How to Activate a Gift Card: 10 Steps (with Pictures)

Two Methods:Activating a Gift Card Purchased OnlineActivating a Gift Card Purchased In-StoreCommunity Q&A

Gift cards turn present shopping from a guessing game to a sure bet. However, a deactivated gift card has no value. Make sure you follow these methods to active a gift card in store or online.

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Steps

Method 1

Activating a Gift Card Purchased Online

1. 

   1
   Order your gift cards online. Ordering them from the store is the best way to ensure their authenticity; however, other stores, like Gift Cards Direct and Gift Card Mall, carry cards from a variety of restaurants and stores.

2. 

   2
   Wait for the gift cards to arrive in the mail. Most will have a sticker on the outside that has a message similar to, “Activate this Card.” Read the sticker carefully to find out how to activate it.[1]

3. 

   3
   Use a coin to peel off the bar on the back of the card. This is usually a dark sticker or substance covering the card number so that it can’t be used without being activated.

4. 

   4
   Call the number listed on the sticker. Also, you may be able to type a URL into your browser that will take you directly to an activation service. If the sticker doesn’t list an exact URL, type the store name and “gift card activate” in a search bar to find the activation site.

5. 

   5
   Type in the gift card ID number. You may also be asked to type in your order number or a password/activation code that was sent with the gift cards. Press “Activate” when you have entered all the required information correctly.[2]

6. 

   6
   Use your gift card. It should be successfully activated.

Method 2

Activating a Gift Card Purchased In-Store

1. 

   1
   Choose a gift card from the available designs during checkout.

2. 

   2
   Indicate how much you want the value of the gift card to be. Some gift cards are awarded in exact values, while others can be customized to your preferences.

3. 

   3
   Wait for the clerk to ring up your purchase, including your gift card. In many cases, this act will activate the gift card. Ask the clerk whether the gift card is already activated.

4. 

   4
   Save your receipt. Your receipt may have a gift card ID number or activation code. It is a good idea to keep this receipt in case the gift card does not work. You may want to give the receipt to the person who is receiving the gift card to use as a proof of purchase in case of problems.