American Express is finally dropping their annoying dormancy fees just in time for the holidays. The company previously began charging a $2 per month deduction after an American Express gift card sat dormant for 12 months. Now thanks to consumer complaints and a third party company, the Simon Property Group, no fee American Express gift cards will be rolled out at 230 malls across America. The products are being promoted as the “100% gift” which will most likely fly way over the average consumers head. Most people who buy a gift card expect to receive 100% of the balance on the card regardless of how long they wait to use.

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Although the prepaid American Express gift cards is one of the most popular prepaid credit card gift cards out there, checking the balance can often be challenging. The website is not set up very well and it can take forever to get the right extension on the phone. The following two ways are the easiest ways to check the balance of your American Express gift card:

1) Check American Express Gift Card Balance By Phone, Call 1-877-297-4438

2) Check American Express Gift Card Balance Online, Click Here.

If you discover a balance still remains but would rather get cash for your gift card, consider selling the gift card online. Popular gift card exchange site  Giftah lets you convert your gift cards into cash, the site is easy and fun to use and will get you the most cash for your card

Its that time of year again, where the latest class of college students are finishing up exams and attending their convocations. Most of us know at least one student graduating this year, and we are aware that they are launching into one of the toughest economies in North American since the depression. Thats why graduation gifts this year are more likely to be cold hard cash or a gift card. Although many people frown upon giving cash and gift cards in this economy it is usually exactly what a graduating student needs.

Cash or a nice check makes the best gift, but if a graduating student lives far away and you are planning on mailing the gift a gift card is a better option. The best gift cards to give are the prepaid Visa’s or American Express gift cards, these can be used at any location the credit cards are excepted. If you still want something more personal electronics store gift cards, itunes gift cards or clothing gift cards are always popular with the college crown. Try to figure out what the students plans are for after gradation. If they are traveling then buy a travel gift gift card, if the student is moving into a new apartment an Ikea gift card may be in order.

Cash or gift cards in the best gift for grads in the uncertain economy. The last of their concerns right now is another College sweater or a special fram for their diploma, the current trend for students is survival.