Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and if you're looking for something to get for your significant other, then Facebook's got the perfect thing for you: a gift card.
Okay, it's probably not a great idea for Valentine's Day, but for any other occasion it might just do, especially when you're in a pinch.
"I don't buy things on Facebook!" you say, and, sure, I hear you. But Facebook cards aren't really intended for Facebook. Instead, it's a reusable gift card that can hold multiple accounts, meaning if it gets popular enough, you can say goodbye to the days of carrying around multiple cards just in case you head to a specific store.
Here's how it works: First, much like buying a regular gift card, you have to choose a store. Go to Facebook's Gift Cards and Digital category and choose, say, Target. Once you've selected an outlet, fill out the dollar amount you want to gift and complete the transaction.
Boom! You're done. Your friend will be notified by email that he's received a gift card, and a few days later he or she will find a physical Facebook card in the mail. Your friend can then take the card to Target and buy whatever they desire.
Once the card is drained of cash, though, there's no need to cut it up or toss it out, because once you have a card it can be refilled with cash for the same outlet, other stores, or both.
"After you've received a card, the next time you get a Facebook Card gift, it will instantly be added to your existing card," read Facebook's blog.
The card is capable of holding money for multiple accounts, too, and each account is tied to the specific retailer. Balances can be checked on Facebook via desktop or mobile platform; all you have to do is visit your account settings and see how much is left.
So far, there are only four retailers supporting the card: Target, Sephora, Jamba Juice, and Olive Garden. Gifts can even be split up between multiple retailers.
The service will eventually be available for everyone in the U.S.
