I’ve made the mistake myself, scratching off a gift card code too hard and ending up with a damaged or unreadable PIN. It’s frustrating, especially when the card still holds value and you’re left unsure of what to do next.
If you’re in the same situation, you’re not alone. It happens more often than people realize. When it happened to me, I found a way to resolve it, and with the right steps, you might be able to do the same.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to handle a scratched gift card and what to do if the code is unreadable. I’ll also share a few alternative solutions in case the first method doesn’t work.
The next step depends on how much of the code is still visible. If parts of the code are legible, note them down and keep the card safe. If the code is severely damaged or unreadable, further action will be required to retrieve the card’s value.
Begin by contacting the gift card issuer’s customer support. The contact information is typically printed on the back of the card or available on the issuer’s website.
When you reach out, you’ll need to provide key details: the remaining visible digits, the card’s serial number (if available), and especially the purchase receipt. You’ll also need to send images of the full front and back of the card, including any damage.Â
Apple Support, for example, asks for the receipt, photos of both sides, and the card’s serial number when a code is damaged. These documents verify your ownership and show that the card was legitimately purchased.
If the code on your gift card is still readable, selling it for cash is a practical alternative especially if you no longer intend to use the card. Several online platforms allow you to exchange gift cards for cash, offering a quick way to recover value.
Even if a small part of the code is unclear or partially erased, you can still try selling the card by entering your best guess for the missing digit. Some platforms may accept the attempt if the rest of the code is accurate and matches their system.
One of the most reliable options in Nigeria and Ghana is the Nosh App. Available on both the App Store and Google Play, Nosh provides 24/7 customer support and a smooth, user-friendly interface.
Nosh is also known for offering highly competitive rates, and transactions are often completed within minutes. You can find their verified pages on Instagram, X, and Facebook for support and real-time updates.
You can get a new gift card or e-code for a gift card that has been scratched when you contact customer support and provide them with proof of purchase, like the receipt. You can also be asked to provide details such as the date of purchase, location, and/or an attachment of the scratched gift card.
If you received a scratched gift card, check the extent of the scratch it has. If it is visible, you can sell it for cash. And if it looks damaged, contact customer support of the retailer for help.
You can find the contact details of the retailer or customer support at the back of the gift card, however, you may as well find it on their website or visit their retail store if close to you.
Yes. It is very important to keep the receipt you received when you purchased the gift card. It can be helpful to ascertain your ownership of the card and verify the value of the card.
You can prevent this situation from happening in the future by keeping your gift cards in your wallet or drawer rather than keeping them on sharp or rough surfaces. Also, avoid keeping them in your pockets so you won’t forget to take them out when you need to wash your clothes.
It depends on how long the retailer could help in solving the issue and the extent to which the damage is. Whichever way it goes, do well to exercise patience while the support personnel help during the process.
When it comes to dealing with scratched or damaged gift cards it can be quite tough or frustrating and can require a lot of patience to get it resolved.
Moreover, if you follow the tips highlighted in this article you should be able to recover and get the most out of your accidentally scratched gift card
If recovery isn’t successful or you prefer a quicker solution, you can sell the damaged gift card for cash on the Nosh. It’s a simple way to turn an unusable card into instant value.
Isaac
Isaac isn't just dropping knowledge bombs, his piece can be your backstage pass to the enlightenment you want đź“š
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