Confused about how to use your eBay gift card? Here’s how do you add an eBay gift card to your account step-by-step on web and app!
How Do You Add an eBay Gift Card?
Ever received an eBay gift card and just stared at it, wondering what to do next? I’ve been there. It happened to me last Christmas. I opened a small envelope and found a shiny gift card from eBay. But then came the big question: how do you add an eBay gift card?
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You can redeem your eBay gift card during checkout or on the gift card redemption page. Just type in the 13-digit code, and boom—you’re good to go. But hey, it’s not always that simple if you're on the app or dealing with missing numbers.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything step by step. Whether you're on your phone, desktop, or stuck with a gift card issue, I’ve got your back.
3 Key Takeaways:
- Learn to redeem your gift card on both the app and website, hassle-free.
- Find out what to do when your gift card code is unreadable or incomplete.
- Check your gift card balance anytime and avoid common mistakes I learned the hard way.
What Is an eBay Gift Card and How Does It Work?
Let’s start with the basics. An eBay gift card is just what it sounds like—a prepaid card that you can use to buy stuff on eBay. You can get these in two forms: a physical card (like the one I got) or a digital code delivered straight to your email.
You can use these gift cards to buy almost anything on eBay—from tech gadgets to collectibles. However, there are a few restrictions. You can’t use them to buy other gift cards, make real estate purchases, or pay seller fees.
I love how flexible these cards are. You don’t even need to spend the full amount in one go. If your purchase is less than the card balance, the rest stays in your account.
Quick facts:
- Available in $10 to $200 denominations
- No expiration date (yep, they last forever)
- You need a U.S. eBay account to redeem
For me, using an eBay gift card is like getting free money to spend on my wishlist.
How Do You Add an eBay Gift Card? Step-by-Step Guide
Alright, let’s answer the big question: how do you add an eBay gift card?
Here’s exactly how I did it:
Step-by-Step on Desktop:
- Log into your eBay account. This one’s a must. You can’t redeem a card without being logged in.
- Go to the Gift Cards page. You can Google "eBay gift card redeem page" or use this official link.
- Enter the 13-digit gift card code. You’ll find it on the back of your physical card (scratch it lightly) or in your email.
- Click "Redeem." Once accepted, the amount will show up in your payment methods or at checkout.
If you’re already buying something, you can just:
- Head to the checkout page
- Scroll to payment methods
- Click “Redeem a gift card or coupon.”
- Paste your code there
And you’re done. Pretty smooth, right?
How to Add Gift Card to eBay App (Mobile Users)
Adding a gift card on the eBay app is almost the same, but here’s a little twist.
Here’s what I did:
- Open the eBay app and log in.
- Go to the "My eBay" tab on the bottom right.
- Tap on Settings > Payment Options.
- Choose "Add a gift card or coupon" under the payment section.
- Enter your 13-digit gift card code. Tap Apply.
Or, if you’re checking out:
- Add the item to your cart
- Tap “Buy It Now”
- On the payment screen, select “Gift Card”
- Enter the code and hit apply
That’s it! I did this while waiting in line at Starbucks.
Heads up: The eBay app can sometimes lag, so make sure your internet connection is solid. Also, copy-paste your code to avoid types.
Can You Add eBay Gift Card to Account in Advance?
This was something I tried out of curiosity after getting a card for my birthday. I didn’t want to forget I had it, so I figured I’d add it to my account right away. You can do this, but here’s the catch.
You can redeem the card in advance, and the balance will be tied to your account. But you won’t see it listed under a visible “balance” section like in a wallet. Instead, it becomes available automatically at checkout when you're ready to make a purchase.
I remember feeling a bit confused when I didn’t see a balance update after redeeming it. I even thought the redemption didn’t work. But sure enough, the funds popped up the next time I bought something. So yes, you can redeem early—but you won’t see a running total in your account.
My advice? Only redeem when you’re ready to shop. That way, you don’t forget the value or accidentally apply it to something small when you were saving it for a bigger item.
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Where to Find Your eBay Gift Card Code
The code is the heart of your gift card. Without it, it’s basically a fancy coaster.
Here's how to find it:
- Physical card: Flip it over and scratch the silver strip. The 13-digit code is underneath.
- Digital card: Check your email. Look for the message from eBay or the store you bought it from. You’ll see a clear 13-digit eBay gift card code.
If you’re having trouble reading the numbers, hold the card under good lighting or use your phone camera to zoom in. I once mistook an 8 for a B.
Another tip from experience: don’t scratch too aggressively. I ruined the numbers on one card by being too impatient. Now I use a coin and scratch gently in a well-lit area.
If your code still isn’t clear, contact eBay support. They’ll usually ask for proof of purchase and help you recover the code.
Can You Combine Multiple Gift Cards on eBay?
Absolutely—and I’ve done this many times when I got several cards for the holidays. Whether it’s two or even up to eight cards, you can use them all in one go during checkout.
Here’s how it works: during checkout, there’s an option to redeem a gift card or coupon. After you apply the first one, you’ll see a link that lets you add another. Just repeat the process for each card.
One Christmas, I had three $25 eBay gift cards. I wanted to buy a $70 pair of noise-canceling headphones. I was worried I’d have to do multiple transactions, but eBay let me stack all three without a hitch. I just entered the codes one by one, and the total value was applied.
Important note: You can redeem up to eight gift cards in a single transaction. If you have more than that, you’ll need to save the rest for another order.
It’s a handy way to maximize value, especially if you receive gift cards throughout the year.
Conclusion
How do you add an eBay gift card? You simply log in, enter the code, and apply it at checkout. Whether you're on the app or desktop, it's a quick and smooth process once you know where to look.
My advice? Always check your code twice, don’t scratch too hard, and redeem the card as soon as you’re ready to shop. And if anything goes wrong, eBay support is actually super helpful.
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