Gift vouchers can be purchased in most online and physical stores. However, many of these vouchers have an expiration date and inactivity costs hidden in their terms and conditions. You better take them out and redeem them, or exchange them for something you can use.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Redeem Amazon Gift Cards
Step 1. Find your Amazon Gift Card in its physical or virtual form
If it was sent to you by e-mail, it is not necessary to print it. Amazon Gift Certificates are often distributed by email, via Facebook or in plasticized physical form.
Step 2. Search for the purchase code
This is a 16-digit number on the e-mail you received or on the back of the plastic card. If you are using the card, you may have to scratch off the cover layer to see the number.
Step 3. Log into your Amazon account
If you don't have one, you need to create and confirm it using your email. Unlike other gift vouchers, once entered into your account, Amazon vouchers are stored there instead of on the plastic card.
Step 4. Click on "My account" in the upper right corner
Click the link that says "Add a Gift Certificate to my Account".
Step 5. Enter the 16-digit code
When you are done, click on "Add to my account". The balance of the Gift Certificate will be placed in your account and will be used on your next purchase before other forms of payment.
Step 6. Choose to enter the code at the time of purchase, if you want to spend it all at once
You can enter it at checkout.
Method 2 of 4: Redeem E-Commerce Gift Vouchers
Step 1. Find your gift card
Look at the expiration date. Since 2009, gift vouchers can no longer expire before 5 years have passed since they were issued. If it is over 5 years old, you can try to redeem it, but it may already have expired.
Step 2. Go to a search engine and type "Gift card balance"
You will find plenty of sites that can help you find out the balance of your gift card, if you don't already know. Choose your e-commerce seller from the list and follow their link to reach the customer service number or the site that will help you find out the balance.
Step 3. Remember that many gift vouchers have costs related to inactivity after the first year
It could be a few euros a month or more. If your gift card is running low, it's best to use it before you are also charged for the next month's fees.
Step 4. Go to the site marked on the back of your gift card
Start shopping. Keep your balance in mind as you shop.
As for most large retailers, you can redeem their gift voucher through an application, on their website or in the physical store. Click on "Redeem" on the app to enter the code on the back of the voucher
Step 5. Make the payment on the e-commerce site
Click on "Redeem Gift Card" or "Enter Coupon Code" before paying with your credit card.
Step 6. Click on "Enter" or "Ok" after entering the numbers on the back of the card
Thus, the balance should be recalculated, so that only what was not covered by the gift certificate remains. Some gift vouchers do not cover shipping costs.
Step 7. Enter your credit card numbers to pay the rest of the purchase, if needed
Enter your shipping and billing address, then complete the purchase.
Step 8. Write down the order confirmation code
You should also receive it by email.
Method 3 of 4: Redeem the Gift Card in the Physical Store
Step 1. Use your coupon in the physical store within one year of its purchase
Unless otherwise noted, there may be downtime costs of a few euros per month after the first year.
Step 2. Ask a store clerk to check your gift card balance
This way you will find out how much you can spend with what you have left.
Step 3. Buy what you want
When you're done, take it to the cashier.
Step 4. Give your gift certificate to the clerk after he has stamped your purchases at the cashier
It will use it as a credit card and deduct the cost of your purchases from it.
Step 5. If there is any remaining balance, take your gift certificate back
You will not be charged for inactivity costs for that month, having used it.
Step 6. Leave the gift card blank for the clerk, unless you want to refill it
Method 4 of 4: Exchanging Gift Certificates
Step 1. Decide if you can use your gift card or not
If you've been given a gift certificate for a site you can't use or a physical store you can't go to, you can sell it on the internet or trade it.
Step 2. Go to sites like Cardpool, Giftcardgranny and Giftcardbalancenow
It is best to compare the costs on each of these sites to get the best price.
Step 3. Click on the link that says “Sell Gift Card”
Find the store linked to your gift voucher in the list on the site. If not, ask to be able to sell it through the customer support page or go to another site that deals with your type of gift voucher.
Step 4. Create an account
You will need a shipping address and an email address.
Step 5. Enter your gift card information
The site will check your balance and tell you how much you can get in cash or by exchanging it for another.
Step 6. Choose whether to get its value for money or to exchange it
Exchanging it may be more beneficial than getting its cash value. Some sites let you choose which store you'd like to exchange it with, while others will automatically exchange it for a coupon for Amazon.
Step 7. Complete your transaction
Send your gift voucher using the shipping address provided to you.
Step 8. You will receive your new gift card by post or by email
Use it within the stated expiration date.
