I remember randomly complaining on X (formerly Twitter) about how my bank card was stressing me out whenever I tried to pay for a Netflix subscription. A lot of people suggested I tried a gift card. This suggestion made me skeptical at first because I didn’t know exactly how gift cards worked. But I checked it out and haven’t looked back ever since. 

Turns out, I wasn’t the only one hopping on the gift card train. Between 2020 and 2025, Nigeria’s gift card market grew steadily with a CAGR of 14.4%, and doesn’t look like it’s stopping anytime soon. It’s expected to grow by 11.3% from 2025 to 2029.

In a world where everyone’s chasing soft life and cashless convenience, gift cards have become more than just a lazy gift option, they’re the plug for smooth payments, online shopping, subscriptions, and even surprise treats.

Let me walk you through six types of gift cards to make paying for services easier and run smoothly for you.

6 Types of Gift Cards in Nigeria

The six types of gift cards you’ll find in Nigeria are virtual, physical, retail, multipurpose, custom, and prepaid git cards. Each offers flexible and easy ways to shop, gift, or spend. 

1. Virtual Gift Cards

Imagine sending someone a gift with just a few clicks. Sounds like magic, right? It’s not. That’s the power of virtual gift cards. There’s no need to worry about physical delivery and the stress involved. 

Virtual gift cards are sent immediately via SMS or email and can be used online or in-store, depending on the brand. They’re perfect for long-distance gifting, last-minute celebrations, and people who love shopping online using eBay, Walmart, Amazon, iTunes, etc.

2. Physical Gift Cards

Physical gift cards are prepaid plastic cards branded by specific retailers like Nike, H&M, Adidas, or Apple. They look like regular debit cards and are usually bought directly from the brand’s store or website. You can use them in place of cash or an actual bank debit card when you visit a store that accepts them as vouchers. 

Physical gift cards strike the perfect balance between thoughtful and flexible. It’s like saying, “I know what you like, but I’ll let you choose the exact thing you want.”

3. Retail Gift Cards

We all know someone who is very picky about the brand they buy from. Or maybe you just want your gift to be useful without feeling like you threw your money away. That’s where retail gift cards come in. They are also known as closed-loop gift cards, like Nike, H&M, Adidas, and Sephora.

Retail gift cards are issued by specific retailers and can only be used to shop at their stores or online. They are a great option if you know the recipient likes to shop at a particular store, as it lets the receiver pick something they want. 

4. Multipurpose Gift Cards

Multipurpose gift cards are also known as open-loop gift cards.  They work exactly like debit cards and can be used at multiple stores, both online and in physical stores. I call them the VIP of gifting. 

They offer the kind of freedom and flexibility that makes people feel empowered to spend however they want. Multipurpose gift cards are a versatile option that allows you to choose how you use your gift card. Examples are Visa and American Express gift cards.

5. Custom Gift Cards

If you’re looking to make your gift card extra special by adding your design, logo, image, or message on it, custom gift cards are a great option for you to personalise your gift and make it extra special.

Whether it’s a romantic gesture, a birthday surprise, or a branded gift for staff or clients, these cards would make gifting feel thoughtful, intentional, and heartfelt.

6. Prepaid Debit Gift Cards

Prepaid debit gift cards work just like regular debit cards, but they come preloaded with a set amount of money. You can use them to shop or even withdraw cash. This makes them perfect for anyone without a bank account or those who prefer to manage spending with a fixed budget.

Think of them as budget-friendly debit cards. They are easy to use, accepted in many places, and great for staying within a limit. Common examples include Visa, Mastercard, and American Express gift cards.

6 Categories of Gift Cards in Nigeria – Based on Purpose

Gift cards in Nigeria come in six major categories which are gaming, lifestyle, supermarket, music, streaming, and travel. Each one is designed to make spending smoother, whether you’re treating yourself or someone else.

1. Gaming Gift Cards

Gaming gift cards are used to make in-game purchases and buy video games. Most gaming platforms have special features locked, like characters, locations, abilities, etc., and can only be unlocked when you pay for them.

That’s where a gaming gift card like Xbox, Steam, Google Play, GameStop, and Razor comes in, acting as an alternative to cash. 

 2. Lifestyle Gift Cards

If you are into fashion, beauty, fine dining, gadgets, or you are just a fan of soft life, a lifestyle gift card is such a dream come true. It lets you shop from your favourite brands like Nike, H&M, Sephora, Adidas, etc.

These are the do-it-all gift cards, and the cool part of it is that they can be purchased in these stores and can be used to buy items in the brand’s walk-in store or website. 

3. Supermarket Gift Cards

Whether you’re a student on a budget, a 9–5er trying to stretch the paycheck, or a parent feeding a full house, a supermarket gift card just hits differently.

It says: “Hey, I see you. And I got you.”

The perfect option for grocery shopping, household items, and all the random things adulting throw at you. In this economy, that kind of support hits hard. These cards, like Amazon, eBay, Costco, and Walgreens, are thoughtful and always appreciated.

4. Music Gift Cards

What if I tell you that I’m writing this blog post while listening to music after subscribing to Apple Music? Music gives the gift of vibes. So, if you are stressed out about your favourite music streaming platform not accepting your debit card for payments, music gift cards got you. 

Music gift cards like Apple Music, Pandora, Amazon, and Spotify let you and your loved ones stream, download, and vibe to your favourite tracks whenever you want. 

5. Streaming Gift Cards

If you are a lover of good shows or you like to spend the weekend watching a series or two, this one’s for you. We all know someone or are someone who says, “Just one more episode,” and before you know it, it’s 3 a.m.

Streaming gift cards are the perfect gift for that friend who lives for plot twists, cliffhangers, and movie marathons. These gift cards allow you to stream shows and television programmes from your phone, tablet, or TV directly from the internet without downloading them. 

Examples of popular streaming gift cards are Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, HBO, etc. 

6. Travel Gift Card

A travel gift card covers all the good stuff, from flight tickets and hotel bookings to road trips and wild adventures. Whether it’s a weekend staycation or a big international trip, this card screams freedom, fun, and “forget your worries for a bit.”

It’s the kind of gift that makes people smile twice once when they receive it, and smile again when they finally use it. Whether it’s Airbnb, Delta, Tumi, Hotels.com, or a Texaco gift card, they are all worth it.

Best Platform to Buy Gift Cards in Nigeria

In Nigeria, Cardtonic is the top choice that allows you to buy gift cards instantly, regardless of the country of the gift card. Cardtonic is known for offering wide gift card options to choose from, fast delivery to your email, and ensuring you the highest level of security. 

Cardtonic also gives you some of the best rates in Nigeria, so you get more value for your money. The platform is user-friendly, making it easy and fast to trade your gift cards while keeping everything safe and stress-free.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gift Card Types in Nigeria

1. What Can I Buy with Gift Cards Online?

Gift cards have unlocked a whole world of online shopping and services. They can be used to purchase different items like gadgets and clothing, and pay for subscriptions on platforms like Apple Music and Spotify. It all depends on what type of gift card you have or want to buy. 

2. What are Gift Cards Used for in Nigeria?

In Nigeria, gift cards are the go-to for in-game purchases and app upgrades, especially for platforms like PlayStation, Steam, and Xbox. They’re also a thoughtful way to treat loved ones with a shopping experience at their favourite store, or even a meal at a cosy restaurant.

3. What Gift Card has the Highest Rates in 2025?

Now, if you’re wondering which gift cards have the highest rate in 2025, there are a few that stand out. Cards like Apple, Google Play, and Steam continue to hold high resale value. This is mainly because they cater to global audiences and have versatile usage options. 

These gift cards are in high demand, especially in the Nigerian market, where savvy users often trade them for cash or digital assets. The value can shift depending on market trends and platforms.

4. What is the Most Popular Gift Card In Nigeria?

The most popular gift cards in Nigeria include Amazon, Steam, iTunes, Google Play, and Visa/Mastercard gift cards. These gift cards are the most sought-after because they can be easily traded for cash, airtime, or cryptocurrency on various platforms.

5. How Many Types of Gift Cards Do We Have?

Gift cards generally come in two types which are, open-loop and closed-loop. They can also be grouped by purpose like retail, gaming, entertainment, travel, or e-commerce. Some of which are region-specific. Knowing the type and purpose helps you pick the perfect gift for any occasion.

Conclusion

In a country like Nigeria where flexibility and hustle go hand-in-hand, gift cards have become an asset. They make it easier to send gifts across long distances, to access global platforms, and even to earn extra income through trusted exchange services.

If you want to make the most out of every card in your wallet, platforms like Cardtonic provide a safe and rewarding way to do just that. Whether you’re looking to convert that unused Apple gift card to cash or treat yourself to a Netflix weekend without dipping into your savings, Cardtonic helps you unlock real value.