Sending money abroad often comes with frustrating hurdles, steep transfer fees, unfavorable currency exchange rates, and long wait times before the recipient sees the funds. Send money abroad with gift cards to bypass these issues. These challenges make international money transfers costly, inefficient, and sometimes inaccessible, especially for individuals without access to traditional banking systems.
Gift cards are emerging as a surprisingly effective workaround. Unlike conventional money transfer services, digital or physical gift cards can be sent internationally without fees. They offer a streamlined, fast, and accessible method of sending monetary value, especially for purchases or general use abroad.
Why Gift Cards Are the Best Option for Sending Money Abroad
Gift cards have emerged as an innovative, hassle-free way to send money abroad. They offer a range of advantages over traditional transfer methods, making them ideal for fast, secure, and cost-effective international gifting or financial support.
1. No Transfer Fees
One of the most attractive benefits of sending money through gift cards is eliminating transfer fees. Traditional services like Western Union, PayPal, and wire transfers through banks often charge a percentage of the total amount plus fixed transaction fees, which can add up quickly.
Unlike these services, sending a gift card involves no transfer cost. For example, sending $100 via a digital Amazon gift card means the recipient gets the full $100 value, no deductions, no fees, just pure value. In contrast, a similar transfer via PayPal may cost between $3 and $10 in service charges, not including exchange rate markups.
2. No Hidden Charges
Gift cards are refreshingly transparent. What you pay for is exactly what your recipient receives. Unlike traditional transfer methods that sneak in hidden receiving fees, gift cards have no surprise deductions upon redemption.
The absence of backend fees ensures that the full card value is usable for purchases. Whether it’s a prepaid Visa or a specific retail card, there’s no worrying about charges suddenly appearing at the time of redemption, offering both sender and recipient peace of mind.
3. Instant or Near-Instant Delivery
Digital gift cards provide speed that traditional services can’t match. While bank wire transfers and remittance services can take two to five business days, gift cards can arrive in your recipient’s inbox within minutes.
It makes them especially useful in emergencies when the recipient needs access to funds immediately. Whether for urgent shopping or immediate digital downloads, digital gift cards offer the convenience of real-time access.
4. No Need for a Bank Account
Not everyone has a bank account, especially in developing countries or rural areas. Gift cards present a financial bridge for unbanked recipients, allowing them to receive funds and make purchases without interacting with traditional financial institutions. By using gift cards, you’re bypassing the banking system altogether, simplifying the process and offering greater inclusivity and accessibility.
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How to Send Money Abroad with Gift Cards: A Step-by-Step Guide
Sending money abroad with gift cards is a convenient and flexible alternative to traditional transfer methods. This step-by-step guide walks you through the entire process, from choosing the right card to ensuring successful delivery and redemption so your recipient gets the support they need quickly and securely.
1. Choose the Right Type of Gift Card
Choosing the correct type of gift card is the first and most crucial step when sending money abroad. Your card should match the recipient’s needs, location, and spending habits to ensure maximum convenience and usability.
1.1 Prepaid VisaMasterCard Gift Cards
These are the most versatile gift cards for sending money abroad. They function like regular debit cards and can be used anywhere Visa or MasterCard is accepted, whether online or in physical stores. It makes them ideal for recipients who need flexible spending options for groceries, bills, or online shopping.
Choosing a card that aligns with the recipient’s purchasing needs is essential. If they need broader access to funds, a prepaid Visa or MasterCard is the right choice over store-specific cards.
1.2 Retailer-Specific Gift Cards
These cards are perfect for recipients who regularly shop at a particular store. Amazon, Walmart, and Flipkart gift cards can be directly used to purchase goods online or in-store, depending on the retailer’s policies in the recipient’s country.
For example, sending an Amazon gift card to a family member abroad lets them shop for books, electronics, or daily essentials without needing to exchange currency or visit a bank.
1.3 Digital Gift Cards
Digital gift cards are sent via email or text and are excellent for fast, remote delivery. Popular options include Apple iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon. Depending on the platform and region, these can be redeemed for apps, digital content, or tangible goods. Digital cards are a lifesaver in time-sensitive situations and are easier to deliver and track than physical cards.
2. Buy the Gift Card
Once you’ve decided to send money through a gift card, the next step is purchasing it wisely. Attention to detail ensures a smooth and secure transaction, from choosing a trusted seller to selecting the correct value.
2.1 Where to Purchase Gift Cards
Always buy gift cards from trusted sources to ensure authenticity. It includes official retailer websites like Amazon or Visa, major online marketplaces, and verified financial service platforms. Most digital gift card platforms offer instant email delivery, making it easy to complete and send the purchase without delays.
2.2 Check for Fees
Before buying, make sure the card has no hidden fees. Some cards may include activation charges or monthly maintenance fees that can consume the gift value over time. Look for gift cards labeled “no fees” or outlining costs upfront. It ensures that the full amount you paid reaches your recipient.
2.3 Select the Desired Value
When buying a gift card, you can choose any amount, so pick one that matches the recipient’s needs. Whether $25 for groceries or $200 for electronics, you can control the value being sent. Ensure the amount aligns with the cost of goods or services in the recipient’s country to maximize utility.
3. Send the Gift Card to the recipient
Once you’ve chosen the right gift card, the next step is getting it to your recipient. Whether you’re sending a digital or physical card, proper delivery ensures the funds arrive safely and can be used immediately.
3.1 For Digital Gift Cards
Enter the recipient’s email address or phone number during checkout to send the gift card digitally. Most platforms provide immediate delivery along with a personalized message. If the recipient hasn’t received the card, ensure they check their spam or promotions folder promptly. Most cards can be redeemed immediately upon receipt.
3.2 For Physical Gift Cards
If you prefer sending a physical card, use a reliable shipping service like FedEx or UPS. Secure packaging and tracking are essential to avoid loss or theft during transit. Double-check the recipient’s mailing address to prevent delivery issues and delays. A small mistake in address entry can cause the card to be returned or lost.
4. Recipient Redeems the Gift Card
The recipient can redeem the gift card by entering the code online or physically swiping the card in-store. For digital cards, this usually involves copying a redemption code into the relevant site or app. Check if the card is compatible with the recipient’s region; some retailer-specific cards are country-locked. Providing simple instructions helps ensure easy access and usage.
Read related blogs: How to Get Started with Sending Money Using Gift Cards Today
Benefits of Sending Money Abroad with Gift Cards
Sending money internationally through gift cards offers a practical and modern solution that bypasses many of the hassles of traditional money transfers. Below are the key benefits of using gift cards to send money abroad seamlessly and without hidden costs.
1. Global Accessibility
Prepaid Visa and MasterCard gift cards are universally accepted, allowing recipients to shop from nearly anywhere. These cards eliminate geographic limitations and provide more spending freedom. Retailer-specific gift cards can also be sound globally, mainly when platforms like Amazon operate international marketplaces that cater to a wide range of countries.
2. No Receiving Fees
Unlike traditional wire transfers, which often charge recipients fees for withdrawing or receiving money, gift cards do not impose such a burden. The recipient can use the entire card value without deductions, maximizing the utility of the funds and ensuring a better experience for the receiver, especially when they’re on a tight budget.
3. Security and Privacy
Gift cards eliminate the need to share banking details or personal financial information, minimizing fraud or identity theft exposure. There’s no need for IBANs, SWIFT codes, or sensitive verification steps. Many prepaid cards also include a PIN for added protection, making unauthorized use difficult even if someone gains access to the card code.
4. Instant Transfers
Digital gift cards can be sent and received in under a minute, far outpacing traditional services that rely on business hours and processing delays. This is especially helpful in emergencies or for time-sensitive needs. Fast delivery boosts convenience and offers peace of mind, knowing the recipient can access their funds immediately.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Sending Money with Gift Cards
While sending money abroad with gift cards is convenient and fee-free, it’s essential to be aware of potential pitfalls. Understanding these common risks can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure a smooth, secure transaction for you and the recipient.
1. Fraud and Scams
Never send gift cards to unknown recipients or respond to unsolicited requests. Scammers often pose as relatives or government agencies asking for gift card payments. Always verify the recipient’s identity and use secure platforms to send card details. Once a card is redeemed fraudulently, it’s nearly impossible to recover.
2. Card Restrictions
Not all gift cards are universally accepted. Some are limited to use in specific countries or retailers. Sending a U.S.-based Walmart card to someone overseas may make it unusable. Always confirm that the recipient can use the card in their country or opt for global options like Visa or MasterCard gift cards.
3. Lost or Stolen Cards
Gift cards can be lost or intercepted, especially when sent physically. Use secure shipping and consider keeping the purchase receipt or digital code backup. If a card is lost or stolen, contact the issuer immediately to report it. Some companies may offer replacements if you have proof of purchase and the card hasn’t been redeemed.
Conclusion
Sending money abroad doesn’t have to be expensive, slow, or complicated. Gift cards offer a seamless alternative to traditional transfer methods, eliminating fees, enabling instant delivery, and ensuring global accessibility.
Beem makes it easy to send money abroad using innovative features like Send Now, Pay Later™, allowing instant transfers—even to recipients without a bank account. It’s a fast, flexible alternative to traditional methods. Download the Beem app now!
By choosing the correct type of gift card, avoiding common pitfalls, and using secure delivery methods, you can send money across borders with zero fees and complete peace of mind. Consider using gift cards the next time you need to transfer funds abroad. It’s fast, safe, and free.
