Quick Answer
Yes, you can purchase gift cards directly in stores. Most major retailers like Target, Walmart, Best Buy, etc. have gift card racks near the checkout area where you can select a physical gift card to purchase. The store cashier can ring up the gift card like any other item. Some grocery stores like Kroger also allow you to get gift cards at the customer service desk. Just ask the customer service rep if you don’t see a gift card display.
What types of gift cards are available in stores?
You’ll find a very wide selection of gift cards available in major retail stores. Here are some of the most common ones you’ll see:
- Department stores like Target, Walmart, Kohl’s – These will offer their own store gift cards in various denominations like $10, $25, $50.
- Restaurants like Starbucks, Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse – Physical gift cards for popular restaurant chains are readily available.
- Specialty retailers like GameStop, Barnes & Noble, Bed Bath & Beyond – Gift cards for specialty retail brands can be purchased in their stores.
- Entertainment like AMC, Regal, Netflix – Look for gift cards to movie theaters, streaming services, and other entertainment venues.
- Prepaid credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, American Express – Stores have prepaid gift cards from major credit card companies.
You’ll find the most common and popular gift card brands available right at the checkout lane. Larger retailers may have a separate gift card rack with even more options. Specialty retailers will most often have their own gift cards available at checkout.
Are all gift cards available in physical stores?
Most major gift card brands are available for purchase inside brick-and-mortar retail locations. However, you may not always find more obscure or niche gift cards that can only be purchased online.
For example, a gaming fan might want a gift card for the Playstation Store. Or someone might want a gift card for a small specialty coffee shop chain. Those type of gift cards are only available online.
If you need a gift card for a retailer or restaurant that is regional or local, your only option may be online as well. Smaller businesses don’t always have their gift cards stocked in big box stores.
But for the most popular, nationally-known brands, you should have no trouble finding physical gift cards in stores. Just stick to major retailers like supermarkets, department stores, pharmacy chains, and convenience stores.
How much do store gift cards cost?
Gift cards available in retail stores generally range in price from $10 to $500. Here are some of the common gift card denominations you’ll see:
- $10
- $25
- $50
- $100
- $250
- $500
Most shoppers stick to lower amounts like $25 or $50 for casual gifts for friends and family. Higher amounts are purchased for more special occasions or when pooling funds for a group gift.
One advantage of buying gift cards in stores over online is that you can customize any amount. Store cashiers can swipe various denominations to meet a specific budget. For example, buying three $25 gift cards and one $10 card would total an $85 gift.
Note that some retailers may only have set denominations available for purchase. But in general, buying in person allows more flexibility.
Do gift cards ever go on sale in stores?
Yes, you can sometimes save money on gift cards bought in stores when they go on sale or offer promotions. Here are some examples of gift card deals to look for:
- Gift card discounts – Retailers may offer $5 off a $50 gift card periodically.
- Gift card with purchase – Get a free $10 gift card when you buy $50 worth of merchandise.
- Buy more, save more – Receive a discount when you buy 2 or more gift cards at once.
- Bonus cards – Purchase a gift card and get a free bonus card for a popular merchant like Starbucks.
Timing shopping around major holidays like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Father’s Day, and Mother’s Day can mean better gift card offers. But deals can pop up year round, so always check the weekly sales ads for stores you shop at regularly.
Following retailers on social media or signing up for their email newsletters is an easy way to learn about gift card promotions too. Sale prices are almost always available in store and online.
Where can I find gift cards on sale in stores?
Here are some of the top retailers to check for in-store gift card sales and deals:
- Supermarkets – Kroger, Safeway, Publix, Whole Foods, etc. often have discounted gift cards in the customer service area or on display near the pharmacy.
- Walgreens and CVS – Pharmacy chains run rotating gift card sales each week.
- Office supply stores – Staples, Office Depot and Office Max offer discounted gift cards in stores and online.
- Walmart and Target – Check endcaps, gift card displays, and the customer service desk for gift card deals.
- Costco – Look for bonus cards and 2-packs of gift cards for restaurants and other services.
- Sam’s Club – Similar to Costco, you can find discounted gift cards near the checkouts.
Check the seasonal aisle in stores around major holidays. Gift card offerings and discounts usually increase during the Christmas shopping season.
You might also luck out with surprise gifts card offers when checking out. Some retailers will prompt cashiers to ask customers if they want to add a gift card at a discounted price when making a regular purchase.
How long do gift cards last when purchased in stores?
Gift cards purchased in retail stores typically have expiration dates ranging from 6 months up to 2 years from the date of activation. However, in many states, gift cards cannot legally expire in less than 5 years.
Here are some general gift card expiration policies:
- Restaurant gift cards – 6 to 12 months
- Retailer gift cards – 12 to 24 months
- Visa/Mastercard gift cards – Up to 2 years
- iTunes gift cards – Never expire
Be sure to check the fine print on the back of gift cards bought in stores for the expiration date. Some merchants offer extended time limits during the holidays. Gift cards for digital services like Netflix or Hulu will usually have longer redemption periods too.
If you purchase a gift card that ends up going unused and expires, you still may be able to get those funds back in many cases by contacting the company’s customer service. But your best bet is to record expiration dates and make sure to use gift cards in time.
Do I need to register gift cards purchased in stores?
For most gift cards, there is no registration required. You can simply purchase a physical gift card at a store, hand it to the recipient, and they can immediately start using the funds anywhere that brand is accepted. No activation needed.
However, some gift cards will require you to register them online after purchase to use or track the balance. Gift cards that commonly need registration include:
- Starbucks – Must register to access full card features like reloads and rewards.
- Disney – Link to online account to combine multiple cards and check balance.
- American Express – Register for online account access and bonus rewards.
- Visa/Mastercard – May need registration to enable online spending.
If a gift card needs to be registered after purchasing in store, there will be instructions inside the packaging or listed on the back. It just takes a few minutes to provide some basic contact info online to register and activate certain gift cards.
Can I buy digital gift cards in stores?
Yes, many major retailers now offer digital gift cards that can be purchased in person and delivered instantly via email or mobile. Here are some ways to buy digital gift cards in stores:
- Ask at customer service – Stores like Safeway, Kroger, CVS allow you to pay at customer service and get a digital gift card code printed on the receipt.
- Self-service kiosk – Select “Digital Gift Card” at self-checkout kiosks in stores like Walmart and get the code on screen after payment.
- Point of sale – At some retailers, cashiers can generate and print out a digital gift card code at checkout after purchase.
- Mobile app – Apps like Starbucks let users buy digital gift cards and get the claim code instantly to redeem or forward as a gift.
Digital gift cards provide a convenient gift option for last minute needs or for sending to recipients remotely. Purchasing digitally in-store allows instant access without needing to wait for standard shipping.
What are the benefits of buying gift cards in stores?
Here are some of the top advantages of purchasing gift cards at retail locations:
- Immediate in-hand – Get a physical card instantly instead of waiting on mail delivery.
- Custom amounts – Choose specific denominations and combinations at checkout.
- See selections – View and evaluate the actual gift card designs and packaging before buying.
- Deals – Take advantage of any in-store discounts, sales, or gift card promotions.
- Last minute gifts – Purchase right up until the holiday or occasion requiring a gift.
- Balance checks – Ask store cashier to check remaining balance on a gift card.
- No shipping fees – Avoid online shipping costs by buying in person.
The convenience and flexibility of walking into a store and immediately purchasing a gift card makes them an easy go-to gift idea for many shoppers. Kids and teens will also appreciate being able to select their own gift card.
What are the downsides of buying gift cards in stores?
Despite the perks, there are a few potential disadvantages to consider when opting to purchase gift cards at retail locations:
- Limited selection – Stores may only carry more popular or mainstream brands.
- Inconvenient – You need to make a special trip just for gift cards.
- Harder to compare – Can’t view all offers or prices as conveniently as online.
- Easy to lose – Physical cards can be misplaced by recipients before redeeming.
- No custom designs – Most in-store cards have standard templates vs. customized online options.
The selection in stores also tends to cater more heavily towards dining, retail, and entertainment verses niche digital platforms like gaming services and apps.
While less significant, buying gift cards in person takes more effort than browsing and purchasing options online. So convenience is a bit lower, especially if it requires going out of your way.
Tips for buying gift cards in retail stores
Here are some tips to follow when purchasing gift cards in stores:
- Know where to look – Scan endcaps, customer service, checkouts, and seasonal sections.
- Compare prices and terms – Look at fees, expiration dates, denominations.
- Stack discounts – Combine any current store coupons or rewards savings.
- Think ahead on amounts – Get cards with at least 6 months validity for planned gifts.
- Save high amounts for special occasions – Use lower amounts for casual gifting to avoid waste.
- Register when required – Look up instructions for any activation steps needed.
- Save packaging – Recipients can use numbers and info to check balances.
- Pair physical and digital – Supplement in-store buys with online only options.
Being strategic about when and where you buy gift cards can help maximize value. Consider waiting for sales, coordinating purchases with errands, and taking advantage of loyalty program discounts.
You can offset any selection limitations in stores by supplementing with digital gift cards from niche sites as needed for a wider range of gifting options.
Can I purchase gift cards as a gift for myself?
Yes, it is perfectly fine to buy gift cards in stores as a gift for your own use later on. Self-gifting with gift cards can actually be a smart strategy in various scenarios, like:
- Saving up for a large purchase – Put any windfalls towards a gift card for something bigger down the road.
- Budgeting for a hobby or activity – Gift yourself monthly or annual amounts for golf, spa visits, etc.
- Shopping with saved up funds – Replace using credit with gift card funds for discretionary items.
- Remembering to treat yourself – Load up cards for coffee, movies, dining out, etc. to incentivize enjoying them.
- Taking advantage of sales – Stock up on discounted gift cards to use later on.
Self-gifting can serve as a rewarding way to save up and budget for things you really want while avoiding debt. Just be sure to record any gift card amounts and expiration dates so you actually use the funds. And stick to retailers you frequent to avoid wasting money on unused gift cards.
Conclusion
Purchasing gift cards directly at retail stores still remains a convenient and popular way to get gift cards for any occasion or recipient. You can easily find a wide variety of gift card options for major dining, retail, and entertainment brands at the checkouts and customer service desks of stores you already frequent regularly. Plus, buying gift cards in person allows you to take advantage of any discounts or promotions being offered in real time. Just be sure to compare terms and fees associated with different gift cards before purchasing. With a small amount of planning, buying gift cards at local stores can be a smart, affordable, and thoughtful gifting strategy.