Electronic gift cards, or e‑gift cards, are digital codes representing a pre‑loaded dollar amount that recipients can redeem either online or in person at participating merchants. Rather than a physical plastic card, purchasers receive a unique alphanumeric code via email, text message, or mobile app, which is then applied at checkout just like a traditional gift card.

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Ⅰ. Benefits of Electronic Gift Cards

1. Easy and Instant Delivery: One of the major benefits of electronic gift cards is the ease and speed of delivery. Unlike physical gift cards that need to be purchased and mailed, e-gift cards can be delivered instantly via email or text message. This makes them perfect for last-minute gifts or time-sensitive occasions.
2. Convenience and Flexibility: Electronic gift cards can be accessed and redeemed online or through a mobile app, allowing recipients to conveniently use them wherever and whenever they want. They eliminate the need to carry around physical cards and can be easily stored on a smartphone or added to a digital wallet.

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1. Customization Options: With electronic gift cards, retailers have the flexibility to offer a wide range of customization options. They can personalize the design, add a personal message, and even include multimedia elements such as images or videos. This adds a personal touch to the gift and enhances the overall gifting experience.
2. No Loss or Expired Cards: Unlike traditional gift cards, electronic gift cards are not prone to being lost or forgotten. Recipients can simply store them digitally and access them anytime. Additionally, electronic gift cards can be programmed to never expire, ensuring that the value remains intact and can be used at any time.
3. Increased Security: Electronic gift cards offer enhanced security features compared to physical cards. They can be encrypted and protected with unique codes, reducing the risk of fraud or unauthorized use. Furthermore, if a recipient accidentally deletes an e-gift card email or message, it can often be easily reissued or retrieved.

Ⅱ. How Electronic Gift Cards Work

1. Purchase: The process begins with the purchase of an electronic gift card. Customers can buy e-gift cards directly from the retailer’s website or from third-party gift card platforms. They can choose the card’s value and sometimes customize the design and message.
2. Delivery: Once the purchase is complete, the electronic gift card is delivered to the recipient via email or text message. The digital card typically contains a unique code or barcode that is necessary for redemption.
3. Redemption: To redeem an electronic gift card, the recipient can either print out the digital card or present it on their smartphone at the designated retail location or online checkout. The unique code or barcode is used to verify the card’s authenticity and apply the card’s value to the purchase.
4. Balance Tracking: Electronic gift cards often allow users to track their card balances digitally. This means recipients can easily check the remaining balance on their card by visiting the retailer’s website or using a dedicated mobile app.
5. Split Payments: In cases where the purchase amount exceeds the value of the electronic gift card, recipients can often use multiple payment methods, such as combining the remaining balance on the card with cash, credit, or debit cards. This enables greater flexibility and convenience during the checkout process.
6. Refunds and Exchanges: If a recipient wants to return or exchange a purchase made with an electronic gift card, the refund or exchange process may vary depending on the retailer’s policies. In most cases, the refunded amount is typically issued back to the original gift card, allowing recipients to reuse the funds for future purchases.

Ⅲ. Main Types of E‑Gift Cards

1. Store‑Specific E‑Gift Cards

   Issued by individual retailers (e.g., Amazon, Starbucks, PlayStation).

   Usable only at the issuing brand’s online or brick‑and‑mortar locations.

2. Network‑Branded (Open‑Loop) E‑Gift Cards

   Backed by major payment networks such as Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.

   Accepted broadly wherever the network’s payment method is honored, effectively functioning like a debit card until funds are exhausted.

Ⅳ. Tips for Using Electronic Gift Cards

1. Check the Terms and Conditions: Before using an electronic gift card, familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions associated with it. Pay attention to expiration dates, any usage restrictions, and whether the card can be used for online or in-store purchases.
2. Keep Track of the Balance: It’s important to keep track of the remaining balance on your electronic gift card to avoid any surprises when making a purchase. Visit the retailer’s website or use their dedicated mobile app to check the balance or inquire in-store if necessary.
3. Combine Gift Cards: If you have multiple electronic gift cards for the same retailer, consider combining them to maximize their value. Many retailers allow you to merge balances from different cards, allowing you to make a larger purchase or use the total value more effectively.
4. Use the Gift Card for Special or Luxury Purchases: Electronic gift cards provide an opportunity to treat yourself or splurge on something you’ve had your eye on. Consider using your gift card for special or luxury items that you may hesitate to purchase otherwise.
5. Don’t Forget to Use the Gift Card: When you receive an electronic gift card, it can be easy to forget about it amongst your digital clutter. Set reminders or make a note of the gift card’s value and expiry date to ensure you use it before it expires.
6. Consider Regifting: If you receive an electronic gift card for a retailer that may not be your preference, consider regifting it to someone who would appreciate it. This way, the gift card doesn’t go to waste and someone else can benefit from it.
7. Take Advantage of Sales and Discounts: When using an electronic gift card, keep an eye out for special sales, promotions, or discounts that the retailer may offer. These events can help you stretch your gift card’s value even further.
8. Keep the Gift Card Information Secure: Treat your electronic gift card information like you would with any other sensitive data. Store the card details securely on your device or in a password-protected account to prevent unauthorized access.

Ⅴ. E‑Gift Card Restrictions

1. Payment‑Method Restrictions
Many secondary‑market or discount platforms (e.g., Raise) rely on Address Verification Service (AVS) checks and thus accept only U.S.‑issued credit or debit cards. Transactions with non‑U.S. cards frequently fail because the billing address cannot be verified against a U.S. record.

2. Activation‑Link Validity

No Expiry on Major Brand Cards: Retailer‑branded e‑gift cards—such as Amazon’s—carry no expiration on the underlying funds and may be used indefinitely.

Limited Activation Window on Some Virtual Cards: Conversely, certain payment‑network virtual gift cards require you to activate the card via the emailed link within a set period (commonly 90 days), and once activated, the card itself remains valid for only six months.

3. Limits on Combining Multiple E‑Gift Cards
Some merchants cap how many separate e‑gift cards can be used in a single checkout. For example, Delta Air Lines allows up to five Delta e‑Gift Cards to be redeemed per transaction on its website.

Reference

https://www.delta.com/us/en/gift-cards/faqs?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://citizenside.com/technology/what-is-electronic-gift-card/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://blog.coinsbee.com/zh/what-is-an-e-gift-card-and-how-do-they-work/?utm_source=chatgpt.com