If your holiday haul included gift cards, make sure you don't let expiration dates and extra fees chip away at their value.

In August, new federal regulations will prevent the companies that issue gift cards from imposing expiration dates or hefty service fees if you don't use the cards within six months or a year.

But until then, many cards can still charge fees and expire if you don't use them quickly.

A number of gift cards that have the MasterCard and Visa logo include a "valid thru" date. If you don't spend the money on the card before the date, some cards will expire -- and you'll be left with no remaining balance.

Just nine months after you buy a Bank of America Visa gift card, it can be worth nothing.

Other cards may not subtract money from your total if you don't use them right away but could require you to request a replacement card if the card expires. That could cost you nothing -- or it could cost from $5.95 to $10.

Some gift cards also come with monthly maintenance fees. Some Visa gift cards will begin charging $2.50 to $3.50 a month just a half-year after they've been purchased.

It's important to know the terms of your gift card. Call the customer service number on the back of the card and ask about the expiration date and fees.

You can also go online and check the "Terms & Conditions" section of your card carrier's Web site.

Find out what other 5 smart moves you should make to get the most out of your gift cards.