What Is A Gift Card? – A Complete Guide For Beginners – 2025

A gift card is a prepaid card commonly stored with a certain amount of money. Retail stores and banks are known to issue gift cards for various reasons.

Retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and Sephora offer gift cards to simplify purchases, increase brand awareness, and reward loyalty. Financial institutions also issue gift cards, such as Visa and Mastercard, which may be store-specific or widely accepted.

In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of gift cards, how they work, where to use them, and tips for getting the most value out of them.

Types of Gift Cards

There are different types of gift cards with specific features. Get to know them below:

1. Closed-Loop Gift Cards

These cards are restricted to a specific store or chain and can be used at their physical locations or online platforms. They are ideal for brand-specific shopping and often come with promotional offers. Examples include Best Buy, Macy’s, and Nike gift cards.

2. Open-Loop Gift Cards

Open-loop cards are opened to be used at any retailer or merchant that accepts them. They function like prepaid debit cards and are great for flexibility in spending. Common examples include Visa, American Express, Discover, and Mastercard gift cards.

3. Physical Gift Cards

These are traditional plastic cards that can be purchased in-store or online and are typically mailed to your address. They are great for gifting in person and often come in customizable designs.

4. Digital Gift Cards

Also known as e-gift cards, these are purchased online and delivered via email with instructions for use. They are a convenient option for instant gifting and can be used for online shopping or mobile payments.

3 Ways to Redeem Gift Cards in Nigeria

There are three common ways to redeem gift cards in Nigeria:

1. Redeem at the Issuing Retailer’s Physical Store

This is the most traditional method, where if the retailer has a physical store in Nigeria, you can visit the location, select your items, and pay with the gift card. The total amount will be deducted from your gift card balance at the checkout.

2. Redeem on the Issuer’s Online Store

Popular gift cards like Steam, iTunes, Xbox, and Amazon can be redeemed for purchases on the issuer’s online store. For example, to redeem a $100 Amazon Gift Card, follow these steps:

1. Log into your Amazon account.
2. Add the desired items to your cart.
3. During checkout, select “Apply Gift Card Balance.”
4. Enter the gift card code.
5. Complete your purchase, and the balance will be deducted from your gift card.

3. Exchange for Cash

If you prefer cash instead of using the gift card, you can exchange it for naira. There are several reliable trading platforms where you can convert your gift card into cash. 

One of the best gift card trading platforms in Nigeria is Nosh, where you can get competitive rates for your gift cards. The platform offers a seamless, fast trading experience, and your wallet is credited immediately after the transaction is completed.

Curious about the current value of your gift card? 

Use our intuitive rate calculator to instantly determine its worth in Naira. To see the most up-to-date rates, simply select your gift card category, subcategory, amount and the currency you want to be paid with.

Gift Card Fees, Expiration Dates, and Consumer Protection

Many gift cards come with important terms that can affect their value, so it’s essential to understand what to expect. These details can vary depending on the issuer, so being informed helps you maximize the value of your gift card.

Gift Card Fees

Some gift cards may come with fees that reduce the card’s balance over time. Common fees include:

Expiration Dates

Under U.S. law (and similar regulations in many countries), gift cards generally cannot expire within five years from the date of purchase. However, it’s essential to check the terms of the card, as inactivity fees or other conditions may cause the balance to decrease before the expiration date.

However, certain types of gift cards (like promotional or store-specific cards) may be subject to different rules. For cards that do expire, it is advisable to check for its expiration date and attached fees. This will protect you from losing the card’s value unexpectedly.

Common Gift Card Scams to Avoid 

Gift card scams are becoming increasingly common, with scammers constantly finding new ways to deceive victims. Here are some of the most common scams:

1. Online Auction Scams

Some websites and online marketplaces advertise heavily discounted gift cards, often claiming they’re from “bulk sales” or “unwanted gifts.” These deals seem too good to be true—and they usually are. Many victims only realize their gift card is fake or empty after purchase.

One user of such a platform reported that a hidden T&A was added to the checkout pages that authorized the platform to make auto withdrawal from the paying account. It is always advisable to buy gift cards from official retailers or trusted platforms. Avoid sketchy auction sites, especially those offering unrealistic discounts.

2. Bot Scams

Scammers use bots to search online for activated but unused gift card numbers, draining their balance before the owner can use them. To stay safe, activate your card only when needed and avoid storing or sharing its details online.

In 2019, Gemini Advisory found hackers selling millions of stolen gift cards and payment details on the dark web. These were likely obtained by hacking online stores or injecting skimming malware into checkout pages.

3. Fake Cash Prize Scam

Also known as a phishing scam, this involves scammers contacting victims and claiming they’ve won a large cash prize. However, to claim it, they must pay a “redemption fee” with a gift card. Sometimes, they also ask victims to buy a gift card and send them the code.

This type of scam happens daily, and unfortunately, many people still fall for it. If someone asks you to pay fees with a gift card, it’s a scam. Legitimate contests never require payment to claim a prize.

4. Fake Tech Support Scam

Like fake cash prize scams, this involves scammers posing as customer support agents from companies like Google, Microsoft, or Apple. They claim there’s an issue with your account and insist that you must provide gift card details to resolve it.

No legitimate tech support will ever ask for payment via gift cards. If you receive such a request, hang up immediately and report the scam.

How To Sell Gift Cards In Nigeria

Interested in selling gift cards in Nigeria? The first thing you need to do is sign up for an account on the Nosh website or simply download the mobile app.

Simply download the app, create an account and log in.

1. Choose the gift card under the gift card category
2. Enter the value of the card you want to sell.
3. Submit your request
4. You will receive a response from the platform in less than 5 minutes.
5. Once the gift card has been confirmed, the naira equivalent will be paid to you.

You can contact NOSH support via email: [email protected], or via live chat (on the mobile app or on the site) if you prefer a more interactive session. 

Tips for Using Gift Cards

Gift cards work like prepaid cards and it’s a convenient way to shop both online and offline. Smart usage of gift cards will prevent you from scams, theft, and unexpected expiration or charges. 

Follow the tips below to protect your funds, avoid common pitfalls, and get the most out of every card.

1. Always check the terms for fees, expiration dates, and usage restrictions.
2. Store your gift card safely and never share its code, just like cash.
3. Avoid unsolicited offers or requests involving gift cards to steer clear of scams
4. If available, register your card online to safeguard your balance against loss or theft.
5. Regularly check your remaining balance through the issuer’s website or customer service.
6. Save your purchase receipts or proof of gift card transactions for added security and easier resolution of any issues.
7. Convert unused gift cards to Naira using trusted platforms like Nosh for competitive rates and instant credit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Gift Cards

1. Can I get a refund for a gift card?

Most retailers and issuers have a no-refund policy for gift cards. However, some states in the U.S. require businesses to refund small remaining balances under a certain amount.

2. Can I transfer money from a gift card to my bank account?

Retailer-specific gift cards usually do not allow direct transfers to a bank account. However, some open-loop gift cards (Visa, Mastercard) may be converted to cash using PayPal or gift card exchange platforms.

3. Why do some gift cards have activation fees?

Open-loop gift cards like Visa and Mastercard often charge activation fees because they function like prepaid debit cards and can be used at multiple locations. Retailer-specific gift cards typically do not have these fees.

4. Can I use a gift card in another country?

Some gift cards, like Visa and Mastercard, can be used internationally, but many retailer-specific cards are region-locked and only work in the country where they were purchased.

5. Why is my gift card being declined?

A gift card may be declined due to insufficient balance, expiration, international restrictions, or incorrect card details.

6. Can I reload a gift card with more money?

Some gift cards, like prepaid Visa or Mastercard, allow reloading. However, most retailer-specific gift cards are for one-time use and cannot be reloaded.

7. What happens if I don’t use my gift card?

If a gift card remains unused, it may be subject to inactivity fees after a certain period, reducing its balance. Some cards may also expire depending on the issuer’s terms.

8. Can I use multiple gift cards for one purchase?

Some retailers allow multiple gift cards to be used in a single transaction, while others limit the number of gift cards that can be applied per purchase. Policies vary by store.

9. What should I do if my gift card balance is lower than the item price?

You can combine your gift card with another payment method, such as a credit/debit card or cash, to complete your purchase. However, some retailers may have restrictions.

10. Are e-gift cards safer than physical gift cards?

E-gift cards eliminate the risk of loss or theft since they are stored digitally. However, they can still be compromised if shared publicly or sent to the wrong recipient. 

11. How do gift cards work?

Gift cards work like prepaid cards. You pay a set amount, and the card holds that value for use on the company’s products or services.

Conclusion

Gift cards are popular for their convenience and versatility, available in different types such as closed-loop and open-loop, and in both physical and digital forms. They can be purchased in-store or online, and are beneficial for both individuals and businesses.

Gift card scams are rampant, especially online, so it’s best to avoid them. The best way to utilize gift cards in Nigeria is to exchange them for cash. For a smooth and reliable experience, trade your gift cards on the Nosh platform.