Does the Philippines Have Gift Cards? How to Get & Use Them

Gift cards are financial instruments representing a stored monetary value, allowing exchange for goods or services from a specified merchant or group. They function as a convenient alternative to cash or credit for purchases, offering flexibility for both gifting and personal use. These versatile tools have become a popular form of payment across various markets worldwide.

Availability and Common Types of Gift Cards

Gift cards are widely available in the Philippines, catering to a diverse range of consumer needs. The market has experienced steady growth, indicating their increasing integration into the local economy. These cards come in various forms, primarily physical cards and e-gift cards. Physical cards resemble traditional credit cards and are tangible items presented at a point of sale.

E-gift cards are digital codes or links delivered electronically, often via email or SMS, and can be redeemed online or by displaying the code in-store. Many popular local and international brands offer gift cards in the Philippines. Prominent examples include fast-food chains like Jollibee and major supermarket chains such as Puregold, providing practical options for daily necessities and dining experiences.

Gift cards are also prevalent for e-commerce and digital services. Platforms like Lazada and Shopee offer their own gift cards. For entertainment and technology, consumers can find gift cards for Apple, Steam, Amazon, and PlayStation, facilitating purchases of apps, games, and online content. Super apps like Grab also provide gift card options. Digital gifting platforms such as Giftaway aggregate various merchant e-gift cards, providing a centralized source for digital vouchers.

Where to Purchase Gift Cards

Physical retail locations are a primary purchasing avenue for gift cards. Major department stores like SM, large supermarket chains such as Puregold, and convenience stores like 7-Eleven stock a variety of physical gift cards from popular brands. These establishments often sell their own branded gift cards, usable within their network of stores. Mall information counters might also offer a selection of gift cards for stores within their premises.

Online platforms provide another convenient method for purchasing gift cards, especially e-gift cards. Official brand websites, such as Lazada or Zalora, allow direct purchase of their digital gift cards. E-commerce marketplaces like Shopee also integrate gift card sales. Digital gift card aggregators, like Giftaway and Gifted.PH, specialize in selling electronic gift certificates from partner merchants. Platforms like Binance also offer gift cards for purchase, with online payment methods including credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets.

How to Use Gift Cards

Redeeming a gift card in the Philippines involves a simple process for in-store or online transactions. For physical gift cards used at brick-and-mortar establishments, the process is similar to using a debit or credit card. The cardholder typically presents the gift card to the cashier at checkout. The cashier processes the transaction by scanning the card’s barcode or swiping it through a terminal. Some physical cards may require scratching off a silver film to reveal a PIN or unique voucher code, which is then entered into the point-of-sale system.

When using an e-gift card in a physical store, the customer usually displays the digital code, often in the form of a QR code or alphanumeric sequence, on their mobile device to the cashier. Staff will scan the QR code or manually input the provided code. For online redemption, during the checkout process on a merchant’s website or app, a dedicated field for “voucher code,” “gift card,” or “promo code” is available. The user enters the alphanumeric code from their e-gift card into this field to apply the value to their purchase.

Under Philippine law, Republic Act No. 10962, gift certificates and gift cards generally do not expire. This ensures the stored value remains valid until fully utilized. If the purchase amount exceeds the gift card’s value, the remaining balance can typically be paid using other tender, such as cash or another payment method. Conversely, if the purchase is less than the gift card’s value, the remaining balance is preserved for future use.