A gift card, also known as a gift certificate, gift voucher, or gift token, is a prepaid money card with a stored value issued by merchants, shops, and banks for use as an alternative to cash for purchases at a particular store or establishment. These cards are already disrupting the global financial landscape, so their worth and essence in the financial market are becoming noticeable and imperative. By the end of 2022, the global gift card market stands at over $424 billion, with the expected value to increase to about $510 billion by 2025.
Gift cards play a crucial role in streamlining and enhancing convenience when purchasing from brands. You may go into any location of the brand or visit the website and have your payment completed in a matter of seconds, thanks to this digital asset. How to buy gift cards in Nigeria is still unclear, though.
Most people mistakenly believe that gift cards from well-known retailers like Steam, iTunes, Amazon, and others can only be bought internationally. While somewhat accurate, there are other ways to buy this digital asset in Nigeria.
Gift cards are one of the most straightforward last-minute gifts and are a safe bet for everyone on your list. However, you are not required to spend that amount simply because a gift card has a specific value. Several reputable internet companies offer unwanted gift cards, both physical and electronic. All you have to do is know where to look.
However, it is prudent to exercise caution when viewing this information because many unscrupulous websites tempt viewers with low-cost gift cards. Gift cards are often discounted because they symbolise money.
Where To Buy Gift Cards In Nigeria
You can buy gift cards in Nigeria via both online and offline mediums.
- Resellers
- Convenience stores
- Official websites
- Auction sites
- Reward points
1. Reseller
This offers considerable reductions in the price of gift cards, as they always promise. These websites enable users to trade in their unused gift cards for cash, which is then resold to customers at a lower price. Depending on the website you select and the gift cards you choose, discounts can range from 5% to order to decide which websites you should visit; let’s quickly review a few.
There are several of these websites, but the top ones we suggest checking are Giftcards.com, Cardpool, Raise, and CardCash. Raise offers the widest selection of these discounted gift cards from hundreds of different retailers. Another website worth checking out is Gift Card Granny, which offers specific card discounts plus a rewards program with cash-back benefits for purchasing full-priced cards.
The primary attribute of these websites is the security they offer. You don’t need to worry about buying a card from an unidentified online seller because these sites have already worked with sellers. The security infrastructure on each website also takes care of your unauthorised card.
2. Convenience Stores
A convenience store typically stocks a range of gift cards from different merchants. A variety of gift cards from various brands are offered in convenience stores.
3. Official Websites
One way to buy gift cards is through the company’s official website. However, the websites of the businesses and shops that sell gift cards also allow you to purchase them.
Several well-known retailers, including Amazon, Sephora, Nordstrom, eBay, Nike, etc., provide online gift cards. These websites allow you to submit photographs to customise your gift card further. In addition, they offer reduced gift cards in Nigeria.
4. Auction Sites
Online markets and auction websites also sell gift cards. An auction website is like a website where gift cards may be purchased. Online marketplaces like eBay are well-known for enabling customers to sell unwanted items for a profit.
Gift cards are usually available at low, low prices, and you can also take advantage of other promotions. If you want to the buy your friend a gift but lack the funds to do so, this is a great substitute.
5. Reward Points
You can exchange reward points for Express cards (AMEX gift concession as your points reach a certain level, you can convert them into gift cards. AMEX provides a range of gift card substitutes, including those for dining, theatres, clothing stores, etc. This rewards program is also available through American Airlines.
Best Places To Buy Gift Cards Online In Nigeria
1. Mintyn App
This is the mobile app of Mintyn Digital Bank, where you can buy country-specific gift cards. The countries include Nigeria, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In the discourse of Nigeria, some of the gift cards you can buy on Mintyn are Shoprite, Spar, Jumia, Slot, Filmhouse Cinema, Samsung, etc.
However, you can also buy popular gift cards like eBay gift cards, Amazon gift cards, Nike gift cards, iTune cards, Target gift cards, Uber gift cards, and Xbox gift cards, etc., on the platform.
2. SureGifts
SureGifts is an online site where you can buy gift cards for various Nigerians. These retailers are Samsung, Filmhouse Cinemas, SPAR, ShopRite, Justrite, Hubmart Stores, and others.
After purchasing a gift card from SureGifts, users will receive a voucher code that can be used to redeem the gift value at partner stores. Choose an item, insert your coupon code, and update your cart for online merchants or purchasing in a physical store; you must present the voucher code.
3. JumiaPay
On JumiaPay, you can buy gift cards from a variety of international shops. Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Hulu, Netflix, Tinder, eBay, Livu, and other retailers provide gift cards.
The value of JumiaPay gift cards varies per brand. Netflix, for example, gives certificates of $30 and $60, whereas eBay offers slightly fewer coupons. These gift cards can be purchased using a debit card, credit card, or bank account.
4. Prestmit
Prestmit allows customers to purchase gift cards from overseas merchants such as Amazon, Walmart, and Sephora. Based on the dollar value of the gift cards, the program charges the customer an equivalent amount in naira. Currently, any gift card may be purchased on Prestmit.
When you buy a gift card from prestmit, you will receive an email with a code. The gift card value can then be redeemed using the gift card code.
5. GetCards Africa
GetCards Africa allows you to buy gifts cards from a variety of international shops online. GetCards members get access to over 3000 retailers and service providers. Uber, Nike, Google Play, Walmart, Apple, Airbnb, and Uber are among these companies.
The GetCards website is still in beta testing. You can still purchase cards to present to others or keep for yourself. These overseas gift cards can be purchased via bank transfer.
6. Konga
Gift cards have a segment in the Konga marketplace. Customers can purchase gift cards from companies such as PlayStation, Google Play, Steam, Apple, and others. Gift cards, like any other goods on the Konga marketplace, are sold by independent vendors.
How To Buy Gift Cards In Nigeria On Mintyn App
1. Create a Mintyn account and log in.
2. Click on “Gift Cards”.
3. Enter the type of gift card you want to buy or select from the country to have your preferred gift card.
4. Click on your gift card of choice.
5. Enter the “Amount” of the gift card you want to buy. This rate corresponds to the local currency chosen by choice country. For instance, the US dollar is for the United States, the Nigerian naira for Nigeria, the British pound for the United Kingdom, etc.
6. Enter the “Beneficiary Name”, “Phone Number”, and the “Beneficiary Email”.
7. Confirm all the provided information and submit it to initiate the purchase.
Things To Consider When Buying Gift Cards In Nigeria
1. Buy from trusted sources: buy gift cards elsewhere instead of from online auction sites, which may sell you fake or stolen cards.
2. Understand the terms and conditions: learn if there is a price for purchasing the card or, if you purchase it over the phone or online, a fee for shipping and handling. Buy somewhere if you don’t like what you see.
3. Ensure the gift card is valid: verify that none of the safety has been taken off. to see whether the PIN hasn’t been revealed by scratching off the codes on the card’s back. Inform the merchant of any cards that have been tampered with.
4. Check the expiration date: gift cards must, by law, be valid for at least five years after being purchased or five years from the last time money was added to them. The funds may be moved without charge to a new card with an earlier expiration date.
5. Redeem your card early: use your card as soon as possible; else, you risk losing it or forgetting about it.
Conclusion
Gift cards are a way to retain the value of money for some time, as some offer the best rates. Therefore, it is essential to understand the features of any gift card of your choice before purchasing.
