Can you return gift cards?

Life is unpredictable and sometimes our gifting plans change. but there are plenty of genuine reasons why someone might want to return a gift card. Here are some of the most common reasons for seeking to return a gift card:

• You purchased it on impulse during a moment of excitement, but later realise it might not be a suitable gift
• Your financial circumstances change unexpectedly, and you need to reconsider the purchase
• You discovered the recipient already has the same gift card already
• The person you bought it for has moved away or no longer shops with that particular retailer
• You accidentally ordered the wrong gift card or pre-loaded the wrong value on a gift card
• The relationship with the intended recipient has changed, making the gift inappropriate
• You've found a more meaningful or suitable gift
• You ordered a physical card but realised a digital format would have been more practical or vice versa

Whether or not you can return a gift card depends entirely on which type of gift card you've purchased. At giftcard.co.uk, physical gift cards can be returned within 14 days from the date of delivery, giving you a full 2 weeks to being the returns process, if your circumstances change or you need to reconsider your purchase. However, digital gift cards (e-vouchers) cannot be returned once ordered.

This is because when you purchase digital content, you agree to immediate delivery, meaning your voucher is sent by email right after you complete the checkout process. Once a digital gift card code is generated and delivered, there's no way to guarantee it hasn't been viewed, recorded, or redeemed, making returns impossible from a security and fraud prevention standpoint. 

This returns policy aligns with UK consumer law regarding digital content, where the 14-day cooling-off period doesn't apply once you've agreed to immediate delivery of digital products. Most retailers across the UK follow similar policies for digital gift cards, clearly stating in their terms and conditions that e-vouchers are non-refundable.

If you've purchased a physical gift card from giftcard.co.uk, you have 14 days from the date of delivery to return it. This gives you a full 2 weeks to being the retuns process if you change your mind about your purchase. 

Beyond our standard policy, there are other circumstances where exceptions might apply: if the gift card is faulty or doesn't work due to a technical error, if you received the wrong gift card entirely due to an error in processing your order, or if the purchase was made fraudulently using your payment details without your knowledge or consent. 

For digital gift cards, whilst returns aren't possible due to them being delivered immediately, our customer service team is always here to help if you experience technical issues or if something has gone wrong with your order. It's always worth reaching out and explaining your situation honeslty, as our customer support team can help you find a suitable solution. 

Please note that Choice gift cards on giftcard.co.uk are treated differently. Whether issued as a digital or a physical gift card, Choice gift cards may be cancelled as long as the card’s balance remains untouched.

If returning your gift card isn't possible, particularly with digital e-vouchers, don't lose heart, there are a number of alternatives to seeking a refund. 

Consider regifting the card to another friend or family member who would genuinely appreciate it, perhaps for an upcoming birthday or as a surprise gesture of kindness. You could donate the gift card to a local charity, homeless shelter, or community organisation, where it will bring joy and practical support to someone in need. 

You could use the gift card yourself to purchase something practical that you need anyway, or to buy a gift for someone else's upcoming celebration. 

If you've purchased a gift card for a specific retailer that doesn't quite fit with your intended recipient’s tastes, remember that many of our Choice gift cards, like the All-in-1 Choice Gift Card offer incredible flexibility. Choice gift cards allow the holder to choose from multiple brands and retailers. Finally, we’d remind you that every gift card has the potential to bring joy and happiness.