What Are Some Gift Card Hacks and Tips

Gift cards are super popular these days. Whether you are giving one as a gift to someone special or keeping it for yourself, gift cards are an easy way to shop. You don’t have to guess someone’s favorite color, size or taste. Just hand over a gift card and they can pick whatever they like. That’s why these gift cards make perfect presents for birthdays, holidays or even last-minute surprises.  

What many people don’t know is that there are smart ways to get more out of gift cards. In this blog, we will share some helpful gift card hacks and tricks to make shopping more fun. With these simple tips, you can save money and avoid common mistakes. 

Gift Card Hacks and Tips 

Following are some gift card hacks and tips that every savvy shopper should know.

Buy Discounted Gift Cards Online

One of the easiest ways to save money is by buying gift cards at a discount. There are many websites that sell gift vouchers for less than their actual value. For example, you might get a $50 gift card for just $45. That’s a $5 saving even before you shop. Always buy from trusted sites to avoid scams and check the reviews beforehand. 

Combine Gift Cards with Sales and Coupons

If you want to enjoy more savings, combine your gift card with store sales and discount codes. This helps you save double - once on the gift card and once on the items you buy. Suppose you gave a $25 gift voucher. Wait for a sale and use a promo code. Your card can help you buy more items for the same price. 

This hack works especially well during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or end-of-season clearance sales. 

Here’s what to do:

• Wait for big sales like Black Friday or Cyber Monday.

• Use coupon codes along with your gift card. 

• Join store loyalty programs for extra savings. 

Use Gift Cards for Budgeting 

If you are trying to save money, gift cards can help. Suppose you only want to spend $100 on food deliveries this month. Buy a $100 gift card of your favorite food delivery service and use only that. Once it’s gone, you are done spending. 

This is a smart way to stay within budget and avoid overspending on things like clothes, games, or eating out. 

Sell or Exchange Unwanted Gift Cards 

Got a gift card for a store you never visit? Don’t let it go unused. Instead sell it online or exchange it for one you’ll actually use. There are  many platforms that let you trade gift vouchers with other people or swap them for a card from a different store. 

Many people don’t know this is even possible. You might not get the full value but it’s better than leaving it to expire. Make sure the site is legit before you sell or exchange your gift voucher. This way you never waste the value of any card. 

Pay for Subscriptions with Gift Cards

Did you know you can use gift cards or vouchers for things like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Spotify and even gaming subscriptions. This is great if you want to manage your monthly spending or give someone the gift of entertainment. Just buy the right gift card and apply it to the account. 

Look for Gift Cards Offers and Deals 

Around holidays or special events many stores offer bonus deals like ‘Buy a $25 gift card, get a $5 card free’. These deals are great if you are planning to shop for yourself or if you want to gift someone a little extra. 

When to look for these deals:

• Black Friday

• Cyber Monday

• Christmas

• New Year

• Clearance Sales

• And more…

Check the store's website or sign up for email alerts. 

Keep Track of Your Balances

People often forget how much balance is left in their gift cards and end up never using them again. It is best to always check your gift card balance before shopping so you are not stuck at the checkout. Some stores also let you add the card to their app so it keeps track of you. 

Use Leftover Balances Wisely

Sometimes we use most of the card balance but leave a small amount. It doesn;t seem much but over time those little amounts can add up. Don’t waste them! Use the leftover balance to buy something small. Additionally, you can also combine it with another payment method if what you want costs more. Some stores even let you apply multiple gift vouchers atcheckout. If you have a few dollars left on a card, use the remaining amount for your future purchases. 

Watch Out for Expiration Dates and Fees

Gift vouchers generally have a validity period but this can vary by brand and retailer. It’s a good idea to check the terms and conditions. Some cards may have expiration dates after a certain period or may start charging small fees if they are not used for a long time. This can slowly reduce the balance. To avoid this, try to use your eGift card within a few months of getting it. 

Always read the terms that come with the card usually found in the email or on the website where you received it. 

Bonus Tip: Organize Your eGift Cards in One Place

To avoid browsing through emails every time, save your eGift cards in apps that let you store and organize them in one spot like Google Wallet, Apple Wallet, etc. This way you will never forget about them and they’ll be easily available when you need them. 

Conclusion

Whether you are using one yourself or giving to someone else, these gift card hacks and tips can help you get the most out of it. So, next time you get or give a gift cards, remember:

• Buy discounted gift cards from trusted sites. 

• Use them with coupons or sales. 

• Don’t let balance go waste.