Did you know that South African gift card sales grew by over 50% during the pandemic? Gift cards, or as we often call them here in South Africa, gift vouchers, are very common and actually useful. So if you’ve ever stood in front of that wall of plastic cards at the store and wondered “Which one is actually worth it?”, you’re in the right place.
In this article, I’m going to walk you through the 10 most common types of gift cards in South Africa right now in 2025. Whether you’re buying one for a friend or a family member, this guide will help you figure out what’s popular, what’s useful, and what actually gets people excited when they receive it.
I’ve personally used many of these gift cards myself, and I’ve done my research to make sure you’re getting up-to-date info that you can trust. Some cards are perfect for fashion, others for grocery shopping, and some, for streaming online. Many South Africans prefer retail gift cards for graduation presents, while entertainment gift cards are popular for year-end or holiday gifts.
Whatever your preference might be, chances are you’ve got a fitting gift card here:
If you’re looking for a gift card that’s actually useful, Pick n Pay is a top choice. It’s one of the most practical options in South Africa because it can be used for groceries, toiletries, school supplies, airtime, and electricity. That means whether you’re buying for a student or a parent, it’s going to come in handy.
Pick n Pay gift cards typically range from R50 to R2000, giving you flexibility depending on your budget. You can buy them at any Pick n Pay store nationwide, or order digital vouchers directly from the Pick n Pay website or app, to be delivered instantly via email. Just remember, the card can only be used in-store, not online.
Another popular category in the South African market is Woolworths gift cards. Whether it’s for stylish clothing or home goods, Woolies is known for quality. That’s why these gift vouchers are often used for birthdays, thank-yous, or corporate gifts.
Woolworths gift cards typically range from R50 to R5000, giving you a wide price range to work with. You can purchase them at any Woolworths store across South Africa, or online via the official Woolworths website.
These cards are available in both physical and digital formats. Digital gifts are sent via email, which makes them great for last-minute gifting or sending to someone far away. Unlike Pick n Pay, Woolworths gift cards can be used in-store and online, which makes them extra flexible.
If you’re not sure what someone likes, a Visa gift card is your safest bet. It works just like a debit card and can be used anywhere that accepts Visa, whether it’s in-store, online, or for things like Uber rides. It gives the person full freedom to buy whatever they need or want.
Visa gift cards in South Africa usually range from R100 to R5000, depending on the provider. You can buy them at big retailers like Pick n Pay, Checkers, or Game, as well as online through various gift card platforms like GiftCards.co.za or Standard Bank’s gift card service.
Most Visa gift cards come in physical format, and they’re usually single-use and non-reloadable. However, some digital versions are also available and are delivered via email, especially when ordered online. Just make sure to check if there’s an activation fee, which varies depending on where you buy the card.
Moving from retail to entertainment options, the Netflix gift card is ideal for anyone who loves watching movies or documentaries. Instead of linking a credit card, you can load a gift card onto your Netflix account and use the balance to pay for your monthly subscription.
Netflix gift cards in South Africa usually come in denominations of R150, R250, and R500. You can buy them at retailers like Checkers and Takealot, as well as online through sites like MyVoucher or Netflix’s official partners.
They’re available in both physical and digital formats, with digital vouchers delivered instantly via email. The balance can be added to any Netflix account and will be used automatically each month until it runs out. Just note that the card is only valid for Netflix South Africa, so it won’t work on international accounts.
A Spotify gift card is perfect for anyone who loves music or podcasts. With a Premium subscription, users can download songs and enjoy ad-free music. It’s especially popular among teens and students who use Spotify daily.
In South Africa, Spotify gift cards are usually available in denominations of R60 (1 month), R180 (3 months), and R360 (6 months). These amounts match the monthly Premium subscription cost, making it easy to give someone exactly what they need.
You can buy Spotify gift cards at retailers like Checkers and Game, or digitally from platforms like MyVoucher or Takealot. However, the gift card can only be used on South African Spotify accounts and is valid for individual Premium plans, not family or student plans.
Related Article: Top 10 Best Gift Cards With Highest Rates To Sell in Nigeria – June 2025
An iTunes or Apple gift card is a solid choice for anyone using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. These cards can be used to buy apps, games, music, movies, iCloud storage, and in-app purchases. They’re super flexible and always appreciated, especially by teens and Apple fans.
In South Africa, Apple gift cards usually come in denominations of R100, R250, R500, and R1000. You can find them at iStore branches, major supermarkets like Pick n Pay and Checkers, or buy digital versions from Takealot, MyVoucher, and other online platforms.
Once redeemed, the balance is added to your Apple ID and used for purchases across all Apple services. Just make sure you have a South African Apple ID because these cards are region-locked and won’t work on international accounts.
If you’re a PC gamer, a Steam gift card is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. Steam is a popular online gaming platform where users can buy and download games, add-ons, and software. With thousands of titles, from action and adventure to indie and simulation, there’s something for everyone.
Steam gift cards in South Africa usually come in R100, R250, and R500 denominations. You can find physical cards at stores like Incredible Connection, BT Games, and Game. Digital codes are also widely available from sites like MyVoucher and Steam’s official partners.
Once redeemed, the balance is added to your Steam Wallet and can be used anytime. Just make sure the gift card is for the correct region, as Steam balances are region-locked to South African accounts.
An Xbox gift card is a must-have for anyone who owns an Xbox Series X, Series S, or even an older Xbox One. It can be used to buy games, in-game content, movies, apps, or even Xbox Game Pass subscriptions. Whether your friend is into FIFA, Call of Duty, or indie games, this card gives them options.
In South Africa, Xbox gift cards are typically available in denominations of R100, R250, R500, and R1000. You can buy them at popular retailers, while digital versions are also sold on sites like MyVoucher, Takealot, and the Microsoft Store. Once redeemed, the funds are added to the recipient’s Microsoft account and can be used on Xbox consoles or Windows devices.
An Amazon gift card might seem like an unusual choice in South Africa, but it’s gaining popularity, especially for digital products like eBooks and international shopping. It’s ideal for someone who shops on Amazon.com or uses Kindle, Audible, or other Amazon services.
Amazon gift cards are usually available in USD amounts like $10, $25, $50, and $100 (roughly R180 to R1800, depending on the exchange rate). You can purchase them digitally, while physical cards are less common locally but can sometimes be found at niche tech or gaming stores.
However, keep in mind that Amazon gift cards are region-specific, so you’ll want to make sure the recipient shops on Amazon.com, not Amazon UK or others. Also, international shipping fees and customs can apply.
The Edgars gift card is a classic option, especially for fashion lovers. While the brand has gone through some changes in recent years, it’s still a well-known name in South African retail. Edgars gift cards are great for clothing, shoes, cosmetics, and accessories, making them a thoughtful choice for birthdays, school events, or festive seasons.
Edgars gift cards typically range from R50 to R2000, giving you flexibility to match your budget. You can buy them at any Edgars store nationwide, and in some cases, select partner outlets.
Currently, Edgars offers both physical and digital formats, with digital vouchers delivered by email through select platforms like Voucherline or GiftCards.co.za. The card can be used in-store, and may also be accepted online for certain products, though it’s best to check ahead.
Did you know that if you receive a gift card you don’t need, or one for a store you don’t use, you can actually trade or sell it? South Africa has a few trusted gift card exchange platforms that let you swap unwanted cards for cash.
Some popular options include:
Before using any exchange service, check the terms and conditions, and make sure the platform is reputable to avoid scams.
Yes, many gift cards, like those for Woolworths and Netflix, can be used online. But some, like Pick n Pay or Edgars may be limited to in-store use. Always check the card’s usage terms before buying or gifting.
Most major retailers offer gift cards that are valid for 3 years, as required by South African consumer protection laws. Still, check the expiry date printed on the card or included in the email if it’s digital.
Generally, gift cards are non-refundable. However, some stores allow you to transfer balances to other gift cards.
Lost physical cards are usually treated like cash -if you lose it, it’s gone. Some retailers will help recover the balance if you have the original receipt or proof of purchase. For digital gift cards, check your email inbox or the platform where you bought it.
Yes. Most retailers offer balance checkers on their websites, or you can visit a store and ask at the till. For digital cards, your balance is often shown in the email or linked account.
Whether you’re shopping for a birthday or holiday, gift vouchers are one of the smartest and most flexible options out there. By now, you’ve got a good idea of the 10 most popular gift card types in South Africa for 2025, along with where to get them, how they work, and what to do if you get one you don’t want.
With both digital and physical formats available, it’s easier than ever to send or receive a thoughtful gift, no wrapping paper needed. So next time you’re stuck on gift ideas, don’t overthink it. A well-chosen gift card might be exactly what someone needs.
Tosin
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