Simplify the swipe by knowing how and where gift cards can be used
As the holidays come to a close, you probably have multiple gift cards in your possession.
Though it’s obvious where to use some gift cards (like an iTunes card or a Google Play card), others may come with questions.
If you were given a restaurant gift card, you may be wondering whether or not you can apply it toward food delivery services like DoorDash or Uber Eats. And what about Visa gift cards? Is there any place you can’t use them?
We’ve gathered the most frequently asked gift card questions and sought out the answers. Here’s what we know:
Can you use gift cards on DoorDash?
If you’ve been given a DoorDash gift card, it’s easy to redeem it on the app or online, but using a Visa gift card on the delivery site is a bit more complicated. How to use a DoorDash gift card:
⬤ Click on your account icon in the upper left corner of the app and on the site.
⬤ Click “Gift Card” from that menu.
⬤ Enter the code found on your gift card.
⬤ Click “Redeem.”
How to use a Visa card on the DoorDash app or site:
⬤ Go to your account menu.
⬤ Select “Payment Methods.”
⬤ Click on “Add Payment Method.”
⬤ Select “Visa Gift Card.”
⬤ Enter the gift card information.
⬤ Click “Add Payment Method.”
⬤ Simply choose it as your payment method when you’re ready to order.
Can you use restaurant gift cards toward delivery services?
DoorDash does not accept restaurant gift cards, according to Business Insider.
Neither do Uber Eats and GrubHub. The only way to use a restaurant gift card without physically dining in is by ordering curbside pickup. You will have to check, as some restaurants will not have the curbside option.
Can you use gift cards on Amazon?
According to Amazon, Visa, MasterCard and American Express gift cards can be used on-site, but restrictions apply.
⬤ A gift card cannot be combined with a credit card.
⬤ If the three-digit CVV code on the back of the card is required for use, the order may not process successfully, as Amazon doesn’t ask for it.
⬤ Keep in mind, there is a $1 hold at the time of order to make sure the payment method is valid.
How to use a gift card on Amazon:
⬤ Click on “Accounts & Lists” at the top right-hand corner of the site.
⬤ Select “Account.”
⬤ Click on the “Your Payments” tab. ⬤ Click on “Add a Payment.” Note: Gift cards function as credit cards, so you will act as if you are adding a new one.
⬤ You will then add the gift card information.
⬤ Lastly, you will add your billing address.
To add a gift card to the app:
⬤ Click on the three horizontal lines bottom right.
⬤ Access “Your Shortcuts.”
⬤ Click on “Account.”
⬤ Repeat remaining steps mentioned for the online site.
To redeem your Amazon gift card: ⬤ Sign into your Amazon account and go to “Redeem a Gift Card.”
⬤ Claim code and click “Apply to Your Balance.”
⬤ The funds will be stored in “Your Account” where you can apply them to any order.
Where to buy Amazon gift cards
According to Amazon, Amazon gift cards are available in $15, $25, $50, and $100 denominations at select grocery, drug, and convenience stores.
You can also buy eCards on Amazon’s site that you can email or text to the recipient.
Can you use Amazon gift cards at Whole Foods?
According to Whole Foods, Amazon gift cards are not acceptable as a form of payment, but there is a list of Prime member perks.
Can you buy a gift card with a gift card?
Usually not, but some stores will allow it. You simply have to ask customer service at your chosen store, according to Gift Card Granny.
Can you exchange a gift card for cash?
Though you can’t exchange a gift card for cash, there are plenty of third-party sites that will allow you to sell a gift card for a fee, or even sell them for you, CNBC reports.
However, you usually lose 10%-15% of the value of that card.
Best gift card to buy right now
Starbucks won as the best gift card to give another person in 2023, according to WalletHub, but 2024 is looking different.
Top 10 gift cards as we begin the new year
WalletHub projects that these will be the most popular cards as we begin the new year, after watching holiday trends:
⬤ Visa
⬤ Amazon
⬤ Target
⬤ Starbucks
⬤ Disney
⬤ Sephora
⬤ American Express
⬤ eBay
⬤ iTunes
⬤ Chick-fil-A