Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about gift cards across all major platforms including Amazon, Google Play, iTunes, Steam, and more.
General Gift Card Questions
What is GiftLama.org and what do you offer?
GiftLama.org is a comprehensive educational resource providing guides, safety tips, and expert advice for gift cards across all major platforms. We cover Amazon Gift Cards, Google Play, iTunes/App Store, Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, Visa/Mastercard prepaid cards, and over 200 retail brands. We are strictly educational and do not sell gift cards or process transactions.
Do you sell gift cards?
No. GiftLama.org is purely an educational resource. We do not sell gift cards, process payments, or facilitate any transactions. We provide information and guides to help you make informed decisions about purchasing and using gift cards from authorized retailers and platforms.
Which gift card brands do you cover?
We provide comprehensive coverage for all major gift card brands including:
- Amazon Gift Cards
- Google Play Gift Cards
- iTunes/App Store Gift Cards
- Steam Gift Cards
- PlayStation Store Cards
- Xbox Gift Cards
- Visa/Mastercard Prepaid Cards
- Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Starbucks
- And over 200 other retail brands
How do I check my gift card balance?
Balance checking methods vary by platform:
- Amazon: Visit amazon.com/gp/css/gc/balance or check in your account
- Google Play: Open Google Play Store > Menu > Account > Payment methods
- iTunes/App Store: Settings > [Your Name] > Media & Purchases or check in App Store
- Steam: Log into Steam > View account details > Store & Purchase History
- Retail cards: Visit the retailer's website or call the customer service number on the card
Safety & Security Questions
How can I avoid gift card scams?
Follow these essential safety guidelines:
- Never give gift card codes to someone you don't know personally
- Legitimate businesses never ask for payment via gift cards
- Government agencies and utilities don't accept gift card payments
- Buy only from authorized retailers (Amazon, Google Play Store, Apple, Steam, retail stores)
- Inspect physical cards for tampering before purchase
- Keep receipts and take photos of card codes for your records
- Be suspicious of anyone pressuring you to buy gift cards urgently
What should I do if I've been scammed?
If you've been a victim of a gift card scam:
- Contact the platform immediately: Amazon, Google, Apple, etc.
- Report to law enforcement: File a police report
- Report to the FTC: Visit reportfraud.ftc.gov
- Contact your bank: If you used a credit card or bank account
- Document everything: Save all communications and receipts
- Report to the retailer: Where you purchased the gift card
How do I protect my gift card codes?
Protect your gift card codes like cash:
- Never share codes via email, text, or social media
- Store codes in a secure location (password manager, safe)
- Take photos of physical cards and store securely
- Use cards quickly after purchase when possible
- Register cards to your account when the platform allows it
- Monitor your account balances regularly
Platform-Specific Questions
Can I use Amazon Gift Cards for Amazon Prime?
Yes, Amazon Gift Cards can be used to pay for Amazon Prime memberships, Amazon Prime Video rentals, and any other Amazon purchases. The gift card balance will be automatically applied to your account and used for eligible purchases.
Do Google Play Gift Cards work in all countries?
No, Google Play Gift Cards are region-specific. A card purchased in the United States can only be redeemed in the US Google Play Store. Similarly, cards from other countries can only be used in their respective regions. Always purchase cards from the same country where you plan to use them.
Can I combine multiple gift cards for a single purchase?
This depends on the platform:
- Amazon: Yes, you can apply multiple gift cards to your account balance
- Google Play: Yes, multiple cards can be added to your account
- iTunes/App Store: Yes, cards are combined in your Apple ID balance
- Steam: Yes, you can add multiple Steam Wallet codes
- Physical retail stores: Policies vary by retailer
Do gift cards expire?
Expiration policies vary by type and location:
- US Federal Law: Gift cards cannot expire for at least 5 years
- Amazon: Gift cards don't expire
- Google Play: Gift cards don't expire, but credit may expire after 1 year of inactivity
- iTunes/App Store: Gift cards don't expire
- Steam: Steam Wallet funds don't expire
- Retail cards: Check individual retailer policies
Purchasing Questions
Where is the safest place to buy gift cards?
Purchase gift cards only from authorized retailers:
- Digital cards: Amazon.com, GooglePlay, iTunes/App Store, Steam directly
- Physical cards: Grocery stores, pharmacies, big box retailers
- Avoid: Online marketplaces, auction sites, social media sellers
- Avoid: Deeply discounted cards from unknown sources
Should I buy discounted gift cards?
Be extremely cautious with discounted gift cards:
- Legitimate small discounts (5-10%) may be available from authorized resellers
- Large discounts (50%+ off) are almost always scams
- Only use well-established, reputable gift card resale platforms
- Be aware that discounted cards may have been obtained fraudulently
- Your account could be banned if you use fraudulent cards
Technical Questions
Why won't my gift card code work?
Common reasons and solutions:
- Typing errors: Double-check all characters, especially similar-looking letters/numbers
- Region mismatch: Ensure the card matches your account's country
- Already redeemed: Cards can only be used once
- Damaged code: Contact customer service with purchase receipt
- Platform issues: Try again later or contact platform support
Can I transfer gift card balances between accounts?
Generally, no. Most platforms don't allow balance transfers:
- Amazon: No balance transfers between accounts
- Google Play: No transfers allowed
- iTunes/App Store: No transfers between Apple IDs
- Steam: No Steam Wallet transfers
- Gift card balances are tied to the specific account where they were redeemed
Contact & Support
How can I contact GiftLama.org?
You can reach us through several channels:
Do you provide customer support for gift card issues?
We provide educational guidance and information, but for specific gift card issues you need to contact the platform directly:
- Amazon: Amazon Customer Service
- Google Play: Google Play Support
- Apple: Apple Support
- Steam: Steam Support
- Retail cards: Contact the specific retailer's customer service
Still Have Questions?
If you couldn't find the answer to your question, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our team of experts is here to help with any gift card-related questions or concerns you may have.
You can also visit our Help Center for additional resources and detailed guides for specific platforms and situations.