How to Use Electronic Gift Cards Online and In-Store

Electronic gift cards, or e-gift cards, are digital alternatives to traditional plastic gift cards. They function as virtual vouchers, preloaded with a specific monetary value, and are designed for convenient electronic delivery and use. This digital format offers enhanced flexibility and speed, allowing for near-instant delivery and redemption.

Accessing Your Electronic Gift Card

Electronic gift cards are delivered through digital channels, such as email, text message, or directly within a mobile application. Upon receipt, the important information for using the card will be contained within this digital delivery. This includes a unique gift card number, often a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for security, and sometimes a scannable barcode or QR code. It is important to locate these details within the email, text, or app, as they are essential for any future transactions.

Using Electronic Gift Cards Online

Redeeming an electronic gift card for online purchases occurs during checkout. When finalizing your order on an e-commerce website, navigate to the payment section. You will find a field labeled “gift card,” “promo code,” or “voucher code.” Here, you will input the gift card number and, if required, the PIN. After entering these details, apply the gift card balance to your purchase, and the system will deduct the available funds from your total.

Using Electronic Gift Cards In-Store

Using an electronic gift card at a physical retail location involves presenting the necessary digital information. One method is to display the e-gift card’s barcode or QR code on your smartphone screen for the cashier to scan. Some retailers accept a printed copy of the e-gift card, which should clearly show the gift card number, PIN, and any associated barcode. If scanning is not possible, you might verbally provide the gift card number and PIN to the cashier for manual entry.

Tracking and Securing Your Electronic Gift Cards

Checking your electronic gift card balance can be done through several channels. Merchants offer an online balance check feature on their website, where you input the gift card number and PIN. Alternatively, you can call a toll-free customer service number provided by the issuer to inquire about the remaining balance. Physical receipts from in-store purchases using an e-gift card may also display the remaining balance.

Securing your electronic gift cards is comparable to protecting physical cash. Treat them with caution, avoiding the sharing of card numbers or PINs with unverified parties. Be cautious of unsolicited communications, such as emails or text messages, that request gift card details, as these can be phishing attempts. If an e-gift card is lost or stolen, contact the card issuer or merchant’s customer service with any available information, such as the purchase receipt or card number, to explore potential replacement options. Registering the card online with the issuer can provide an additional layer of security and assist in recovery efforts.