Can You Add Apple Gift Card to Apple Wallet or Apple Pay? Here’s the Truth

The truth and simple answer is: you cannot add an Apple gift card directly to Apple wallet. However, you can redeem the gift card to your Apple account and use it with Apple Pay. 

I still remember the first time someone gifted me an Apple gift card. I had no idea what to do with it, so I left it unused for weeks because I felt the whole process would be stressful. How wrong I was.

In this I guide, I will explain:

• the difference between Apple wallet and Apple Pay
• whether your Apple gift card actually works with Apple Pay
• how to redeem your Apple gift card and 
• how to add Visa and Mastercard gift cards to Apple wallet.

Can You Use Your Apple Gift Card For Apple Pay?

Yes, you can use your Apple Gift Card with Apple Pay, just not directly. You can’t add the card itself to Apple Pay, but once you redeem it to your Apple Account balance, that balance is automatically available whenever you want to pay using Apple Pay.

Here’s how it works: You redeem your Apple Gift Card; the balance gets credited to your Apple Account. Apple Pay can then draw from that balance for purchases you will make at the Apple Store, App Store, iTunes, Apple Music, or Apple TV+.

What Apple Pay Can and Can’t Do With Your Gift Card Balance

Can Do: 

Apple Pay can use your Apple Account balance to make purchases on Apple stores for apps, games, subscriptions, music, movies, and shopping.

Can’t Do: 

Apple Pay cannot use your Apple Gift Card balance on other platforms  like supermarkets or restaurants. That balance only works within Apple’s ecosystem.

Now that this is settled, let’s now break down exactly how Apple Wallet and Apple Pay differ.

Apple Wallet vs Apple Pay: What’s the Difference?

Most people often confuse these two terms or think they mean the same thing. They, however, do not. 

Apple Wallet is where you store the things you can use to pay like cards, boarding passes, tickets, and IDs while Apple Pay is the payment method that uses whatever is sitting in your Wallet to help you make payments. 

So when you have an Apple gift card, unlike a Visa or Mastercard gift card, it doesn’t get stored in your wallet as a card. Instead, it is added to your Apple Account balance, and that balance is what Apple Pay uses to pay for your Apple purchases.

How To Add A Gift Card To Your Apple Wallet In 5 Simple Steps

Adding a gift card to your Apple wallet should not be confused with redeeming an Apple gift card; those are similar but different operations. You redeem an Apple gift card when you make purchases or sell it, but first, the funds get added to your account credit, i.e., your Apple ID balance.

To add a gift card to your Apple Wallet means to store your gift card in your Wallet app like other credit or debit cards, so you can use Apple Pay to make secure payments across apps, stores, and websites that support it. 

Since it is not possible to add an Apple gift card to an Apple wallet, here are the steps to add Visa and Mastercard gift cards to your Apple wallet:

1. First, open the Wallet app on your iPhone
2. Tap the “+” button on your screen

3. Choose the “Debit or Credit Card” option.

4. Tap “Add Debit Card”

5. Follow the instructions to add a new card.

How To Redeem Your Apple Gift Card In 6 Simple Steps

You can redeem your Apple gift card by scanning with your camera or manually via the App Store app on your device.

1. Firstly, scratch off the gift card label to reveal the code  
2. Open the App Store app on your device i.e. iPhone, iPad, or iPod.
3. Tap the Sign-in button (top right of your screen).
4. Choose the Redeem Gift Card or Code option.

5. Tap “Use Camera” and follow the on-screen instructions or manually enter your code if you received it via email.

6. Tap “Redeem” to successfully redeem your gift card.

The Apple gift card works for the Apple Store and Apple.com, and the process to redeem the card is similar across Apple devices like iPhones and iPads. 

What About iTunes Gift Cards?

If you’re holding an old iTunes Gift Card, you don’t have to worry; it still works. iTunes Gift Cards were rebranded as Apple Gift Cards back in 2020, but the redeeming process has still not changed. Like Apple Gift Cards, they also cannot be added directly to Apple Wallet either. 

Redeem it the same way through the App Store or iTunes app, and the value will be credited to your Apple Account so you can use via Apple Pay for any Apple purchase.

Prefer Cash Over Apple Credit?

Not every Apple gift card needs to end up in your Apple account. If you’d rather have cash in hand instead of redeeming it, you can sell your Apple gift Card on Cardtonic with swift payouts and very competitive rates.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adding An Apple Gift Card To Apple Wallet

1. Can I Use My Apple Gift Card With Apple Pay?

Yes, indirectly. You have to redeem your Apple Gift Card to your Apple Account. You can now use your balance through Apple Pay whenever you want to pay for something on the App Store, Apple Music, Apple TV+, or via Apple.com.

2. Is An Apple Gift Card The Same As A Visa Gift Card For Apple Wallet?

No. Visa and Mastercard gift cards can be stored directly in Apple Wallet and used at any merchant store that accepts Apple Pay. For Apple gift cards, you have to load it into your Apple Account balance first and then, via Apple pay, use it for purchases only on Apple. 

3. What Happened To iTunes Gift Cards?

iTunes Gift Cards were rebranded as Apple Gift Cards in 2020. If you still have an old iTunes card, it still works the exact same way. Redeem it through the App Store or iTunes app.

4. Can I Add Other Gift Cards To My Apple Wallet?

Yes, You can add several gift cards to your Apple wallet like Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and American Express cards. 

5. Where Can I Use My Apple Gift Card? 

You can use your Apple gift card, via Apple Pay, to shop at the Apple Store or Apple.com for music, games, movies, and TV shows.

6. How Can I Check My Apple Wallet Balance?

To check your Apple Wallet balance on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad, open the App Store and sign in with your Apple ID. You should be able to find your balance once you have signed in.

7. Where Can I Buy An Apple Gift Card Online?

If you’re looking for where to buy Apple gift cards online, Cardtonic is your best bet. Cardtonic offers a secure way to buy Apple and other gift cards conveniently.

Conclusion

Currently, you cannot add an Apple gift card to an Apple wallet except for Visa and Mastercard gift cards; the option is to redeem your Apple gift card to your Apple account.

Redeeming your gift card in the App Store, iTunes, or Apple Music App lets you shop for exclusive apps, games, music, and more. 

This article has outlined the steps to add other gift cards to Apple Wallet and how to redeem your Apple gift card.