Gift cards have become an increasingly popular gift giving option over the past couple of decades. The convenience and flexibility of gift cards makes them a go-to choice for many gift givers. One of the most common questions about gift cards is whether they can be used for online purchases or if they are limited to in-store purchases only. The short answer is yes, gift cards can definitively be used for online shopping in most cases. However, there are some important factors to consider to ensure your gift card works for online purchases.
How Gift Cards Work for Online Purchases
Most physical gift cards contain a 16-digit gift card number, expiration date, and security code. These details allow you to use the gift card information just like you would a regular credit or debit card for online purchases. When you go to checkout on a website, you can select gift card as the payment method and input the gift card details. The website will connect to the gift card company to validate the balance and complete the transaction.
E-gift cards or virtual gift cards work in a similar way. With these digital gift cards, the gift card information is delivered via email rather than a physical card. The recipient simply clicks the link or gift card code in the email to reveal the gift card number and details. They can then use this information to make online purchases.
Types of Gift Cards That Work Online
The majority of gift cards from major retailers and restaurants can be used online these days. Some examples include:
- Amazon
- Target
- Walmart
- Best Buy
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s
- Apple
- Starbucks
- Chipotle
- Olive Garden
- Gap
- Nike
- Sephora
- Nordstrom
Many mall brands and larger restaurant chains now allow their gift cards to be used online. Some exceptions still apply though, which will be covered next.
Types of Gift Cards That Do Not Work Online
While most major retailer gift cards can be used online these days, there are still some exceptions. Gift cards that generally cannot be used for online purchases include:
- Small local retailers or restaurants – Their gift cards often can only be used in-store since they do not have e-commerce websites set up.
- Gas station gift cards – These are usually limited to in-store gas and convenience store purchases only.
- Movie theater gift cards – You cannot use these to buy movie tickets online, they can only be used at the physical theater location.
- Amusement park gift cards – Similar to movie theater gift cards, these often can only be used at the park and not online.
- Prepaid VISA or Mastercard gift cards – Some of these “universal” gift cards cannot actually be used for online shopping.
The best way to find out if a gift card can be used online is to check the back of the physical gift card or the retailer’s website for any usage restrictions before purchasing.
Using Gift Card Balances for Online Purchases
One question that often comes up is whether you can use just a portion of a gift card’s balance for an online purchase. The answer is yes, you do not need to use the full gift card amount in most cases and can apply just a portion of the balance to an order.
For example, if you have a $50 gift card and your online order total is $35, you can use just $35 of the gift card towards the order. The remaining $15 balance will stay on the gift card for future use. Retailers handle the split payment process differently, so look for a “gift card” payment section during checkout where you can input the amount you want to use.
Tips for Using Gift Cards Online
Here are some helpful tips to ensure you can use your gift card for online shopping:
- Register your physical gift card online first if possible – This links the card to your account and can make online use easier.
- Take a picture of your gift card so you have the number easily accessible
- Copy and paste the gift card number into the payment field rather than typing – This prevents errors.
- Triple check the expiration date and security code you enter online
- Know the exact balance before using it for an online order
- Start with a small order first to test it if uncertain
Check Balance and Activity
Most major retailers and restaurants allow you to check your gift card balance and activity online. You typically need the gift card number to do so. Here are some options to check gift card information:
- The retailer’s website – Look for a gift card login or balance check section
- The gift card company’s website – Companies like Blackhawk, InComm, GiftCards.com etc.
- Mobile app – Download the retailer’s app and check balance there
- Call the toll free number – Most gift cards have customer service numbers on the back
- In-store – You can usually check the balance at the retailer’s physical location
Checking your balance online lets you track how much you have left and see recent transactions.
What to Do If Your Gift Card is Not Working
Despite your best efforts, you may sometimes run into issues using gift cards online. Here are some tips if your gift card is not working for an online payment:
- Double check the gift card number, expiration date, and security code entered – Typos are common and can cause errors.
- Try copying and pasting the details instead of manual typing.
- Confirm the gift card has a sufficient balance for the purchase amount.
- Check the retailer’s website for any warnings about maintenance outages that could temporarily impact gift cards.
- Try using the gift card on the retailer’s website before going to a third party site, which can cause issues.
- If problems persist, contact the retailer’s customer service for gift card support.
With a little troubleshooting, you should be able to get the gift card working. If an issue can’t be resolved, reach out to the gift card company for help investigating the problem.
Can Fees or Taxes Apply When Using Gift Cards Online?
In most cases, there are no extra fees when using gift cards for online purchases. However, there are a couple scenarios where additional taxes or fees can come into play:
- Sales tax may apply for purchases in states that require it on gift card use.
- If your purchase total exceeds the gift card balance, applicable taxes or fees would apply on the remaining amount.
- Some retailers may charge purchase fees depending on the gift card terms, so check first.
As long as you have sufficient gift card funds and the retailer does not charge special fees, your online order should process without extra costs.
The Benefits of Using Gift Cards Online
There are many benefits that come with the ability to use gift cards for online shopping and payments:
- Convenience – Make purchases comfortably from your home.
- Flexibility – Order when you want without going to the store.
- Selection – Often more options buying online than in-store inventory.
- Easy to manage – Check balances and activity online.
- Speed – Faster checkouts without needing physical card.
- Savings – Use gift cards strategically to save on seasonal sales.
The simplicity and ease of using gift cards online makes them quite useful for all kinds of shopping situations.
Common Uses of Gift Cards for Online Purchases
Here are some of the most common ways that people use gift cards for online shopping and payments:
- Clothing purchases – Buying apparel from brands carried online but not local stores.
- Electronics – Paying for gadgets, video games, computers, or accessories.
- Home goods – Furniture, kitchenware, decor and more from home retailer sites.
- Toys – Purchasing toys and hobby items for kids or adults.
- Sporting goods – Getting athletic gear and equipment from sport specialty chains.
- Grocery delivery services – Using store gift cards to pay for grocery delivery orders.
- Streaming media services – Subscriptions for Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, etc.
Whether doing general retail therapy or buying more essentials, gift cards open up many online shopping possibilities.
Tips for Getting the Most From Your Gift Card
Here are some ways to maximize gift cards when shopping online:
- Look for seasonal sales or special discounts to stretch your balance further.
- Sign up for retailer newsletters and offers to receive gift card promotions.
- Take advantage of free shipping thresholds when possible.
- Use gift card cash back sites to earn bonuses.
- Buy discounted gift cards to maximize savings.
- Read online reviews and guides to make smart purchasing decisions.
- Use part of the balance now and save the rest for later.
With good planning, you can make the most of your gift card for online purchases.
The Future of Gift Cards and Online Shopping
Gift cards and online shopping are becoming increasingly integrated as more retailers embrace omnichannel experiences. Here are some potential innovations that could shape the future of using gift cards online:
- Mobile gift cards – Storing gift card information in mobile wallets could streamline online use.
- Advanced gift card analytics – Using AI and machine learning to provide personalized recommendations and alerts based on gift card activity and balances.
- Automated balance tracking – Services that automatically monitor balances and notify consumers when a card is getting low.
- Expanded digital gift card use – Allowing e-gift cards to be used on more third-party websites and apps.
- Integrated loyalty programs – Unlocking benefits, discounts or bonuses when using gift cards for online purchases.
As technology improves, expect using gift cards online to become an even more seamless experience.
Conclusion
In summary, the vast majority of gift cards today can be used for online shopping and payments. Retailers have embraced allowing gift card use on their websites and mobile apps. While some exceptions still exist, most physical and e-gift cards from major brands work for online purchases. With a few simple precautions like checking the balance in advance, entering details carefully, and reviewing usage restrictions, your gift card should process just like a regular credit or debit card online. Given the convenience and benefits of using gift cards online, it is easy to see why they have become such a popular payment tool for e-commerce.
