How to Redeem an eBay Gift Card Safely and Securely

Learn how to redeem an eBay gift card at checkout, how to protect yourself from gift card scams, and what to do if you’ve been targeted by a scammer.

eBay gift cards are a great way to buy almost anything on eBay.com, from clothing and electronics to collectibles and cars. However, you need to be careful when using your gift card, as scammers may try to trick you into giving them your gift card code or paying them with your gift card. In this article, we’ll show you how to redeem your eBay gift card at checkout, how to avoid gift card scams, and what to do if you’ve been targeted by a scammer.

How to Redeem Your eBay Gift Card at Checkout

To use your eBay gift card to pay for an item, you need to find your gift card redemption code. This is a 13-digit code that you can find in different ways, depending on the type of gift card you have:

• Digital cards – The code is in the email eBay sent you
• Physical cards – Scratch off the security coating on the back of the card to reveal the code

Once you have your code, follow these steps to redeem your gift card at checkout:

1. Find the item you want to buy on eBay.com and add it to your cart
2. Go to the checkout page and enter your shipping and payment details
3. Scroll to the bottom of the page and enter your gift card redemption code in the Add coupons field
4. Select Apply to see your new total
5. Check your details again and select Confirm and pay

If you don’t have enough money on your gift card to cover the total cost of the item, you can pay the remaining amount with another payment method, such as a credit card, PayPal, or Apple Pay. You can also use up to four gift cards and/or promotion codes per transaction.

How to Avoid Gift Card Scams

Scammers may contact you by phone, email, social media, or online and create a sense of urgency or a personal hardship that requires a quick sale or a limited time offer. They may ask you to buy an eBay gift card and send them the gift card code as payment for something that is not listed on eBay, such as a car, a rental property, a service, or a donation. They may also pretend to be someone you know, such as your boss, your family member, or your friend, and ask you to buy an eBay gift card for them.

These are all signs of a gift card scam, and you should never fall for them. To protect yourself from gift card scams, always follow these tips:

• Treat your eBay gift card redemption code like cash. Never give or send your eBay gift card code to anyone outside of eBay.com checkout. That’s a scam.
• Your eBay gift card can only be redeemed at checkout on eBay.com. Do not use your gift card to pay anyone outside of the eBay platform.
• Go to FTC.gov/giftcards or ebay.com/giftcardscams to learn more about gift card scams and how to recognize them.
• eBay will never ask you to email your personal information. Remember, if eBay needs you to update your account or provide any information, we always send a copy of our request to your Messages folder in My eBay. Always check there first.

What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted by a Gift Card Scam

If you believe you’ve been targeted by a gift card scam, here’s what you need to do:

• Contact eBay Customer Service immediately. eBay Customer Service may ask you to forward suspicious emails about the eBay gift card you bought to [email protected] and include the first nine digits of your eBay gift card in your message.
• Keep the eBay gift card itself and your receipt for the eBay gift card. We’ll need these in order to verify your eBay gift card.
• Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or, if you’re outside the United States, you can report the scam to your local consumer protection agency or report it to econsumer.gov.
• If you paid a scammer with your eBay gift card, you may be able to get your money back. Contact the company that issued your gift card and ask them to stop or reverse the payment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question: How many digits is the eBay gift card PIN number?

Answer: The eBay gift card PIN number is 13 digits long. It is also called the redemption code and it is used to pay for items at checkout on eBay.com.

Question: How can I check my eBay gift card balance?

Answer: You can check your eBay gift card balance by going to the gift card balance checker or by selecting the button below and entering your 13-digit gift card redemption code. You can also see your gift card balance in your eBay account under Gift cards.

Question: What can I do if I lost my eBay gift card or the email with the code?

Answer: If you lost your eBay gift card or the email with the code, you may be able to get a replacement if you have your proof of purchase. Contact the company that sold you the gift card and provide them with your receipt or order confirmation. They may be able to issue you a new gift card or email you the code again.

Question: What are the restrictions on using eBay gift cards?

Answer: There are some restrictions on using eBay gift cards, such as:

• You can’t use an eBay gift card to buy other eBay gift cards, third-party gift cards, gift certificates, coupons, coins, paper money, virtual currency, or items generally considered to be “bullion” (for example, gold, silver, and other precious metals in the form of coins, bars, or ingots).
• You can use up to four gift card and/or promotion codes per transaction. The codes include eBay gift cards, eBay Bucks, and coupons.
• Gift cards are linked to your account on the first use. Once you use it, your card cannot be used with another eBay account.
• You need an eBay account registered in the U.S. and a U.S. shipping address to use an eBay gift card.

You can find more information about eBay gift cards on the frequently asked questions page or see the full terms and conditions.

Summary

eBay gift cards are a convenient and flexible way to shop on eBay.com, but you need to be aware of the potential risks of gift card scams. Always redeem your gift card at checkout on eBay.com, never share your gift card code with anyone outside of eBay, and report any suspicious activity to eBay Customer Service and the FTC. If you follow these tips, you can enjoy your eBay gift card safely and securely.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Always do your own research and consult with a qualified expert before making any decisions. eBay is not responsible for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on this article.