Buying digital gift cards is a fast and fun way to get your favorite games and apps or even surprise a friend with an online gift. Whether you're into PlayStation, Apple, Razer Gold, or shopping online, digital gift cards make life easier. But there’s one thing you should know: there are real mistakes to avoid when buying digital gift cards. From getting scammed to choosing the wrong card for your account, a lot can go wrong if you're not careful. Don’t worry, we’re here to help!

Let’s look at the most common digital gift card mistakes and how to make sure you buy the right card the smart way.

1. Falling for Gift Card Scams

One of the biggest dangers is being tricked into buying fake or stolen cards. This happens a lot through random messages, fake websites, or emails that look real but aren’t. Some scammers even pretend to be someone you know and ask for a digital gift card “as a favor.”

Only buy from trusted stores like Amazon, Target, or the official Apple or PlayStation store.

One of the most common mistakes to avoid when buying digital gift cards is if someone randomly asks you to buy a gift card, don't do it. Even if they say it’s “urgent.”

If you are a minor purchasing a gift card, always ask a parent or trusted adult if you’re unsure. It’s better to double-check than lose your money.

2. Buying from Untrustworthy Websites

Not every site selling gift cards is safe. Some promise big discounts on digital gift cards for gaming but then send a broken code or nothing at all.

• Use well-known websites with good reviews.
• Avoid buying gift cards from strangers online or on social media.
• Look for security signs like the padlock symbol in the browser.

3. Picking a Card for the Wrong Country

Many gift cards only work in one country or region. So if you buy a PlayStation network cards from another country and your account is in a different region, it won’t work. This is a very common issue with Apple Gift Cards, too. For example, a U.S. Apple card won’t work in the UK App Store.

• Always make sure the card matches the country of your account.
• If you’re buying for a friend, ask which region their account is in.
• Be careful with game store cards like PlayStation gift card or Xbox—these are often region-locked.

4. Not Reading the Rules of the Card

Some gift cards have rules that aren’t super clear. For example, a card might not work for subscriptions, or it might only be good for buying apps and not movies or books.

• Read the card description before you buy.
• Ask if you can use the card for what you want.
• If you are giving it as a gift, please ensure the recipient is aware of its compatibility.

5. Forgetting About Expiry Dates and Fees

Some cards expire after a year or start charging small fees if they aren’t used. That means you could lose money without realizing it.

• Buy gift cards that don’t expire or charge fees.
• Try to use your card soon after buying it.
• Keep the receipt or email in case you need to check later.

6. Sending It to the Wrong Person

One tiny mistake, like typing the wrong email or phone number, and your gift card could be sent to someone else by accident. Once that happens, it’s really hard to fix.

• Double-check the email or number before sending.
• If you're not sure, send it to yourself first, then forward it.
• Always save the gift card email or take a screenshot of the code.

7. Waiting Too Long to Use It

It’s easy to forget about a gift card if you don’t use it right away, and it’s one of the most common mistakes to avoid when buying digital gift cards. You might lose the email, forget where you saved the code, or miss the expiration date.

• Redeem the card as soon as you get it.
• Even if you don’t spend the money now, it’ll be safe in your account.
• Store the code in your notes app or email just in case.

8. Not Checking the Card Balance

Sometimes gift cards don’t work because they were already used or were empty from the start. It’s a big letdown when you try to buy something and get an error.

• Go to the official website of the brand and check the balance.
• If the balance is wrong, contact customer service right away.
• Save your receipt or confirmation email so you can show proof if needed.

9. Using Unsafe Payment Methods

Using sketchy payment apps or sending money to strangers can be super risky. If something goes wrong, there’s often no way to get a refund.

• Use safe payment options like PayPal, debit cards, or credit cards.
• Avoid sending gift cards or money to anyone you don’t know personally.
• If you’re unsure, ask an adult to help with the purchase.

10. Not Doing a Quick Research First

It’s smart to look up a quick guide before you buy a new type of gift card, like the Razer Gold Card. Some cards can be used in cool ways, but only if you know how they work. There are awesome resources like a Razer Gold Card Guide that explain how to redeem them, what games they work for, and where to buy them safely.

• Search “[brand name] gift card guide” before buying.
• Make sure the card works with the games or apps you want.
• Don’t just buy it because it “sounds cool.” You need to know how to use it first.

How to Avoid Digital Gift Card Scams

Here’s a quick checklist to help you avoid digital gift card scams every time:

• Buy from trusted stores or official websites.
• Don’t trust messages asking for gift cards.
• Never send codes to random people.
• Always check region, balance, and expiration.
• Use safe payment methods.
• Save your code and receipt!

Final Thoughts

Gift cards are an awesome way to get cool stuff fast. But some real mistakes to avoid when buying digital gift cards, especially if it’s your first time. Whether you’re buying for yourself, your sibling, or your best friend, always take a minute to check the details before you hit “Buy Now.” Stick with safe websites, watch out for scams, and always double-check the region and balance. Whether you're using a PlayStation gift card, an Apple gift card, or grabbing your first Razer Gold code, following these tips will make sure you have a smooth and stress-free experience.

At CardDelivery, we help you skip the stress by showing you the mistakes to avoid when buying digital gift cards, then delivering the right one to your inbox in just 5–15 minutes.