eBay gift cards have been around for many years, allowing shoppers to purchase set amounts of eBay credit to be used towards future purchases on the site. However, as shopping habits and preferences have changed over time, some shoppers may be wondering if eBay gift cards are still being sold and can be used on eBay today.
The Short Answer
Yes, eBay gift cards are still being sold both online and in physical retail stores. eBay gift cards can be purchased in various preset amounts ranging from $25 to $500, and can be redeemed towards any eligible purchase on eBay.com. The gift cards do not expire, so the eBay credit can be used at any time.
What are eBay Gift Cards?
eBay gift cards, also sometimes known as eBay egift cards, are prepaid cards that allow you to make purchases on eBay up to the value of the gift card. They work just like physical gift cards – you purchase a eBay gift card in a specific dollar amount, then you can use the value of that gift card towards future purchases on eBay.com.
For example, if you purchase a $50 eBay gift card, you can then make $50 worth of purchases on eBay over time using the funds from that gift card. The gift card credit applies to the subtotal of your purchase like any other gift card.
Denominations
eBay gift cards are sold in preset denominations ranging from $25 up to $500. Some of the most common amounts are:
- $25
- $50
- $100
- $250
- $500
This allows you to purchase a eBay gift card for an amount that fits your budget and gifting needs. If you need more or less value than one of the preset amounts, you can purchase multiple gift cards to reach the desired total.
Electronic Delivery
Many eBay gift cards are delivered electronically via email. This allows you to purchase a eBay eGift card online and have the card number and PIN emailed to you instantly or on a specified delivery date. You can then print the gift card or redeem it directly online at eBay.
Some third party retailers may also offer physical eBay gift cards that are mailed or available for in-store pickup. However, eBay’s own gift cards are primarily electronic.
Where to Buy eBay Gift Cards
There are a few main options for where to purchase eBay gift cards:
eBay.com
eBay allows you to purchase eGift cards directly through their website. You can buy virtual eBay gift cards in denominations from $25 to $500, and the cards will be delivered to the recipient’s email. Purchasing directly through eBay.com allows you to have the gift card delivered instantly or schedule it for a future date.
Grocery Stores & Retailers
Many grocery stores, drug stores, and other retail chains sell physical eBay gift cards in-store. Retailers such as Safeway, Kroger, CVS, Walgreens, and more offer eBay gift cards in various denominations. This provides an easy way to pick up an eBay gift card while you’re out running other errands.
Third Party Websites
There are various third party websites that allow you to order electronic or physical eBay gift cards. These include gift card marketplaces and retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Target. Third party sites offer convenience but may have higher prices or fees than purchasing directly from eBay.
Wherever you choose to purchase, be sure to only buy eBay branded gift cards from authorized sellers. Avoid any eBay gift cards sold by unfamiliar sites or sellers.
Using an eBay Gift Card
eBay gift cards can be used to pay for part or all of an eligible purchase on eBay.com. Here is how to redeem an eBay gift card:
eGift Cards
For electronic eBay gift cards, select the “Apply a gift card or coupon” option during checkout. You can then enter the eBay gift card number and PIN to apply the value towards your purchase.
Physical Gift Cards
If you have a plastic eBay gift card, carefully scratch off the back to reveal the card number and security code. You can then enter this information at checkout just like an eGift card.
Make sure to keep any used gift card until you receive your order in case you need to reference the card number again.
Tips for Redeeming
– You can redeem multiple eBay gift cards on a single purchase. Just repeat the gift card entry process for each card you want to apply.
– If your gift card balance doesn’t cover the full order subtotal, you can pay the remaining amount with another payment method.
– eBay gift card funds never expire, so you can save them for future purchases if you don’t use the full balance in one transaction.
– Double check that you’re entering the gift card details correctly. Avoid common mistakes like transposing numbers that could prevent redemption.
eBay Gift Card Restrictions
While eBay gift cards can be used sitewide, there are a few limitations on what purchases they can be applied to:
– eBay gift cards cannot be used to buy other gift cards or eBay Bucks.
– The cards cannot be used for purchases on eBay’s classified ad site Kijiji.
– eBay gift cards cannot be cashed out or exchanged for cash.
– The cards cannot be used as payment for eBay seller fees.
Other than the exceptions above, eBay gift cards can be applied towards any eligible item across eBay’s platform, including both new and used goods. Always check the full gift card terms and conditions for details.
Checking Your eBay Gift Card Balance
If you have unused funds remaining on an eBay gift card, you can easily check the balance online.
For electronic eBay gift cards, visit the eGift Card Balance page while signed into your eBay account. Enter the gift card number and PIN when prompted to see the current balance.
For physical gift cards, you can also check the balance by scratching off the back of the card to reveal the security code and visiting the eGift Card Balance page.
Checking online allows you to verify your gift card balance before making a purchase. You can add multiple gift cards to your account to easily track balances.
eBay Gift Card Benefits
There are a few advantages that make eBay gift cards a convenient option for shoppers:
No Expiration
Unlike some other gift cards, eBay gift cards do not expire. The funds never have to be used by a certain date, so you can redeem the card over time as needed. This makes eBay gift cards a great gift option since the recipient can use them at their own pace.
Variety of Sellers & Items
With millions of listings across endless categories, eBay has a vast selection of inventory that gift card funds can be used towards. You’re not limited to one retailer or product type. eBay gift cards offer very flexible spending compared to single-store gift cards.
Frequent Discounts & Promos
eBay runs various promotions that allow you to stretch the value of gift cards even further. For example, they may offer a discount off your next order when you redeem an eBay gift card over a certain amount. Keep an eye out for combo deals when purchasing eBay gift cards.
Virtual & Physical Options
The availability of both electronic and plastic gift cards provides convenience. Virtual eBay gift cards allow easy online sending or last minute gifting, while physical cards can be given in person. You can purchase whichever option fits your needs.
Common eBay Gift Card Scams
While legitimate eBay gift cards are perfectly safe to buy and redeem, there are unfortunately some eBay gift card scams to watch out for:
Fake eBay Gift Cards
One scam involves counterfeit gift cards that appear real but have been manufactured without authorization from eBay. These fake cards will not work on the eBay website. Only buy official eBay branded gift cards from authorized sellers. Closely inspect cards for signs of tampering before purchasing.
Resold Used Gift Cards
Some scammers resell used eBay gift cards that no longer have funds on them. Only purchase brand new, unactivated gift cards to ensure they can be loaded with the full advertised value. Check balances immediately after purchasing and redeeming any card.
Phishing Emails
Email phishing scams may pretend to be from eBay, asking you to verify personal account information or gift card details that can then be used fraudulently. eBay will never ask for sensitive information over email.
Only provide gift card numbers directly through the eBay website at checkout or on linked balance pages. Never share card details via email or other unverified communication methods.
Are eBay Gift Cards Still Worthwhile?
Even with changing shopping trends and new gift card options from various retailers, eBay gift cards remain a worthwhile purchase for many shoppers due to eBay’s continued popularity and wide range of inventory.
Key factors that make eBay gift cards a useful gift today:
– Many shoppers still use eBay regularly for new items, used goods, rare finds and bargains.
– eBay offers inventory that is more varied than what any single retailer sells. Their selection comes from sellers across the globe.
– Gift card convenience and security continues to appeal to consumers compared to giving cash gifts.
– eBay gift cards remain highly flexible – they can be combined, used over time, and applied to millions of different items.
– Gift cards allow shoppers without credit cards or PayPal accounts to make purchases on eBay.
For regular eBay users or avid deal hunters, eBay gift cards are likely still one of the top gift card choices. The many denominations and virtual or plastic options allow gift buyers to match options to the recipient. As long as eBay maintains its diverse marketplace, gift cards are a relevant choice.
Conclusion
In summary, eBay gift cards are still widely available both digitally and physically. The cards can be purchased in set dollar amounts ranging from $25 up to $500, do not expire, and allow flexible spending across eBay’s full catalog of items. While there are some limitations and occasional gift card scams to watch for, legitimate eBay gift cards remain a convenient gift idea for regular eBay shoppers. Factors like eBay’s continued popularity among buyers and sellers, vast product selection and inventory pool, and lack of expiration help eBay gift cards maintain their status as a useful gift even with changing times and new retailer options. For many shoppers, eBay gift cards are still one of the top ways to give the gift of online shopping flexibility.