Unlock Instant Global Transfers by Sending Money via Gift Cards

The need for quick and cheap cross-border money transfers is increasing quickly. In the increasingly globalized world, individuals require rapid solutions to send money across borders without suffering typical delays or exorbitant costs. One such solution gaining popularity is global transfers by sending money via Gift Cards, which offer a faster and often more affordable alternative to traditional methods.

Old money transfer systems like bank transfers, Western Union, and PayPal are usually plagued with high charges, delays, and complicated procedures. These services take 1 to 5 business days to complete a transfer, putting the sender and receiver in the dark.

But gift cards are an easier, quicker, and less expensive alternative. Gift cards can be used for international money transfers, and in mere minutes, you can send money across borders, avoiding the usual hurdle of extended waiting times and high costs.

This blog will walk you through how to apply gift cards for instant international transfers, ensuring a seamless, fast, and secure transfer process.

Why Gift Cards Are Perfect for Instant Global Transfers

1. Instant Delivery

Gift cards, especially digital gift cards, are one of the fastest ways to send money across borders. They can be sent and delivered instantly to the recipient’s email or mobile wallet, ensuring the recipient has immediate access to the funds, making them ideal for urgent transfers.

• Comparison with traditional methods: Bank transfers and services like Western Union or PayPal can take processing days, especially for international transactions. On the other hand, gift cards are typically delivered within minutes, allowing almost instant access to funds.

2. Global Accessibility

One of the most attractive features of gift cards is their global usability. Prepaid Visa/MasterCard gift cards are accepted worldwide, which means the recipient can use them in millions of locations worldwide or for online purchases.

• Retailer-specific cards (like Amazon, Flipkart, or Walmart) are also excellent options for international transfers. Depending on the card’s specifications, these cards can be redeemed for purchases on global e-commerce platforms or used with local retailers.

3. No Bank Accounts Needed

Another significant advantage of gift cards is that neither the sender nor the recipient needs a bank account. This makes gift cards a perfect solution for unbanked individuals or those who prefer to avoid using traditional financial systems.

• For people who lack access to banking services or prefer to stay outside the banking system, gift cards offer a simpler and more inclusive alternative.

4. No Transfer Fees

Traditional money transfer services, such as PayPal or Western Union, come with high fees for international transactions. These fees can quickly add up, reducing the total amount received by the recipient.

On the other hand, gift cards have no transfer fees, ensuring that the recipient gets the full value you sent. This is especially beneficial for international transfers, where fees and hidden charges often affect the transfer amount.

Read related blogs: How to Take Advantage of Gift Cards to Send Money for Less

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Send Money Globally with Gift Cards

1. Choose the Right Gift Card for Global Transfers

Choosing the right gift card depends on the recipient’s needs and the type of transfer you want to make. Here are the top types of gift cards:

1.1 Prepaid Visa/MasterCard Gift Cards

• Best for general-purpose use: These cards are universally accepted at millions of locations that accept Visa or MasterCard online and in physical stores.

• This is ideal for recipients who need flexibility in using the funds, whether for shopping, paying bills, or even withdrawing cash from an ATM.

1.2 Retailer-Specific Gift Cards (Amazon, Flipkart, Walmart)

• Perfect for specific purchases: If the recipient needs to buy specific products from a retailer, sending a retailer-specific gift card might be the best option. Examples include Amazon, Flipkart, and Walmart gift cards.

• These cards are typically used for online shopping, but some can also be used in-store. Remember that retailer-specific cards can only be used with the retailer’s platform.

1.3 Digital Gift Cards

• Best for fast delivery: Digital gift cards are delivered almost instantly to the recipient’s email or mobile wallet. These are ideal for recipients who need quick access to the funds.

• Examples include Apple iTunes, Google Play, Amazon, or retailer-specific cards.

2. Purchase the Gift Card

2.1 Where to Buy Gift Cards

• Trusted platforms: Always buy gift cards from official retailer websites (e.g., Amazon, Visa, Walmart) or authorized online platforms. Avoid third-party vendors that may sell counterfeit or invalid cards.

• Ensure the platform is secure to protect your personal and financial information.

2.2 Check for Fees

Be cautious of fees: Some gift cards, predominantly prepaid Visa/MasterCard, may have activation fees, maintenance fees, or ATM withdrawal fees. Always check the terms and conditions before purchasing to avoid paying extra fees.

2.3 Select the Amount

You can choose the amount based on how much you wish to send. You can buy multiple cards to cover the full sum if the transfer amount exceeds the card’s limit.

3. Send the Gift Card to the Recipient

3.1 For Digital Gift Cards

• Enter the recipient’s contact info (email or phone number) to instantly send the digital gift card.

• Ensure delivery: Double-check the recipient’s contact details to avoid delays and ensure they receive the card immediately.

3.2 For Physical Gift Cards

• If sending a physical gift card, package it securely and ship it via a traceable service (e.g., FedEx, UPS).

• Verify the recipient’s address to avoid sending the card to the wrong location.

4. Recipient Redeems the Gift Card

For Digital Gift Cards:

• The recipient will redeem the code or click the redemption link in the email to access the funds.

• Instant access allows the recipient to use the funds without delay.

For Physical Gift Cards:

The recipient can use the card for online purchases or in-store shopping. Prepaid Visa/MasterCard cards may allow the recipient to withdraw cash from ATMs, depending on the card type.

Read related blogs: Start Sending Money with Gift Cards: A Complete Guide for Beginners

The Benefits of Sending Money with Gift Cards for Instant Global Transfers

1. Instant Access to Funds

• Speed is one of the most significant benefits of using gift cards. Digital gift cards provide immediate access to the funds, which is crucial for urgent transfers.

• Traditional methods like bank transfers or money services often take several days to process, making gift cards the clear winner in instantaneous access.

2. Global Acceptance

• Prepaid Visa/MasterCard gift cards are accepted globally, allowing recipients to use them for a wide range of purchases, whether online or in-store, anywhere Visa/MasterCard is accepted.

• Retailer-specific gift cards like Amazon or Flipkart are also highly effective, especially if the recipient shops on a specific platform.

3. No Transfer Fees

With gift cards, you can send the full value of the funds, as there are no transfer fees involved. This is a significant advantage over traditional methods that can charge substantial fees, especially for international transfers.

4. Security and Privacy

• No banking information is needed, reducing the risk of fraud or identity theft. Gift cards are a secure alternative to sharing sensitive personal details online.

• Many prepaid cards offer PIN protection for added security, ensuring only the recipient can access the funds.

Tips for Ensuring a Smooth Gift Card Transfer Process

1. Verify the Recipient’s Information

• Double-check the recipient’s details (email, phone number, or mailing address) to avoid sending the card to the wrong person or location.

• Ensure the gift card is compatible with the recipient’s location and country to avoid regional restrictions.

2. Choose the Right Gift Card for the Recipient’s Needs

• Choose a multi-currency gift card if you send money to a recipient in another country. This helps avoid currency conversion fees.

• Ensure the gift card meets the recipient’s needs—general-use cards for flexibility or retailer-specific cards for targeted shopping.

3. Use Secure and Trusted Platforms

Buy only from reputable sources to avoid fraud. When sending digital gift cards, choose encrypted platforms to protect personal information.

4. Track the Delivery

• Use a trackable shipping method for physical gift cards to ensure they reach the recipient securely.

• For digital cards, monitor delivery to confirm the recipient has received the card.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Sending Money via Gift Cards

1. Sending the Wrong Type of Card

Ensure the card is appropriate for the recipient’s needs. Double-check if it’s a prepaid Visa/MasterCard or a retailer-specific card and that the recipient can use it in their region.

2. Forgetting to Verify Recipient Details

Always verify the recipient’s email, phone number, or address to prevent delivery mistakes.

3. Not Checking for Hidden Fees

Activate and service fees can reduce the amount received by the recipient. Always read the terms before purchasing.

4. Scams and Fraudulent Requests

Be cautious when sending gift cards. Only send gift cards to trusted recipients and avoid unsolicited requests, especially from unknown individuals.

Conclusion

Gift cards offer a fast, secure, and cost-effective way to send money globally, unlocking the ability for instant transfers. By eliminating high fees and lengthy wait times, gift cards provide recipients with immediate access to funds, and no bank account is required.

Beem makes it easy to send money digitally using gift cards. With features like “Send Now, Pay Later™,” it offers a flexible, secure, and budget-friendly way to support loved ones worldwide.

Next time you need to send money internationally, consider using gift cards for a simple, quick, and efficient transfer experience.

FAQs: Global Transfers by Sending Money via Gift Cards