryland's Office of Consumer Protection has released its fifth annual gift card study called, "Gift Cards 2007: Best and Worst Retail Cards; A Deeper View of Bank Cards Doesn't Improve Their Look " The report contains valuable information and recommendations regarding gift cards issued by 22 stores and restaurants and 20 banks/financial institutions.

"With consumers annually spending over $80 billion nationwide to purchase gift cards, it is important for them to have good information so they can buy the best cards and avoid the worst," said OCP Administrator Evan Johnson, author of the report.

Consumers looking to prepaid gift cards to assist in their holiday shopping are confronted with understanding and comparing a variety of fees, charges, time limits and rules. In addition, more sellers this year are offering bank cards carrying the logo of American Express, Discover, MasterCard or Visa, which can be used at more than one store.

The report analyzes cards based on several criteria, recommends cards with the most attractive features, and warns consumers about purchasing other gift cards.

The report fully discusses the following findings:

1. Out of the 22 retail cards studied, the 18 recommended are: Abercrombie & Fitch, Best Buy, Blockbuster, Circuit City, Crate & Barrel, Gap, JC Penney, KB Toys, Kohl's, Lowe's, Nordstroms, Old Navy, PetSmart, Sears, Sports Authority, Starbucks, Target and Wal-Mart.
2. The four retail cards not recommended are: Bloomingdale's, Claire's, Macy's and Shell. Bloomingdale's and Macy's have expiration dates, while Shell and Claire's may impose monthly "dormancy fees." Local consumers should note that Maryland law prohibits imposing fees or expiration dates on retail cards sold in the state after June 30, 2006, until the cards are four years old.
3. All the bank cards studied impose a purchase/processing fee above the initial value of the cards. They also deduct post-purchase fees and have expiration dates. Maryland law does not prohibit bank cards from imposing fees or expiration dates. In addition, the report found that some bank cards, their packaging, or their websites do not adequately disclose the cards' terms.

"Sellers certainly do not make it easy for consumers to comparison shop for these cards," said OCP Director Eric Friedman. "This report is intended to give consumers a fighting chance to make wise selections."

The Office of Consumer Protection investigates thousands of complaints each year involving automotive sales and repairs, new home purchases, home improvements, credit issues, retail sales, internet services and most other consumer transactions. OCP provides pre-purchase information to consumers, as well as speakers to the community on consumer issues.