What is an e-gift card?

An e-gift card, short for electronic gift card, is simply the digital version of a traditional gift card. Instead of receiving a physical card by post, the recipient receives a unique code directly to their email inbox. This code represents the digital e-gift card and can typically be spent at one or more retailers, either online or in store. 

E-gift cards typically have a unique code, and sometimes a PIN or barcode, and all of the details can be stored on a mobile device or the delivery email can be printed out for easier access.

Types of e-gift cards

There are two main types of e-gift cards. The first is a single-retailer e-gift card, tied to one specific brand such as Tesco, Boots, Amazon or any other established brand or retailer. These work well when you know exactly where the recipient likes to shop. 

The second is a multi-store e-gift card, which lets the recipient choose from a range of participating retailers and brands. Our selection of multi-store gift cards covers fashion, food, experiences, and many more, making them an ideal choice when you want to give genuine freedom of choice.

Digital e-gift cards offer a number of advantages over physical gift cards.

• Instant delivery. E-gift cards are delivered to your/your recipient's inbox within minutes, making them a perfect last-minute gift.
• No risk of loss or damage. There's no physical card that can get lost in the post or accidentally thrown away.
• Convenient to access. The recipient can keep it in their email inbox and access it on their mobile devices, or print out the e-gift card for easier access.
• Easy to send anywhere. E-gift cards can be sent to anyone with an email address.
• More sustainable. With no plastic card or packaging required, they have a lower environmental impact.
• Available around the clock. E-gift cards can be purchased at any time and can typically be spent online too, offering more convenience.

Physical and e-gift cards serve the same purpose, but there are some key differences. 

A physical gift card is a tangible card sent by post that can be given in person or wrapped as part of a larger gift. It's a good option when presentation matters or when giving to someone who isn;t comfortable with using technology. You can browse our range of physical gift cards if you prefer something more tangible.

An e-gift card is delivered digitally, making it faster and better suited to last-minute or long-distance gifting. Both types work in the same way at the checkout: the recipient presents the card or code and the card’s value is deducted from their total bill.

Using an e-gift card online:

1. Check your inbox for the e-gift card delivery email and locate your unique code.
2. Visit the retailer's website and add your chosen items to your basket.
3. At checkout, enter your gift card’s unique code in the gift card / voucher field and apply it to your order.
4. If your total exceeds the card balance, you can pay the remainder with another payment method.

Using an e-gift card in store:

1. Open the e-gift card on your phone or present a printed copy of your delivery email.
2. Let the cashier know you'd like to pay with a gift card.
3. Show your card’s details or hand over the printout to be scanned.
4. If the total exceeds the balance, you can pay the difference with another payment method, such as cash or credit/debit card.

Do I have to print my e-gift card?

No. Printing out a digital e-gift card is not necessary to use it. Most retailers accept e-gift cards directly from a phone screen by scanning a barcode, QR code, or entering the unique code manually. 

Simply having the card accessible in your email or saved on your phone’s camera library is enough. Printing is entirely optional and comes down to personal preference or as a backup mitigate complications such as not being able to access a mobile device that has run out of battery.