What is an eGift Card? How They Work, Pros, and Cons in 2025

  • March 24, 2025
  • 05:54 Minutes

Index

Ever forgotten a loved one’s special day and needed a last-minute yet thoughtful gift? eGift cards are the perfect solution, delivering instant, personalized gifting in just seconds! Be it for birthdays, holidays, or corporate rewards, eGift cards have revolutionized the way we give and receive presents.

As digital payments continue to dominate, these virtual cards are becoming a go-to choice for both consumers and businesses. In recent years, eGift cards have surged in popularity, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.3% from 2025-2029.Ā 

But how exactly do they work, and are they the right choice for you? Letā€™s dive deeper into the eGift cards, exploring their benefits, risks, and what makes them a game-changer in 2025.

What is an eGift Card?

An eGift card, also known as a digital gift card, is an electronic version of a traditional gift card. Instead of a physical card, recipients receive a digital code, often delivered via email or text message, which can be redeemed online or in-store at the issuing retailer.

How Do eGift Cards Work?

Infographic on How do eGift Cards Work

When purchasing an eGift card, select the desired amount and provide the recipient’s contact information. The recipient then receives a unique code, which they can use to purchase up to the card’s value. Some eGift cards can be added to digital wallets, enhancing convenience and security.

Also, read eGift Card ā€“ Now Send Gift Vouchers with the Payit App.

Types of eGift Cards

eGift cards can be of two types – a flexible spending option with a prepaid balance and a retailer-specific voucher. Letā€™s understand both in detail.

Prepaid eGift Cards

Prepaid eGift cards function like digital debit cards, allowing recipients to use the loaded balance across multiple stores or service providers. These cards are typically issued by financial institutions, major retailers, or payment networks like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.

Key Features

  • Can be used at various merchants, both online and in-store, depending on the issuing provider.
  • Offer flexibility in spending, as recipients are not restricted to a single retailer.
  • Available in fixed denominations or customizable amounts.
  • Often reloadable, meaning users can add more funds to continue using the card.

eGift Vouchers

eGift vouchers, also known as retailer-specific digital gift cards, are tied to a particular brand or business. They are often used as store credits and must be redeemed within the issuing retailerā€™s ecosystem.Ā 

Key Features

  • Can only be used at a specific store or chain, such as Amazon, Apple, or Starbucks.
  • May have expiration dates, requiring the recipient to use them within a set timeframe.
  • Often come with special offers or discounts, making them appealing for promotional gifting.
  • Non-reloadable, meaning once the balance is used, the voucher expires.

Pros and Cons of eGift CardsĀ 

The digital gift card market is projected to grow $583.34 billion by the end of 2025; however, if you donā€™t pick the right eGift card, it can cost you a lot of money. Letā€™s understand the advantages and disadvantages of eGift cards.

Why are eGift Cards Growing Globally? Understanding Benefits

  • Convenience: Instant delivery makes them ideal for last-minute gifts.
  • Freedom to Choose Gift: Recipients can select what they truly want, ensuring satisfaction.
  • Personalization: Many platforms allow adding personalized messages or themes, making the gift more special.
  • Security: Digital delivery reduces the risk of loss or theft associated with physical cards.
  • Global Acceptance: Some eGift cards are valid internationally, making them suitable for recipients in different countries.

Risks of Using eGift CardsĀ 

  • Fake eGift Cards: Scammers may create counterfeit cards or fraudulent websites to scam you with their flashy eGift cards.
  • Unauthorized Use: Scammers might intercept or misuse the digital codes if a proper authentication process is not set.Ā 
  • Limited Usability: Some cards are restricted to specific retailers or regions or have a limited expiry date.
  • No Encashing: eGift cards often cannot be exchanged for cash or replaced.

How to Efficiently Send eGift Cards? Things to Be Careful About

eGift cards are a fast and convenient way to gift someone, but to ensure a smooth experience, follow these best practices:

Choose a Trusted Retailer

Buy eGift cards from official brand websites or reputable marketplaces like Amazon, Apple, or Ding. Avoid third-party sellers offering deep discounts, as they may sell fraudulent or expired cards.

Verify the Recipientā€™s Email & Contact Information

Double-check the recipientā€™s email address or phone number before sending it to prevent sending it to the wrong person. If possible, confirm they received it after sending it.

Personalize the Gift

Many platforms allow you to add a custom message or occasion-specific designs to make the eGift more meaningful. Some retailers let recipients choose how they want to use the balance (e.g., multiple brands or product categories).

Check Expiry Dates & Terms

Some eGift cards come with expiration dates, while others remain valid indefinitely. Read the terms and conditions to ensure the recipient can redeem it easily.

Be Aware of Scams & Fraud

Never share gift card details with unknown partiesā€”scammers often request payments via gift cards. If buying for business use, ensure security protocols to prevent employee fraud or misuse.

Send at the Right Time

Some services allow you to schedule eGift card deliveries for birthdays, holidays, or special events. Sending them immediately ensures they donā€™t get lost in a cluttered inbox.

Keep a Record of Your Purchase

Save the confirmation email or receipt in case there are issues with delivery or redemption. Contact the retailer’s customer support with the details if a problem arises.

Final Thoughts

eGift cards offer convenience and flexibility, catering to the modern consumer’s needs. However, being aware of potential risks and choosing reputable providers is essential to ensure a positive gifting experience.

Payit eGift – Send Prepaid Cards and Vouchers from Globally Accepted Top Brands

Payit offers eGift services, allowing you to send prepaid cards and vouchers from top brands. With options for personalization and a wide range of accepted retailers, we enhance the gifting experience, ensuring your friends and families can choose what they desire.

How to Send Payitā€™s eGift Card

1. Tap on ā€˜Send eGift Cardā€™.

payit mobile application interface with instruction on how to send e gift

2. On the next screen, enter the recipient’s name in the first box.

3. Write your name in the second box.

4. Enter the recipient’s email address in the third box.

5. Choose your gift amount or enter it manually.

6. Select the occasion for which you would like to send a gift.

7. Compose your message for the recipient, then click on ‘Next’.

8. Verify all the details, then tap ‘Send Gift Card’ to continue.

9. Learn how to redeem this eGift Card. Click on ā€˜Proceed with Gift Envelopeā€™ to continue.

10. Read the Terms and Conditions carefully. Click on ā€˜Agree and Continueā€™ to proceed.

11. Enter your Payit PIN to verify your identity.

Here you go! Your personalized eGift has been sent successfully!

Watch the full video of how to send Payit eGift here.

FAQs

Can e-gift cards be converted to cash?

Yes, the Payit eGift card sends cash to the recipientā€™s wallet, and hence, they can withdraw the money through the app.Ā 

How long does an eGift card last?

Expiry dates vary; some eGift cards last indefinitely, while others expire within 6 to 24 months.

How safe are Egift cards?

eGift cards are secure if bought from reputable sources, provided you set secured access to redeem the benefit.

How to redeem an eGift card?

Mostly, eGift cards are sent through emails. Hence, the recipient needs to follow the steps mentioned in the email. Hereā€™s a video link on how to redeem a Payit eGift card.