According to the National Retail Federation, gift cards remain a popular choice this holiday season. A Bankrate survey of 1,001 people revealed that two-thirds of those surveyed had given a gift card as a gift, while two-thirds reported receiving one.

One-third of people requested gift cards from stores and restaurants while just over half (53 percent) preferred “general purpose” cards.

Whether shoppers opt for general purpose or store-specific gift cards, these cards are simple to buy and redeem–for the giver and the receiver–at participating restaurants and stores. These cards are sold and redeemed through the point-of-sale system with no activation or transaction fees.

Wondering how much is left on the card? No problem—Cash Register Express™ and Restaurant Pro Express™ make balances and transaction information available in real time, either at the store it was originally purchased in or between multiple locations. Franchisees or chain locations that issue gift cards can elect to use a processor-based gift card system that will allow multiple stores to claim the redemption.

For more information about how you can issue and redeem gift cards for your store or restaurant, please call pcAmerica at 1-800-722-6374.