I remember the first time I got a $50 Apple gift card from a friend for my birthday. The gift came with mixed feelings: I was happy to get something outside the regular gifts, and I wasn’t sure how to put the Apple gift card to the best use. This was when I had to study gift cards with Apple gift cards as the major case study. The results made me ecstatic that I had to appreciate my friend more for the great gift.
Therefore, we may undervalue a product if we do not understand its benefits, and some may even discard it. Aside from the real-time value that gift cards like Apple gift cards hold as an alternative to cash, they have across-the-border durability. In most cases, you can sell Apple gift cards for cash or cryptocurrency.
Apple Gift Cards are more than just store credits—they’re versatile digital cards designed to unlock Apple’s extensive library of premium offers and discounts. Whether you’re looking to gift someone, go on a shopping spree, or redeem your card, this article guides you to explore the tips and tricks you require to maximize the value of your Apple gift card. Read on and discover innovative ways to use your digital card for the ultimate Apple experience.
What Is An Apple Gift Card?
Apple gift card is a prepaid card of store value issued by Apple. It should be noted that Apple also issues iTunes gift cards, which makes it a sister gift card to the Apple gift card. You can know this from the McIntosh logo on both gift cards.
You can use your Apple gift card to buy any of these physical products from Apple stores (online and in-store). But this depends on the value of your Apple gift card. This gift card is available in the denominations of $25, $50, $100, and other customized amounts.
The major difference between Apple gift cards and iTunes gift cards is that you can use Apple gift cards to buy physical products like laptops, phones, airpods, etc., online and in-stores. In contrast, iTunes gift cards enable you to buy digital content like apps and subscriptions on the App store or music and other media from the iTunes store.
You can also make Apple music subscriptions with your Apple gift cards just as you can also use an iTunes gift card.
Types Of Apple Gift Cards
There are two (2) major types of Apple gift cards, namely, physical and digital Apple gift cards.
1. Physical Apple Gift Cards
This type of Apple gift card exists in either paper or plastic forms – as the name depicts. You can buy a physical Apple gift card from online or physical stores. But you must ensure that you activate your physical Apple gift card at the point of purchase before you redeem the card.
You can buy a physical Apple gift card for a loved one and include a personalised message. With this, your gift card becomes personalised while retaining its real-time value.
2. Digital Apple Gift Cards
This is the virtual form of an Apple gift card you don’t own physically, but you will receive the 16-digit code via email. Your digital Apple Apple gift card works similarly to the physical card, so there are no nuances of use between the two types of Apple gift cards.
Apple Gift Card Denominations & Best Uses
| Amount | Best Use Case |
| $25 | Apps, games, and subscriptions |
| $50 | Apple Music, iCloud+, movies |
| $100 | iPad accessories or HomePod |
| $200+ | MacBooks, iPhones, and iPads |
Where To Buy Apple Gift Cards
Apple gift cards are readily available for purchase online or in-store stores. Buying your gift card largely depends on personal preference and other factors. Some of these factors are:
- Type of Apple gift cards available
- Delivery method
- Price of the Apple gift card
So let’s look at where you can buy your Apple gift card.
1. Online Stores
The world has become digital, so there is nothing you can not buy online. As a gift card buyer, there are different platforms from where you buy your Apple gift card. These are:
- Apple store: this is the safest place to buy your Apple gift card, as it feels like you bought the gift card from its parent company. You can order a physical or digital Apple gift card from the Apple store, and you will have your card delivered accordingly.
- Online retailers: are online marketplaces or gift card trading platforms that sell different types of gift cards. One such online platform is Prestmit, one of Nigeria’s best gift card trading platforms, and Ghana. This repute hinges on our platform’s fast, safe, simple-to-buy and sells Apple gift cards.
2. In-Store
You can also buy your Apple gift card from physical stores. This can be supermarkets or bookstores in the trade of gift cards. You can buy physical or digital Apple gift cards from in-stores, which is relatively fast.
How To Redeem Apple Gift Cards
Redeeming your Apple gift card translates to your readiness to use the gift card to buy different products in the Apple store.
It is noteworthy that activation proceeds with the redemption of gift cards. This applies to physical Apple gift cards, as you must activate your gift card before you can redeem the card. An inactivated gift card portends possible errors like an invalid card number error and other errors.
How To Redeem Apple Gift Cards Online
- Open the Apple App Store on your Apple devices (iPhone or iPad)
- Click on “Sign in”
- Click on “Redeem a gift card or code”. You may have to sign in with your Apple ID if you do not see this step.
- Enter the 16-digit Apple gift card code
- Click on “Done”
How To Redeem Apple Gift Cards In-Store
There are no steps to follow to redeem your Apple gift cards at physical stores. You have to provide the cashier at the supermarket or bookstore with the 16-digit code of your gift card. Voila! Your Apple gift card is successfully redeemed.
What Are The Restrictions Of Using Apple Gift Cards?
1. The eligibility for Apple gift card use is exclusive to United States residents using the gift card to purchase at an Apple Store or Apple’s website.
2. Apple gift cards are not reloadable, and you can not use the gift to purchase from Apple media services.
3. Apple is not responsible for losing your Apple gift cards.
How To Check The Balance Of An Apple Gift Card
The following steps are how to check your Apple gift card balance:
- Go to the Apple support site and click “see your Apple gift card balance.”
- Sign in with your Apple ID and enter your password
- Click on “Check Balance”
Expiration Dates And Fees Associated With Apple Gift Cards
It is important to note that Apple gift cards do not expire. This means there is no validity window for its use – you can use your Apple gift cards at any time you choose. Therefore, you must be wary of buying an Apple gift card with an expiration date.
In addition, there are no hidden fees for buying Apple gift cards, although you may encounter shipping fees when you order physical Apple gift cards. Another thing to understand is that the prices of Apple gift cards vary with retailers. So compare gift card pricing before making a purchase.
How to Troubleshoot Common Apple Gift Card Errors
1. Card Not Redeeming
If your card won’t redeem, make sure it’s activated. Retailers must activate Apple cards at purchase. Also, check region compatibility—Apple cards are region-locked, so a U.S. card won’t work on a U.K. Apple ID.
2. Balance Not Showing
Redeemed, but balance still missing? Try logging out and back into your Apple ID. This refreshes your account and often solves the issue.
3. “Invalid Code” Error
This one’s usually user error. Double-check every character—especially lookalikes like “O” and “0” or “I” and “1.” Apple codes are case-sensitive and easy to mistype.
4. Purchase Failed
Do you have funds in your balance but can’t check out? The issue might be your billing info. Update your Apple ID settings—like payment method, address, or security info. Outdated details can block purchases, even with valid gift card credit.
Apple Gift Card Security & Fraud Prevention
1. Scratch to Reveal the 16-Digit Code
Each Apple Gift Card has a scratch-off section that hides the 16-digit code. This makes sure only the rightful owner can use it. Until revealed, the code is safe from prying eyes. It’s a simple but effective security layer.
2. Serial Number for Tracking
Apple assigns every card a unique serial number. This lets you or Apple trace the card in case of issues like fraud or loss. If you need help, that number is your lifeline—especially when you’re filing a support ticket.
3. Digital Gift Cards Sent via Secure Channels
Apple sends eGift cards through trusted, encrypted platforms, like its official app or verified emails. This keeps scammers out and ensures the gift gets to the right hands. Avoid random sellers and unofficial links at all costs.
4. Apple Will Never Ask You to Pay With a Gift Card
If someone asks you to pay with an Apple Gift Card for anything—tech support, taxes, bills—it’s a scam. Apple never uses gift cards as payment for products or services. Always double-check before handing over codes.
5. Pro Tip: Take a Screenshot Before Redeeming
Before you redeem, snap a photo of the code and serial number. If the app crashes or you lose the card, you’ll have proof of ownership. It’s a simple step that could save you from a headache later.
Apple Gift Card Usage Restrictions
1. Only Usable in the Country Where Purchased
Apple Gift Cards are region-specific. A card bought in Canada won’t work with a U.S. Apple ID. This is due to pricing, taxes, and digital content licensing. Always match the card to the recipient’s region.
2. Cannot Be Used to Purchase Other Gift Cards
You can’t use Apple Gift Cards to buy more gift cards. Apple blocks this to prevent fraud and money laundering. Gift card balances can only be used for Apple services, products, or in-app content.
3. Not Reloadable
Apple cards are single-use. Once the funds are gone, they’re gone. You can’t reload it like a prepaid debit card. If you ever need more credit, then buy a new one.
4. Apple Is Not Liable for Lost or Stolen Cards
Lose your Apple Gift Card, and unless it’s unused and you’ve got a receipt, there’s not much Apple can do. If there is no card, there can be no recovery. So keep them safe and registered where possible.
How To Replace A Lost Or Stolen Apple Gift Card
In the event of loss or theft of your Apple gift card, you must immediately report it to Apple at any of the Apple Store locations. This may require you to present the receipt of the gift card purchase. That is why it is always advisable to keep all receipts.
Apple can issue a replacement for their lost Apple gift card upon verifying that it has not been redeemed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Apple Gift Cards
Do Apple Gift Cards come with an expiration date?
No. Apple Gift Cards do not expire and retain full value indefinitely.
Can I combine multiple Apple Gift Cards?
Yes. You can redeem multiple gift cards into your Apple ID balance.
Can I use a US Apple Gift Card internationally?
No. Apple Gift Cards are region-locked and only work in the country of purchase.
Is there a limit to how much I can load on my Apple ID?
Yes. Apple imposes limits per account, typically $2,000.
Can Apple Gift Cards Be Returned Or Exchanged?
No, you can not return an Apple gift card after purchase. This is in line with the standard return policy of Apple company that makes Apple gift cards ineligible for return. Some of its other products that fall within this ineligibility category are electronic software downloads, Apple print products, Apple developer products, open software, etc.
Conclusion
In its right as a company, Apple has designed Apple gift cards to make purchasing its products easy and simple. This is because all Apple products are known for their originality, and Apple gift cards play a significant role in this regard.
You must ensure that you buy your Apple gift card from credible platforms like Prestmit if you need to buy one. This does not rule out that we also sell different gift cards, including Apple ones.
So what are you doing today? Buy and sell your gift card with us at Prestmit. You will be glad you did.
