How To Redeem Any Gift Card In Nigeria In 2025

I was excited when I got an Apple gift card from my cousin abroad as a birthday gift. But that excitement didn’t last long because I quickly realised I couldn’t use it since I didn’t own an Apple device. 

For weeks, the code just sat in my email, and honestly, I thought it was worthless. Then I did some research and discovered that instead of leaving it idle, I could actually redeem it for cash. 

That simple discovery completely changed how I viewed gift cards. I came to understand that whether it is iTunes, Amazon, Steam, or Google Play, gift cards don’t have to go unused. 

So, if you are looking for a way to redeem your gift card because you don’t want it to feel like a wasted value, this guide will show you exactly how to do it.

What You Need to Know Before Redeeming a Gift Card

Before redeeming a gift card, there are a few key things to keep in mind: the type of gift card you have, the current market rate, the condition of the card, and the platform you choose to trade on.

1. The Type of Gift Card:

When I first got my Apple gift card, I didn’t realise how much the type of card matters. I thought, “A gift card is a gift card, right?” Wrong. In Nigeria, some gift cards hold more value than others.

For example, Amazon and Steam often sell at higher rates than iTunes. So before you get excited, check which card you’re holding; that’s the first clue to knowing how much it’s really worth.

2. The Market Rate:

Gift card rates don’t stay the same; they rise and fall depending on demand, the season, and even the platform you use. I still remember checking the value of my Apple card for the first time and being shocked at how low it was. 

If you’ve ever checked a rate and felt that same disappointment, you know how frustrating it can be. The smart move is to always confirm the current rate before redeeming so you’re not caught off guard.

3. The Condition of the Card:

This one seems obvious, but it still catches a lot of people off guard. If your card is already used, scratched too hard, or the code looks tampered with, it’s basically useless.

Always double-check that your card is clear and unused before doing anything. It saves you the stress of arguing with a buyer or platform later.

4. The Platform You Are Using:

Finally, and probably the most important: where you redeem your card matters. I once wasted time on sketchy sites that promised high rates but gave me nothing but frustration. Maybe you’ve been there too. 

What changed everything for me was finding Cardtonic. The process was smooth, my payment came instantly, and for the first time, I felt safe trading my gift card. 

For you, choosing the right platform will make the difference between a smooth experience and unnecessary stress.

How to Redeem a Gift Card in Nigeria

There are three main ways to redeem your gift card: using the brand’s official website, redeeming at a physical store, or reselling it for cash. 

1. Redeem on the Official Website:

This is usually the first option people try. For example, when I got my Apple gift card, my instinct was to check Apple’s official site. If you own an Apple device or want to buy apps, music, or subscriptions, this works perfectly. 

But since I didn’t have any Apple products, the card just sat idle. That’s when I realised this option isn’t for everyone—it only makes sense if you actually use the brand’s services.

How to Redeem Online:

1. Visit the official website of the brand (e.g., iTunes, Amazon, Google Play).
2. Log in to your account.
3. Locate the “Redeem” or “Add Gift Card” option.
4. Enter your gift card code.
5. Confirm, and the value will be added to your account balance (e.g., Apple ID, Amazon, or Google Play) for purchases.

The exact steps vary from platform to platform, but the process is always similar.

2. Redeem at a Physical Store:

Some gift cards can also be used in walk-in stores, like Target or Walmart. You just pick what you want and pay with the card at checkout. The problem? Most of us in Nigeria don’t have access to these physical stores. It’s an option if you live abroad, but for most Nigerians, this route isn’t realistic.

How to Redeem in a Physical Store:

1. Visit a physical store that accepts the brand of your gift card.
2. Pick the items you want to buy.
3. At checkout, present your gift card (physical or digital code).
4. The cashier will deduct the purchase amount from your gift card balance.
5. If your balance is higher than the cost, the remaining amount stays on the card.

3. Resell for Cash:

Now, this is the option that worked best for me—and probably the one you’re looking for too. After realising I couldn’t use my Apple card directly, I decided to resell it for cash in Nigeria. 

That’s how I found Cardtonic, and the difference was night and day. Instead of letting the card waste, I redeemed it instantly for Naira. It was quick, stress-free, and gave me real value for something I thought was useless.

How to Redeem Your Gift Card For Cash On Cardtonic:

1. Open the Cardtonic app and sign in to your account.
2. Look for and tap “Sell Gift Cards” on the dashboard. 
3. Select the type of gift card you wish to redeem, e.g., Amazon, iTunes, PlayStation, etc. 
4. Enter the amount (value) of the gift card.
5. Upload images of the gift card; usually, the front and back of the card are required. 
6. Tap “Proceed” to submit your request. 
7. Wait for admin review and processing. Once approved, you’ll receive your payment very quickly.  

You can watch the video below for more practical steps on how to sell gift cards on Cardtonic.

Frequently Asked Questions About Redeeming Gift Cards in Nigeria

1. How Long Does it Take to Use a Gift Card in Nigeria?

It depends on how you’re redeeming it. Using it on the official website or in a physical store is usually instant. If you’re trading on an exchange like Cardtonic, the process only takes a few minutes.

2. Are there Fees or Charges When Using Gift Cards in Nigeria?

Official sites don’t add fees, but exchanges reflect charges in their rates. However, on platforms like Cardtonic, what you see is what you get.

3. What Types of Gift Cards can be used in Nigeria?

Some of the most common gift cards in Nigeria include iTunes, Amazon, Steam, Google Play, Sephora, and Visa/Mastercard gift cards.

4. Which Gift Cards have the Highest Resale Value in Nigeria?

In Nigeria, some of the gift cards with the highest resale value include Apple, Amazon, Google Play, and Steam. Others that also hold strong rates are Razer Gold, eBay, Sephora, American Express (AMEX), Nordstrom, and Nike gift cards.

4. How Can I Check if My Gift Card is Valid Before Trading?

The easiest way is to visit the brand’s official website or use its balance-check tool. This will confirm if your card is still active and usable.

5. How Much Is a $100 Gift Card in Nigerian Currency?

The value depends on the type of card and the current market rate. For example, a $100 eBay card may sell at a different rate than a $100 Steam or iTunes card. Rates also change daily. To know the exact amount, it’s best to check the Cardtonic rate calculator for the most up-to-date value in Naira.

Conclusion

Looking back at when I first got that Apple gift card and had no clue what to do with it, I’m glad I discovered that redeeming gift cards in Nigeria is actually simple once you know the right steps.

From checking the type of card, understanding the market rate, and making sure it’s in good condition, to finally choosing a safe platform, the whole process doesn’t have to be stressful.

For me, Cardtonic turned what felt like wasted value into instant cash. And if you’re holding a gift card right now and wondering what to do with it, the same can work for you. Instead of letting it gather digital dust, redeem it for real value and put that money to good use.