How to use the National Book Tokens Gift Card

The appeal of the National Book Tokens Gift Card is the degree of flexibility and choice it offers. It can be used to make purchases online and in physical bookshops across the UK and Ireland. Popular stores that accept the National Book Tokens Gift Card include Waterstones, WHSmith, Blackwell's, John Smith, and Stanfords. The gift card is also accepted by plenty of independent bookshops. 

It can also be used to purchase eBooks and audiobooks on the National Book Tokens website. For a full overview of all the places where you can use the National Book Tokens Gift Card, take a look at this blog on where to use the National Book Tokens Gift Card.

Using your National Book Tokens Gift Card online is straightforward. Follow the steps below to redeem the National Book Tokens Gift Card at an online retailer:

1. Visit the website of a participating online retailer, such as the official National Book Tokens website.
2. Browse the selection and add your chosen book or eBook to your basket.
3. Proceed to checkout and select gift card as your payment method.
4. Enter your gift card number and PIN when prompted. These can be found on the back of physical cards or in the delivery email for digital e-gift cards.
5. Complete your order. If your purchase total exceeds the balance on your gift card, you can pay the remaining amount with another payment method.

If you’re someone who prefers to take your time and browse bookshops in person, you can use the National Book Tokens Gift Card in store at any participating bookshop. Follow the steps below to redeem the National Book Tokens Gift Card in store:

1. Visit a participating bookshop, such as Waterstones, WHSmith, or an independent bookshop.
2. Choose the item or book you would like to purchase.
3. Head to the till and let the staff member know you would like to pay with a National Book Tokens Gift Card.
4. Present your card so it can be scanned, or provide your card number and PIN if using a digital e-gift card.
   If your purchase exceeds your remaining balance, you can pay the difference with another payment method.

Before you use your National Book Tokens Gift Card, make sure you have the following to hand:

• Your National Book Tokens Gift Card (physical or digital): this is the physical card you received as a gift, or the digital e-gift card sent to you by email.
   
• Your card number: found on the front or back of your physical card, or in the delivery email for digital gift cards.
   
• Your PIN: located under the scratch panel on the back of physical gift cards, or included in the delivery email for digital gift cards.

For in-store purchases, cashiers can usually just scan your physical gift card, but some shops may ask for your gift card number and PIN. When making online purchases, have your card number and PIN ready to ensure a smooth checkout process.