Gifting a virtual gift card is a convenient and easy way to give the gift of choice. With a virtual gift card, you can send monetary value that the recipient can use to shop from their favorite stores and brands online or in person. Virtual gift cards have exploded in popularity in recent years as more people do their shopping online. Here’s what you need to know about how to buy and send a virtual gift card.
What is a Virtual Gift Card?
A virtual gift card is an electronic version of a physical gift card. It works the same way – you purchase a monetary value that is attached to a code. The gift card recipient receives the code and enters it at online checkout or shows it on their mobile device in store to redeem the value.
Virtual gift cards are just like plastic gift cards except they are delivered through email, text or a gifting app. The recipient doesn’t receive a physical card to carry around. Most major retailers and brands offer virtual gift cards nowadays.
Benefits of Virtual Gift Cards
There are many benefits to choosing a virtual gift card over a physical gift card:
- Convenience – Virtual gift cards can be purchased and sent instantly online. There’s no need to go to the store to shop for a gift card.
- Easy to send – You can send a virtual gift card to anyone with an email address or mobile number. Send the gift instantly from your computer or phone.
- Recipient gets instant gratification – The recipient receives the gift card code right away to redeem instead of waiting for a physical card in the mail.
- No risk of losing physical card – With a virtual card, there’s no chance of losing a physical gift card.
- Track spending – Many virtual gift cards allow you to check the card balance online, so you can see how much has been redeemed.
- Flexible redemption – Virtual gift cards can be used for in-store or online shopping. The recipient isn’t limited to only shopping at a brick-and-mortar location.
- Eco-friendly – Virtual gift cards don’t generate any plastic waste.
Where to Buy Virtual Gift Cards
You can purchase virtual Visa, Mastercard or retailer-specific gift cards from the following places:
Retailer websites
Many major retailers like Amazon, Target, Starbucks, Walmart and more offer virtual gift cards directly through their websites. Purchasing directly from a brand’s site means you can personalize the gift card with various design options and sometimes a custom message.
Gift card marketplaces
Websites like GiftCards.com and eGifter.com allow you to buy virtual Visa, Mastercard and retailer-specific gift cards all in one place. These universal gift card marketplaces offer a wide selection of brand options.
Gifting apps
Apps like Giftly and Swych offer fully digital gifting experiences on your smartphone. In addition to virtual gift cards, these apps provide creative ways to gift experiences and personalized recommendations.
Grocery stores & pharmacies
Many grocery stores like Safeway and Kroger and pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens sell virtual Visa, Mastercard and retailer gift cards in-store at the checkout or at touchscreen kiosks. You can easily tack on a virtual gift card when you’re already shopping.
Bank websites
Some banks like Chase and Bank of America allow their customers to log in online and send virtual Visa or Mastercard gift cards. It’s a convenient option if you do your banking online.
How to Send a Virtual Gift Card
Sending a virtual gift card is simple. Here are the standard steps:
- Select your gift card value – Options usually range from $10 to $500. Choose the monetary amount you’d like to gift.
- Select a brand – Pick a retailer brand or universal Visa/Mastercard that will allow the recipient to redeem anywhere.
- Personalize (optional) – Some virtual gift cards allow you to upload a photo, add a custom message or select a card design.
- Enter recipient’s email/phone – Provide the email address or mobile number of the recipient so they can receive the gift card code.
- Confirm payment – Complete the checkout process by paying with a credit card or other payment method.
- Send the gift – The gift card is instantly sent to the recipient’s email or phone number provided.
- Recipient claims gift – The recipient simply needs to claim the gift using the provided code to add the monetary value to their account with the retailer or Visa/Mastercard.
The exact steps can vary slightly depending on where you purchase the virtual gift card, but the overall process remains the same. Many sites make it possible to complete the entire gift card process on your smartphone in just a couple minutes.
Virtual Gift Card Tips
Follow these tips when giving a virtual gift card:
Check expiration dates
Some virtual gift cards expire 6 to 12 months after purchase. When shopping for a card, pay attention to the expiration date. Opt for a card with a longer expiry window if you’re unsure of the recipient’s timeframe for using the card.
Know redemption options
Understand where and how the card can redeemed – online, in-store or both? Can it only be used at a single merchant or is it redeemable anywhere like a Visa or Mastercard?
Include the receipt
When you send the digital code, also attach the gift card receipt if it was provided. This has the card details like the balance and expiry date so the recipient has easy access.
Send on a meaningful date
Give your virtual gift card on a birthday, anniversary, holiday or other significant date. Sending without a special occasion can also be a nice surprise!
Notify the recipient
Let the recipient know you’ve sent them a virtual gift card so they’ll be expecting the email or text with the code. This prevents the card from getting overlooked in their inbox.
Check the balance
If the retailer allows it, periodically check the balance on the virtual gift card you sent. This lets you track how much has been redeemed.
Creative Ways to Use a Virtual Gift Card
Aside from gifting on special holidays and events, here are some creative ways to use virtual gift cards:
- Wedding or baby shower gift – Give a virtual gift card to provide flexibility on purchasing exactly what they need.
- Housewarming gift – Help decorate their new home with a virtual gift card for home decor or furniture.
- “Just because” gift – Surprise them with a virtual gift card out of the blue whenever you want to show you care.
- Teacher appreciation – Give their favorite teacher a virtual gift card as a thank you for all their hard work.
- Graduation gift – Celebrate a recent grad with a virtual gift card to treat themselves.
- Thank you gift – Show gratitude by sending a virtual gift card to someone who helped you out.
- Group gift – Go in on a large virtual gift card together with family or friends.
- Donation – Donate a virtual gift card to a charity auction or fundraising campaign.
- Incentive – Motivate fitness goals or good grades with a virtual gift card reward.
A virtual gift card truly makes giving easy, convenient and more accessible to anyone with an email address or phone number. Follow the steps to purchase and send a virtual gift card, taking advantage of the many benefits they offer. With some creative thinking, you can find numerous occasions and recipients to surprise with the gift of choice. Virtual gift cards are the modern approach to giving that keeps on giving.