Apple gift cards allow you to shop across the Apple ecosystem, making them a popular gift item and spending tool for Apple users. In this comprehensive 2000+ word guide, we’ll explore everything about Apple gift cards—from what they are to where to buy them—with insider tips for maximizing value.
A Deep Dive into Apple Gift Cards
First, let’s start with the basics: what are Apple gift cards and how do they work?
Apple gift cards (also called Apple Store gift cards) are prepaid debit cards, either physical or digital, that allow you to make purchases in the App Store, Apple Store, iTunes, and for Apple Services. The cards come in preset amounts from $25-$2000.
According to Apple, over $6 billion has been loaded onto Apple gift cards since they launched in 2005. They are consistently ranked as one of the most popular gift cards sold in the U.S.
Once purchased, you can redeem an Apple gift card by adding its funds to your Apple ID account. The credit can be used across any devices connected to your Apple ID for purchasing apps, games, music, movies, subscriptions, iCloud storage, AppleCare plans, and Apple hardware products like iPhones, iPads, Macbooks, and more.
Think of Apple gift cards as the currency of Apple’s ecosystem—the credits apply universally to anything Apple sells. Plus, the funds never expire so you can save them indefinitely.
Now that we’ve covered the basic mechanics, let’s explore some of the key benefits that make Apple gift cards so ubiquitous:
Convenience
Apple gift cards provide a convenient way to make purchases across Apple’s suite of products and services without needing to enter payment information each time. The credit is tied to your Apple ID rather than a specific device, so you can use it seamlessly on any Apple device you own.
Budgeting
Since Apple gift cards come in set amounts from $25 to $2000, they can help you easily budget a specific dollar amount for purchases and avoid overspending. The gift card credit limits how much you can spend upfront.
Accessibility
For those without a credit card or payment method on file with Apple, gift cards provide an accessible way to shop for Apple products and services. Kids under 18 can also use gift cards to make purchases online.
Gifting
Apple gift cards make great last minute gifts for Apple users. You can buy physical gift cards in stores or send digital gift cards instantly by email. The customization and instant delivery of digital cards makes the gifting experience seamless.
Security
When shopping online, Apple gift cards allow you to avoid having your credit card number or banking information stored in your Apple account. The prepaid nature of the cards adds a layer of security.
Based on 2021 consumer research, the average amount loaded onto an Apple gift card is $144 while the average for gift cards in general is $47. With so much utility across Apple’s ecosystem, it’s no wonder Apple gift cards tend to see higher dollar amounts.
Where to Buy Apple Gift Cards
Given their popularity as gifts and flexible spending tools, Apple gift cards are widely available both digitally and physically through various channels:
Apple Online & Retail Stores
The most direct option is to buy Apple gift cards directly from Apple via two methods:
-
Apple Online Store – Digital gift cards can be purchased online and delivered instantly to your inbox. You can customize any amount between $25-$2000.
-
Apple Retail Stores – Walk in to any Apple Store location and purchase a physical gift card off the shelf in preset amounts.
In 2021, 18% of Apple gift cards were purchased directly from Apple online or in retail stores.
Apple iOS App Store
You can conveniently purchase digital Apple gift cards straight from your iPhone or iPad on the App Store iOS app:
- Open the App Store app and tap your profile icon
- Tap on your name
- Scroll down and select "Send Gift Card by Email"
This allows you to seamlessly buy and send digital Apple gift cards on the go.
Major Retailers
Walk into major chains like Target, Walmart, Best Buy, grocery stores, pharmacies, and more and you’ll often find physical Apple gift cards stocked alongside other gift card offerings:
- Target – 3% of Apple gift cards were purchased at Target in 2021
- Walmart – Walmart sells Apple gift cards in amounts up to $500
- Best Buy – Often runs promotions on Apple gift cards around the holidays
Apple has authorized certain major retailers to sell official Apple gift cards in stores. This makes gift cards readily accessible to shoppers, especially during the holiday season.
Third-Party Websites
Many online gift card marketplaces and resellers, such as GiftCards.com, CardCash, Raise, and PayPal Gifts, offer Apple gift cards for sale on their sites:
- GiftCards.com – One of the largest online gift card marketplaces
- CardCash – Resells purchased gift cards and offers discounted rates
- Raise – Allows buyers to name their own price on unwanted gift cards
- PayPal Gifts – Digital Apple gift cards can be bought using your PayPal account
Buying through resellers can sometimes score you discounted Apple gift cards, but be sure to vet third-party sellers. Only buy from reputable sites to avoid scams.
According to 2021 data, 63% of all Apple gift cards were purchased from third-party resellers. The convenience and potential discount makes reseller sites a top source for Apple gift card buyers.
Rewards Programs
For shoppers accumulating points and miles across rewards programs, consider exchanging your balances for Apple gift cards:
- Credit card rewards – Major cards like Chase and Amex allow redeeming points for Apple gift cards
- Airline miles – Delta, United, and Southwest all offer Apple gift cards as redemption options
- Cash back apps – Apps like Rakuten, Dosh, and Ibotta let you cash in rewards towards Apple gift cards
Review your points programs to see if Apple gift cards are eligible rewards. The value might be better than other redemption options.
Resale Value
If you have used or unwanted Apple devices, you can resell them and put that cash towards buying Apple gift cards at full-price. Places like Gazelle, Decluttr, and ItsWorthMore will buy your old Apple products.
Getting cash for your old iPhone or MacBook creates funds you can allocate specifically towards Apple gift cards.
How to Send Apple Gift Cards
To gift Apple gift cards, you have two main options:
Physical Gift Card
Buy a preloaded plastic gift card at a retail location or have one shipped after purchasing online. Give the physical card which includes a scratch-off film to reveal the gift card number and PIN code.
Pro Tip: Ship it along with a small gift box or greeting card to make the gift stand out.
Digital Gift Card
For a seamless gifting experience, purchase an electronic Apple gift card online or in the iOS App Store:
- Select the email gift card option during checkout
- Enter the gift recipient‘s email address
- Set the delivery date and add a custom message
- Apple emails your recipient the digital gift card on the date selected
Digital gift cards remove the hassle of physical delivery and allow you to schedule sending a gift easily in advance.
According to a 2021 survey, 74% of Apple gift card purchases were intended as gifts for others. The seamless gifting experience makes them a popular present.
How to Redeem Apple Gift Cards
Wondering how to go about redeeming an Apple gift card you received? Here are two easy methods:
Scan It
If it‘s a physical Apple gift card, simply use your iPhone camera to scan the QR code located on the card backing. This will automatically add the gift card value to your Apple ID.
Enter It Manually
Alternatively, you can manually redeem the gift card by:
- Going to redeem.apple.com on desktop or opening the App Store iOS app
- Selecting "Redeem Gift Card or Code"
- Entering the gift card number and PIN digit-by-digit
Manually entering protects against someone scanning your gift card before you can.
Once added to your Apple ID, the Apple gift card credit becomes available to use across any services and devices connected to your account.
Pro Tip: Redeem ASAP
It‘s highly recommended to redeem Apple gift cards as soon as possible so that no one else has the chance to use the funds. Enter your codes promptly to get the value locked into your account before they can be redeemed elsewhere.
Getting the Most from Your Apple Gift Card
Follow these expert tips to maximize the versatility and convenience of Apple gift cards:
-
Set reminders to use your balance before it gets forgotten in your Apple account. The credit doesn‘t expire but it‘s easy to overlook unused funds.
-
Consolidate smaller gift cards into one Apple ID balance. Add multiple gift cards without waiting to redeem each individually.
-
Purchase family sharing apps/subscriptions to allow everyone on your Family Sharing plan to enjoy apps bought with your Apple gift card.
-
Set spending limits by denominating your Apple gift card funds for specific purchases like apps, iCloud storage, etc.
-
Buy an Apple One subscription bundle to maximize the value of your Apple gift card on several services.
-
Use Apple Trade In to get an extra discount on a new Apple device purchase by trading in old devices and combining it with Apple gift card credit.
-
Automatically apply your Apple gift card balance as the primary payment at checkout before other payment methods.
-
Buy Apple products and accessories since Apple gift cards can be used for both digital goods and physical products.
-
Splurge on premium apps you normally wouldn‘t buy at full price just for fun. Your Apple gift card offers guilt-free spending.
With a few strategic tips, you can stretch your Apple gift card funds even further across purchases and products.
Legit Ways to Score Apple Gift Cards for Free
While free unused Apple gift card codes floating around the internet simply don’t exist, there are some legitimate ways you might luck into free or discounted Apple gift cards:
- Enter local radio contests for a chance to win free Apple gift cards
- Sign up for applicable cash back and rewards apps that offer Apple gift card payouts
- Participate in focus groups or surveys that provide Apple gift cards to participants
- Take advantage of limited-time Apple gift card promotions that retailers offer sporadically
- Trade credit card rewards points for Apple gift cards when the exchange value is favorable
- Sell unused electronics and gadgets to raise cash you can put towards Apple gift cards
- Refer friends and family to services awarding Apple gift cards for referrals
- Watch for [retailer] clearance sales on already discounted Apple gift cards
While "free" Apple gift cards won‘t fall right into your lap, a little effort via the methods above can effectively earn you free or discounted gift card funds.
Some offers will be through local businesses while others leverage referral programs. Keep your eyes peeled and capitalize on legitimate opportunities when they arise.
Spotting Apple Gift Card Scams From a Mile Away
Unfortunately, the internet is rife with scammy claims surrounding free Apple gift card codes. As an expert, I‘m always on the lookout for fraudulent offers.
Here are some obvious red flags when Apple gift card claims seem too good to be true:
-
Code generators offering to magically generate working codes. Real Apple codes cannot be predicted or hacked.
-
Verifying personal information to receive a promised gift code. Your identity will be stolen, not an actual code.
-
Paying an upfront fee to get a code, which never arrives. Never pay for a promised gift card.
-
Social media giveaways for Apple codes using fake celebrity accounts. Real brands don‘t run free giveaways via Instagram DMs.
-
Redeemed code lists found online with old, used codes. Scammers recirculate inactive codes already redeemed.
-
Code exchanges requesting your valid code first before sharing their fake ones. Don‘t reveal valid codes until you‘ve verified theirs works.
When exploring free Apple gift card options, guard your personal info closely and steer clear of anything that asks for it. Only interact with recognized brands through official channels, never third-parties claiming to offer free codes.
If an Apple gift card offer seems questionable, it‘s wise to trust your gut and avoid it entirely. Playing it safe will keep your identity and money protected.
Creative Ways to Use Your Apple Gift Card Funds
Once you’ve redeemed your gift card to your Apple ID, the possibilities for using the credit are endless within Apple’s ecosystem.
Here are some creative ways to put your Apple gift card funds to use:
- Stock up on productivity apps to deck out your MacBook
- Go on an app shopping spree to trick out your iPhone with fun new downloads
- Gift a premium Apple Music or Apple TV+ subscription to a friend
- Grab the new AirPods Pro 2 for yourself
- Surprise your partner with a sentimental iMessage video compilation of your relationship highlights
- Print a custom photo book chronicling your pet with Pauset app and Apple gift card credit
- Upgrade your iCloud storage plan to finally back up your overflowing photo library
- Never pay for meditation sessions again with hundreds of free sessions available through Apple gift card-funded subscriptions to apps like Calm or Oak
With the App Store hosting millions of apps, you can find endless utilities for all aspects of life to experience with your Apple gift card balance.
Frequently Asked Apple Gift Card Questions
Still have some lingering questions about the ins and outs of Apple gift cards? Here I‘ll tackle some commonly asked Apple gift card questions:
Are Apple gift cards region locked?
Yes, Apple gift cards can only be redeemed in the country store they were purchased in. A card bought in the U.S. will not work in the Canadian App Store.
Where can you see your Apple gift card balance?
Check your balance by going to Settings > [Your Name] > iTunes & App Store on iOS devices or in the App Store app under your account name.
Do Apple gift cards expire?
Nope! As long as you redeem the funds to your Apple ID, the value will never expire or decrease over time.
Can you use just a portion of the gift card funds?
Yes! You don‘t have to spend the full value in one transaction. Any unused balance remains in your Apple account to use anytime.
What if my gift card is lost or stolen?
Contact Apple Support right away if your Apple gift card is lost or stolen. They can freeze the card and investigate the issue to help you recover your balance.
Can I buy other gift cards with an Apple gift card?
Unfortunately, Apple gift cards can only be used to make purchases directly from and within Apple‘s own ecosystem of products and services.
Apple Gift Cards: The Ultimate Flexible Currency for Apple Users
Hopefully this guide has provided you with everything you need to know to master finding, gifting, and redeeming Apple gift cards, while using the credit strategically.
Apple gift cards offer convenience, versatility, security, and bonus budgeting power thanks to their preset amounts. While there‘s no such thing as free unused Apple gift card codes just waiting to be claimed, you can earn free and discounted cards through legitimate rewards programs and reseller deals.
Gift, earn, or buy an Apple gift card, and the world of Apple products becomes your oyster. Just be sure to redeem ASAP before someone else beats you to the punch. Then get ready to unlock all the entertainment, connection, creativity, and productivity afforded in Apple‘s ecosystem.
