3 Great Reasons to Buy Online Gift Cards
Last Updated on August 14, 2026 by Dimitri Akhrin
Why Online Gift Cards Are a Smart Choice
Online gift cards offer consumers a convenient way to give flexible gifts without needing to purchase or deliver a physical card. Gift cards have only been around about 20 years. Before that, it was paper gift certificates and not many of them. Givers often preferred a more “personal touch,” meaning that going to the store and purchasing a gift was seen as more thoughtful despite requiring more time and effort.
As more establishments began offering gift cards, the variety was embraced by the general public and they took off fast and hard. At this time every store, restaurant and sub shop we enter has their own gift cards to purchase, and many sell a multitude of others. We, the public, have determined that gift cards are good, but of course the less scrupulous among us have found ways to defraud consumers and those same stores, restaurants, etcetera. BAMS can help you get set up to begin selling gift cards immediately.
For businesses that want to make gift card purchases available online, an eCommerce merchant account can support the broader payment infrastructure needed to accept customer transactions through an online storefront.
The latest gift card trend is purchasing them online.
Online gift cards make it possible to purchase, deliver and redeem a gift digitally.
You buy it, get sent a secure 16 digit number and a pin code that you pass along to whomever you choose. Many businesses can send the virtual gift card to the email you provided. Once it has been purchased, the buyer is completely out of the loop. The gift is given, the buyer is happy as is the gift card recipient.
Digital gift card delivery continues to give consumers another way to send gifts without waiting for a physical card. Visa offers online gift card and eGift Card options, including digital delivery for recipients.
Reasons Why Purchasing Gift Cards Online Is Smarter
Online gift cards combine digital convenience with flexible gifting and a private purchasing experience.
- Security: The transaction takes place in private, with no plastic cards hanging on a rack that may have been compromised.
Online transactions still require appropriate payment security practices. The PCI Security Standards Council provides merchant resources focused on protecting customer payment data through a strong foundation of people, process and technology.
- Spending: People spend more when using gift cards online. Overspending is normal since people can look at more than just discounted and clearance items, after all, it’s not their own hard-earned money that’s being used. These wish list items can be bought and adding an extra $20.00 or $50.00 is okay since the recipient getting something they normally would not want to entirely pay for themselves.
- Convenience: The birthday, holiday, or other has a deadline of tomorrow. Buying a gift and sending it is out of the question, it will not get there in time. An online gift card will, and be very well received.
The convenience of digital gifting is also reflected in current card offerings. Mastercard offers prepaid e-gift cards that can be purchased online, giving consumers another option for sending a gift digitally.
Online Gift Cards Can Support a More Convenient Checkout Experience
For merchants, offering online gift cards is also part of creating a convenient digital purchasing experience. An integrated payment gateway can help businesses connect their online checkout experience with payment processing so customers can complete purchases digitally.
Delivery methods, redemption requirements and gift card terms can vary by merchant or issuer. Consumers should review the instructions that accompany the gift card. While, businesses should clearly communicate how a digital gift card can be delivered and redeemed.
Online gift cards are a great idea, the color is always right, it’s just the size of the amount that needs consideration. Contact us so that BAMS can explain more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an online gift card?
An online gift card is purchased digitally. Depending on the business or issuer, the recipient may receive the gift card details electronically. They can use the available value according to the gift card’s terms.
Why is digital delivery convenient?
Digital gift cards can eliminate the need to purchase and physically deliver a card. This can be especially useful when a birthday, holiday or other occasion is approaching and there is not enough time to mail or personally deliver a physical gift.
What security practices matter?
Online gift cards eliminate some of the physical exposure associated with gift cards displayed on store racks. But, online transactions still require secure payment practices. Consumers should purchase from trusted businesses while merchants should use appropriate safeguards for payment data.
Can businesses sell gift cards online?
Businesses can offer digital gift card purchasing as part of their online commerce experience when their gift card program, website and payment infrastructure support it. The exact setup and redemption process can vary depending on the business and gift card program.
