What do you do when you lost a gift card?
11 July 2025
We all know the feeling – you’ve been gifted a lovely gift card, put it in a "safe place"… and now it’s nowhere to be found. So, what do you do when you’ve lost a gift card?
Act fast. The first thing to do is contact the retailer or gift card provider. Some companies can help recover a lost gift card if you have the receipt or purchase details. If you don’t, there might still be options – so don’t give up just yet.
Below, we’ll guide you through your best steps when dealing with a lost gift card, including what to do with or without proof of purchase, and how to prevent this from happening in future.
I lost my gift card, but have no receipt
Losing a gift card without the receipt can be tricky – but not always hopeless. Here’s what you can try:
- Check with the person who gave it to you. If they bought it online or have an email confirmation, that might be enough to help recover the card.
- Contact the retailer’s customer service. Some stores keep track of gift card numbers linked to purchase methods (credit card, email, etc.)
- Look for the packaging. Occasionally, cards come with activation codes or unique identifiers printed somewhere on the carrier or sleeve.
Retailers aren’t obligated to replace a lost gift card with no proof, but many are willing to help if you can provide some details.
Curious to explore new cards? Browse our full range of gift cards for every occasion.
How to get your lost Gift Card replaced?
It depends on the retailer – but here’s what usually helps:
- Provide the original receipt or purchase confirmation (digital or physical)
- Show proof of payment if bought with a card
- Give any info you remember – store location, date of purchase, card value, etc.
Some brands also allow you to register your gift card online, which helps with balance protection and replacement if it’s lost or stolen. It’s worth checking the terms and conditions of your specific card provider.
If it was a digital gift card, recovery is often easier. Just revisit your email or online account to retrieve the code.
Prevent Gift Cards from getting lost
A little care goes a long way. Here are some easy ways to avoid losing your gift card in the first place:
- Register your card online (if possible)
- Take a photo of the card number and PIN
- Use digital gift cards – easier to store and recover
- Keep all receipts until the balance is fully used
- Spend your card soon after receiving it – don’t wait too long!
How can you protect yourself from Gift Card scams?
Gift cards are a fast and easy way to treat someone – but sadly, they’ve also become a popular target for fraud. Falling victim to a gift card scam can result in financial loss and frustration, especially when scammers use clever tricks to make their schemes look real. In this article, we’ll explain exactly what a gift card scam is, how to spot one, and what to do if you’ve been targeted. Stay informed and protect yourself.
Understanding the Terms and Conditions of Gift Cards
Gift cards are a convenient and thoughtful gift, whether you're buying for a birthday, holiday or just because. But before you hit that “buy now” button, there’s one thing you should never skip: reading the gift card terms and conditions. These small but essential details tell you exactly how a card works – from where and when it can be used, to expiration dates and refund policies. Understanding them helps you avoid surprises and ensures you get the most out of your gift.
The best gift cards for teens
Looking for the best vouchers for young adults? Whether it’s for a birthday, a thank-you, or just because, gift cards for teens are a sure win. They’re fast, flexible, and fun to receive. With one of our digital or physical vouchers for teenagers, they get to choose exactly what they want. That means no wrong sizes, no guessing, and no disappointment.
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