Apple gift cards are a popular choice for gifts and can be used in a variety of ways. One of the most common questions about Apple gift cards is whether they can be used for purchases online at the Apple Store and other retailers. The short answer is yes, Apple gift cards can definitely be used for online purchases.
Using Apple Gift Cards at the Apple Store Online
The Apple Store online at www.apple.com/shop accepts Apple gift cards as a payment method for any purchase. This includes buying Apple products like iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, Apple Watches, AirPods, and more. It also works for subscriptions like Apple Music or iCloud storage, apps, music, movies, TV shows, and books from the various Apple media stores.
Apple gift cards act as store credit for the Apple Store online and in retail Apple Stores. They can be applied at checkout when shopping online. The gift card balance will be deducted from the total of your purchase. If the total exceeds the gift card amount, you can pay the remainder with another payment method like a credit/debit card or PayPal.
Steps to Use an Apple Gift Card Online
Using an Apple gift card on the Apple Store online is easy. Just follow these steps:
- Add item(s) to your cart and proceed to checkout on the Apple Store online.
- When prompted for payment, select “Apple Gift Card” as the payment method.
- Enter the 16-digit Apple gift card number.
- Enter the security code if required.
- The gift card balance will be applied to your order total. Pay any remaining balance with another payment method.
- Complete checkout.
The Apple gift card balance can be applied to multiple online purchases until the funds are totally depleted. Also note that Apple gift cards never expire.
Using Apple Gift Cards at Other Online Retailers
In addition to the Apple Store, Apple gift cards can be used at a number of other popular online stores. Here are some of the major retailers that accept Apple gift cards:
- Amazon – Enter Apple gift card info at checkout like any other gift card.
- Target – Add an Apple gift card to your Target account wallet.
- Walmart – Select gift card as payment then enter Apple gift card number.
- Best Buy – Choose Apple gift card as the payment option and provide the number.
- App Store & iTunes – Redeem code to add Apple gift card funds to your Apple ID.
- Starbucks – Register gift card number to pay at checkout or in the mobile app.
The Apple gift card funds act as cash at these retailers. The card number and security code (if needed) must be entered just like any other gift card. The balance is deducted from the order total. Any remaining balance can be paid with another method.
Tips for Using Apple Gift Cards Online
Here are some helpful tips for successfully using Apple gift cards for online shopping:
- Make sure to register the gift card on your Apple account so you have the number handy when shopping.
- If you received a physical gift card, register the number at giftcard.apple.com to lock in the funds and view the balance.
- Save gift card numbers in your online retailer accounts or payment apps like Apple Pay for easy access.
- Know the exact balance before shopping to avoid payment issues at checkout.
- Make sure the site accepts Apple gift cards. Look for Apple gift card or Apple Pay as payment options.
- Only shop at secure sites you trust to avoid gift card misuse.
- Use the entire gift card balance in one transaction if possible to avoid hassles across multiple purchases.
Where Apple Gift Cards Cannot Be Used Online
While Apple gift cards can be used at a wide variety of online stores, there are some exceptions where they cannot be redeemed:
- Apple gift cards cannot be used for online purchases directly from iTunes or the App Store – the funds must be added to your Apple ID first.
- Apple gift cards are not accepted on platforms like Ebay, Etsy, and Craigslist for individual sellers.
- Apple gift cards cannot be converted to cash or redeemed for online gambling.
- The cards cannot be used for recurring subscription payments in most cases.
- Apple gift cards are not accepted for purchases on Apple services like iCloud or Apple Music.
In general, Apple gift cards are meant for purchasing products and services rather than recurring subscription fees or person-to-person transactions. Review the retailer’s policy carefully before assuming Apple gift cards are accepted.
Checking Apple Gift Card Balance Online
It’s important to check your Apple gift card balance periodically when using the funds for online shopping. Here are easy ways to check the balance:
- On the Apple Store app – Open the app and tap on the Apple gift card icon in the bottom right. This shows the gift card number and balance.
- On apple.com – Sign in to your Apple account then view gift card balances under payment options.
- By phone – Call 1-800-276-2775 and follow prompts to check balance.
- By text – Text the 16-digit card number to 70841 to see the balance.
Checking the balance in advance ensures you use the exact value when shopping online and don’t run into issues at checkout. You can add multiple Apple gift cards to a single Apple account to consolidate balances.
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about using Apple gift cards online:
Can I use an Apple gift card for iTunes or App Store purchases?
Yes, but you need to add the gift card funds to your Apple ID first. On an iPhone or iPad, open the App Store, tap your profile, then tap “Redeem Gift Card” to enter the code and add the value.
Do Apple gift cards expire?
No, Apple gift cards do not expire. The funds never disappear from the card.
Can I buy another Apple gift card with an Apple gift card?
Unfortunately, no. Apple gift cards cannot be used to purchase other gift cards.
Can I use an Apple gift card internationally?
Yes, Apple gift cards can be used to shop online and in Apple Stores internationally. Funds are converted to local currency automatically.
Can I return an item purchased with an Apple gift card?
Yes, returns and refunds will be applied back to the original gift card if it was used entirely for the purchase. Refunds may be split across multiple payment methods if a gift card only partially paid for the item.
Conclusion
Apple gift cards offer a versatile online payment option accepted at Apple and major retailers like Amazon, Starbucks, Target, and Best Buy. The gift card number and security code can be entered at checkout just like a standard gift card. Balance can be checked in the Apple Store app, on apple.com, by phone, or text message. Apple gift cards make excellent gifts and provide funds to shop online anywhere they are accepted.
