The Best Black Friday Gift Card Deals Offered in 2025

The holiday season is creeping up, and with it comes the biggest shopping event of the year. Black Friday is the perfect time to snag incredible deals on everything from electronics to apparel, but one of the most strategic buys you can make is the humble gift card. Often overlooked, discounted gift cards are a savvy shopper's secret weapon for stretching a budget, whether you're pre-paying for your own future purchases or giving the gift of choice. With Black Friday landing on November 28, 2025, and Cyber Monday hot on its heels on December 1, the window for the year's best gift card savings is officially opening.

This year, we're seeing retailers roll out gift card promotions earlier than ever, with a mix of straight discounts, bonus cards with purchase, and free gift cards bundled with other items. These offers can be found at many of the top stores for the best Black Friday deals online, turning a good deal into a great one. Getting a $50 gift card for $40 or receiving a free $15 bonus card might not seem like a massive discount on its own, but these savings add up quickly, especially when you're buying for multiple people.

Our Best Early Black Friday Gift Card Deals

Amazon Black Friday Gift Card Sale

20% off

Save 20% off on a selection of over a dozen gift cards at Amazon (and 21% off on the sole Candy Crush gift card?). Supply is limited.

Get Discount

Best Buy Black Friday Gift Card Deals

Up to 20% off

Best Buy discounts 30 gift cards, giving prime opportunity for what amounts to free extra discounts on some of your favorite retailers and restaurants including adidas, DoorDash, Domino's, and more.

Get Discount

Target Black Friday Gift Card Deals

Up to 20% off

Target offers discounts on select gift cards as well as bonus Target gift cards with select gift card purchases, in what amounts to free money at Apple, Google Play, Restaurants, and more.

Get Discount

$10 DoorDash Gift Card for DashPass members

Free w/ $100 select gift card purchase

DashPass members get a free $10 DoorDash gift card when you purchase $100 or more in gift cards at Sephora, Ulta Beauty, Macy's, Airbnb, Fortnite, and more. Limit two per month. This offer is valid through December 31, 2025.

Get Discount

$15 Target Gift Card

Free w/ $100 Apple Gift Card Purchase

Get a $15 Target gift card for free when you purchase $100 or more in Apple gift cards. It's usually sent within four hours and can be transferred upon arrival.

Get Discount

Fold App Bitcoin Gift Card

Gift up to $500

Just in time for the holidays, you can now purchase Fold App Bitcoin gift cards, allowing you to gift up to $500 in Bitcoin. They're redeemable only in the US, through the Fold app. There's no fee for purchasing a gift card, but there may be fees when redeeming it.

Get Discount

Amazon Black Friday Gift Card Giveaway

Chance to Win $50 Amazon Gift Card

Getting a free entry for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card is easy. Make sure you're signed up for emails and notifications at Amazon, with your Amazon account. That's it. If you're selected, Amazon will notify you via email or push notification if you've won.

Get Discount

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB, iPad A16, and Apple Watch for Verizon

$0/mo. w/ Unlimited Plan + $200 Verizon GC

You can get the flagship Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max 256GB, iPad A16, and Apple Watch (Series 11, Series 10, SE 3, or SE 2nd Gen) for $0 per month with a qualifying Unlimited plan in this Black Friday deal. (Each device requires its own plan — the discounts will be applied as bill credits over 36 months.) Plus, you'll get a chance to add a $200 Verizon gift card to your order in cart via a pop-up. A $40 activation fee applies to each device.

Get Discount

Prime Visa

Get a $250 Amazon Gift Card

Sign in to your Prime membership to get this $250 voucher, which is the best offer we've seen for a Prime Visa deal.

Get Discount

Cold Stone Creamery Gift Card Black Friday Deal at Amazon

Up to 20% off

Treat yourself or your favorite ice cream fan to a sweet deal with a $50 Cold Stone Creamery gift card. You'll save 20% on the face value of the card, but note it's only valid for the $50 denomination and the card will be emailed to you.

Get Discount

Eddie Bauer Gift Card Black Friday Deal at Amazon

Up to 20% off

Pick up a $50 Eddie Bauer e-gift card for just $40 with this Black Friday deal at Amazon. That's 20% off the face value of the card, which will be delivered via email.

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Tim Hortons Gift Card Black Friday Deal at Amazon

Up to 20% off

Pick up a discounted gift card to Tim Hortons with this Black Friday deal and you can treat yourself to all the coffee and Timbits you can stomach. (Or at least as many as a $50 gift card can buy.) You'll get the gift card for just $40, and it'll be delivered via email.

Get Discount

White Castle Gift Card Black Friday Deal at Amazon

Up to 20% off

This Black Friday deal is only available for $50 White Castle gift cards, but if you love the classic sliders, you can treat yourself with this deal that gets you 20% off the face value of the card. It'll be delivered via email.

Get Discount

Black Angus Gift Card Black Friday Deal at Amazon

Up to 20% off

This Black Friday deal is only available for the $50 denomination, but 20% off the face value is a good deal you shouldn't pass up if you like this restaurant. That means paying $40 and you'll receive the gift card via email delivery.

Get Discount

Nautica Gift Card Black Friday Deal at Amazon

Up to 20% off

Grab a $50 Nautica gift card for just $40 with this Black Friday gift card deal. Once you order, it'll be delivered via email.

Get Discount

A Breakdown of This Year's Top Discounts

Gift Card Black Friday Deals at Amazon

Up to 20% off
Lightning Deals
Get ready for Amazon's massive Black Friday sale on gift cards, where you can save up to 20% on huge brands like DoorDash, Bath & Body Works, Uber, and Apple. Even better, some deals appear as Lightning Deals requiring quick action, while others offer Amazon promotional credit with purchase.
Eligibility: Available to all customers, though Prime members often get 30-minute early access to Lightning Deals.
Savings Breakdown: Discounts range from 15% to 20% off face value, or roughly $10 to $20 in savings per card depending on the denomination.
Important Note: These deals are often limited quantity and sell out in minutes. If the deal offers credit rather than a direct discount, that credit typically expires after a set period.

Black Friday Gift Cards at Best Buy

Up to 20% off
Limited Time Offer
Get ready to shop a wide variety of gift cards at Best Buy and save up to 20% in the process. The Black Friday sale offers one of the best opportunities to save on the face value of gift cards to your favorite restaurants, movie theaters, and digital retailers.
Eligibility: Open to all customers; My Best Buy Plus and Total members may receive additional exclusive offers.
Savings Breakdown: Instant savings are applied at checkout, effectively giving you $100 worth of purchasing power for as low as $80.
Important Note: Most of these offers are for digital downloads sent via email, usually within an hour of purchase.

$10 Target Gift Card

Free w/ $100 gift card purchase
Target Circle Exclusive
Get a $10 Target gift card for free when you spend $100 or more on nearly 300 gift cards from tons of retailers like restaurants, digital platforms, and home improvement stores. The Target gift card adds to cart automatically with your purchase.
Eligibility: Target Circle members only (free to sign up).
Savings Breakdown: This deal effectively provides a 10% return on your investment in the form of Target store credit.
Important Note: There is typically a limit of one offer per account. Excludes Visa, Mastercard, and American Express prepaid cards, as well as Target Gift Cards.

Gift Cards at Sam's Club

Up to 25% off for members
Member Exclusive
Shop a wide variety of retailer and restaurant gift cards and save up to 25% off with these offers. Sam's Club typically sells these in multipacks, such as huge discounts on Extreme Value gift cards or bundles for places like Shake Shack and Texas de Brazil.
Eligibility: Active Sam's Club membership required.
Savings Breakdown: You can find $50 value cards selling for as low as $37.50, or $100 bundles for around $75 to $80.
Important Note: Purchase limits apply per membership. Depending on the item, you will either get free shipping for physical cards or immediate email delivery for digital codes.

Restaurant Gift Card Deals at Costco

Up to 30% off for members
Member Exclusive
Shop a variety of restaurant gift cards at Costco and you'll save up to 30% on the face value of cards for dining at places like Shake Shack, Texas de Brazil, and California Pizza Kitchen. Costco is famous for its high-value multipacks that offer some of the best price-per-dollar ratios in the industry.
Eligibility: Active Costco membership required.
Savings Breakdown: Standard Costco deals offer $100 worth of cards for $79.99 (20% off), but Black Friday promos can drop that price to $69.99 (30% off).
Important Note: These are non-refundable and are typically delivered via email within the hour, though some physical card packs are available in-warehouse.

Giftcards.com Pre-Black Friday Savings

10% off
Promo Code Deal
Use promo code EARLYBIRD to save 10% on a range of gift cards from stores like Disney, Gap, Finish Line, PUMA, Wendy's, and more. This is a direct discount on the face value of the card.
Eligibility: Available to all new and existing customers using the code at checkout.
Savings Breakdown: A flat 10% discount means you pay $45 for a $50 card or $90 for a $100 card.
Important Note: The promo code is valid for a limited time on select brands only and cannot be applied to Visa or Mastercard Virtual Accounts. One use per customer.

When is the Best Time to Save on Black Friday Gift Card Deals?

While Black Friday itself is the main event, the best gift card deals often start appearing in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. We've already seen some retailers launch "early Black Friday" sales as soon as mid-November. These early bird offers are a great opportunity to get a jump on your holiday shopping before the rush. Historically, the period from the week of Thanksgiving through Cyber Week (the week following Thanksgiving) is the sweet spot for the highest quantity and quality of deals.

However, don't discount the days leading up to Christmas. Many restaurants and retailers will run "last-minute" gift card promotions, often with bonus card offers that are perfect for procrastinators. To be safe, it's best to start looking early and act fast when you see a deal you like, as the most popular gift cards can sell out.

Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Gift Card Savings

Getting the best value from gift card deals requires a bit of strategy. It's not just about finding a discount but also about how you use it. By planning ahead and combining offers, you can turn a simple purchase into a significant saving.

Here are a few tips to help you maximize your savings:

Beat the Clock on Lightning Deals

While traditional doorbusters at stores like Bass Pro Shops and Kohl's still exist, the digital race is even faster. On platforms like Amazon, high-demand gift cards for brands like Apple or Starbucks are often released as Lightning Deals with strict inventory limits. These can sell out in minutes. To secure them, ensure your payment information is pre-saved and be ready to checkout the moment the deal goes live.

Distinguish Between Gift Cards and Promo Credits

There is a critical difference between a discounted gift card and a "Buy $50, Get $10" promotion. While the main gift card funds rarely expire, the bonus "promo card" or "holiday credit" often has a very short lifespan. These bonus credits typically expire within 30 to 90 days, often disappearing by late January. Always read the fine print to ensure you spend the bonus cash before it vanishes.

Leverage Multipacks and Bonus Bundles

Retailers like Walmart and warehouse clubs are famous for their "value bundle" strategy. Instead of a simple percentage off, look for offers that bundle a bonus e-gift card with a larger purchase (e.g., "Buy a $100 Apple Card, get a $10 Best Buy card"). Additionally, look for multipacks at warehouse clubs where you can buy a set of four $25 cards for $79.99. You can split these packs up to use as separate stocking stuffers, maximizing your savings per recipient.

Monitor for Flash Sales and Second-Wave Drops

Gift card inventory flows differently than physical goods. If a popular digital code sells out on Black Friday morning, do not give up. Retailers frequently restock digital inventory throughout the weekend or release a second wave of "Cyber Monday" specific gift card deals. Keep a close watch on retailer social media channels and refresh deal pages, as last-minute offers often pop up unexpectedly to capture the final holiday shoppers.

By keeping these strategies in mind, you can approach the Black Friday sales with confidence and come away with the best possible deals. It's all about making the promotions work for you.

What Brands Sell Discounted Gift Cards on Black Friday?

Black Friday brings gift card deals from a massive range of brands, covering everything from dining and retail to travel and entertainment. You can find offers at major department stores, specialty shops, restaurant chains, and even online marketplaces. Even premium brands get in on the action, often with unique promotions like those detailed in our complete guide to Apple gift card deals. The key is to know which retailers and brands typically participate so you can plan your shopping list accordingly.

Here are some of the top brands we've seen offer fantastic gift card deals in the past, giving you an idea of what to look for this year:

• adidas: A great way to save on athletic gear, with gift cards often seeing discounts of 15% to 20%.
• Amazon: While a major seller of other brands, Amazon also runs its own promotions, including sweepstakes to win Amazon gift cards.
• Apple: Doesn't offer a direct discount, but runs a popular event where you get a free Apple Gift Card (worth up to $200) with an eligible product purchase.
• Barnes & Noble: The perfect deal for book lovers, often offering a free $10 gift card with the purchase of $100 in gift cards.
• Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's: Offering free gift cards to the first 250 customers in-store.
• Bath & Body Works: Look for their gift cards to be discounted by about 20% at various online retailers.
• Best Buy: A key retailer that not only sells discounted gift cards but also offers its own bonus cards with the purchase of other specialty cards.
• Chipotle: A fan-favorite restaurant that frequently sees its gift cards discounted by about 15% at stores like Best Buy and Amazon.
• Costco and Sam's Club: These members-only clubs offer year-round savings on multipacks, with even better Black Friday deals on travel and dining cards.
• Dave & Buster's: A fun gift for all ages, with past deals offering a 20% discount on $50 gift cards.
• DoorDash: One of the most common deals available, with $100 cards often selling for $85 at a variety of retailers.
• Domino's: A perennial favorite, with gift cards frequently discounted by 15% to 20% during Black Friday sales.
• Fandango: A perfect gift for movie lovers, with past promotions offering a 20% discount.
• Gap: Look for discounts around 15-20% off, perfect for stocking up on wardrobe staples for the whole family.
• GameStop: A must-watch for gamers, with deals on PlayStation and Xbox cards, especially for its Pro members.
• Instacart: Save on future grocery deliveries with frequent 15% off deals on $100 gift cards.
• Landry's: This restaurant group's gift cards (good at Morton's, Bubba Gump, and more) are often available for 20% off at warehouse clubs.
• Lowe's: A great way to save on home improvement projects, with past deals offering bonus cards with a minimum purchase.
• Macy's: The department store often offers its "Star Money" as a bonus with gift card purchases.
• Nordstrom: A smart way to save on high-end fashion, with deals like $100 cards for $90.
• PlayStation and Xbox: Find gift cards for these gaming consoles at a discount at retailers like GameStop and Best Buy.
• Southwest Airlines: A top travel deal, with gift cards often available for 10% off or more at warehouse clubs.
• Starbucks: The quintessential gift card, often part of "buy a card, get a bonus" deals at retailers like Target and Amazon.
• Target: A major hub for promotions, frequently offering its own gift card as a bonus when you buy other brands.
• Uber and Lyft: Save on future rides with discounted gift cards from various online retailers, often at a 20% discount.
• Walmart: Tiered gift card bundles, offering a $100 gift card for $85 or a $300 bundle for $250 with bonus e-gift cards.

The variety is what makes Black Friday so powerful for gift card shoppers. This list is extensive, but it's still just a glimpse of the hundreds of brands that go on sale. Deals for fan-favorite destinations can be especially valuable, as you can see in our comprehensive guide to Disney gift card deals. By keeping an eye on these brands, you can find a gift card for just about anyone on your list, or simply stock up for your own spending at a significant discount.

Can I Use Discount Codes During Checkout for Black Friday Gift Cards?

In most cases, you cannot apply a separate discount or coupon code when purchasing a gift card. Retailers typically treat gift cards like cash or a currency equivalent, which makes them ineligible for most promotional codes that are designed for merchandise. For example, a "20% off your entire order" coupon will almost always exclude gift card purchases in its fine print.

However, there are exceptions. The savings on gift cards usually come from a direct, pre-applied discount (e.g., a $50 card for $40) or a bonus offer that is automatically added to your cart. Additionally, some store-wide loyalty rewards or credit card benefits, like the 5% discount from a Target Circle Card, can sometimes be applied to specialty third-party gift cards. Always be sure to read the terms and conditions of a coupon before trying to use it on a gift card purchase.

Will Retailers Price Match Black Friday Gift Card Sales?

Price-matching policies for gift cards are very rare and, in most cases, retailers will not price-match them. Gift cards are considered financial instruments rather than standard retail products, and they are almost universally excluded from price-matching guarantees. A store's price match policy is designed to compete on merchandise pricing with other retailers, not on currency.

Furthermore, many of the best Black Friday gift card deals are exclusive to a specific retailer. For instance, if Best Buy offers a $100 DoorDash gift card for $85, you won't be able to go to Target and ask them to match that price. Your best bet is to simply buy the gift card from the retailer that is offering the promotion directly.

What is the Return Policy for Discounted Gift Cards on Black Friday?

Gift cards are almost always considered final sale items, meaning they cannot be returned or refunded. This policy applies whether the gift card was purchased at full price or as part of a Black Friday promotion. Once a gift card is purchased and activated, the retailer considers the transaction complete and the value loaded onto the card.

Because gift card sales are non-refundable, it's very important to double-check your purchase before completing it. Make sure you are buying a gift card for the correct brand, especially when there are similar options available (like a Disney gift card versus a deal on a Disney Plus gift card). If you end up with a gift card you don't want, your only option is typically to use it, regift it, or sell it on a legitimate gift card exchange website.

How do Gift Card Black Friday Deals Compare to Their Cyber Monday Deals?

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are often treated as a single, extended shopping event, and many gift card deals will be available during both. It's common for a promotion that starts on Black Friday to run through the entire weekend and conclude at the end of Cyber Monday. However, there are some subtle differences. Black Friday deals are sometimes available both in-store and online, while Cyber Monday deals are exclusively online.

While there can be some overlap, some retailers may offer unique, one-day-only gift card deals on Cyber Monday to attract online shoppers. These are often digital gift card deals that are delivered instantly via email. To learn more about the distinctions between the two shopping holidays, you can read about the ways Cyber Monday is different from Black Friday. Ultimately, the best strategy is to keep an eye out for deals throughout the entire 4-day period, as you never know when the perfect offer might appear.

What Have Gift Card Black Friday Deals Looked Like Previously?

Looking back at past Black Friday deals is a great way to predict what we can expect for the upcoming season. Retailers tend to be consistent, often bringing back their most popular promotions year after year. While the exact percentages might shift, the types of deals—bonus card offers, straight discounts, and free gift cards with a product purchase—have remained the same. This history gives us a reliable roadmap for what to expect in 2025.

These past promotions demonstrate a consistent pattern of savings around 15% to 20% on some of the most popular brands. Here are some specific examples of the types of deals that were available during previous Black Friday sales:

• 20% Off Select Gift Cards: We saw numerous deals at this level, including a $100 Lyft gift card for $80 and 20% off gift cards for brands like adidas, Domino's, and Golden Corral at Amazon.
• 15% Off Fan-Favorite Brands: This was a very common discount, with offers like a $100 DoorDash gift card for $85 at Best Buy, a $100 Instacart or Chipotle gift card for $85 at Amazon, and a $100 Gap gift card for $85.
• 10% Off Travel and High-End Retail: Promotions at this tier included a $100 Nordstrom Rack gift card for $90 at eGifter.com, a $200 Disney e-gift card for $180 at Sam's Club, and a $100 Uber gift card for $90.
• Target's "Buy, Get a Bonus" Deal: This is a recurring and extremely popular offer. Shoppers could get a free $10 or $15 Target gift card with a $100 purchase of select gift cards, including top brands like Apple, Disney, Starbucks, and major gaming services.
• Barnes and Noble's Classic Offer: A fantastic deal for book lovers, this promotion gave shoppers a free $10 e-gift card with a $100 gift card purchase.
• Best Buy's Bonus Offer: Shoppers could receive a free $10 Best Buy gift card with the purchase of $50 in select specialty gift cards.
• Macy's Star Money: The department store offered $10 in its "Star Money" rewards currency with the purchase of a $50 gift card.
• Gaming-Specific Discounts: Gamers could find 5% to 10% off PlayStation and Xbox gift cards at GameStop (for Pro members) and 15% off Roblox gift cards with Target Circle.
• Gift-with-Purchase Deals: Some offers were tied to merchandise, such as the deal to get a free $15 adidas gift card with a $35 adidas product purchase at eGifter.com.
• Apple's Black Friday Event: A standout promotion where buying an eligible Apple product like an iPhone or MacBook would earn you a free Apple gift card worth up to $200.

Beyond these specific examples, there are several key historical trends worth noting. One of the most common promotions is the "bonus card" offer, especially from restaurants. Instead of discounting the initial gift card, they'll give you a second, smaller bonus card for free (for example, "Buy a $50 gift card, get a free $10 bonus card"). It's a fantastic way to get extra value, but it's critical to read the fine print, as these bonus cards are often promotional and must be used within a specific timeframe, typically in January or February of the following year.

Another major trend is retailers offering a free gift card with the purchase of a specific product. Apple is the most famous example of this, bundling an Apple Gift Card with the purchase of an iPhone or MacBook. This strategy allows the retailer to maintain the product's price while still offering a compelling incentive. We've also seen this from department stores and specialty retailers across various categories. These historical patterns show that the best deals often require a bit of strategic thinking to maximize their value.

What Other Gift Card Promo Codes and Discounts are Currently Available?

You don't always have to wait until Black Friday to find a great deal on a gift card. Many retailers, and especially warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club, offer discounts year-round. These might not always match the deep discounts of Black Friday, but they can still provide solid savings if you need a gift card right away. To see what offers are live right now, you can check out all the current gift card deals that our team has vetted and published.

Here are some of the best gift card deals and promotions available now:

• Applebee's: A $100 gift card multipack is available for $79.99 at Sam's Club.
• California Pizza Kitchen: Sam's Club members can get a $75 gift card for only $59.99.
• Chipotle: Get a $100 gift card multipack (four $25 cards) for $89.99 at Costco.
• Cinemark: A $50 gift card can be purchased for $39.99 at Costco.
• Cold Stone Creamery: Get a $50 gift card multipack for just $34.99 at Sam's Club.
• Darden Restaurants: A $100 gift card (good for Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, etc.) is available for $89.99 at Costco.
• Domino's: Get a $100 gift card multipack (four $25 cards) for just $79.99 at Sam's Club.
• Fanatics: Sports fans can get a $100 gift card multipack for $79.99 at Sam's Club.
• Fandango: Get a $50 gift card for only $39.99 at Costco.
• Golden Corral: Sam's Club offers a $75 gift card value pack for just $56.25.
• Grubhub: Costco members can buy a $100 gift card for $79.99.
• IHOP: A $100 gift card multipack is available for $79.99 at Sam's Club.
• Instacart: Sam's Club members can purchase a $100 gift card for $80.
• Jiffy Lube: A $100 gift card multipack is available for $74.99 at Sam's Club.
• Krispy Kreme: A $50 gift card is available for $39.99 at Sam's Club.
• Landry's Restaurants: Get a $100 gift card for $79.99 at Sam's Club.
• Nintendo eShop: Get a $100 digital gift card for $89.99 at Costco.
• O'Charley's: A $75 gift card is available for $56.25 at Sam's Club.
• Red Robin: A $100 gift card multipack is available for $79.99 at Sam's Club.
• Southwest Airlines: A $500 gift card is available for $449.99 at Costco for members.
• Steak 'n Shake: Get a $50 gift card multipack for $37.50 at Sam's Club.
• Topgolf: A $100 gift card can be purchased for $79.99 at Sam's Club.
• Uber: Costco offers a $100 Uber gift card for $79.99.
• Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: Costco members can get a 3-month membership card for $38.99.

These deals show that warehouse clubs are a fantastic resource for year-round savings. It's always worth checking their inventory before paying full price for a gift card, especially if you're planning a large purchase or giving multiple gifts.

Are There Purchase Limits on Discounted Gift Cards?

Yes, almost all of the best Black Friday gift card deals come with purchase limits. Retailers do this to prevent resellers from buying up all the stock and to ensure the deal is available to as many customers as possible. For example, warehouse clubs like Sam's Club often limit members to two of each discounted gift card.

Target's popular deals are typically limited to one per Target Circle account. Always check the fine print for these limits before you plan to stock up. If you need more than the limit allows, you may need to visit different retailers or have another member of your household make a separate purchase.

Do Visa, Mastercard, or American Express Gift Cards Go on Sale?

It is very rare to find a direct discount on the face value of a bank-issued gift card (like those from Visa or Mastercard). These cards work almost like cash, so you won't see a $100 Visa gift card for sale for $80. However, the "deal" on these cards during Black Friday often comes in the form of waived or reduced activation fees. A typical activation fee is $5.95, so getting that fee waived is a form of savings. You may also find promotions at grocery or office supply stores where buying these gift cards earns you bonus fuel points or store rewards, which is an indirect way to save.

Can I Buy a Gift Card With Another Gift Card?

This is a very common question, and the answer is almost universally no. Retailers' point-of-sale systems are programmed to prevent this type of transaction. You cannot, for example, walk into Target, hand the cashier a $50 Target gift card, and use it to buy a $50 Starbucks gift card.

This policy is in place to prevent fraud and money laundering. Think of it this way: a store's own gift card is a liability on their books, and they want you to use it on their merchandise, not to purchase a competitor's currency. You'll need to pay for your gift card purchases with a credit card, debit card, or cash.

Do Black Friday Gift Cards Expire?

This is a critical question with a two-part answer. For the main gift card you purchase, federal law (the Credit Card Act of 2009) protects you. This law mandates that gift cards cannot expire for at least five years from the date they are activated. So, you can shop with confidence knowing your purchased gift card has a long shelf life.

However, this protection does not apply to promotional or bonus cards. That free $15 bonus card you received for buying a $100 gift card is considered a promotional coupon, not a gift card. As such, it can (and very often does) have a very short expiration window. It's common for these bonus cards to be valid only for a few weeks in January or February. Always read the terms and conditions on any bonus card you receive so you don't miss your chance to use it.

How Can I Avoid Black Friday Gift Card Scams?

While the vast majority of gift card deals from reputable retailers are perfectly safe, the holiday season is a prime time for scams. The most important rule is to buy directly from the source or from major, trusted retailers. Be wary of unsolicited emails or social media ads from unknown sellers offering deals that seem too good to be true.

Red flags include pressure to pay with unconventional methods like wire transfers or cryptocurrency, typos and grammatical errors on a website, and sellers on third-party marketplaces with little or no feedback. Stick to the official websites of stores like Costco, Target, Best Buy, and Amazon, or trusted digital gift card platforms like PayPal and eGifter.com.

How are Black Friday Deals Sourced and Published?

At DealNews, our process for sourcing and publishing deals is built on a foundation of expertise and meticulous verification. Our team of deal experts works year-round to monitor prices and cultivate relationships with thousands of retailers. For Black Friday, we shift into high gear, analyzing leaked ads, confirming offer details directly with merchants, and comparing prices across the web to ensure that every deal we publish is the best available. We cut through the hype to present only the offers that provide genuine value, saving you both time and money.

Why Trust DealNews for Gift Card Deals?

For over 25 years, DealNews has been a trusted resource for savvy shoppers. Our mission has always been simple: to provide consumers with the most accurate, up-to-date information on the very best deals. We are obsessively focused on quality, and our experts spend countless hours verifying every offer we publish. We don't just list sales; we provide context, price comparisons, and strategic advice to help you make the smartest purchasing decisions. When it comes to Black Friday, our experience is unparalleled.

We know that finding the best gift card deals can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, which is why we do the hard work for you. To stay ahead of the curve, sign up for the DealNews newsletter, and we'll deliver the top deals directly to your inbox. And for a truly customized experience, you can create a deal alert to be notified the moment a deal on your favorite brand goes live. With DealNews, you can shop with the confidence that you're always getting the best price.