Yes, you can buy gift cards at most major retailers and stores. Gift cards have become extremely popular gifts over the past couple of decades, and as a result, they are widely available at many different stores. When you buy a gift card from a store, you are purchasing a prepaid card that can be used to make purchases at that retailer. The recipient of the gift card can then come to the store and use the gift card to help pay for their purchases.
Common Places You Can Buy Gift Cards
Department Stores
Department stores like Macy’s, JCPenney, Kohl’s, and Nordstrom all sell gift cards that can be used at their stores. The gift cards come in various preset amounts, usually anywhere from $10 to $500. When purchasing a department store gift card, you are getting a card specifically for that retailer. For example, a Macy’s gift card could only be used to make purchases at Macy’s. The recipient couldn’t take a Macy’s gift card and use it at Kohl’s. Department store gift cards cannot be used anywhere else besides that store.
Supermarkets
Grocery stores and supermarkets like Safeway, Kroger, Publix, and Albertsons often sell gift cards as well. These retailers will offer gift cards to their own supermarket that can be used at any location. Some grocery stores also sell third party gift cards. For example, you may be able to buy an Amazon gift card or Starbucks gift card while shopping at your local Safeway. This provides added convenience by allowing you to purchase multiple different gift cards all in one place.
Big Box Retailers
Large, general merchandise retailers also commonly sell gift cards in their stores. Places like Walmart, Target, Costco, and Sam’s Club will have gift cards to their own stores available for purchase. They will also likely have racks filled with third party gift cards to restaurants, movie theaters, online retailers, and more. You can browse the selection and buy gift cards to Home Depot, Olive Garden, iTunes, Hulu, and many other brands all in one stop at these major big box stores.
Office Supply Stores
Retailers like Office Depot and Staples that sell office supplies, electronics, and other household items also offer gift cards. You can buy Office Depot or Staples branded gift cards along with third party gift cards to Starbucks, AMC Theaters, Amazon, and others.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid sell gift cards near the registers by the checkout lines. They offer gift cards to their own pharmacies along with a rotating selection of third party gift card brands. Gift cards to popular restaurants, online stores, movie theaters, and gas stations are commonly available at pharmacy gift card racks.
Restaurants
Many restaurant chains sell their own gift cards that can be used at any location. For example, you can purchase a Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, or Applebee’s gift card that is valid at their restaurants nationwide. The cards usually come in set amounts like $25 or $50. Some local independent restaurants may also offer gift cards to their specific restaurant.
The Benefits of Buying Gift Cards at Stores
There are a few advantages to purchasing gift cards directly at the retailer rather than online:
No shipping fees
When you buy a gift card at a store, there is no shipping cost involved. You simply pay the face value of the gift card. But if you order a gift card online, the retailer may charge you a shipping and handling fee. These fees are usually around $5 to $10.
Immediate use
With a gift card bought in a store, the recipient can use the card right away. If you order a gift card online, you have to wait for the card to ship before it can be used. That delay could leave the recipient waiting a week or more to use their gift card.
Security
Some people feel more secure buying a gift card directly from a trusted retailer rather than from a third party website. This guarantees you are getting an authentic, untampered gift card directly from the issuing store or brand.
Card customization
Many stores that sell gift cards in person will let you add custom text or messages to the gift card during checkout. This allows you to add a personalized note. Most online gift cards do not have this option.
No need for printing
With store bought gift cards, you don’t have to worry about printing anything off. The card comes ready to use and give as a gift. Online gift cards typically require you to print the card or gift code.
Potential Drawbacks
While buying a gift card at a retailer has many perks, there are a few potential downsides to consider as well:
Limited selection
The options may be narrower when buying a gift card in person rather than online. The physical racks and displays in stores have limited space. As a result, they likely don’t carry every single gift card option out there. Online retailers aren’t limited by shelf space, so they may offer a broader selection.
Inconvenient for some
Making an extra trip to the store isn’t always feasible depending on your schedule. Shopping online for a gift card allows you to quickly buy one no matter where you are or what time it is. So for some, buying gift cards in stores is less convenient than ordering them online.
Can’t buy at the last minute
If you realize late at night that you need a gift card for an occasion tomorrow, a retail store likely won’t be open. Buying online allows gift card shoppers to purchase last minute since online stores never close. Brick and mortar stores eventually close each evening.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Where to Buy
There are a few things to consider when deciding the best place to buy a gift card:
How soon you need the gift card
If it is an upcoming birthday and you need the gift card right away, buying in person ensures you’ll have it in hand immediately. Ordering online typically takes at least a few days for the card to deliver. So shop in stores if you need it quickly.
Shipping costs
Take the added shipping and handling fees into account when buying online. If you are purchasing multiple gift cards, those costs can add up. Buying in stores avoids those fees.
Card selection availability
Make sure the retailer actually sells the specific brand of gift card you want. Call ahead or check their website to know what’s available before going to the store. The selection online is vast.
Security preferences
Assess whether you feel safer buying directly from a trusted retailer rather than a third party gift card website. Consider your comfort level when it comes to security.
Convenience factors
Think about your schedule and location. If getting to a store is not feasible or convenient for you, online ordering may make more sense. Factor in things like time, distance, and accessibility.
Popular Gift Card Brands Sold at Retailers
While options vary by retailer, here are some of the most common third party gift card brands you’ll find in stores:
Gift Card Category | Popular Brands |
---|---|
Restaurants | Starbucks, Olive Garden, Buffalo Wild Wings, Applebee’s, Chili’s, Domino’s, Panera Bread |
Entertainment | AMC Theaters, Regal Cinemas, Netflix, Hulu, XBOX, PlayStation |
Clothing/Fashion | Nike, Athleta, J.Crew, Ann Taylor, Gap, Banana Republic |
Home Improvement | Home Depot, Lowe’s, Bed Bath & Beyond |
Department Stores | Macy’s, Nordstrom, Kohl’s, Dillard’s, Bloomingdale’s |
Specialty | PetSmart, Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Barnes & Noble |
This table shows some of the most popular gift card brands you’ll find being sold at major retailers. The specific selection varies by location. But top restaurants, entertainment services, fashion brands, and big box stores are routinely available.
Tips for Buying Gift Cards at Stores
Follow these tips to have the best experience when buying gift cards at retail stores:
Check expiration dates
Be sure to check the gift card to see if it has an expiration date before purchasing. Federal law does not mandate gift card expirations. But retailers can set their own policies. Know the expiration rules so the card doesn’t go to waste.
Review fees
Some retailers charge purchase fees, maintenance fees, or inactivity fees on gift cards. Read the fine print so you know what fees apply to that specific card.
See if you can customize
Many retailers allow you to get a custom message engraved or printed directly on the gift card during checkout. Ask the cashier when checking out if personalization is available.
Request gift receipt
When buying for someone else, get a gift receipt that shows the gift card value without showing the price paid. This allows the recipient to redeem the remaining balance if they don’t use the entire card.
Check the balance
Check the gift card balance while still in the store. Verify it is activated and shows the correct amount immediately after purchasing. This way any issues can be fixed on the spot.
Buy ahead for savings
Shop on special sale holidays for gift card promotions. Retailers often discount gift cards around the holidays or host bonus card events adding extra value when you buy a card.
The Bottom Line
Gift cards are available for purchase at most major retail chains and stores. Department stores, supermarkets, big box retailers, pharmacies, and restaurants are the most common places you’ll find gift cards being sold in person. The benefits of buying gift cards at physical stores include avoiding shipping fees, immediate use of the card, increased security, gift card customization, and access anytime the store is open. Downsides can be limited selection compared to buying online, less convenience, and inability to purchase 24/7. When deciding where to buy, consider timing, selection, fees, security, and accessibility based on your personal needs. Follow tips like checking expiration dates, fees, and balances to ensure you have the best experience.