15 Popular Gift Cards to Buy in Nigeria | 2026 Update

Most gifts these days come and go, while memories created are left behind. This is why gift cards are now a contemporary expression of thoughtfulness. As a gift for a birthday, as a reward for efforts, as a mere expression of ‘thank you’ gift cards are united with one unmistakable meaning: freedom of choice. For music buffs and gamers, fashion enthusiasts and those who shop on the internet, there’s a card for them all.

In Nigeria, the gift card narrative is changing fast. From being an extraterrestrial trend, it has become a savvy way of spending, purchasing, and even making money.

With the right types of gift cards, you can open doors to arenas like Apple, Amazon, and PlayStation or simply shop at home on Jumia and Shoprite. It is no longer just about giving; it is about opening doors to arenas of possibility, entertainment, and convenience.

In this 2026 version, we will thoroughly examine the top-selling gift cards to buy in Nigeria, reveal the top gift card brands, describe how and where to get them, and answer questions people are looking for most. Whether you’re a gift card beginner or want to make smarter choices this year, this guide is your best starting place.

Types of Gift Cards

When people talk about gift card varieties, they are often talking about how they are functioning, who can be claiming them, and in what format they are being presented.

The following are notable categories:

1. Prepaid gift cards

These are standard cards you can use with many retailers or merchants, sometimes, such as debit cards. Examples include Visa, Mastercard, or general-purpose prepaid cards that you can use anywhere that network is accepted.

2. Closed-loop gift cards

These are offered for a specific store or service. Some examples are a gift card from Amazon, iTunes gift card, or a voucher card from Jumia, which can be used only at that store.

Read: 15 Best Gift Cards in France | 2026 Update

3. Debit / eGift cards

These are codes that are transmitted online via the account dashboard, email, or SMS. No card is physically sent. They are convenient as well as highly popular in Nigeria nowadays.

4. Physical gift cards

These are physical plastic (cardstock) cards that you can touch, commonly available off-the-shelf in retail establishments. They typically come with a scratch-off PIN/barcode that is used to be redeemed online or in-store.

5. Reloadable vs non-reload

There are reloadable gift cards, once you are done with your initial balance, while others are one-time gift cards that are used until your credit is depleted.

6. Region-specific / Currency-specific gift cards

There are region-locked gift cards that can only be redeemed within certain countries/currencies. So even when you purchase one, you cannot activate it in Nigeria unless it can be activated within your region.

7. Hybrid/promotional gift cards

Occasionally, you are granted special promo cards, e.g. ‘gift + bonus credit’ or package cards that combine access to multiple services.

See this: 15 Best Gift Cards in Australia | 2026 Update

Before purchasing or exchanging a card, you need to find out gift card brands that individuals actually purchase and have faith in Nigeria. From international brands such as Apple and Amazon to Nigerian favourites such as Jumia and Shoprite, these cards unlock digital and offline experiences.

Here are 15 of the most sought-after gift cards in Nigeria for 2026, with their respective benefits, uses, and reasons Nigerians love them.

1. Apple / iTunes Gift Card

Apple gift cards, which are also known as iTunes or App Store cards, place credit on an Apple ID so that the owner can use it to buy apps, in-app purchases, Apple Music, movies, books, and subscriptions such as Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade.

For the majority of Nigerians who have iPhones or iPads, the cards are the easiest way of paying for premium apps and subscriptions without having to link a foreign card. They’re also extremely high in resale value; Nigerian merchants purchase and resell Apple cards frequently since their credit is readily accepted and always in demand.

But, you must redeem them on an Apple ID that has been set to the same nation that the card was issued in (US iTunes cards, for example, need a US Apple ID). To avoid a wasted purchase, always check the card’s issuing country before buying.

2. Google Play Gift Card

Google Play gift cards add money to a Google account for apps, games, movies, books, and subscriptions. They’re the option for Android users who don’t wish to worry about foreign card problems. Google Play codes, like Apple cards, are for a specific country; you must redeem a code on a Google account with the same country selected.

In Nigeria, Google Play cards are popularly exchanged and liquid, making them desirable for individuals who purchase them to exchange for Naira.

Nigerian marketplaces and gift-card trading sites feature Google Play as one of their best sellers, and gamers and app-purchasers regularly request them. Always ensure the currency and the country of the card before purchase to prevent redemption issues

3. Amazon Gift Card

Amazon gift cards add balance to Amazon accounts for buying almost anything in the Amazon marketplace: physical goods, digital content, and sometimes subscriptions.

Because Amazon sellers ship to Nigeria less often than local stores, shoppers prefer using Amazon cards to buy digital goods, gift items to friends and family abroad, or resell the card value to individuals in their locality.

Amazon cards are popular on Nigerian gift-card exchanges because they’re globally recognised and quite liquid. Ensure you determine if you require a card for a specific country (Amazon US and Amazon UK might behave differently) before you buy an Amazon card, and read the fine print on redeemability in your account region.

You should see this: 15 Best Gift Cards in Russia | 2026 Update

4. Steam Gift Card

Steam Wallet codes add funds to a Steam account to spend on PC games, downloadable content (DLC), in-game items, and software. Steam cards are very popular among Nigerian players and are always among the leading gift cards sold because of high, steady demand for PC gaming.

Resellers and exchanges in Nigeria prefer to list Steam as a top card since it’s easy to redeem into game purchases or sell at decent rates.

To gamers, Steam cards are the single most straightforward one-click gateway to sales, independent games, and occasional seasonal events.

5. Razer Gold Gift Card

Razer Gold is a form of credit accepted by many PC and mobile games and publishers. Razer Gold cards are worth money in Nigeria because they can be spent on a vast number of titles; a boon for gamers who play a couple of games and prefer to have one cross-platform credit.

This gift card cooperates with the developers on offers, offering bonus in-game cash during campaigns. Nigerian gamers feature Razer in most-demand cards as a result of its broad applicability and stable exchange values when selling to Naira.

Similar to other game credits, be aware of geo-restrictions and always buy from a trusted seller that offers an active code instantly.

6. PlayStation Gift Card

PlayStation Network (PSN) cards make online payments into foreign PSN accounts for digital titles, DLC, themes, and PlayStation Plus subscriptions.

Nigerian console gamers favour PSN cards to buy and pay for local releases and subscriptions using a foreign card. Like others, PSN codes are region-locked to the PlayStation Store region, and as such, the buyer must match the recipient’s account region.

PSN cards remain at the top of trader charts because console gamers prefer instant digital redemption for new games and subscription renewal. When buying, prefer instant digital delivery from a reputable platform to avoid delays on limited releases.

7. Xbox Gift Card

Xbox (Microsoft Store) gift cards put credit towards Xbox game balances, apps, movies, and Xbox Game Pass memberships. Nigerian gamers who are also PC fans using Microsoft accounts apply these cards to buy first-party games and subscription services.

Microsoft gift cards can be redeemed from Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, and the Microsoft website, with region limitations. Since Xbox Game Pass bundles enhance accessibility to gaming, Xbox gift vouchers are frequently spent on recurring subscriptions.

Similar to PSN and Steam, Xbox codes are exchanged and swapped regionally on exchange sites. When purchasing, ensure the region of the code is the same as the recipient’s Microsoft account region.

8. Jumia Gift Card

Jumia gift cards and vouchers are easy, hassle-free gifts to Nigerians as Jumia is one of the country’s biggest e-commerce websites. They act as store credit for electronics, clothing, groceries, and Jumia.ng deliveries.

The main benefit is local usability: no foreign-region issues, clear redeemability on a Nigerian Jumia account, and handy everyday value. For gifting, Jumia cards are risk-free and especially easy for those recipients who prefer local shopping and home delivery.

It is simple to redeem; log on to your Jumia account, add to cart, and enter the gift code at the time of checkout. For customers, official sites and popular resellers have Jumia vouchers from time to time.

9. Konga Gift Card

Konga gift cards are like retailer credit to be used on Konga’s marketplace for electronics, home, fashion, and more. Because Konga is a well-known local e-commerce brand, the cards are convenient, hassle-free, and free of foreign region complications.

If the recipient prefers to shop locally or needs household items, a Konga card is a no-fuss, thoughtful gift. Konga cards are easily available from local vendors and gift platforms since they appeal to customers looking for wholly Nigerian options.

The redemption process is similar to other local platforms: log in, redeem the code at check-out, and choose delivery.

10. Shoprite Gift Card

Shoprite gift cards are the standard for easy giving: redeemable in Shoprite stores across the country on food, household staples, and more.

Because they’re hard or immediate e-vouchers that can be redeemed at point-of-sale, Shoprite cards are one of the easiest gifts for family and friends who prefer shopping in-store.

For everyday convenience and widespread popularity, Shoprite gift cards are unparalleled. If you are buying physical Shoprite cards, ensure that the PIN cover is intact and the card has been activated.

Also read: 15 Best Gift Cards in Oman | 2026 Update

11. Visa Prepaid/Mastercard Gift Card

Visa and Mastercard prepaid (general-purpose) gift cards behave like debit cards that are preloaded with a fixed value. They can be used anywhere the network is accepted and are therefore the most user-friendly card type.

Some banks in Nigeria and third-party vendors issue single-load or reloadable prepaid cards, which can be used for international transactions (subject to issuer guidelines) or local transactions at locations where Visa/Mastercard are accepted.

They’re ideal if you want the recipient to decide how to use the amount; groceries, online subscription, or holiday reservations. Issuer fees and activation fees vary, so check T&Cs when buying.

12. Sephora Gift Card

Sephora gift cards can be used to purchase beauty and cosmetics either in Sephora outlets or on Sephora.com. While Sephora does not operate mass physical outlets in Nigeria, the company is very popular among Nigerians who order internationally or engage with resellers.

These gift cards are much coveted by makeup lovers as they provide access to a well-curated selection of international brands. If you buy a Sephora card for someone in Nigeria, look at shipping options, and if the recipient will be using the card online and if their account region matches the card.

13. American Express (AMEX) Gift Card

AMEX gift cards provide usable credit where American Express is accepted. Where AMEX acceptance in Nigeria is more limited than Visa/Mastercard, these cards best serve when the beneficiary conducts business with merchants who accept AMEX or uses them for online use for purchases abroad.

These cards may have high-end benefits at times, but acceptance becomes the restraining factor. Nigerian consumers trade AMEX cards when they have clients overseas or when they wish to use the credit for purchases made online that are permitted with AMEX.

14. eBay Gift Card

eBay gift cards finance an eBay account to buy auction and buy-now items. Nigerians who export and import through eBay use the gift cards to buy products, finance shipping, or resell them locally.

Because eBay is an international marketplace, eBay gift cards would be useful if the buyer or recipient plans to shop from foreign sellers. As with other world cards, ensure the card is region-compatible and that the recipient’s eBay account is from the same compatible region.

15. Nike / Foot Locker Gift Card

Nike and Foot Locker gift cards are specific to sportswear and shoe purchases, ideal for consumers who enjoy sneakers, sports fashion, and brand drops.

In Nigeria, they’re well-liked as presents for teenagers and young adults who keep up with sneaker culture. If purchasing for use in Nigeria, verify if the store delivers to Nigeria or if the recipient can redeem the code in an in-store partner shop.

Types of Gift Cards

When individuals discuss categories of gift cards, they typically explain their operation, who can use them, and in what form they are sold.

The following are some important categories:

  • Open-loop gift cards: These are multi-vendor cards that can be spent by numerous merchants or retailers, usually in the form of debit cards.
  • Closed-loop gift cards: These are only valid for a specific shop or store. For instance, an iTunes gift card, Amazon gift card, or a Jumia voucher to spend on purchases at that store alone.
  • Digital / eGift cards: They are codes sent electronically by email, SMS, or account portal. They are easy and very prevalent in Nigeria today.
  • Physical gift cards: These are plastic cards that you already own, typically purchased at a retail outlet. They often include a scratch-off PIN or barcode that gets redeemed online or at the store.
  • Reloadable vs non-reloadable: Some gift cards are reloadable, allowing the initial balance to be used again, while others are one-time and become unusable once the credit has been exhausted.
  • Hybrid/promotional gift cards: From time to time, you find promotional special cards or bundle cards, which bundle access to several services.

Related article: 15 Best Gift Cards in Cuba | 2026 Update

Step-by-Step Process on How to Buy a Gift Card

Below is a step-by-step process, both for digital platforms and in person.

Electronic / Online Purchase System

  • Choose a trusted gift card platform or marketplace: Some of these sites include Prestmit, Cardtonic, Nosh, SureGifts
  • Create an account: Enter your email, cellphone number, and if required, some form of verification (KYC).
  • Browse gift card catalogue: Select from the Gift Cards listed, denomination, currency, etc
  • Confirm and pay: There are several payment options, like bank transfer, internet banking, and platform wallet. Choose one that works for you.
  • Receive the gift card: You’ll receive an electronic code (PIN, voucher, or link) via email, SMS, or from within your platform dashboard immediately or in a matter of minutes.
  • Redeem or use Code to be implemented in either the merchant’s platform (Amazon, Google Play) or in-store if permitted.

Physical Purchase Method

  • Go to a retail outlet selling physical gift cards, eg: supermarkets, shopping centers, bookshops.
  • Select a gift card from the rack.
  • Pay in cash or cards at the counter.
  • The clerk would then activate it (scratch PIN activation/electronic activation).
  • Use it or give it to someone.

Things to Check Before Purchase

  • Check expiry dates or validity period.
  • Ensure that the platform is trustworthy through the reviews.
  • Check if the gift card can be used in Nigeria
  • Beware of steep markups or hidden fees.
  • Ensure it is an unused card and also an unused PIN.

Where can I buy a Gift Card in Nigeria?

You can buy your gift cards in Nigeria from trusted online shops, mobile trade applications, or from the official pages of businesses selling to Nigerian consumers. Ensure that the vendor is verified to prevent counterfeit or useless cards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are gift cards safe to buy online?

Yes, if you use trusted and reputable platforms. Protect yourself by checking reviews, using escrow or buyer protection, ensuring cards are unused, and avoiding random sellers on social media.

Can I use international gift cards in Nigeria?

Yes, if the gift card is not region-locked and supports your account region. Some cards are restricted. Always check region compatibility before purchasing.

Can I resell gift cards in Nigeria?

Yes. Many platforms in Nigeria allow you to sell gift cards for Naira. The ones most commonly traded include Steam, Apple, Amazon, Razer, etc.

Where do people mostly buy gift cards in Nigeria?

Online platforms like Prestmit, Cardtonic, Nosh, SureGifts, etc. Offline, some supermarkets, gadget stores, or gift kiosks in malls.

Conclusion

Gift cards are today a common tool used in Nigeria’s digital economy. If you want to provide someone with access to apps, games, or shopping, or you want to redeem a card for Naira, it is essential to know the types of gift cards, the types of gift cards to purchase, gift card names, and how to buy a gift card.

In 2026, purchase only through legitimate platforms and check card details.

If you found this article useful, we’d love to hear from you! Drop your thoughts in the comments below. And don’t forget to connect with us on our social media channels for more tech tips and valuable content. Join our community and stay updated on all the latest insights!

References

Recommendations

Peace Akujuobi
Peace Akujuobi
Articles: 205