How to send an online gift card

Gift cards are a popular and versatile way to give someone a gift for any occasion. No wonder approximately 30% of people said they’re likely to purchase gift cards for a holiday season.¹

Online gift cards offer a digital alternative to physical gift-giving. Individuals can purchase and send digital gift cards from the comfort of their homes, while recipients can receive and redeem them almost instantly. Generally, individuals can use virtual gift cards in store and online and may even add them to a digital wallet.

Explore the different ways to send an online gift card and what to know to make sure it arrives at its destination.

Potential methods to send online gift cards

From email to online retailers and marketplaces, there are several potential ways to send online gift cards:

Email gift cards

An email gift card, also known as an e-gift card, is a digital version of a traditional gift card that can be sent and received via email. Here’s how it may work:

• Purchase and send. Individuals can typically purchase email gift cards from online retailers or brand websites. They can select the gift card amount, provide the recipient's email address, and may have the option to add a personalized message.
• Delivery to recipient. The email gift card is sent directly to the recipient's email address. It can arrive almost instantly or within a specified timeframe, depending on the retailer's policies.
• Redeem. The recipient receives an email containing the digital gift card along with instructions on how to redeem it. They can use the gift card for online shopping or, in some cases, print out a physical copy to use in-store.

Here are some practices to keep in mind when sending online gift cards:

• Confirm correct email address. Ensure the correct and current email address of the recipient is used. Mistyping the email address can result in the gift card being sent to the wrong person, which may be difficult to rectify.
• Watch for spam filters. Email gift cards can sometimes end up in spam or junk folders. Advise the recipient to check these folders if they don't receive the gift card in their main inbox.
• Check retailer policies. Different retailers may have varying policies regarding email gift cards, including whether they can be used in physical stores, redeemed partially, or reissued if lost.

Online retailers and marketplaces

Individual retailers may offer gift cards for purchase on their websites, allowing customers to choose from a selection of designs.

There are also online marketplaces that specialize in gift cards, offering various options from different brands, stores, and services, all in one place. People can browse available gift cards and filter by brand or category.

Potential considerations when sending a gift card online

Before purchasing an online gift card, here are some potential factors to keep in mind:

• Consider opting for a gift card from a retailer with a wide range of products or services, allowing a recipient flexibility in how they use it.
• Whenever possible, purchase gift cards directly from an official retailer website or verified gift card seller. Avoid third-party sellers if uncertain about their credibility.
• Use secure and trusted payment methods. Avoid sharing sensitive financial information via email or unsecured websites.
• Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages claiming to offer gift cards, especially if they request personal or financial information. These could be phishing attempts.

With various methods available and the benefit of digital accessibility, online gift cards can be an easy and flexible gift-giving option.