Giftale stores gift-card content locally by default, and local use does not require an account. When you create or use an online account—including to receive a share—we process the account, authentication, subscription, sharing and sync metadata needed for those features. Cloud wallet documents are encrypted on your device and exchanged directly with Google Drive.
TL;DR - The Simple Version
- Readable card content stays on your device by default - Optional online features process limited account and operational metadata
- Cloud wallet documents are encrypted on your device and exchanged directly with Google Drive, not through Giftale servers
- No advertising tracking - We do not use advertising analytics
- Account optional - Local-only use does not require registration
- No ads - We don't show ads or sell your data
- Export anytime - Your data is yours, export it whenever you want
Information We Collect
Information You Provide
When you use Giftale, you provide information such as:
- Gift card details (retailer name, card number, balance, notes)
- Folder names and organization preferences
- Photos of gift card barcodes (stored locally)
- App settings and preferences
Important: Card content is stored locally by default, and local use does not require an account. If you create or use an online account, we process the account, authentication, subscription, Google connection, sharing and synchronization metadata needed for those features. Giftale wallet documents are encrypted on your device and exchanged directly with Google Drive; they do not pass through Giftale servers.
Not Needed for Local-Only Use
- No account is needed for local-only use. Account and authentication details are processed when you use online account features.
- Location data
- Usage analytics or tracking data
- Device identifiers for advertising
- Social media information
- Payment information
How We Use Your Information
Card data is used locally to provide gift-card management. When you use an account or online features, related metadata supports authentication, subscriptions, sharing and sync:
- Display your gift cards and folders within the app
- Generate barcodes and QR codes for your cards
- Enable you to export and import your data
- Apply your preferred theme and language settings
- Sync your data across devices (only if you enable cloud features)
Data Storage and Security
Local Storage
By default, gift-card content is stored in Giftale's local database. Secrets are kept in platform secure storage. Android backup and device-transfer rules exclude Giftale databases, preferences and files.
Optional Cloud Features
If you choose to enable cloud sync or sharing:
- Wallet documents are encrypted on your device and exchanged directly between the app and Google Drive
- Giftale servers do not receive the decryption key; people you explicitly share with may receive the material needed for their share
- Giftale servers process separate metadata for accounts, authentication, subscriptions, Drive IDs and permissions, sharing and sync coordination
- You can manage cloud wallets and sharing in Giftale; a recipient may keep a copy they already downloaded
Card content and photos stay local by default. If you choose cloud backup, sync or sharing, wallet documents are encrypted on your device and exchanged with Google Drive. Giftale servers process the metadata needed for online features, not the wallet files.
Encrypted Export
When you export your data, you have the option to encrypt it with a password. We use AES-256-GCM encryption, a military-grade encryption standard. The encryption happens entirely on your device.
Camera Permissions
Giftale requests camera access for barcode scanning and optional card photos. Scanner frames are not retained unless you choose Save photo; photos you save are stored locally and leave the device only through an explicit cloud, share, or export action. You can decline camera permissions and enter card numbers manually.
Data Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell or rent your information. Giftale servers process the account and operational metadata needed for online features, while encrypted wallet documents are exchanged directly between the app and Google Drive. When you explicitly share a card or wallet, the selected content is made available to the intended recipient through the sharing flow.
Card content stays on your device by default. It leaves the device only when you choose a cloud, sharing or export action, such as:
- Export your wallet to a file (.giftale format)
- Use the local Share as Text action or share a card or folder with another Giftale user
- Generate a QR code for sharing
Third-Party Services
Giftale uses online services only when needed for the feature you choose. We do not use:
- Analytics services (Google Analytics, Firebase Analytics, etc.)
- Advertising networks
- Social media SDKs
- Unrequested cloud storage services - Google Drive is used only when you connect it for a Giftale feature
- Third-party tracking tools
Your Rights and Choices
You have complete control over your data:
- Access: All your data is visible in the app at all times
- Export: Export all your data anytime via Settings → Export Wallet
- Local deletion: Delete cards and folders in the app; uninstall to remove local app data from the device
- Modify: Edit any information at any time
- Control Permissions: Revoke camera access through your device settings
Delete your account
If you are signed in, open Settings in the Giftale app and choose Delete Account. This deletes your server-side account records and attempts the required Google cleanup. Your local card data and exports remain on your device until you remove them separately.
Deleting a Giftale account does not cancel Google Play billing. If you have an active subscription, cancel it separately in Google Play.
If you need help, contact Giftale support. Contact
Children's Privacy
Giftale does not knowingly collect information from children under 13. Local-only use does not require an account; online account features process the information needed to provide them. Parental guidance is recommended for young children managing gift cards.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by:
- Posting the new Privacy Policy on this page
- Updating the "Last Updated" date
- Notifying you via the app (for significant changes)
Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or Giftale's privacy practices, please contact us:
Our Privacy Commitment
Card content and Giftale wallet files do not pass through Giftale servers. For cloud features, the app encrypts wallet documents on your device and exchanges them directly with Google Drive. Our servers process only the metadata needed for accounts, authentication, subscriptions, Drive IDs and permission coordination, sharing and sync. Google Drive stores the encrypted documents, and a recipient you select may receive the content of a share.