Many people have forgotten money in gift cards and credits [Video]

(InvestigateTV) — Bankrate found that more than 4 in 10 Americans have at least one unused gift card, voucher or store credit.

The average consumer holds a value of $244. That’s up from $187 in unused cards last year.

Nationwide, Americans have a total of $27 billion in unused gift cards.

Ted Rossman with Bankrate said this really surprised him since gift cards represent real money, and with so many consumers struggling against inflation, that untapped value could help.

“You put it in a junk drawer, you put it in the bottom of your wallet and purse and it’s never seen again,” Rossman related. “Use this, especially with the holiday’s coming up. Put a plan together, be intentional, even if it’s not a store you particularly like, maybe there is someone on your gift list who would love it. You could give them the card, or you could buy something with the card.”

Rossman said …