How to Get Started with Sending Money Using Gift Cards Today

Many are turning to non-traditional methods as the demand for fast, secure, and cost-effective ways to send money internationally increases. Sending money using gift cards today is one such innovative approach that is gaining traction. Whether sending financial help to a family member overseas, paying someone for services, or simply gifting money, traditional transfer services like banks and PayPal can be costly and time-consuming.

Enter gift cards—a modern, flexible, and surprisingly efficient way to send money. While initially designed for gifting, digital and prepaid gift cards are now emerging as a practical alternative to money transfers. They’re fast, often fee-free, widely accepted, and accessible even to recipients without a bank account.

This guide is designed for beginners who want to explore gift cards as a tool for sending money. It outlines every step—from choosing the right gift card to confirming delivery and handling potential issues—so you can confidently get started today.

Why Choose Gift Cards for Sending Money?

1. No High Transfer Fees

Traditional money transfer services like Western Union, PayPal, and wire transfers often have hefty fees, especially for international transfers. For example:

• Western Union: May charge up to $10–$50 depending on the amount and destination.
• PayPal: You can take a 2.9%–4.4% fee, plus currency conversion charges.
• Banks: Often charge both the sender and recipient for international transfers, with hidden exchange rate fees.

By contrast, most gift cards—especially digital versions—have no or minimal fees. You pay the value of the card (e.g., $100) and possibly a small activation fee for some prepaid cards. That’s it.

2. Speed and Instant Delivery

Digital gift cards are sent immediately via email or text. Recipients can start using them within minutes. Compare that to traditional transfers that may take 2–5 business days or longer during weekends or holidays.

This instant delivery makes gift cards a reliable option when time is of the essence.

3. No Bank Account Needed

One of the most significant barriers to sending or receiving money is the need for a bank account. Gift cards bypass that completely.

• Prepaid Visa/MasterCard can be used like debit cards.
• Retail gift cards allow users to purchase what they need online or in-store without a bank.

This is especially helpful for:

• Unbanked individuals
• Teenagers or students
• People in developing countries

4. Global Accessibility

Many gift cards, such as prepaid Visa, MasterCard, or Amazon, are globally accepted. Whether your recipient is in India, the U.S., or Europe, these cards can be used online or in physical stores—anywhere the card brand is accepted.

Read related blogs: How to Send Money Across the Globe with Gift Cards in Minutes

Step 1: Choose the Right Type of Gift Card for Your Needs

Gift cards offer a fast, secure, and hassle-free way to send money globally without high fees or banking requirements.

1. Prepaid Visa/MasterCard Gift Cards

These cards are universally accepted and ideal for general-purpose spending. Recipients can use them for:

• Online purchases
• In-store purchases
• ATM withdrawals (for some cards)

They’re perfect when you want to give the recipient freedom in how they spend the money.

2. Retailer-Specific Gift Cards (Amazon, Walmart, Flipkart)

These are best when you know the recipient shops at a particular store. For example:

• Amazon Gift Card: Excellent choice for international transactions thanks to Amazon’s worldwide accessibility.
• Walmart Gift Card: Best suited for recipients located in the U.S.
• Flipkart Gift Card: Most suitable for residents of India.

These cards are targeted and can’t be used elsewhere, so they work best for recipients who already use those services.

3. Digital Gift Cards

Digital cards are fast, fee-free, and easy to send. They’re perfect for:

• Gifting digital content (Spotify, Netflix, Google Play)
• App purchases
• Online shopping

These cards are a go-to for tech-savvy recipients and those who prefer online shopping.

4. Multi-currency or International Gift Cards

Some platforms offer multi-currency cards usable across countries, making them ideal for international transfers. These cards adjust to local currency automatically.

Read related blogs: Step-by-Step Guide: Sending Money Using Gift Cards

Step 2: Purchase the Gift Card

Purchasing the right gift card is a crucial step in sending money efficiently. Choosing a reputable source and the correct card type ensures security, value, and a smooth transfer process.

1. Where to Buy Gift Cards

To avoid scams or invalid cards, always buy from trusted sources such as:

• Official retailer websites (Amazon.com, Walmart.com)
• Financial institutions (banks offering prepaid cards)
• Authorized platforms like GiftCards.com, Visa.com, or PayPal

Avoid buying gift cards from third-party resellers on forums or marketplaces without verified reviews.

2. Checking for Fees

Some cards, particularly prepaid Visa/MasterCard, might charge:

• Activation fees (usually $3–$6)
• Maintenance fees after a few months

Read the terms before purchasing to avoid surprises. Retailer-specific and digital gift cards usually have no extra fees.

3. Selecting the Card Value

Determine the amount based on your recipient’s needs. Most gift cards let you load values like:

• $25, $50, $100, or custom amounts
• If you need to send larger amounts, consider:
• Purchasing multiple cards
• Using cards with reloadable options

Step 3: Send the Gift Card to the Recipient

Once you’ve purchased the gift card, the next step is to send it securely to the recipient, whether digitally or physically, ensuring they receive it quickly and without any issues.

1. Digital Gift Cards

To send a digital gift card:

• Choose a reputable platform.
• Select the card type and amount.
• Enter the recipient’s email or phone number.
• Add a personal message (optional).
• Complete the payment.

Platforms like Amazon, Visa, PayPal, and GiftCards.com offer user-friendly processes for digital delivery.

2. Physical Gift Cards

If your recipient prefers a physical card:

• Package it securely in an envelope.
• Use a trackable and insured mail service like FedEx, USPS, or UPS.
• Double-check the recipient’s address.

Keep your receipt and tracking number in case the card gets lost or delayed.

3. Using Secure Platforms

Never send gift cards through sketchy websites. Only use SSL-secured, well-reviewed platforms that:

• Offer customer support
• Have clear refund and delivery policies
• They are known for their reliability

Step 4: Confirm Delivery and Redemption

After sending the gift card, confirming that the recipient has received and successfully redeemed it is essential. This ensures the funds are accessible and the transaction is completed without problems.

1. For Digital Gift Cards

After sending, use your platform’s tracking or confirmation tool to verify:

• The card was delivered
• The card was redeemed

Some sites send notifications or status updates once the recipient activates the card.

2. For Physical Gift Cards

Use the tracking number to ensure the card was delivered. Once delivered, confirm with the recipient directly.

If there’s a delay, contact the shipping provider or the gift card issuer to resolve the issue.

3. Follow Up with the Recipient

Once the recipient gets the card:

• Confirm they can use it
• Offer help if they’re unsure how to redeem it

Please keep a record of the card number in case it’s lost before use.

Step 5: Monitor the Transaction (Optional)

Monitoring the transaction adds an extra layer of assurance, especially for larger amounts. It helps you track redemption status, identify potential issues early, and ensure the gift card is used as intended.

1. Track the Gift Card Redemption Status

Some platforms (like Amazon or Visa) allow you to:

• Check card balance
• Monitor usage or redemption status
• Set up alerts

This is helpful for larger transfers or recurring gift card transactions.

2. Addressing Issues Promptly

If the recipient encounters problems such as:

1. Card not working
2. Country Restrictions
3. Declined purchases

You should:

• Contact the card provider’s customer service
• Ensure the recipient understands any usage limitations
• Offer a replacement if necessary (as a last resort)

Tips for Ensuring a Smooth Process

Ensuring a smooth process when sending money via gift cards involves careful planning, attention to detail, and using trusted platforms to avoid common pitfalls and guarantee successful delivery and redemption.

1. Verify Recipient Details

Double-check:

• Spelling of email addresses
• Accuracy of phone numbers
• Correct mailing address

Simple errors can delay or prevent delivery.

2. Choose the Right Gift Card for the Recipient

Match the card to:

• Recipient’s shopping habits (e.g., Amazon vs. Visa)
• Their location (U.S.-only vs. international cards)
• Whether they need digital or physical delivery

3. Avoid Common Scams

Gift card scams are real. Protect yourself by:

• Never share card numbers or PINs publicly
• Avoiding unsolicited requests for gift cards
• Only buying and sending via authorized platforms

Conclusion

Gift cards offer an innovative, fast, and flexible alternative to traditional money transfers. They’re ideal for international use, require no bank account, and often have lower fees and quicker delivery times.

Following this step-by-step guide, you can get started today and enjoy the convenience of sending money through gift cards. Whether for emergencies, gifts, or everyday support, this method offers peace of mind and practical benefits.

Beem offers a modern way to send money quickly and securely across borders. With features like Send Now, Pay Later™, it lets users transfer funds instantly—even to recipients without a bank account—making it a flexible and accessible solution for global payments.

Try it out today and experience how seamless your next money transfer can be with gift cards.

FAQs: Sending Money Using Gift Cards Today