How to use a gift card online and in store — including digital and physical gift cards.
⏱ 2 min readEasyUpdated June 2026
Quick Answer
In store: present the physical card at checkout — the cashier scans or swipes it. Online: add items to cart, go to checkout, look for “Gift Card” or “Promo Code” field, enter the card number and PIN (usually under a scratch-off on the back). The balance is applied immediately.
Redeem In Store
1
Present the card at the register
For physical gift cards: hand the card to the cashier or hold it to the card reader (tap-to-pay gift cards). The balance is applied to your purchase. If your purchase exceeds the card balance, pay the remainder with another payment method — tell the cashier you want to split payment between the gift card and another method.
Redeem Online
2
Add items to cart and proceed to checkout
Shop as normal. At checkout, look for a field labelled Gift Card, Gift Voucher, Gift Certificate, Store Credit, or Promo Code. Location varies by retailer: sometimes on the payment page, sometimes before payment method selection.
3
Enter the card number and PIN
The card number is printed on the front of the card (usually 16–19 digits). The PIN or security code is on the back, often under a silver scratch-off coating. Scratch to reveal. Enter both in the designated fields and apply. The balance reduces your order total immediately.
4
Use any remaining balance later
If you do not use the full balance in one transaction, the remaining amount stays on the card for next time. Check the balance (see our guide to checking gift card balance) before shopping so you know what you have to spend.
Redeeming Digital Gift Cards (eGift Cards)
eGift cards are sent by email and contain the card number and PIN digitally. Use the same process as a physical card online. In store: show the eGift card barcode or QR code on your phone screen at the register — the cashier scans it. Save the email until the balance is fully used.
Combining multiple gift cardsSome retailers allow multiple gift cards on a single order (enter one, apply, enter another, apply). Others only accept one per transaction. If you cannot use multiple at once, use one gift card per visit to make purchases until all cards are spent down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common causes: the card is not yet activated (new gift cards sometimes need activation — check if there is an activation sticker or call the number on the back), the card has expired, you are entering the number or PIN incorrectly (check for I vs 1, O vs 0), or the retailer requires a minimum purchase amount before gift card redemption. Contact the retailer’s customer service with your card details for assistance.
Generally no — gift cards are not redeemable for cash in Australia in most circumstances. Some retailers will refund a gift card purchase if returned, which credits back to the original gift card. Platforms like Giftcard Exchange or Cash4GiftCards offer to buy gift cards at a discount (you receive less than face value) if you want to convert to cash — this involves a fee. Under Australian consumer law, gift cards cannot expire for at least 3 years, so there is no rush to use them immediately.