Introduction: Can You Buy a Gift Card With a Gift Card? 

Gift cards have become one of the most popular and convenient ways to give gifts. But what happens when you already have a gift card and want to buy another one with it? Many people ask, “Can you buy a gift card with a gift card?” The answer isn’t always simple—it depends on the type of card and where you’re shopping.

Let’s break down how it works, what stores allow it, and the best ways to get the most value from your cards.

Understanding How Gift Cards Work

Gift cards are essentially prepaid cards loaded with a specific balance. You can use them to make purchases within a particular store (like Target or Walmart) or anywhere that accepts Visa or Mastercard (in the case of prepaid cards).

The Difference Between Store Gift Cards and Prepaid Gift Cards

• Store gift cards (e.g., Target, Starbucks) are limited to that retailer’s network.
  
• Prepaid gift cards (e.g., Visa, Mastercard, or American Express) can be used almost anywhere, making them more flexible.
  

Because prepaid cards act like debit cards, they can sometimes be used to buy other gift cards online—though some platforms restrict this.

Why Retailers Restrict Gift Card Purchases

Retailers often block transactions where a gift card is used to buy another. The reason? Fraud prevention. Scammers sometimes use stolen gift cards to buy new ones and mask the money trail.

Can You Buy a Gift Card With a Gift Card? (Short Answer)

In most cases, no, you cannot buy a gift card with another gift card. Retail systems usually reject these purchases automatically. However, there are exceptions, especially when buying online or using prepaid cards.

General Policy Across Major Retailers

• Most major stores (Walmart, Target, Amazon) restrict this due to security and anti-fraud policies.
  
• You can, however, use a Visa or Mastercard gift card as payment online since it’s processed like a credit or debit card.
  

Exceptions to the Rule

Some smaller or online retailers may allow it—especially through third-party sites like GiftCardMall, Raise, or eGifter, where Visa or Mastercard gift cards are accepted.

Store-by-Store Breakdown of Gift Card Policies

Walmart

Walmart’s policy clearly states that you cannot use a Walmart gift card to buy another gift card (Walmart-branded or third-party). However, you can use a Visa or Mastercard prepaid gift card to buy for others online.

Target

Target has the same restriction. Their point-of-sale system automatically blocks gift card-to-gift card transactions.

Amazon

You cannot use an Amazon gift card to purchase other digital or physical gift cards on Amazon. But you can use a Visa or Mastercard gift card on your Amazon account balance.

Best Buy

Best Buy also disallows this type of purchase. However, they accept prepaid gift cards for other items or digital codes.

CVS, Walgreens, and Grocery Stores

These stores vary. Some allow you to buy third-party cards (like iTunes or Google Play) using prepaid cards, but not store-specific ones. Always ask the cashier first.

Buying Gift Cards Online With Another Gift Card

Using Digital Wallets or Third-Party Platforms

Some online services—like PayPal, eGifter, or Gyft—accept prepaid Visa or Mastercard cards. This means you can technically buy other eGift cards, but processing fees may apply.

How eGift Cards Work for Online Transactions

eGift cards work like digital codes. If you pay with a prepaid card, it’s treated as a debit transaction, which often bypasses restrictions that physical store cards face.

Legal and Financial Restrictions You Should Know

Anti-Fraud and Money Laundering Regulations

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforces strict rules on gift card use to prevent fraud. Retailers comply by restricting certain purchases to protect consumers.

The Role of Payment Networks (Visa, Mastercard, etc.)

Networks like Visa and Mastercard act as intermediaries. Their prepaid cards are treated like cash equivalents, making them more versatile—but they still carry limits.

Smart Alternatives: What You Can Do Instead

Convert Gift Cards Into Cash or PayPal Balance

Websites like CardCash or Raise let you sell unwanted gift cards for a percentage of their value. You can then use that cash to buy another gift card freely.

Buy Other Items or Services Instead

If you can’t buy another card, use your gift card to purchase something valuable (like groceries or electronics) and save your cash for gift cards later.

Tips to Maximize the Value of Your Gift Cards

Combine Multiple Gift Cards for Bigger Purchases

Many stores allow combining multiple cards into one transaction—great for large purchases like appliances or electronics.

Use Gift Card Exchange Websites Safely

Only use reputable websites with buyer protection, such as Raise, CardCash, or GiftCardGranny. Avoid peer-to-peer trades on social media.

Final Thoughts and Best Practices

While you usually can’t buy a gift card with a gift card, you have several workarounds—especially if you’re using prepaid Visa or Mastercard cards. Always check each store’s specific rules and consider using resale or exchange sites for more flexibility.

By understanding these restrictions and alternatives, you’ll avoid frustration and make every dollar count.

FAQs About Buying Gift Cards With Gift Cards

Q1. Can I use a Visa gift card with a gift card?
Yes, prepaid Visa or Mastercard gift cards are processed as credit cards and usually work.

Q2. Can I buy an Amazon gift card with a Walmart gift card?
No, Walmart restricts all gift card-to-gift card purchases.

Q3. Can I use a Target gift card to buy an Apple gift card?
No, Target’s policy prohibits this.

Q4. What about online gift card marketplaces?
Some third-party websites allow prepaid card purchases, but always read their terms carefully.

Q5. Can I convert my store gift card into cash?
Yes, through resale platforms or by purchasing and returning items for a refund (depending on store policy).

Q6. Why do stores restrict this?
To prevent fraud and comply with financial regulations.