Gift Cards
Amazon Gift Cards Guide: Every Type, Plus the Best Brand Gift Cards to Give
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A gift card is the easiest gift to get right when you’re not sure what someone wants, or when you’ve simply run out of time. Amazon sells two kinds. Amazon.com gift cards can be spent on eligible purchases at Amazon.com. Brand gift cards, like Starbucks, Airbnb, Apple or DoorDash, are bought on Amazon and spent with that brand.
This guide sorts them by format and by what the recipient loves, so you can pick the right card, the right delivery method and the right amount. Prices, designs and fees change, so always check the current listing before you buy.
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Gift Card Types at a Glance
| Type | How it reaches them | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| eGift card | Sent by email or text message | Last-minute gifts and people who live far away |
| Print-at-home card | You print it and hand it over | In-person gifts when you’re short on time |
| Physical card | Ships like any other item, often in a gift box or greeting card | Something to wrap and unwrap |
| Prepaid Visa or Mastercard | Physical card, or a virtual card for online use only | People who’d rather choose the store themselves |
| Brand gift card | eGift or physical, depending on the brand | Someone with a favorite shop, app or restaurant |
Amazon.com Gift Cards: Pick the Format
An Amazon.com gift card is the safe choice when you don’t know someone’s taste, because they choose what to buy. According to Amazon’s gift card terms, Amazon.com gift cards don’t expire and have no fees. The main decision is the format, and that mostly comes down to timing.
Amazon.com eGift Card
Sent by email or text with a design and message you choose. You can pick the date it’s sent, so it’s easy to line it up with a birthday or holiday.
Best for: Last-minute gifts and anyone who lives far away
Check: Double-check the recipient’s email address or phone number and the send date.
Amazon.com Print-at-Home Gift Card
You buy it, print it and hand it over, so it still feels like a card you’re giving in person.
Best for: Last-minute gifts you want to hand over yourself
Check: Make sure you have a working printer, or choose an eGift card instead.
Amazon.com Gift Card in a Gift Box
A physical gift card presented in a small box, so there’s something to unwrap. Box designs change with the seasons.
Best for: Birthdays, holidays and stocking stuffers
Check: The box design and the delivery date shown at checkout.
Amazon.com Gift Card in a Greeting Card
The gift card comes tucked inside a greeting card, so you don’t need to buy a card separately.
Best for: Graduations, thank-yous and birthdays
Check: The occasion printed on the card and the delivery date shown at checkout.
Prepaid Visa, Mastercard and Multi-Brand Gift Cards
Prepaid Visa and Mastercard gift cards can be used at many places that accept those card networks, which makes them the most flexible gift card after cash. The trade-off is a purchase fee on top of the card value. On the Amazon listings we checked, the fee ranged from $3.95 on a $25 card to $6.95 on a $200 card. Multi-brand cards are a middle ground: one card, a set list of stores.
Visa Physical Gift Card
A plastic Visa gift card in set amounts such as $25, $50, $100 and $200. The recipient can spend it at many merchants that accept Visa.
Best for: Anyone who’d rather choose where to spend it
Check: The purchase fee, any activation steps and the card’s terms for where it can be used.
Visa Virtual eGift Card
The digital version of the Visa gift card. Listings state it’s for online use only, so it suits someone who does most of their shopping online.
Best for: Last-minute gifts for online shoppers
Check: That it’s online-only, and the purchase fee for the amount you choose.
Mastercard Gift Card
Works the same way as the Visa card, on the Mastercard network. Physical and virtual versions are both listed.
Best for: Flexible gifts in larger amounts
Check: The purchase fee and whether the virtual version is limited to online use.
TJX Multi-Brand Gift Card
One card for TJX stores, including T.J.Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods, so the recipient can hunt for bargains on clothes or home decor.
Best for: Bargain hunters and new homeowners
Check: Which TJX stores are near the recipient.
One4All Multi-Brand Gift Card
A single card that can be spent at a list of participating retailers, so the recipient picks the store.
Best for: Teens, coworkers and anyone hard to shop for
Check: The list of participating brands before you buy.
Travel and Experience Gift Cards
For someone who’d rather do something than own something, these cards go toward trips, stays and days out. They’re also a tactful way to chip in on a bigger trip someone is already planning.
Airbnb Gift Card
Goes toward stays and experiences booked on Airbnb, so the recipient chooses the place and the dates.
Best for: Couples, weekend-getaway fans and trip planners
Check: The card’s terms for the countries and currency it can be used with.
Southwest Airlines Gift Card
Goes toward Southwest flights. A useful gift for someone who flies Southwest often or has a trip coming up.
Best for: Frequent flyers and family visits
Check: That Southwest flies from the recipient’s home airport.
Hotels.com Gift Card
Lets the recipient put the value toward a hotel stay of their choice on Hotels.com.
Best for: Road-trippers and weekend travelers
Check: The card terms for which bookings it can be used on.
Amtrak Gift Card
Goes toward Amtrak train travel, which suits someone who takes the train for work or to visit family.
Best for: Commuters and scenic-route fans
Check: That there’s an Amtrak route that works for them.
Princess Cruises Gift Card
Can be put toward a Princess cruise, a thoughtful contribution to a milestone trip or anniversary.
Best for: Cruise fans and milestone celebrations
Check: The card terms for what it can pay for.
MGM Resorts Gift Card
Can be used at MGM Resorts destinations for things like hotel stays, dining and entertainment.
Best for: Las Vegas trips and weekends away
Check: Which properties and purchases the card covers.
Spafinder Gift Card
Redeemable at participating spas and wellness businesses, so the recipient chooses a treatment near them.
Best for: Anyone who needs a day to relax
Check: Participating locations near the recipient.
Virgin Experience Gifts Card
Goes toward experiences like classes, tours and adventures, chosen by the recipient.
Best for: Adventurous friends and couples
Check: The experiences available in their area.
Topgolf Gift Card
Covers games, food and drinks at Topgolf venues, an easy outing for a group.
Best for: Golf fans, groups and birthday outings
Check: That there’s a Topgolf venue near them.
Food, Coffee, Rides and Delivery Gift Cards
Everyday gift cards get used. Coffee, lunch, a ride home or dinner delivered on a long week are small luxuries most people are glad to have covered.
Starbucks Gift Card
Available as an eGift card, a single physical card or multipacks of smaller cards that are easy to hand out.
Best for: Coffee lovers, teachers and quick thank-yous
Check: Whether an eGift card, a single card or a multipack suits you best.
DoorDash Gift Card
Goes toward restaurant and store delivery on DoorDash, a welcome gift during a busy stretch.
Best for: New parents, busy workers and students
Check: That DoorDash delivers in the recipient’s area.
Uber Gift Card
Can be used for Uber rides and Uber Eats orders, so it covers both getting around and eating in.
Best for: City dwellers and college students
Check: That Uber operates where the recipient lives.
Lyft Gift Card
Goes toward Lyft rides, handy for someone who doesn’t drive or often needs a ride to the airport.
Best for: Non-drivers and frequent travelers
Check: That Lyft operates in the recipient’s city.
Chipotle Gift Card
A crowd-pleasing lunch card that’s available as an eGift or a physical card.
Best for: Coworkers, students and burrito fans
Check: eGift or physical, and the amount.
Chick-fil-A Gift Card
An easy gift for Chick-fil-A fans, sent as an eGift card.
Best for: Families and quick thank-yous
Check: That there’s a location near the recipient.
Panera Gift Card
Covers breakfast, lunch or bakery treats at Panera.
Best for: Teachers, coworkers and busy parents
Check: The amount and whether you want a physical card.
Texas Roadhouse Gift Card
A dinner out at a casual steakhouse, a good fit for anyone who likes a hearty meal.
Best for: Dads, grandparents and date nights
Check: That there’s a restaurant near them.
Darden Restaurants Gift Card
One card that works across Darden’s restaurant brands, including Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse.
Best for: Couples and families who like options
Check: Which Darden restaurants are near the recipient.
Gaming, App, Streaming and Movie Gift Cards
For gamers, tech fans and movie lovers, a platform gift card lets them buy exactly the game, app or ticket they want. Match the card to the device or service they actually use.
Apple Gift Card
Can be used for Apple products and accessories, plus apps, games, music, movies, TV shows and iCloud+.
Best for: iPhone, iPad and Mac users
Check: Choose eGift or physical, and buy for the country where they use Apple services.
Google Play Gift Code
Goes toward apps, games and more on Google Play. The Amazon listing notes it’s for US redemption only.
Best for: Android phone and tablet users
Check: That the recipient’s Google account is in the US.
Netflix Gift Card
Goes toward a Netflix membership, a simple gift for someone who loves a movie night.
Best for: Students and binge-watchers
Check: That the recipient’s Netflix account is in a country where the card works.
Roblox Gift Card
Redeemable on Roblox. Current listings include a free virtual item, and multipacks of smaller cards are available.
Best for: Roblox players
Check: The amount, and whether a multipack works better for siblings.
Fortnite Gift Card
A Fortnite card powered by the Epic Games Store, sold as an eGift or physical card.
Best for: Fortnite fans
Check: The listing’s redemption details and which platform they play on.
Nintendo eShop Gift Card
Goes toward games and add-ons from the Nintendo eShop.
Best for: Nintendo Switch owners
Check: That the card region matches the recipient’s Nintendo account.
Xbox Gift Card
Goes toward games, add-ons and more from the Microsoft Store.
Best for: Xbox and PC gamers
Check: That they play on Xbox or a Windows PC.
Meta Quest Gift Card
Goes toward games and apps for Meta Quest virtual reality headsets.
Best for: Meta Quest owners
Check: That the recipient owns a Quest headset.
AMC Theatres Gift Card
Covers movie tickets and snacks at AMC theaters.
Best for: Movie lovers and date nights
Check: That there’s an AMC theater near them.
Regal Gift Card
Goes toward tickets and concessions at Regal theaters.
Best for: Movie fans near a Regal theater
Check: That there’s a Regal theater near them.
Fandango Gift Card
Used to buy movie tickets through Fandango at participating theaters, so they aren’t tied to one chain.
Best for: Movie fans with no favorite chain
Check: That their local theater sells tickets on Fandango.
GameStop Gift Card
Goes toward games, consoles and accessories at GameStop.
Best for: Gamers on any platform
Check: That there’s a store near them, or that they shop at GameStop online.
Shopping, Beauty, Books and Home Gift Cards
When you know where someone likes to shop, a store gift card is a safe bet that still feels personal.
Best Buy Gift Card
Goes toward electronics, appliances and accessories at Best Buy.
Best for: Tech fans and new homeowners
Check: That they have a store nearby or shop at Best Buy online.
Lowe’s Gift Card
Covers tools, garden supplies and home improvement projects at Lowe’s.
Best for: DIYers, gardeners and new homeowners
Check: eGift or physical, and the amount.
Bass Pro Shops Gift Card
Goes toward fishing, hunting, camping and outdoor gear.
Best for: Anglers, campers and outdoor lovers
Check: That there’s a store nearby or they shop online.
Barnes & Noble Gift Card
Lets a reader choose their own next book, plus gifts and stationery.
Best for: Book lovers and students
Check: That there’s a store nearby or they shop online.
Sephora Gift Card
Lets the recipient choose their own makeup, skincare or fragrance.
Best for: Beauty lovers who know what they like
Check: eGift or physical, and the card design.
Ulta Beauty Gift Card
Goes toward makeup, skincare, hair care and salon services at Ulta Beauty.
Best for: Beauty fans and salon regulars
Check: Whether a single card or a multipack suits you best.
Bath & Body Works Gift Card
Covers candles, soaps and body care, a reliable pick for a small gift.
Best for: Coworkers, teachers and Secret Santa
Check: The amount and the card design.
Nordstrom Gift Card
Goes toward clothing, shoes and accessories at Nordstrom.
Best for: Fashion lovers and special occasions
Check: eGift or physical, and the amount.
Gap Options Gift Card
One card for Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic and Athleta.
Best for: Families and everyday clothing shoppers
Check: Which of the brands the recipient shops at.
How to Choose the Right Gift Card
- Match it to a habit, not a guess. Think about where they already spend money: the coffee shop they visit, the platform they game on, the store they browse.
- Pick the format by timing. eGift and print-at-home cards suit last-minute gifts. A physical card is better when you want something to wrap.
- Choose an amount that covers something whole, like a meal, a movie night or a new book, rather than part of it.
- Read the terms. Check fees, expiration rules and which country the card works in. In the US, federal rules generally stop store gift cards from expiring within five years of purchase, but terms still vary.
- Make it personal. Add a note, or pair the card with something small, like a coffee card with a mug.
- Only buy gift cards as gifts. As the FTC warns, anyone who tells you to pay a bill, a fine or a debt with gift cards is a scammer. Read the FTC’s gift card scam advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Amazon.com gift cards expire?
According to Amazon’s gift card terms, Amazon.com gift cards don’t expire and have no fees. Brand gift cards bought on Amazon follow that brand’s own terms.
Is an eGift card or a physical gift card better?
They hold the same value. An eGift card is better for last-minute gifts and people who live far away. A physical card is better when you want something to wrap and hand over.
Why does a Visa gift card cost more than its value?
Prepaid Visa and Mastercard gift cards carry a purchase fee. On the Amazon listings we checked, it ranged from $3.95 to $6.95 depending on the card amount.
Can a Visa virtual eGift card be used in stores?
The Amazon listings describe the virtual Visa and Mastercard eGift cards as for online use only. Choose a physical card if the recipient wants to use it in stores.
Can I return a gift card bought on Amazon?
Gift cards generally can’t be returned, so double-check the brand, amount and delivery details before you buy.
Can I send a gift card to someone in another country?
Many gift cards only work in one country. For example, the Google Play listing says it’s for US redemption only. Check the listing and the card’s terms before buying for someone abroad.
Getting the Timing Right
- eGift cards are sent electronically. Many let you choose the send date, so check the delivery details on the listing.
- Physical cards ship like any other item. Go by the delivery date shown at checkout for the recipient’s address.
- Close to a holiday? Order physical cards early, or switch to an eGift or print-at-home card.
Before You Buy
- Make sure the recipient actually uses that brand, platform or service.
- Choose eGift, print-at-home or physical based on your timing.
- Check fees, country limits and the card’s terms.
- Double-check the email address or shipping address.
- Add a personal note.
- Check the current price and the delivery date at checkout.