There are a few common reasons why a gift card may be declined when you try to use it for an online purchase. Here are some of the most likely causes and what you can do to troubleshoot the issue.
The gift card has already been used
The most obvious reason a gift card is invalid is that the funds have already been spent. Gift cards have a set value, and once that amount has been redeemed, the card is empty and can no longer be used. Double check the balance to see if the card has a $0 balance or if the “card invalid” error pops up even when there should be money remaining.
The gift card has expired
Gift cards are generally valid for a certain period of time, often anywhere from 6 months to a few years. If the expiration date has passed, the retailer will no longer accept the card. Check the back or terms and conditions to see when your gift card expires.
You’re shopping at the wrong retailer
Make sure the gift card is for the exact retailer you’re shopping with online. Gift cards are store-specific and can only be used at that merchant. A Target gift card won’t work for Walmart or Amazon, for example. Verify you’re using the right card at the right place.
The online store doesn’t match the physical store
For major chains, keep in mind the online store may technically be considered separate from physical locations. So a gift card for Gap’s brick-and-mortar stores may not work on Gap.com. There are sometimes small differences in the merchant names, so check the fine print.
You need a PIN to use the gift card online
Some gift cards require you to set a PIN number before the card can be used for online purchases. This extra step adds security for open-loop Visa or Mastercard gift cards that can be used anywhere those cards are accepted. Contact the gift card company to set or reset your PIN.
The gift card number or PIN is entered incorrectly
Carefully check that you’re entering the full gift card number and PIN correctly if prompted. It’s easy to mistype a digit or letter, which will make the card invalid. Triple check for any errors as you fill in the payment fields.
The website is experiencing a temporary glitch
Though less common, it’s possible you may get a false “gift card is invalid” error due to a technical glitch on the retailer’s website. Try refreshing the page or clearing your browser cookies and cache to see if that fixes any instability with the site.
What to do if your gift card is invalid
If your gift card is declined for any of the reasons above, here are some tips for resolving the problem:
- For expired cards, contact the retailer to see if they’ll make an exception or let you exchange it for a new card.
- If you have issues with an open-loop gift card, call the card issuer for help troubleshooting.
- For store-specific cards, take the gift card back to the retailer to have them troubleshoot the issue in person.
- Check the balance by calling the toll-free number or visiting the retailer’s website for self-service options.
- Carefully review the fine print to confirm any terms, conditions or limitations.
Continuing to get an invalid message after triple checking everything? Reach out to the merchant’s customer service department for personalized help figuring out what’s wrong with your gift card and getting it to work online.
Why do gift cards sometimes get declined online?
There are a few key reasons why retailers may decline a gift card for online purchases even when the card has a positive balance:
Extra online security requirements
To minimize risk, some merchants add extra layers of security for online transactions like requiring a PIN or gift card CVV code. If you don’t have these codes, the card may be blocked online.
Suspected fraud
If there have been suspicious or fraudulent transactions associated with the gift card number, the retailer may temporarily disable online redemptions as a precaution.
Strict store separation policies
Depending on the retailer’s policy, physical and online stores may be entirely separate entities. In-store-only gift cards cannot be transferred for online use.
Technical glitches
In some cases, you may encounter gift card errors during online checkout due to problems with the website rather than the card itself.
User entry mistakes
Double check you’re carefully typing the gift card number properly without any typos. Small errors can easily make a card appear invalid.
Tips for using gift cards online
To avoid gift card snafus for online shopping, keep these tips in mind:
- Take a photo or make a copy of the card number and PIN for easy reference.
- Triple check the retailer name matches exactly where you want to shop.
- Watch expiration dates closely and don’t wait until the last minute.
- For extra security, register your gift card online if possible.
- If a PIN is required, save it in a secure place you can access easily.
- Be cautious about buying discounted gift cards from third parties.
Check your gift card balance first
Before attempting to use a gift card online, always check the balance first. This will let you know:
- If the card has already been redeemed
- If there’s a PIN security code you need to use it online
- How much money is left to spend
Most major retailers let you check the balance online or by calling the toll-free number printed on the card. Knowing exactly how much is available prevents any surprises at checkout.
How to extend expired gift cards
If your gift card has expired, try these tricks to potentially renew it:
- Call the retailer’s customer service line and politely ask if they can make an exception or override the expiration date.
- Visit the store in person to see if they can issue a new card and transfer the balance.
- For merchandise credits without set expiration dates, lobby for those to be turned into new gift cards.
- Use social media to contact the brand and ask if they can renew your card as a courtesy.
- Consult state law, as some prohibit gift cards from expiring or allow expired cards to still be used in-store.
Persistence and creativity may pay off with a renewed card, but also be prepared to accept if a retailer won’t budge on the expiration policy.
Can you get a refund on an expired gift card?
Getting a cash refund on an expired gift card is difficult, but there are a few potential options:
- In-store merchandise credit – Some retailers may allow you to exchange an expired card for a merchandise credit to use in-store.
- State laws – A handful of states require gift cards to remain valid past expiration or companies to issue refunds.
- Credit card disputes – You may be able to dispute an expired card purchased by credit card if the terms weren’t clear.
- Sell to a reseller – Gift card reseller sites may buy expired cards at a heavily discounted rate.
However, the vast majority of retailers will not provide any refund on expired gift cards, so do your best to use them while they are still valid.
Are gift card expiration dates always strict?
How strictly retailers enforce gift card expirations can vary:
- Smaller retailers – Local stores often allow some leniency on expired cards as a courtesy.
- Major chains – Large retailers tend to universally stick firm to the expiration policy.
- State laws – 10 states restrict gift card expirations or fees, limiting how strict companies can be.
- Persistence – Politely asking for an extension or exception may work at some merchants.
- Older cards – Really old gift cards are less likely to get a pass since systems change.
While some retailers may cut you a break, it’s generally risky to let cards expire and expect to still be able to redeem them. Use or transfer any balance promptly.
Can someone else use my gift card online?
You can let someone else redeem your gift card balance online if:
- You trust them to use it properly for your intended gift.
- They have access to any required PIN for online purchases.
- The retailer’s terms don’t restrict gift card transfers.
- You feel comfortable sharing personal details like emails or names.
However, gifting someone the actual gift card code and PIN itself is smarter than sharing your own login and payment details. Be cautious about anyone pressuring you to improperly “lend” gift card access.
Can you reuse an old gift card?
Gift cards are meant for single use, but you may be able to reuse an already redeemed card in limited cases:
- Store credit returns – If you get store credit for a refund, you can sometimes transfer it back to the original gift card instead of a new one.
- Expired card extensions – If the retailer renews an expired card, they may let you reuse the old gift card number.
- Lost card replacements – If reissued for a lost card, the balance may be transferred back to the existing card number.
- Multiple partial uses – Some gift cards let you make multiple smaller purchases until the total balance is depleted.
But single retailer gift cards are typically designed for one-time redemption up to the total value. The card number itself isn’t intended for reuse after its initial activation.
Should you register gift cards?
Registering a gift card provides extra security and convenience for online use. Here are some key benefits of registration:
- Access the balance and transaction history online
- Lock in your contact info for balance alerts
- Protect the funds if the card is lost or stolen
- Can set up autodelivery when the balance is low
- May allow you to receive an email gift card to use online
If a retailer offers the option, it’s smart take a moment to register any open-loop or high-balance gift cards you want to redeem online. The extra step adds important account security.
The bottom line
Gift cards declined online are frustrating, but the issue is often fixable. Take time to confirm the card is valid, you have any extra codes needed for online use, and the retailer information is exactly right. Check the balance, terms, and expiration to ensure the basics are covered. If problems persist, don’t hesitate to contact the merchant’s customer service department for troubleshooting assistance.
| Reason | Solution |
|---|---|
| Expired card | Contact retailer to request extension |
| Incorrect merchant | Verify retailer name matches card |
| Already fully redeemed | Card is empty, needs replacement |
| Missing PIN | Retrieve PIN for online purchases |
| Fraud block | Ask retailer to remove hold on card |
| Mobile app issues | Try desktop site instead of app |
With a few quick checks and an understanding of potential issues, you can troubleshoot why a gift card is declined online and find a resolution. Reach out for support and be persistent, and you can hopefully redeem the full value of your card.
