The holiday season is around the corner, meaning shoppers are more than likely about to stock up on gift cards to give their family and friends.

But a recent study commissioned by the Consumer Federation of America found that many consumers still don't understand the rules of bank or cash gift cards issued by companies such as American Express, Visa and Mastercard.

Just 33 percent of those surveyed knew there was a charge to purchase these cards and only 54 percent knew that some of the gift cards charge a monthly fee after 6 to 12 months. Cash and bank gift cards usually cost $4 to $7 to purchase and have monthly fees as high as $4.95 as early as six months after purchase.

As a result of the study, the Consumer Federation of America and the National Association of Consumer Agency Administrators have created a new brochure on gift cards they'll give out at retailers such as CVS and Walgreens. American Express will also give out copies.

You can also access the brochure at www.consumerfed.org. Find Maryland rules at the attorney general's office website.

A new federal law goes into affect in Aug. 2010 that will prohibit fees from being charged on gift cards that have been used in the past 12 months. Until then, use caution when purchasing gift cards.

(photo courtesy of AP)