Physical vs Digital Gift Cards: Which One Should You Buy?

You may think a gift card is just a small thing. But when you go to buy it, you will find two types. One is physical, and the other is digital. Now here’s the thing. Both are used to buy something, but the way they work and feel is not the same. If you are planning to gift someone or even use it yourself, then you should know the small details. That’s what we will talk about in this post.

What is a Physical Gift Card?

You must have seen those small cards at a mall or shop. These are physical gift cards. They are made of plastic. You can hold them in your hand. You scratch the code and use it at checkout. Many times, they come inside a cover. It looks like a real gift. You can also write your name and message on it.

What is a Digital Gift Card?

You do not get anything in hand. You just get a code on your email or mobile. That is a digital gift card. It is also called an e-gift card. You can copy the code and paste it while paying. It is fast. It comes directly to your inbox. No need to wait for courier.

Where Can You Use Them?

This part is almost the same. Both can be used on the brand's website or app. But sometimes, physical cards are needed at offline stores. Some shops accept only physical ones. So if you plan to shop in person, you should go for the plastic one.

Pros of Physical Gift Cards

• You can touch and feel it like a real gift.

• You can wrap it or put it in a gift box.

• It is better for festivals, birthdays, or wedding gifts.

• Looks more personal.

Cons of Physical Gift Cards

• If you lose it, then it is gone.

• It can get damaged by water or scratches.

• Takes time to reach if you buy online.

• Cannot be sent instantly.

Pros of Digital Gift Cards

• You get it quickly on email or SMS.

• Can be used in a few minutes.

• Easy to store and use again.

• Good if you live far from the person.

• No fear of losing the card.

Cons of Digital Gift Cards

• No feel of a real gift.

• Older people may not know how to use it.

• Can go to spam folder or wrong email.

Price and Offers

The price is same for both. But sometimes, digital gift cards come with cashback. You may get offers during app sales. Some apps like Amazon, PhonePe, or Paytm give extra points when you buy e-gift cards. Physical ones mostly come without any cashback.

Which One to Buy and When?

Now let us go to the main part. If you are going to someone’s home for a birthday or wedding, then you can take a physical card. You can write a message on it. They can open and enjoy the moment. But if the person is far away, just send a digital one. They will get it fast.

Also, if you are buying it for yourself to shop online, then a digital one is better. You can use it quickly and avoid delivery time.

Real Examples

Last week I gifted a free Myntra gift card to my cousin on her birthday. I went to her place, so I gave a physical one. But two months back, my friend needed a Google Play card. He lives in Pune. I sent him a digital code on WhatsApp. He used it within two minutes.

Once during a festive sale, I grabbed a Flipkart digital gift card from Paytm and got extra cashback. That saved me money. But last year for Raksha Bandhan, I gave my sister a physical Amazon card with a message inside the envelope. She liked that more than the code I sent the year before.

Which One is Safer?

Digital cards are safer in one way. You can save the code in email. You don’t lose it easily. But you must not share it with unknown people. Physical cards are risky if you drop them or someone else scratches them.

You should also know that some digital platforms let you lock your gift card code inside the app. So even if someone sees your screen, they cannot use it. But for physical cards, once the scratch part is removed, anyone can see and use it.

Gifting Feel and Personal Touch

If you want to surprise someone, physical cards give a better vibe. You can decorate the envelope, write a message, and even add a small gift item along with it. It becomes a complete moment. People of older generation, like your uncle or grandparents, may appreciate the physical touch more.

But if your cousin loves gaming and stays in another city, you can send him a digital Steam or Xbox code. He will enjoy it the same. Sometimes it depends on the person, not just the type of card.

Final Thoughts

Both cards do the same job. But the feel, speed, and use case are different. You already know this. It is not about better or worse. It is about what suits your need. Sometimes the feel matters more, and sometimes the speed. So next time you plan to gift someone or even buy for yourself, think once before you choose.

Now you know the difference. Now you know what works where. That’s all you need to decide.