Gift-giving has been a norm in our society. In some countries, it is their culture of acceptance and support for loved ones. People always look for ways to give gifts to themselves and their loved ones, and one easy and convenient means to do this is through Electronic Gifting.
As technology advances, it affects every area of life including gift-giving and the most convenient means to achieve this is with E-gift cards as the solution. These cards being a digital version of traditional Gift Cards are also easy to purchase and use because they are usually delivered instantly via email or text. They are perfect for last-minute gifts for those who prefer to shop online.
They offer several advantages over traditional gift cards, which include the fact that they are easily purchased and used for online payments. They also offer you the opportunity to personalize and customize your gifts, and the convenience of not having to move around with a physical card.
If you are looking for a last-minute solution to present a gift for an occasion or you prefer to make your purchase from the comfort of your home, the E-gift cards could be your resort.
In this article, we will discuss the different types of E-Gift Cards, their uses, and factors to consider when choosing them.
The Different Types of E-Gift Cards
1. Brand-Specific E-Gift Cards
These are the most common types available. They are associated with a particular brand. Some examples of Brand-Specific E-Gift Cards are Amazon, Starbucks, and Target.
You can buy them directly from your preferred brand website or a third-party retailer, with the consideration that you can only use them for that particular brand or store.
How to Purchase Brand-Specific E-Gift Cards
- Go to the website of your brand or the retailer from whom you want to purchase the card.
- Search for the E-Gift Card section on their website usually located in the “Gift Cards” or “Buy Gift Cards” section.
- Choose the amount you want to purchase the card with. You may be given options for different amounts or denominations.
- Enter your email address as the receiver (In a case where you’re not the receiver, enter your receiver’s email address).
- Complete the required fields, which include your name, billing information, and payment method.
- Go through the details of your order, including the amount, personal message (if sending to someone), and delivery date.
- Once you’ve confirmed that everything is correct, submit your order.
- The E-Gift Card will be sent to your email address. You can either print it out or save it on your phone to use in-store or online.
Always keep track of the expiration date and any usage restrictions that may apply to the e-gift card.
One benefit of Brand-Specific E-Gift Cards is that they make good means of customer loyalty rewards. With them, you get rewarded by your brand for your thoughtful patronage.
2. Third-Party E-Gift Cards
These are similar to brand-specific e-gift cards, except for their use at multiple brands or stores. A Third-Party E-gift card is versatile and comes with the brand logo. You can source them from companies like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
How to Purchase Third-Party E-Gift Cards
- Visit any Third-Party Gift Cards website, such as GiftCards.com, Raise, or Cardpool.
- Look for the available Card options or search for a specific brand or retailer.
- Choose any amount you want to purchase the card with.
- Select “Buy for Me” or “This is for Me” as the receiver.
- Complete the rest of the required fields, such as your name, email address, and payment information.
- Go through the details of your order, including the amount, personal message (if you are sending it to someone), and delivery date.
- Once you have confirmed that everything is correct, submit your order.
- The e-gift card will be sent to your email address. You can either print it out or save it on your phone to use in-store or online.
Discounted Prices: Third-Party E-Gift Card websites often offer discounted prices which can provide significant savings.
Variety: They typically offer you varieties of brands and retailers than those available directly from the brand or retailer’s website.
Getting a Third-party e-gift card is almost the same process as a brand-specific purchase. A buyer should visit the website of a retailer that sells the card. Choose the amount you want to give, enter the recipient’s email address, and add a personal message. The recipient will receive the e-gift card by email or text and can use it to purchase at any store that accepts the gift card.(after that tell us one major benefit.
3. Open-Loop E-Gift Cards
These are a category of Third-Party E-Gift Cards that you can use at any retailer that takes the card’s payment network, such as Visa or Mastercard. For instance, you can use a gift card with a Visa brand anywhere that card transaction is accepted.
Open-loop e-gift cards provide more flexibility as you can use them at any store that accepts the card’s payment network. They might, however, also be subject to charges and limitations, such as expiration dates and activation costs.
4. Closed-Loop E-Gift Cards
Closed-loop e-gift cards are a sort of e-gift card used at a single brand or business. For instance, if you purchase a gift card from Amazon, you or the recipient would only use it at the retailer’s store. Starbucks, Sephora, and iTunes gift cards are a few examples of closed-loop e-gift cards.
Though they may have fewer fees and restrictions, closed-loop e-gift cards are less flexible than open-loop ones. They can be a terrific choice if you know the recipient’s preferred retailer or brand.
5. Digital Wallet E-Gift Cards
A Digital Wallet E-Gift card is an electronic gift card stored within a digital wallet app on a phone or computer. You can use the funds in the wallet for online payments or with merchants that accept digital payments.
A Digital wallet E-Gift card is a prolific user-friendly card because you can add multiple E-Gift cards and use them all during a purchase. They also provide a convenient and secure way for online purchases by a user without manually entering card details.
Examples of digital wallet e-gift cards include Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts. You can purchase them from the retailer’s website or through a Marchant. To use them, the recipient needs to add the e-gift card to their digital wallet and make purchases at the store.
6. Mobile Payment E-Gift Cards
Mobile payment e-gift cards are similar to digital wallet e-gift cards. It is a form of electronic gift card tied to a specific mobile payment app, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Examples of Mobile payment e-gift cards include PayPal and Venmo. Such e-gift cards are bought online through the provider’s app or website. For you or the recipient to use them, link the e-gift card to a mobile payment account and make the necessary purchases.
7. Virtual Credit Card E-Gift Cards
Virtual credit card e-gift cards are similar to multi-store e-gift cards, but they provide an additional layer of security as they have unique card details for each transaction. Examples of Virtual credit card e-gift cards include Capital One and CitiBank e-gift cards.
Virtual credit card e-gift cards are purchased from the retailer’s website or through a third-party provider. To use them, the recipient has to enter the unique card details provided for each transaction at the checkout page of the store’s website.
8. Reloadable E-Gift Cards
Reloadable e-gift cards allow the recipient to add funds to the card and use it multiple times. Examples of reloadable e-gift cards include Starbucks and Amazon.
Reloadable e-gift cards are purchased from the retailer’s website or through a third-party provider. To use them, the recipient has to add funds to the card and use it to make purchases until the amount is exhausted.
9. Non-Reloadable E-Gift Cards
Non-reloadable e-gift cards have a fixed value. As the name is non-reloadable, you can’t reload. Examples of non-reloadable e-gift cards include iTunes and Netflix.
Non-reloadable e-gift cards are purchased from the retailer’s website or through a third-party provider. To use them, the recipient should enter the e-gift card details at the checkout page of the store’s website.
10. Personalized E-Gift Cards
Personalized e-gift cards allow the sender to customize the design and message of the card. Examples of personalized e-gift cards include Shutterfly and Zazzle.
Personalized e-gift cards are purchased from the retailer’s website or through a third-party provider. To use them, the recipient should enter the e-gift card details at the checkout page of the store’s website.
11. Subscription E-Gift Cards
Subscription e-gift cards allow the recipient to access subscription-based services. Examples of subscription e-gift cards include Netflix and Spotify.
Subscription e-gift cards are purchased from the retailer’s website or through a third-party provider. To use them, the recipient should enter the e-gift card details on the sign-up page of the subscription service.
12. Corporate E-Gift Cards
Corporate e-gift cards are for corporate businesses to give as rewards or incentives to their employees or clients. Examples of corporate e-gift cards include Amazon Business and Visa Incentive Cards.
Corporate e-gift cards are purchased from the provider’s website or through a third-party provider. To use them, the recipient enters the e-gift card details at the checkout page of the store’s website.
13. Peer-to-Peer E-Gift Cards
Peer-to-peer e-gift cards allow the sender to transfer funds directly to the recipient’s account. Examples of peer-to-peer e-gift cards include PayPal and Venmo.
Peer-to-peer e-gift cards are bought online through the provider’s app or website. To use them, the recipient links their e-gift card to their account and transfers the funds to their bank account.
14. Crypto E-Gift Cards
Crypto e-gift cards allow the recipient to buy and sell cryptocurrency. Examples of crypto e-gift cards include Bitrefill and Coincards.
Crypto e-gift cards are purchased online from the provider’s website or through a third-party provider. To use them, the recipient redeems the e-gift card for the cryptocurrency and transfers it to their digital wallet.
15. International E-Gift Cards
International e-gift cards are gift cards used in multiple countries and currencies. Examples of international e-gift cards include Amazon and iTunes.
International e-gift cards are purchased from the retailer’s website or through a third-party provider. To use them, the recipient should enter the e-gift card details at the checkout page of the store’s website.
Which Type of E-Gift Card is Right for You?
Choosing the right e-gift card depends on various factors like the recipient’s preferences, the occasion, and the type of store or service.
For example, if a recipient loves coffee, the giver should opt for a Starbucks E-gift card. However, if a recipient prefers a more flexible gift, a multi-store e-gift card like Visa or Mastercard would be a better choice for the one giving.
Factors to Consider when Choosing an E-gift Card
Online or e-gift cards have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their convenience and ease of use. However, when choosing an e-gift card, there are several factors to consider, which include the following;
1. The Recipient’s Preferences
Consider the recipient’s interests and preferences when selecting an e-gift card. For example, if they enjoy shopping for clothes, they might choose an e-gift card from a fashion retailer.
2. The Occasion
The occasion you’re celebrating can also help guide your choice of e-gift card. For example, for someone having a birthday occasion, you might choose an e-gift card for a restaurant or entertainment venue.
3. The Type of Store or Service
You need to consider the type of store or service to use the e-gift card. If the recipient is a fan of a specific brand, you might choose an e-gift card from that particular brand. Alternatively, if you’re not sure of the gift the recipient likes, you could get an e-gift card for several retailers or services.
4. The Level of Flexibility Needed
Some e-gift cards have restrictions on where or how you can use them. For example, you can only use some e-gift cards online, while you could use others in-store. Consider the level of flexibility the recipient needs when selecting an e-gift card.
5. The Level of Security Required
When choosing an e-gift card, consider the security measures to protect against fraud or unauthorized use. Look for e-gift cards with security features such as a PIN or required login to use the card.
6. The Availability of the E-gift Card in the Recipient’s Country
Before purchasing an e-gift card, check if it is available in the recipient’s country. Some e-gift cards may only be usable in certain regions due to local laws or regulations.
Read: Types of Gift Cards in Honduras
FAQs
How do I purchase an e-gift card?
You can purchase an e-gift card online through the retailer’s website or a third-party website that offers a variety of e-gift cards.
How do I send an e-gift card?
You can send an e-gift card through email or text message. Simply enter the recipient’s email address or phone number, along with a personalized message, and the e-gift card will be sent directly to them.
Can I personalize an e-gift card?
Yes, many retailers offer the option to add a personalized message or image to the e-gift card.
How do I redeem an e-gift card?
The process for redeeming an e-gift card will vary depending on the retailer. Generally, you need to enter the gift card code at checkout when making a purchase.
Can I use an e-gift card in-store?
It depends on the retailer. Some retailers allow you to use e-gift cards in-store, while others only allow online use.
Do e-gift cards expire?
Yes, e-gift cards typically have an expiration date, so it’s important to check the terms and conditions before purchasing one.
Conclusion
E-gift cards offer a convenient and flexible way to give gifts for various occasions. With so many e-gift card types available, you must choose the right one that suits the recipient’s preferences and needs. Consider the factors mentioned above before making your choice, and always try to read the terms and conditions before purchasing an e-gift card.
Their popularity is due to the fact that they offer you convenient cards that have become increasingly popular in recent years. They offer convenience and flexibility, which comes in many shapes and sizes, and the options can be overwhelming.
