What is a Gift Card? A beginner’s guide for Nigerians

Gift cards have become increasingly common in Nigeria, and many people are still learning what a gift card is and how it works. From relatives abroad sending Amazon or Apple cards, to freelancers receiving them as international payments, more Nigerians now handle gift cards than ever before.

Yet despite their widespread use, many people still do not fully understand what a gift card is, how they work, why some cannot be used directly in Nigeria, or what their options are when a card does not redeem successfully.

At Mintyn, we work with thousands of Nigerians navigating digital payments every day. Through our platform, we make it easy to purchase and send gift cards to friends and family across different countries and platforms

This guide explains exactly what gift cards are, how they work, and what your options are when things go wrong.

What is a Gift Card?

A gift card is a prepaid card loaded with a fixed amount of money that can only be spent at the store or platform that issued it. Think of it as a voucher. When your brother in Canada buys a $50 Amazon gift card, he pays $50 upfront and loads it onto the card. You can spend that $50 on Amazon, not on other platforms. 

Gift cards are issued by brands, retailers, gaming platforms, and payment networks. Each issuer sets its own rules: where the card works, which countries it is valid in, and whether it expires.

How does a Gift Card Work?

A gift card works by storing prepaid value behind a unique code. When you redeem that code on the right platform, the value becomes available in your account for spending.

Here is how gift cards work step by step: 

• Purchase: Someone buys the gift card and pays its face value upfront. A $100 gift card costs $100 (which converts to naira at the current exchange rate).
• Delivery: Physical cards are handed over or mailed. Digital cards, also called e-codes, are sent via email or app and usually arrive instantly.
• Redemption: Enter the unique code on the issuing platform’s website or app. The value is added to your account.
• Spending: Use the balance to make purchases on that platform. If you spend $30 out of a $50 card, the remaining $20 stays on the card.
• Balance tracking: Check your remaining balance on the platform’s website or app at any time.

You do not have to spend the full balance at once. The balance carries over until it reaches zero.

Types of Gift Cards you should know 

Not all gift cards work the same way. Knowing the different types helps you identify what you have and set the right expectations for how you can use it. Gift cards come in two formats and two functional categories.

In terms of format, we have;

1. Digital gift cards (E-codes): 

These are the most common in Nigeria. There is no physical card, just a code delivered by email or app. They are fast and easy to share. When someone says they are sending you a gift card, this is almost always the format.

• Physical gift cards:

These are plastic cards with a scratchable panel with a code underneath. More common in the US and UK. They work exactly like e-codes once you scratch off the panel and enter the code.

In terms of functional categories;

Closed-loop gift cards: These are only valid at a specific store or platform. An iTunes gift card only works in Apple’s ecosystem. An Amazon gift card only works on Amazon. Most popular gift cards in Nigeria fall into this category.

Open-loop gift cards: These cards are linked to global networks like Visa or Mastercard, so they work anywhere those networks are accepted, online or in-store. Unlike store-specific cards, they are not restricted to one brand. However, they hold a fixed prepaid amount and cannot be reloaded or used to withdraw cash.

Popular Gift Cards you’ll encounter in Nigeria

While several gift cards exist globally, these are the ones you are most likely to encounter:

• Amazon gift card: You can use this to shop on Amazon.com for electronics, clothing, books, and more. This is popular among individuals who shop internationally or receive gifts from family abroad. 
• Apple/iTunes gift card: This gives credit across Apple’s ecosystem, including the App Store, Apple Music, iCloud, and Apple TV+. 
• Google Play gift card: Adds credit to your Google Play account for Android apps, games, and digital content. 
• Steam gift card: Used to buy games and in-game content on Steam, the world’s largest PC gaming platform. This is a common card among gamers in Nigeria.
• Netflix gift card: This pays for a Netflix subscription plan, a practical option for individuals whose debit cards are sometimes rejected on the Netflix platform.
• Visa/Mastercard gift card: This is an open-loop card accepted anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted. It is more flexible than store-specific cards and useful for a wide range of online payments.

Where can I get Gift Cards?

• Purchase directly on the Mintyn app: You can buy brand-specific gift cards through the Mintyn app for popular brands like Amazon, Apple, Spotify, Walmart, IKEA, and more. Choose from US, UK, Canadian, Nigerian, or UAE platforms, enter the recipient’s name, email, and phone number, and we will deliver the gift card digitally to them via SMS and email.
• From family and friends abroad: The most common source. Sending a gift card is faster and easier than a bank transfer for many people living in the US, UK, or Canada.
• Online freelance work: International clients sometimes pay with gift cards. Reward platforms like Swagbucks and InboxDollars also pay users in gift cards.
• Giveaways and promos: Social media giveaways from brands and content creators regularly feature gift cards as prizes.
• Corporate rewards: Nigerian companies increasingly use gift cards as employee bonuses, performance incentives, and customer loyalty rewards.

What can I use Gift Cards for?

Gift cards are versatile; there are various ways to use them to get the most value from every card you receive. Here are what gift cards can achieve for you. 

1. Online shopping: Gift cards are a reliable way to shop on international platforms like Amazon when your debit card is subject to foreign transaction fees.
2. Subscriptions and digital services: Pay for Netflix, Spotify, Apple Music, iCloud, and other services, especially useful when a platform rejects your request or won’t process your card.
3. Games, apps, and entertainment: Gaming gift cards like Steam, Xbox, and Google Play let you buy titles, unlock content, and access premium features on your favourite platforms.
4. Gifting: Instead of sending cash, you can send gift cards as presents. Through the Mintyn app, you can purchase gift cards for brands like Amazon, Apple, Walmart, and others, and send them directly to the recipient. They receive the value digitally and choose what they want from the brand.
5. Freelance tools and software: If you work as a digital professional, you can use gift cards to pay for tools like Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva Pro, and Grammarly, which require international payment methods.
6. Trading for naira: If you receive a foreign gift card you cannot use, some platforms allow you to sell it in exchange for naira. The amount you receive depends on the card type, denomination, and the current market rate. Always use verified, transparent platforms if you choose this option.

Can I use Gift Cards directly in Nigeria?

It depends on the gift card and the platform, but for most international gift cards, the honest answer is: not always directly.

Most international gift cards are region-specific. A US Amazon gift card is designed for a US Amazon account. If you do not have one set up with a US address, you may not be able to redeem it for direct shopping. The same applies to iTunes cards. A US card on a Nigerian Apple ID may require you to change your account region, which involves additional steps.

This is why many people skip direct redemption and trade the card for naira instead, which is the most practical option given how these cards are structured.

Is using Gift Cards safe?

Gift cards are safe when you receive them from trusted sources and deal with verified platforms. The risk is not in the card; it’s in who you buy from or sell to.

Common risks to watch out for:

• WhatsApp and Telegram vendors who collect payment and disappear
• Already-used codes that are being sold as valid
• Phishing attempts where scammers request your card code under false pretences
• Platforms offering unusually high naira rates (this is another sign of fraud)

Always use transparent, well-reviewed platforms that have clear customer support channels. Avoid peer-to-peer trades with strangers, and if a deal sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

What to do if your Gift Card does not work

A gift card that is not immediately usable is not always useless. These steps help you troubleshoot the problem and recover the value before giving up

• Check the region: Some platforms allow you to switch your account region. Research whether this is possible for your specific card type before giving up.
• Gift it to someone who can use it: Pass it to a friend or family member who has access to the relevant platform.
• Sell it on a trusted platform: Exchange it for naira at a competitive rate through a verified trading platform.
• Check the expiry date: Some cards have deadlines. If yours does, act quickly to avoid losing the value entirely.

Conclusion

A gift card is simply prepaid value for a specific store or platform. Once you understand that, everything else follows naturally: how it works, what you can do with it, and how to handle it safely.

For people in Nigeria, gift cards have become more than just a gifting tool. They are a way to receive value from abroad, access global platforms, and navigate payment barriers. Whether you use yours directly or trade it for naira, what matters is knowing your options and dealing with the right people.

If you want to send a gift card to someone, you can purchase one securely through the Mintyn app and have it delivered directly to their email and phone.

FAQ

1. What is a gift card used for? 

A gift card is used to make purchases on the specific platform or store that issued it. For example, an Amazon gift card is used to shop on Amazon, while a Netflix gift card pays for a Netflix subscription.

        2.  Do gift cards expire? 

Many major gift cards, including Amazon, Google Play, and iTunes, do not expire. Others do, especially store-specific or promotional ones. Always check the card’s terms when you receive it.

        3.  Can I convert a gift card to cash in Nigeria? 

Yes. You cannot withdraw cash directly from the card, but you can sell it on a trusted Nigerian trading platform and receive the naira equivalent in your bank account.

        4.  Are gift cards legal in Nigeria? 

Yes. Buying, receiving, and trading gift cards is legal in Nigeria. What is illegal is using gift cards in fraud, which is why choosing safe, verified platforms matters.

        5.  What happens if my gift card does not work? 

First, verify that the code was entered correctly. Then check whether the card’s region matches your account. If the issue persists, contact the platform’s support team. If it still cannot be redeemed, you may still be able to sell it locally.

        6.  Can I send a gift card to someone in Nigeria? 

Yes. Digital gift cards can be sent anywhere via email or messaging apps, making them a fast and convenient option for people in the diaspora who want to send value home quickly.