Summarize the following:
Unless otherwise listed, it is likely to charge an inactivity fee of approximately $2.50 per month after the first year. This way you will know how much you can spend with the remaining balance. Bring it to the till when you are done. They will swipe it like a credit card and deduct the purchase price. You won't be charged an inactivity fee that month if you have used it.

Summary:
Use your retail gift card at a location within one year of when it was purchased. Ask a store clerk to check the balance on your gift card. Acquire your merchandise. Hand the clerk your gift card after they ring up your merchandise. Take your card back if you have a remaining balance. Give up empty gift cards to the clerk unless you plan to refill it.