Using your gift card
It works as a charitable donation in someone else's name. You buy the card and give it to the recipient; when they redeem it at redcross.org, the full face value is donated to the Red Cross in their name and they receive a donation receipt. Unlike a retail gift card, there is no store credit or remaining balance after redemption.
Each card redeems separately as its own donation at redcross.org. Donors can purchase and send multiple cards to the same recipient, and each redemption counts as a separate donation in the recipient's name.
Through Dyme, amounts of $10, $25, $50, $75, $100, $150, $200, and $500. For donations outside that range, give directly at redcross.org.
Funds support the full Red Cross mission: disaster relief, blood collection and distribution, services to military families, international humanitarian aid, and training in CPR, first aid, and water safety. Unrestricted gifts go where need is greatest. The Red Cross publishes its IRS Form 990 and is rated by Charity Navigator.
Balance, reloads & expiry
Red Cross gift cards do not carry an expiration date, but the donation only counts once the recipient redeems the card. Until then, the funds are held by the issuing partner rather than credited to the Red Cross. Encourage the recipient to redeem promptly.
Refunds, lost cards & acceptance
The card has no cash value and no balance to protect in the traditional sense. If the card is lost before redemption, the donation simply doesn't happen. There is no account credit at stake, no PIN to steal, and no replacement process. If you are concerned about a lost card, contact the issuing partner for assistance.
No. Once purchased, Red Cross gift cards are non-refundable. The card can be re-gifted to another person who can then redeem it, but the purchase itself cannot be reversed for cash.
Buying & corporate
The act of buying the card is not deductible for you. The deduction belongs to the recipient when they redeem it, since the donation is recorded in their name. If you want the tax deduction yourself, donate directly at redcross.org.
Yes. The Red Cross works with businesses on bulk charitable gifting for employee recognition and CSR programs. Contact the Red Cross directly at redcross.org to discuss volume orders and custom programs.