As online shopping continues to grow in popularity, more and more retailers are offering eGift cards that can be purchased and sent electronically. eGift cards provide a convenient way to give the gift of shopping without having to send a physical card by mail. But can these eGift cards only be used for online purchases, or can they also be used in brick-and-mortar stores? Here is a look at whether you can use an eGift card inside an actual retail store location.
The Short Answer
In most cases, yes, you can use an eGift card in a physical retail store. When you purchase an eGift card, the gift card balance is assigned to your recipient’s account with that retailer. So even though you sent the card electronically, the funds are available for the recipient to use in stores, online, over the phone, or however else that retailer accepts gift cards. The process of using an eGift card in-store is the same as using a physical gift card you may have purchased in the store.
How eGift Cards Work
When you purchase an eGift card, the card value is immediately loaded onto a virtual account with the retailer. Many retailers will send an email to the gift recipient with redemption instructions. These instructions will include the gift card code and PIN number, which can be entered at checkout either online or in-store to access the gift card balance. Some retailers allow you to print the eGift card to present in stores, but showing the email or redemption code on your mobile device is also usually sufficient.
So unlike a physical gift card which needs to be scanned or swiped at the register, an eGift card is redeemed by providing the associated code and PIN. The store’s point-of-sale system connects to the retailer’s database to verify the account balance. As long as the eGift card funds are successfully applied during the transaction, the in-store payment process is the same.
Benefits of Using eGift Cards In-Store
- Don’t have to mail a physical card
- Can be purchased and delivered instantly
- Funds available for in-store and online purchases
- Same convenience as plastic gift cards
By allowing both online and in-store use, eGift cards provide maximum flexibility and convenience to recipients. The gift giver also benefits from the ease of digital delivery.
Where You Can Use eGift Cards In-Store
The majority of major retailers that offer eGift cards allow in-store usage of those funds. This includes large department stores, specialty retailers, supermarket chains, and more. As long as the retailer has both a significant online and brick-and-mortar presence, its eGift cards typically work in both channels.
Here are some of the most popular retailers that confirm eGift cards can be used in physical stores:
Walmart
Walmart allows its eGift cards to be redeemed in any of its thousands of supercenter locations. At checkout, the cashier can enter the eGift card PIN just like a plastic gift card.
Target
Target eGift cards can be applied towards both in-store and online purchases. Bring the eGift card email or code on your phone to redeem at checkout.
Amazon
Amazon eGift cards can be used to shop on Amazon.com or in Amazon’s physical retail stores, like Whole Foods Market. Provide the claim code at checkout or to a cashier.
Starbucks
Starbucks allows eGift cards to be redeemed in its coffee shops. Either print the eGift card or show it on your mobile device for the barista to scan.
Nordstrom
As a department store with both a large online and physical presence, Nordstrom enables its eGift cards to be used for purchases on Nordstrom.com or at any Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack store. Bring the eGift card information to provide at checkout in-store.
The list goes on, but it’s clear that top retailers want to give eGift card recipients flexibility in how they can redeem their gift. Many local and small businesses may also allow in-store use of eGift cards they sell online, but you’ll want to verify with that merchant if unsure.
Exceptions Where eGift Cards are Online-Only
While most major gift card retailers allow eGift card use in-store, there are some exceptions where eGift cards can only be redeemed online. This may occur for a few reasons:
- The retailer primarily or exclusively operates online
- The retailer’s in-store payment system is not integrated with its online gift card system
- Restricting in-store use helps prevent gift card fraud
Some examples of popular eGift cards that generally can only be used for online purchases include:
Amazon eBooks
Amazon’s eBook-specific gift cards can be used to purchase Kindle books but not physical books or other items.
Steam
The video game platform Steam sells eGift cards that can be redeemed in your Steam wallet to buy games and software but not for physical items.
Regal Cinemas
While Regal’s physical gift cards can be used at the box office, its eGift cards can only be used to buy movie tickets online due to cinema payment system limitations.
So if you receive an eGift card for a retailer that may be online-only, you’ll want to double-check if you can use it in person. Certain categories like digital media, gaming, and entertainment commonly have eGift card limitations.
Steps to Redeem an eGift Card In-Store
If you’ve received an eGift card that allows in-store redemption, here are some tips for seamlessly using it at checkout:
- Present the gift card – Display the eGift card email or code on your phone, or print the email to take to the store. Some retailers also allow you to add the eGift card to an existing account or digital wallet.
- Provide the PIN or claim code – The cashier will need to enter the gift card PIN or claim code into their system to access the balance.
- Apply balance to purchase – If there is no issue verifying the account balance, it will be applied to cover part or all of your transaction.
- Use any remaining balance later – If you don’t use the full gift card amount, the remaining balance stays in your account to use online or in-store later.
One thing to note is that while the eGift card funds should be accessible from any store location, the actual redemption process may vary slightly by retailer. As long as you have the eGift card information handy, the cashier should be able to handle the rest.
Checking Your eGift Card Balance
If you want to check your eGift card balance before going to the store, most major retailers make this easy to do online. There are a few ways to check your balance:
- Account dashboard – If you already have an online account with the retailer, you may be able to view your gift card balance in your account dashboard.
- Gift card lookup – Many retailers have a gift card balance checker tool on their website.
- Mobile app – If the retailer has an app, you can often check your balance there as well.
- Customer service – You can usually call or chat the retailer’s customer service line to inquire about an eGift card balance.
Knowing your current balance makes the in-store checkout process faster. The cashier may also be able to look up your eGift card balance in their system.
Why eGift Cards Can Be Used In-Store
So why do most retailers allow you to use eGift card funds both online and in physical stores? There are a few key reasons.
Omnichannel Customer Experience
Leading retailers strive to provide an omnichannel shopping experience – seamless, integrated shopping across all channels. Allowing eGift cards to work online and in-store helps achieve that goal. Customers expect flexibility in how they can redeem gifts.
Expanded Sales Channel
Enabling in-store eGift card redemption essentially opens an additional sales channel for retailers. It provides another way to drive buyers to physical stores and potentially increase average purchase amounts.
Customer Convenience
Shoppers appreciate the convenience of eGift cards they can easily redeem anywhere the retailer is located. In-store redemption is more convenient than only allowing online use.
So the motivation is there for retailers to allow versatile eGift card redemption. Integrating systems across channels improves the overall customer experience.
Tips for Using eGift Cards In-Store
To ensure a smooth transaction redeeming your eGift card in the store, keep these tips in mind:
- Have the eGift card email handy to display, or print it in advance
- Note the gift card number, PIN or claim code to provide to the cashier
- Be prepared to show a photo ID if requested to verify identity
- Ask the cashier to apply the eGift card balance before any other payment
- Save the used eGift card details in case you have leftover funds
As long as the retailer properly loaded the funds when the eGift card was purchased, you shouldn’t run into any trouble using it in store. Redeeming is a quick and easy process for both you and the cashier.
Purchasing an eGift Card for In-Store Use
If you’ll be purchasing an eGift card to give as a gift, keep in mind these tips so the recipient can use it in-store:
- Verify the retailer allows in-store redemption of eGift cards
- Choose an easy-to-use denomination like $25 or $50
- Send the eGift card to the recipient promptly
- Let them know they can use it in-store or online
With major retailers, you typically can’t go wrong purchasing an eGift card for in-store use. Just steer clear of online-only brands or categories. The convenience of eGift cards makes them a go-to gift item.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use a Starbucks eGift card in store?
Yes, Starbucks eGift cards can be redeemed at any Starbucks location. To use it in store, either print the eGift card or show it on your mobile device for the barista to scan.
Where can I use a Walmart eGift card?
Walmart eGift cards can be used to pay in any Walmart store. The cashier can enter the eGift card PIN at checkout to redeem the balance.
How do I redeem a Target eGift card in store?
To use a Target eGift card in store, present the eGift card email or barcode on your phone for the cashier to enter the PIN or claim code. This will apply the balance to your transaction.
Can I use an Amazon eGift card at Whole Foods?
Yes, Amazon eGift cards can be redeemed at Whole Foods Market stores, which is owned by Amazon. Provide the claim code at checkout to apply the eGift card balance.
Where can I use a Sephora eGift card?
Sephora eGift cards can be used to pay both online at Sephora.com and in physical Sephora stores. Present the eGift card on your phone or printed to apply the balance in store.
The Bottom Line
In most cases, eGift cards you receive can be redeemed at the retailer’s brick-and-mortar stores, not just online. When purchasing an eGift card, the funds are loaded into an account associated with the retailer. While the delivery is digital, you can generally use that money in store just like a plastic gift card. So feel free to put eGift cards to use during your next shopping trip.
