Best Practices for Buying and Using Gift Cards Online

June 16, 2026

This guide details safe online shopping with gift cards from start to finish, including how to buy and use them. Whether you’re buying for yourself or sending a surprise to someone special, you’ll learn how to shop and choose legitimate gift cards, avoid scams and redeem with confidence.

Top Tips for Safe Online Shopping and Redeeming Gift Cards Online

Whenever you’re shopping online, you should always keep your payment information safe. Whether you’re using your credit card or a gift card, it’s important to make sure you’re following best practices.  

Follow these key tips for using gift cards online safely:  

• Verify the URL: Make sure you’re on the official retailer’s site, with HTTPS and correct spelling.  
• Log in securely: Use strong passwords and avoid public devices or shared browsers.  
• Enter card information carefully: Type the card details directly and don’t share card details with third parties. 
• Confirm totals: Check your balance prior to using the card to ensure you have sufficient funds.   
• Save receipts: Keep order confirmations and transaction IDs for your records. 

Physical and eGift cards make great gifts for any occasion when you follow gift card best practices. 

Bonus Tips for Keeping eGift Cards Secure

Protect your personal information every step of the way. Use unique, strong passwords and turn on multifactor authentication when available. Avoid public Wi-Fi for any purchase or redemption activity. You should also never share your card number or PIN via email, text or social media. Store digital cards in a secure wallet or password manager and delete old screenshots that could expose codes.  

These gift card best practices spark confidence and safe online shopping. Review these best practices for buying and using gift cards when you have questions or concerns. 

Choosing Trusted Retailers when Buying Gift Cards

Where you buy gift cards matters. Look for sites that make policies easy to find, offer support and clearly state brand partnerships. 

Use these criteria when evaluating a gift card seller’s site: 

• Clear business information including contact details, FAQs and straightforward information on delivery and customer support. 

Secure payment methods are non-negotiable. Look for secure checkout, support for major credit cards, trusted payment processors, and official brand website pages. Following these tips is ideal for safe online shopping and among the best practices for buying and using gift cards. 

Recognizing Gift Card Scams

Knowing gift card scam tactics can help you avoid these situations. 

Watch for these common signs of scams: 

• Pressure to pay with gift cards for taxes, utilities, bail, or tech support. 
• Requests to read or send card numbers and PINs over the phone, email or messaging apps. 
• Links promising free cards or unrealistic discounts. 

Visit our ultimate guide to gift card scams to learn more about how to protect your funds.  

If you suspect a scam, stop engaging immediately. Do not provide any codes. Save emails, texts, URLs, and screenshots as evidence and check your gift card balance through the brand’s official site to confirm any activity.  

Report gift card scams promptly. Contact the retailer or brand whose card was targeted, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)  and your state consumer protection office and notify your bank or card issuer. Consumer notices for New Jersey and Maryland residents. Update passwords for any accounts that could be affected. These steps are at the heart of gift card safety. 

FAQs About Gift Card Safety

Is it safe to buy gift cards?

Yes, it’s safe to buy gift cards online from trusted retailers.

Is it safe to buy gift cards during sale events?

Yes, it can be safe to buy gift cards on sale when you stick to authorized online retailers.

Are gift cards secure? 

Yes, gift cards from trusted retailers are secure options. Like any purchase, it’s important to keep safety tips in mind when shopping for and using gift cards. 

Making the Most of Gift Cards with Best Practices

By following these practices, you can shop confidently and make the most of every gift card you purchase or send.