Gift cards are popular all around the world and Nigeria is no exception. This market has been growing rapidly and is set to expand even further in coming years. If you don't know about the various uses of gift cards, now is a good time to learn about them as you might be missing out on convenience, flexibility, and value.
However, before you buy a gift card in Nigeria, you should first ask what type of gift cards are available in Nigeria. In this blog, we’ll break down the main categories of gift cards and explain how they work. These are usually classified into different categories based on their format, how they are used, and the purpose they serve. Let's see the details:
1) Types of Gift Card Based on their Format
The first type of gift cards are categorized based on how they are presented and used. They mainly fall into two formats: Physical gift cards and Digital gift cards. While both serve the same purpose, the way you receive, store, and use them is very different. Let’s break them down in a simple way.
1. Physical Gift Cards
Physical gift cards are the traditional plastic cards you can hold in your hand. They look very similar to ATM or debit cards and usually come sealed in packaging. These cards are commonly bought from shopping malls, supermarkets, fuel stations, and retail stores.
Each physical gift card has a unique code hidden under a scratch layer, a fixed amount and instructions on how to use it. Once the seal is scratched and the code is revealed, the card becomes active and can be used for shopping, online purchases, or reselling.
Common Examples of Physical Gift Cards
Amazon Gift Card
Foot Locker Gift Card
Sephora Gift Card
Why People Like Using Physical Gift Cards?
- They are perfect for in-person gifting
- You can wrap them and present them as surprises
- They feel more “real” as a gift
However, another thing to remember with this type of gift card is that they can also be lost, damaged, or scratched accidentally, which is why many people are now switching to digital options.
2. Digital (E-code) Gift Cards
Digital gift cards, also known as e-codes, exist only in electronic form. You don’t receive a plastic card. Instead, the gift card code is sent to you instantly through email. These cards can be redeemed immediately after purchase, making them the fastest type of gift card format available today.
Common Examples of Digital Gift Cards
Google Play E-code
Apple iTunes E-code
PlayStation Store E-code
Why Digital Gift Cards Are So Popular?
- Instant delivery (no waiting time)
- No risk of physical damage
- Easy to store on your phone
- Perfect for urgent gifts and online shopping
2) Types of Gift Card Based on Usage
Another useful way to group gift cards is by how and where they can be used. Some types of gift cards are designed for a single brand, while others work almost anywhere. Based on this, gift cards fall into two main usage types:
1. Retail / Store-Specific Gift Cards
These gift cards are created for one particular brand or store only. This means the balance on these types of gift cards can only be used within that brand’s ecosystem, either online, in physical stores, or both.
For example, if you have a Foot Locker gift card, you can only use it to buy shoes, sportswear, or accessories from Foot Locker. The same applies to Apple, Amazon, Steam, Sephora, and Netflix gift cards as each one is tied strictly to its own platform
2. Multi-Purpose (Open-Loop) Gift Cards
Multi-purpose gift cards are the complete opposite of store-specific cards. Instead of working with just one brand, these cards can be used across many platforms, stores, and services. They function more like prepaid debit cards.Common examples of this type of gift card include Visa gift cards, Mastercard gift cards and American Express (Amex) gift cards.
Because of their flexibility, open-loop gift cards are often seen as “cash alternatives.” You’re not locked into one store, you can spend them almost anywhere that accepts card payments. This wide usability also makes them highly demanded in the resale market.
3) Types of Gift Cards Based on Purpose
1. Gaming Gift Cards
Gaming gift cards are designed for people who enjoy digital games and online entertainment. They are mainly used to purchase games, downloadable content, in-game upgrades, and subscriptions without using a bank card. Popular examples include Steam gift cards for PC gamers, PlayStation gift cards for console users, and Xbox gift cards for games, add-ons, and memberships. =
2. Lifestyle Gift Cards
Lifestyle gift cards focus on everyday spending such as shopping, fashion, food, transport, and entertainment. These cards are widely used for buying physical products and digital services. Examples include Amazon for general shopping, Sephora for beauty items, Foot Locker and Nike for fashion and sneakers, and Uber or iTunes for transportation and digital content.
3. Subscription Gift Cards
This category includes gift cards used for work-related tools and long-term digital services. These cards are commonly used to pay for software subscriptions, cloud storage, design tools, and productivity platforms. Examples include Google Play for app subscriptions and other business software platforms.
Important Things to Remember When You Are Using Different Types of Gift Cards
It is important to remember that different types of gift cards may look similar, but they often come with different rules, limits, and risks. You should always pay attention to the small details which will help you use your gift cards safely and get full value from them.
1. Always Check the Card Region and Currency
Before using or selling any gift card, make sure you confirm the region and currency it is meant for. Some gift cards only work in specific countries. A US card may not work on all Nigerian platforms. Using the wrong region can cause transaction failure or rejection.
2. Confirm the Balance Before Use or Sale
It is very important to check your gift card balance as soon as you receive it. Some cards may already be partially used or damaged. A quick balance check helps you avoid mistakes, disputes, and unexpected losses.
3. Keep Your Gift Card Details Safe
Your gift card code should be treated like cash. Once someone gets access to the code, they can use it instantly. Do not share screenshots, photos, or full codes with unverified people. Many scams happen because users expose their card details by mistake.
4. Watch Out for Expiry Dates and Limits
Some gift cards do not last forever. Promotional and special-purpose cards may have limited validity or usage rules. Always read the basic terms so you do not lose value due to expiration.
5. Use Only Trusted Platforms for Trading
If you plan to sell your gift card, always choose a verified and reliable platform. A trusted gift card trading app like Tbay offers fair rates, secure transactions, and fast payouts. This protects you from fraud and delayed payments.
FAQs
1. Does Nigeria Have Gift Cards?
Yes, Nigeria has a very active gift card market. People in Nigeria buy, sell, and use gift cards for shopping, gaming, subscriptions, and even for converting to cash on trusted platforms.
2. What Type of Gift Cards Are Available?
There are many types of gift cards available today. These include retail gift cards, gaming gift cards, streaming and entertainment gift cards, and general-purpose cards that work like debit cards.
3. How Many Types of Gift Cards Are There?
There is no fixed number because new gift cards are introduced often. However, most gift cards fall into three main groups based on format, usage, and purpose.
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