INTRODUCTION
Many people love gift cards as they are basically cash, and can be used in whichever way one deems fit most of the time. Now think about getting these gift cards for free; that is, without having to spend a dime on them at all. Who would have ever guessed that one can turn the internet into one’s ATM, spitting out gift cards that can be turned into cash? Tempting, right? Gift cards are like digital gold because you can use them anywhere. The digital economy continues to flourish, offering numerous opportunities for Nigerians to earn gift cards online.
Types of Gift Card
There are different types of gift cards available today. They also come in two forms: physical plastic cards or digital e-Gift cards.
- Closed-Loop Gift Cards
Closed-loop gift cards are like stars in their galaxy, all focused and specific. They’re tied to one store or brand, like a loyal satellite orbiting a planet. So, if you have a closed-loop gift card, you can only use it at that store or business.
- Open-Loop Gift Cards
Open-loop gift cards are like these cool cosmic wanderers. They got the logos of big players like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. That means they’re accepted practically everywhere that takes debit or credit cards. Think of them as a ticket to explore the entire galaxy of spending options!
- Physical Gift Cards
These are traditional plastic cards that can be purchased in-store or online and are typically mailed to your address. They are great for gifting in person and often come in customizable designs.
- Digital Gift Cards
Also known as e-gift cards, these are purchased online and delivered via email with instructions for use. They are a convenient option for instant gifting and can be used for online shopping or mobile payments.
Benefits of Gift Cards
- Good Cash/Card Alternative.
They are great payment substitutes. On days when you don’t want to use credit cards for whatever reason, they save the day.
- The Ideal Gift for Anyone
Worried about gifting the right item? Gift cards to the rescue. Especially when you purchase a gift card that has access to a variety of items, you’ve successfully left the worrying to the recipient. A great example is the Amazon gift card.
- Accessibility
Gift cards are so convenient to buy and use. You can easily buy gift cards online and get them delivered to your email or SMS.
- Safe to Use
Gift cards are also safe to use. In case of theft or loss, you can request a replacement card as long as you have your receipt.
Ways to Earn Gift Cards Online for Free
Several legitimate and practical methods exist to obtain gift cards. Below are some effective strategies:
- Participating in online surveys
- Through referrals
- Completing micro tasks
- Through apps and games
- Competing in contests and sweepstakes
1. Online Surveys
This is one of the easiest ways to get free gift cards online. You can earn free gift cards by giving your feedback and using market research surveys by completing feedback online. Many companies offer surveys and pay their participants in gift cards.These surveys are usually short and sweet, and they pay you in gift cards in exchange for your opinion. There are a few on social media, but one of the best places to find them is Swagbucks. They have a massive selection of surveys you can take to earn rewards like Amazon gift cards and PayPal cash.
2. Referrals
The referral system is one of a brand’s most successful marketing strategies. A way to get free gift cards is by referring friends and family members to certain websites or apps. A good example is this… If you referred someone to Coinbase, they used to give you $10 in Bitcoin, and you can then decide to sell the Bitcoin if you wanted. They usually give you a bonus for each person who signs up using your referral link. As a result, many people use this to save money by referring their circle to these new businesses. The business wins. You, too, as a loyal customer, win.
3. Apps/Games
There are so many apps that give away free gift cards just for downloading them. Some award you gift cards when you play games or answer survey questions within their app. They’re a great way to earn some extra money or gift cards if you can find the right ones. Read the fine print before downloading anything to know exactly what you agree to.
4. Micro Tasks
Many micro-task websites will pay you with gift cards for watching videos, testing new products etc. Some websites even pay you for reading emails. If you want to make some extra money on the side, this is definitely worth looking into.
5. Contests and Sweepstakes
The internet is full of sweepstakes. You can enter for a chance to win prizes like gift cards, electronics, or even cash. While some of these sweepstakes require a small fee, others are free. Sweepstakes have been a source of free gift cards for many people. If you know where to look (usually Reddit, online forums and others), you might find a good number that will win you some free gift cards.
Why Sell Gift Cards
Gift cards are prepaid cards to purchase products or services at stores. But when you do not want to use or redeem the card, you can sell it to make cash. For instance, you may be given a gift card like a Steam gift card for your birthday, and this card enables you to access gaming content on Steam. But if you’re not a gaming enthusiast, you may not find the card more useful than selling it. In addition, you can choose to sell your gift card if it expires soon. Selling a gift card allows you to quickly get the best of its value before it loses its face value.
Factors to Consider Before Selling Your Gift Card
1. Rates
The primary goal of any trade is to make profits, and gift card trading is not excluded. Therefore, it is important to research across different trading platforms to know the rate of their cards. This informs your decision on selling your card on the platform or looking for another platform.
2. Fees
Trading fees are another factor to consider to determine whether you will be earning more money from your trade or not. While some gift card trading platforms offer high fees, some offer relatively low fees that ensure that traders get the best value for their sales.
3. Security
You must sell your gift card on a reputable, safe platform. The online space has become a hotbed of scammers lurking around to steal unsuspecting users’ funds. Therefore, you must avoid falling victim to gift card scams by trading your card on a secure platform.
4. Customer Support
When selling your card, you may require a customer support team to guide or resolve any issue. This is why you must trade your card on a platform that provides customer support channels to reach out when you need assistance.
How to Sell Your Gift Cards
quick steps to sell your gift cards on Xbanka:
- Visit the official Xbanka website
- Create an Xbanka account and log in.
- Choose “Gift Cards” and select “Sell Gift Cards.”
- Select your preferred payment method in Naira, Cedis, or Crypto.
- Choose your gift card category and the card type.
Enter the amount of the gift card you want to sell. - Upload the gift card image or enter the code in the comment section.
- Follow the prompts to complete the transaction.
CONCLUSION
This article explored several legitimate ways to get free gift cards, from participating in online surveys and leveraging referral programs to using cashback apps and joining social media giveaways. These methods are practical and accessible, offering opportunities to earn gift cards without spending a dime. By using trusted platforms and staying vigilant to avoid scams, you can unlock the benefits of gift cards for online shopping, subscriptions, or even trading for cash.
FAQ
- How to get a gift card in Nigeria for free?
To get free gift cards in Nigeria, consider using online survey platforms like Swagbucks, Toluna, and Ysense, or GPT (Get-Paid-To) sites like InboxDollars, PrizeRebel, and TimeBucks. These platforms reward users with points for completing tasks, which can be redeemed for gift cards from various retailers. You can also explore apps like Survey Pop that offer gift cards and cash options for completing surveys, watching videos, playing games, and other tasks.
2.Can I really earn gift cards by playing games?
With Fetch Play, that same screen time can earn you real rewards like gift cards to Amazon, Xbox, and more, just by playing games you already enjoy. Whether you game during your commute or late into the night, here’s your insider guide to the best mobile games in 2025 that actually pay when you use the Fetch app.
3:Is earning free gift cards online legit or a scam?
Earning free gift cards online is legit if you use trusted platforms. There are scams, but the key is to avoid any site that asks you to pay upfront, download shady files, or share sensitive info like your bank password. Stick to verified apps and well-reviewed websites, and you’ll be fine.
