Gaming Gift Cards – All You Need To Know

Gift cards have become the perfect present for gamers. With so many options across platforms, you can easily find the ideal gaming gift card to match your recipient’s interests. But between choosing the right card, purchasing, and redeeming, there’s much to cover regarding these specialized gift cards. This comprehensive article will explore everything you need to know about buying, using, and maximizing gaming gift cards.

Key Takeaways:

• Gaming gift cards allow you to gift digital games, currency, and content across platforms like Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, PC, and mobile.
• Popular options include Xbox, PlayStation, Steam, Nintendo eShop, Battle.net, Amazon, and Google Play gift cards.
• Check which games/platforms the recipient uses before buying a branded gift card.
• Buy from trusted retailers and choose digital delivery for convenience.
• Make sure to redeem cards properly on the associated gaming platform.
• Use gift card balances fully before expiration dates.

Now, let’s dive into the ins and outs of gifting, receiving, and redeeming gaming gift cards!

What Are Gaming Gift Cards?

A gaming gift card is a prepaid card that lets you purchase digital content and services on gaming platforms.

Unlike regular gift cards for general retail stores, gaming gift cards are branded and tailored specifically for redemption on particular gaming services and stores.

For example, you can buy:

• Xbox gift cards to use in the Xbox online store
• PlayStation Store gift cards for PlayStation consoles and content
• Nintendo eShop gift cards to redeem on Nintendo Switch
• Steam gift cards to add wallet funds for PC games

Gaming gift cards come in set denominations, typically ranging from $10 to $100. Many are available both physically and digitally, with digital delivery offering convenience.

Compared to gifting cash or a general credit card, a branded gaming gift card offers a safer, more appropriate way to gift money to a gamer for their hobby.

Popular Gaming Gift Card Brands

Gaming gift cards first emerged alongside the rise of digital gaming stores in the last decade. As games and additional content became increasingly digital, gamers needed a secure payment method. Gift cards fill that need while letting friends and family give digital games as presents.

Gaming gift cards are widely popular for gifting across major consoles, platforms, and game publishers. Both digital and physical versions exist, with digital codes delivered by email for convenience.

Tips for Buying Gaming Gift Cards

Picking the right gaming gift card to buy as a gift involves some consideration:

Know which games and platforms the recipient uses

There’s no point in gifting a Steam gift card to someone who only uses Xbox! Find out their main gaming platform(s) and which games or franchises they like before deciding which gift card brand to buy. An Xbox or PlayStation gamer? Nintendo Switch fan? Their preferences should steer your gift card choice.

Prioritize digital delivery

For convenience, instant delivery, and avoiding shipping mishaps, choose digital gift cards delivered by email wherever possible. Most major gaming gift card brands offer digital cards with the code conveniently sent to the buyer’s inbox. This ensures your gift gets delivered promptly.

Check expiration and fees

While most gaming gift cards don’t expire, some do or may have an activation fee. Before buying, double-check the card’s expiration policy and any associated fees so your recipient can enjoy the full value.

Compare retailer rates

Gift card rates and deals can vary between retailers. Compare rates on a particular brand gift card between retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Target, and more. Consider discounted gift cards, too, to maximize value.

Add gift receipt for physical cards

If you opt for a physical gift card, include a gift receipt or note the purchase date and amount. This protects against issues if the card gets lost or damaged.

With these tips in mind, you can pick the ideal gaming gift card to bring a smile to any gamer’s face!

Using and Redeeming Gaming Gift Cards

You’ve chosen the perfect gaming gift card. But how do you use it? Here’s a quick guide to redeeming gaming gift cards and maximizing their value:

Digital Gift Cards

Redeeming digital gaming gift cards is easy:

• Locate the gift card code in your email with the digital card purchase.
• Go to the website or gaming platform associated with the card brand.
• Follow the redemption instructions to enter the code and add the funds to your digital wallet or account balance.
• The gift card value is now available to spend on games, DLC, items, etc. Enjoy!

Pro Tip: If you received a physical gift card, register it on the retailer’s website to access the digital code for redemption.

Physical Gift Cards

For physical gaming gift cards:

• Register the card on the associated gaming platform to link it to your account.
• Note down the card number and PIN code on the back.
• When purchasing, select gift card as the payment option and provide the card details.
• The card value will automatically be deducted from the purchase amount.

Checking Balance

Most gaming platforms let you check your gift card balance online or while purchasing. But make a note after redeeming so you know how much remains.

Get the Most Value

Check your balance periodically, use up a gift card before it expires, and split larger purchases across gift cards and other payment methods. And avoid forgetting about unused gift cards!

Using gaming gift cards is easy and intuitive across digital platforms. Just redeem the code correctly, and the value will be credited to game spending.

Maximizing Gaming Gift Cards

Want to make the most of gaming gift cards? Here are some savvy tips:

• Check gift card deals and discounted cards to stretch your purchasing power.
• Use gaming gift cards for recurring gaming subscriptions and services like PS Plus, Nintendo Switch Online, Xbox Game Pass, or MMO subscriptions.
• Redeem points from rewards programs for gaming gift cards to get more value.
• Split larger purchases between gift cards, earned credits, and another payment method so you use the full value.
• Spend gift cards first when you have multiple payment options on a gaming account.
• Set reminders to use up gift card balances before any expiration dates.
• Buy games on your wishlist or backlog using gift card funds. Hello, Steam sale!

Innovative strategies allow you to maximize every dollar on a gaming gift card. That turns a $50 gift into $60 or $70 worth of games and content!

Gifting Gaming Gift Cards

We’ve covered using and redeeming gaming gift cards. But a few extra tips will ensure gifting them is a breeze:

• Include a personalized card so the recipient knows who gifted the gaming currency.
• Add their email address for digital delivery when purchasing for direct online delivery.
• For physical gift cards, use secure packaging if sent by mail to avoid tampering.
• Time the gift card gifting to align with new releases or upcoming birthdays. Games make great birthday gifts!
• Pair gaming gift cards with gaming merch, like t-shirts, hats, or posters, for a gift bundle.

Gift cards may seem impersonal, but combining a thoughtful message with gaming currency shows you cared to gift them precisely what their hobby needs.

Wrapping Up on Gaming Gift Cards

Gaming gift cards take the stress out of picking the perfect gift for the gamer in your life. With so many popular options from brands like Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, Steam, Amazon, and Google Play, you will find the ideal card to gift your fellow gamer.

Gift cards grant flexibility and security over cash, letting recipients score the exact games and gear they want. Research the right brand, delivery method, and amount to create a fun gaming gift they’ll love.

So next time you need to level up your gifting skills for the gamers in your life, turn to the power-up potential of gaming gift cards. It’s sure to be a win-win!