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The Color of Money: Can the Fed end my hatred of gift cards?

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You can e-mail comments to regs.comments@federalreserve.gov. Be sure to include Docket Number R-1377 in the subject line. You can also mail comments to Jennifer J. Johnson, secretary, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, 20th St. and Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20551.

Here's what I think.

The Fed should be bolder and prohibit any dormancy, inactivity or service fees, not just within the first year. What's the point of those fees anyway?

Oh, I know. The issuer is irritated that many people don't rush to the store right away and spend more than the card is worth, so the fees are a deterrent to holding on to them. In a survey, Consumer Reports noted that of those who were given gift cards last season, 65 percent said they typically spent more than the value of the card.

Consumer Reports also found that one-quarter of those who received gift cards last holiday season still have at least one they haven't used, and 11 percent of recipients have four or more.

As for an expiration date, since consumers pay good money for a gift card, it should never expire. Never.

Readers can write to Michelle Singletary at The Washington Post, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071.

Comments and questions are welcome, but because of the volume of mail, personal responses are not always possible. Please note that comments or questions may be used in a future column, with the writer's name, unless a specific request to do otherwise is indicated.


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