Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for enabling gift card recipients to redeem gift card amounts using existing payment accounts. A method identifies a giver and recipient of a gift card amount and associated accounts. A policy is established which governs how the gift card is redeemed, such as a specific merchant or item. A notification is sent to the recipient that hides a parameter of the policy. When the recipient takes an action associated with the parameter, the parameter is revealed to the recipient. The recipient makes purchases using their normal purchasing credit/debit card via a qualifying purchase according to the policy, and the gift card is applied automatically.