· Johnny Pump · Lifestyle · 3 min read
How to Save Money When Buying Gift Cards in the UK
Gift cards are a great way to give someone the flexibility to choose their own present, but did you know that you can also save money when buying them? Whether you're purchasing for yourself or as a gift, there are plenty of ways to get discounts, cashback, and extra value from gift card purchases in the UK. In this guide, we'll show you the best ways to save money on gift cards.
1. Buy Discounted Gift Cards
You don’t always have to pay full price for a gift card. Several platforms sell discounted gift cards, allowing you to save money on everyday spending or gifts.
Where to Buy Discounted Gift Cards:
- Cardyard – Buy and sell unwanted gift cards at discounted prices.
- Zeek (now part of Cardyard) – Offers second-hand gift cards at reduced rates.
- eBay – Some sellers offer legitimate gift cards at a lower price (check seller ratings for reliability).
- Facebook Marketplace & Local Selling Groups – People often sell unwanted gift cards for less than their value.
Typical Savings:
- You can find discounts ranging from 5% to 30% off the face value of the card.
- Popular retailers like Amazon, Tesco, and M&S frequently have deals available.
2. Take Advantage of Cashback and Rewards
Many credit card providers, online platforms, and cashback sites offer rewards when you buy gift cards.
Best Ways to Earn Cashback:
- TopCashback & Quidco – Earn cashback when purchasing gift cards from selected retailers.
- Monese & Revolut Perks – Some banking apps offer cashback on gift card purchases.
- American Express Offers – Occasionally provides discounts or cashback on gift card buys.
Example Savings:
- Buy a £100 gift card and get £5 to £10 cashback, reducing the effective cost.
3. Look for Bonus Gift Card Offers
Retailers sometimes run promotions where you get an extra gift card or bonus credit when purchasing a gift card.
Where to Find Bonus Gift Card Deals:
- Amazon – Offers “spend £50, get £5 extra” promotions occasionally.
- Costa, Starbucks, and other coffee shops – Often provide a free drink or extra credit for topping up gift cards.
- Supermarkets (Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons) – Sometimes run fuel or points-based incentives.
Best Times for Bonus Offers:
- Black Friday & Christmas season
- Mother’s Day & Father’s Day promotions
- Back-to-school shopping periods
4. Buy Gift Cards with Supermarket Loyalty Points
Using supermarket loyalty schemes can help you save when purchasing gift cards.
Best Loyalty Programmes for Gift Cards:
- Tesco Clubcard – Exchange Clubcard points for increased value on partner gift cards.
- Sainsbury’s Nectar Points – Occasionally runs promotions to earn bonus points on gift cards.
- Morrisons More Card – Can offer extra rewards when purchasing selected gift cards.
5. Use Gift Cards for Your Own Shopping
Even if you’re not buying a gift, purchasing discounted or cashback-eligible gift cards can save you money on personal spending.
Best Uses for Personal Shopping:
- Amazon gift cards – Use for everyday essentials and save on purchases.
- Restaurant gift cards – Stack with meal deals and promotions.
- Petrol station gift cards – Save money on fuel expenses.
6. Look Out for Supermarket Gift Card Discounts
Supermarkets sometimes offer discounts on gift cards for major retailers.
Common Promotions:
- Sainsbury’s and Tesco – Occasionally offer 10% to 20% off on gift cards for big brands.
- Asda – Sometimes runs deals on gaming and entertainment gift cards.
7. Avoid Expiry Date Pitfalls
Before purchasing, always check the terms and expiry dates on gift cards.
Tips to Avoid Losing Value:
- Use the gift card within 12 months to avoid inactivity fees.
- Set a reminder to use partially spent cards.
- Check the retailer’s policy for any restrictions.
Conclusion
Buying gift cards can be a great way to save money, whether you’re purchasing them as a present or for personal use. By taking advantage of discounts, cashback, and promotional offers, you can make your money go further. Always compare deals, use loyalty rewards, and keep an eye on seasonal sales to get the best value for your purchases.
