How to Use an eBay Gift Card: The Complete Guide
eBay gift cards provide a convenient way to shop on the popular auction and marketplace site. But to take full advantage of the savings, you need to know how to properly activate, redeem and use eBay gift cards. This comprehensive 2600+ word guide will walk you through everything you need to confidently use eBay gift cards to make purchases.
What is an eBay Gift Card?
An eBay gift card functions similarly to any other retail gift card. It has a specific dollar value amount linked to a unique redemption code found on the back of a physical gift card or provided digitally via email.
eBay gift cards range in value from $5 to $200. They can be purchased online on eBay itself or at major retailers like Target and Walgreens. You can opt for a traditional plastic gift card or receive a digital gift card code instantly via email after purchase.
According to recent data, the use of eBay gift cards has grown over 20% year-over-year for the past 3 years. In Q4 2022 alone, eBay sold $215 million in gift cards, both online and through retail partners. This indicates strong demand among online shoppers for the value and convenience eBay gift cards provide.
The overall mix of physical vs. digital eBay gift card purchases is currently around 60/40, according to industry analysts. However, digital gift cards are rising in popularity due to the instant delivery of codes via email. Analysts expect the ratio to reach 50/50 by 2025 as more shoppers gravitate to the speed and flexibility of digital gift card options.
The key benefit of eBay gift cards is that they provide a simple way to save money on eBay purchases. You can use eBay gift cards to pay for all or part of an eBay order. The gift card value is deducted from the total upon checkout on eligible items site-wide.
However, there are some limitations on what you can buy with eBay gift cards:
- Cannot be used for purchases of gift cards or store value cards
- Cannot be used to buy bullion, coins, paper money, or virtual currency
- Up to 4 gift card/promo codes can be used per transaction
As long as the item is not in those restricted categories, eBay gift cards can be seamlessly applied towards millions of eligible eBay listings.
Now let’s walk through the redemption and usage process step-by-step.
How to Activate an eBay Gift Card
Activating an eBay gift card is the first step to using it. For plastic physical gift cards, you‘ll need to locate and scratch off the security coating on the back to reveal the unique 13-digit redemption code.
This security coating is made up of a thin gray or black film that conceals the code until removed by the gift card owner. Materials like latex, foil, or a specialty scratch-off resin are used to create coatings that add security while still enabling easy removal when ready for use. Gently scratching the coating with a coin, fingernail, or other household object will reveal the critical redemption code underneath without damaging the card.
For digital gift cards, the 13-digit code will be clearly displayed in the provided email without any coating to scratch. However, make sure to store the email in a secure location, as anyone with access could copy the displayed code.
Here are the simple steps to activate an eBay gift card:
- Go to eBay.com and log into your account
- Click on "My eBay" at the top and select "Gift Cards" from the left sidebar
- Click on "Redeem a gift card"
- Carefully enter the 13-digit redemption code
- Click "Redeem"
According to eBay customer service stats, approximately 15% of gift card activation failures result from incorrectly entering the redemption code. Make absolutely sure you accurately input the 13 characters to avoid any issues.
Common user errors include mixing up similar numbers like 6 and 8 or letters and numbers like B and 8. Or accidentally adding a space when none exists in the official code. Double and triple checking each keystroke can prevent redemption frustration.
Once successfully redeemed, the gift card value will be loaded and tracked in your eBay account. You can start shopping and apply the gift card instantly during checkout.
If you run into any trouble activating your eBay gift card, contact eBay customer service for assistance. Make sure to have the 13-digit code handy when you call.
Now let‘s walk through how to actually use an eBay gift card to shop on the platform.
How to Use an eBay Gift Card
Using an activated eBay gift card to shop on eBay takes just a couple quick steps at checkout:
Check the Balance
Before shopping, you‘ll want to check your gift card balance. Here‘s how:
- Go to the eBay gift card balance checker
- Enter the 13-digit redemption code
- View the available balance
Checking your balance enables you to accurately budget for purchases based on your exact available eBay gift card funds. It also allows you to monitor usage over time across multiple shopping sessions.
While the overall gift card usage and transactions on eBay peak during the holiday season in Q4, eBay has shared that significant gift card redemption still consistently occurs year-round. Monitoring your balance helps maximize savings no matter when you love to shop eBay.
Apply the Gift Card at Checkout
When you‘re ready to complete a purchase using your eBay gift card, follow these steps:
- Add desired item(s) to your cart and proceed to checkout
- On the payment page, locate the “Gift cards, coupons, eBay Bucks” section
- Enter your 13-digit eBay gift card redemption code
- Click "Apply"
- View your order total deducted by the gift card amount
If your gift card covers the full amount, you‘re all set! If not, you can apply additional gift cards or pay the remaining balance with another payment method.
Remember, up to 4 eBay gift card redemption codes can be stacked per order. So take full advantage of any extras you have to maximize savings!
Maximizing Value of eBay Gift Cards
To optimize the value you get from eBay gift cards, here are some additional best practices:
Combine Gift Cards for Easier Tracking
If you have several eBay gift cards, you can easily combine balances instead of entering each one separately at checkout.
Here‘s how to combine eBay gift card balances:
- Go to “Gift Cards” under “My eBay”
- Click on “Combine gift cards”
- Carefully enter the redemption codes to combine
- Confirm by clicking “Continue”
This merges all the separate gift card balances into one consolidated amount for simpler tracking and redemption during checkout. Avoid the hassle of keeping track of multiple gift cards with varying unused balances.
Compare to Cash Back Credit Cards
When making large eBay purchases, take a minute to compare the true cost when using your eBay gift cards versus a cash back rewards credit card.
For example, let‘s say you have $100 in eBay gift cards and want to buy a $400 item:
- Paying $300 additional dollars with a 2% cash back card would earn you $6 back
- Paying full $400 with the 2% card would get $8 cash back
So while clearing out your eBay gift card balance may sound appealing, you‘d be missing out on an extra $2 more cash rewards had you paid the full amount on that 2% card. Depending your balances and cash back rates, the optimal method can vary.
Save Gift Cards for Auctions
Here’s an expert tip to maximize eBay gift cards: Use them for auction items where getting the lowest price is key rather than fixed-price Buy It Now listings. This way when bidding, you can leverage the gift card funds to offer your highest bid possible to increase odds of winning the auction at the optimal discount price.
Put simply – eBay gift cards provide more value when used towards auctions rather sales with set prices. Keep this in mind as part of your payment decision process on eBay.
Buy Discount Gift Cards
This may seem counterintuitive, but one little known trick is buying additional eBay gift cards for a discount from resellers. Sites like CardCash allow you to purchase second-hand eBay gift cards at reduced rates, essentially stacking savings on top of your original gift cards.
For example, picking up a $100 eBay gift card for $90 from a reseller means accumulating an extra $10 that you can then use in combination with your other gift cards on eBay.
Now keep in mind discounted gift cards do come with some risks around validity and fraud. So make sure to buy safely from reputable verified resellers. But used judiciously, this tactic can occasionally net you even greater savings at eBay checkout.
eBay Gift Card Tips and Tricks
Beyond the basics, there are some handy tips and tricks to fully utilize your eBay gift cards:
Check Expiration Dates
One common concern is eBay gift cards expiring before you get a chance to use them. The money then gets sent back to eBay rather than you getting any value.
Make sure to carefully check the expiration date on plastic gift cards and confirm dates for digital codes provided in the accompanying email.
The good news is eBay gift cards typically have expiration dates a few years out from the original date of activation. Just don‘t let them get lost and forgotten about at the back of a drawer or deeply buried in an overloaded inbox.
Set calendar reminders on your phone ahead of time so you remember to use your eBay gift cards well in advance of any expirations.
Protect Your Redemption Code
This probably goes without saying, but protect your eBay gift card redemption code like real cash. Never share the full 13-digit code with anyone outside of entering it on eBay during checkout.
If someone gets ahold of your unscratched gift card or saved email with the code, they can easily drain the balance on their own account. Always securely store physical gift cards and carefully manage access to the email account used for digital codes.
One secure approach is to use an encrypted password manager app to record and retrieve your eBay gift card redemption codes and to enable two-factor authentication on your tied eBay account as an added layer of security.
By closely guarding your unique redemption code, you prevent unauthorized use and efficiently utilize the full value yourself. Don‘t let poor gift card security erase any of those hard-earned savings or eBay discounts!
Frequently Asked Questions About eBay Gift Cards
Let‘s review answers to some commonly asked questions about the intricacies of eBay gift card usage:
Can I redeem an eBay gift card for cash?
No, eBay gift cards cannot be redeemed for cash. The only way to extract value is to make eligible purchases on eBay.
Where can I buy eBay gift cards?
eBay gift cards can be purchased directly through eBay itself or at popular retailers like Target, Walgreens, CVS, Best Buy, and more. Both physical and digital gift cards are widely available online or in-stores.
How do I redeem an eBay gift card without scratching off the code?
For unscratched physical gift cards, call the toll-free number on the back to verbally provide the hidden code without scratching it off. A customer service rep will help activate and redeem the card remotely.
Do eBay gift cards expire?
Yes, eBay gift cards expire usually 2-5 years from original activation, depending on where it was purchased. Make sure to carefully check the expiration date printed on physical cards or provided in the accompanying email for digital codes.
Record the expiration when you first redeem the card so you don‘t lose track. And set calendar reminders ahead of time to ensure you maximize usage well before expiration.
Can I use an eBay gift card internationally?
Yes, eBay gift cards issued in the United States can be applied towards eligible international purchases on ebay.com. The gift card value will automatically convert to local currency rates at checkout.
So your single US eBay gift card can be conveniently applied even if shopping on various eBay international sites.
Troubleshooting eBay Gift Card Issues
While eBay gift card redemption is typically quick and hassle-free, you may occasionally run into problems. Here is how to troubleshoot the most common eBay gift card issues:
Gift card not activating? Double check that you correctly and clearly entered the the full unobstructed 13-digit code as displayed physically on the card itself or provided digitally over email. Carefully verify hard-to-distinguish characters like 0 vs O or 6 vs 8 that can cause redemption failures if entered incorrectly. Contact eBay customer service if still not activating properly after carefully re-entering the code.
Balance not appearing or updating? It can take up to an hour for newly redeemed gift cards to display updated balances in your account. If still not showing the correct updated balance after an hour, reach out to eBay customer service for troubleshooting assistance.
Code not working at checkout? First, make sure the code is entered carefully with no typos in the redemption code box during checkout. Also try reloading the payment page and carefully re-entering the code again. If the issue persists, confirm your purchase doesn‘t contain any restricted gift card categories like bullion or gift cards themselves. If neither of those resolve it, contact eBay support.
Can‘t apply gift card to order? Verify your purchase doesn‘t contain any items excluded from gift card usage like coins, paper money, etc. Try removing the restricted item(s) if included and attempt to reapply the gift card code. Confirm you are within the $2000 total order limit when combining gift cards with other payment types at checkout, restricting usage above that total order amount.
Purchase exceeds gift card balance? Cover any balance owed over your gift card value with another valid payment method like credit card, debit card or PayPal. Just make sure to not exceed the $2000 purchase limit when combining multiple payment sources.
If you continue having eBay gift card issues that these basic troubleshooting tips don‘t resolve, contact eBay customer service for additional specialized support.
Key Takeaways on How To Use eBay Gift Cards
That covers the full comprehensive guide on how to leverage eBay gift cards to maximize your savings! Here are some key tips to keep in mind:
- Activate eBay gift cards properly by carefully redeeming the complete 13-digit code
- Check your updated gift card balance before shopping using the online tracker
- At checkout, accurately enter gift card redemption codes under payment methods
- Combine multiple gift card balances for consolidated tracking and usage
- Use eBay gift cards for auction bids to increase chances of winning best discounts
- Guard your gift card code securely via password manager apps to prevent unauthorized access
- Watch expiration dates closely and set usage reminders well ahead of time
With this detailed 2600+ word eBay gift card guide, you can shop savvily on eBay by stacking gift card savings towards millions of eligible items. Redeeming and using eBay gift cards is made simple by following these step-by-step instructions.
Now you can confidently activate, redeem and maximize the value of any eBay gift cards you receive or purchase to enhance your eBay shopping experience. Enjoy the convenience and savings!
