What is an iTunes Gift Card? Uses and How to Redeem

iTunes gift cards are one of the most popular gift cards, combining strong demand and high resale values. They find application in adding credit to your Apple ID / Apple Account balance, funds which can be utilized to pay for digital items on the Apple ecosystem.

Even as Apple unified its product offering in 2020, in favor of a single Apple gift card, iTunes gift cards still find strong use cases and are redeemable in many regions.

The end goal of this piece is to discuss iTunes gift cards, their use cases, and how to redeem them. Now, let’s jump right into it.

What is an iTunes Gift Card?

iTunes gift cards are closed-loop gift cards designed for the Apple ecosystem. Like a prepaid voucher, you can use them to purchase things from the iTunes Store instead of paying with your debit card or any other traditional payment method. Things such as apps, media, and content.

But what is iTunes?

It is software owned by Apple that allows users to do a range of things, such as import songs from CDs, purchase music, have access to online live streams, watch movies, and so much more. 

Before the inception of iTunes, people usually had to go to physical music shops to buy music records or even download them from illegal sites. But now, you can purchase music online through the iTunes Store. 

Like other gift vouchers, it comes in two forms: a physical card and an E-gift card. You can buy iTunes gift cards via a physical Apple retail outlet, the website, or a convenience store. 

iTunes Vs Apple Gift Cards

People often confuse iTunes gift cards with Apple gift cards. They are similar but are not essentially the same. One is older and focuses on digital services, while the other is modern and unlocks access to both digital services and hardware.

So here is the gist: In 2020, Apple unified everything under an Apple gift card to cater to digital content and hardware. 

Previously, they offered three main card types: App Store & iTunes Gift Cards, Apple Store Gift Cards, and promotional cards. But the cards didn’t work interchangeably.

So in July, 2020, Apple launched a Unified Apple gift card. However, iTunes gift cards remain valid and redeemable in many regions.

Essentially, the key difference between an iTunes and Apple gift card lies in what you can use them for. 

What Is An iTunes Gift Card Used For?

I have previously mentioned a few things about iTunes as a platform and its gift card; now let’s fully highlight the uses of an iTunes gift card.

• To Purchase Apps On The Apple App Store:

From games to other types of applications and subscriptions, some are free, some are not, but if you have an iTunes card, you can use it to buy these paid apps.

• To Renew Apple Music Subscriptions: 

For some reason, Nigerian debit cards don’t work on Apple Music, and people keep asking: “What debit card can I use to pay for Apple Music?” It seems like Apple has a love-hate relationship with Nigerian Debit cards, but there is a solution. Instead of fighting with your bank, an iTunes gift card can solve your problem. 

• To Purchase iCloud Storage:

As a new user, you automatically get 5GB of free iCloud space, but it can get filled up quickly. To upgrade to a larger iCloud storage plan, you can use an iTunes gift voucher to buy iCloud storage space for your Apple product.

• To Buy Movies and Books:

With the balance on your iTunes gift voucher, you can purchase various paid books on Apple Books and movies available on the iTunes Store. 

• In-app Purchases:

You can use the iTunes gift card for in-app purchases and to buy game currencies on the App Store.

How To Redeem an iTunes Gift Card

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to redeem your iTunes gift card on iPhone, Mac, Windows, or browser, respectively.

But first, you need to peel off the label from the back of the card. This reveals a 16-digit code which starts with an “X.”

On iPhone or iPad:

1. Open the Apple App Store. 
2. At the top of your screen, tap the photo or sign-in button.
3. Tap Redeem Gift Card or Code. 
4. Tap Use Camera to scan the code at the back of your physical gift card or tap Enter Code Manually to type out the 16-digit code. Review the 16-digit code carefully to make sure it is correct.
5. Tap Redeem. After this, the amount on the card will be added to your Apple account balance, and you can now use it to purchase apps, music, movies, and basically anything that requires you to input your Apple ID.

On Mac:

1. Open the App Store on your computer.
2. Click your name or the Sign In button at the bottom left sidebar.
3. Click Redeem Gift Card.
4. Enter the 16-digit code or use your camera.
5. Click Redeem.

On Windows:

You can use the Apple iTunes app:

1. Open the iTunes app and sign in.
2. Click Account > Redeem from the top menu bar.
3. Key in the 16-digit code.
4. Tap Redeem to add the balance to your Apple Account.

On the Web:

This one works on any browser. You don’t require any special app.

1. Open your browser and tap apple.com/redeem. 
2. Sign into your Apple Account.
3. Key in your 16-digit code.
4. Tap Redeem, and the balance will be added to your Apple Account.

However, if the card was delivered by email, you just need to tap Redeem Now on the gift email. It will launch the App Store with the code already entered.

NB: If your iTunes gift card fails to redeem, first check for typographical errors, check the gift card type, and then confirm that your Apple ID country matches the place of purchase.

The Best Site To Redeem iTunes Gift Cards For Cash

Earlier, we discussed how to redeem your gift voucher and add it to your Apple balance. But did you know you can also redeem it for cash? Let’s discuss how you can make quick money by selling your iTunes gift card for cash using the best gift card trading app, Cardtonic.

Cardtonic is a gift card trading platform in Africa where users can sell unused iTunes gift cards in exchange for money. 

Every year, thousands of gift cards go unused and cause a lot of waste. In 2019 alone, about $3 billion in gift cards went unused. This is because some people abandon their gift cards entirely or even misplace them. 

Many of these popular foreign brands that issue gift vouchers are actually not operating in Nigeria, so Nigerians who own these gift cards most likely have no use for them and abandon them. 

But with gift card trading platforms like Cardtonic, you can sell your unused gift card at mouth-watering rates. 

Cardtonic is currently available in Nigeria and Ghana. For further enquiries, you can reach a representative at +23413430626, send a message on WhatsApp at +2347060502770, or use the LIVE CHAT button available in-app or on the website. 

Frequently Asked Questions About iTunes Gift Cards

• Where Can I Redeem an iTunes Gift Card?

You can redeem an iTunes gift card on the App Store, Apple Wallet, or the Apple Redeem page. You can open the App Store on your device or use the Apple Redeem page on the web.

• Where to Buy an iTunes Gift Card in Nigeria?

The best place to buy an iTunes gift card in Nigeria is the Cardtonic platform. Cardtonic offers not only reliability but the best rates, seamless user experience, customer support, and advanced security for your personal data.

• Does an iTunes Gift Card Expire?

No, an iTunes gift card, like an Apple gift card, never expires. Once you redeem the funds to your Apple ID. It stays there until you use it.

• How to Check Your iTunes Gift Card Balance?

The easiest way to check your iTunes gift card balance is to redeem it to your Apple account balance. You can then find your balance in the profile section. Another way to check your balance without redeeming it is to use the official Apple Support page.

• What Can You Buy With an iTunes Gift Card?

You can use an iTunes gift card to buy games, apps, and in-app items. Others include music, albums, and TV shows from the iTunes Store. You can also use iTunes gift cards to pay for subscriptions such as iCloud+ and Apple TV.

• What’s the Difference Between Open Loop and Closed Loop Gift Cards?

Open-loop gift cards are more widely accepted at global stores. For example, MasterCard, Visa, and American Express. But Closed-loop gift Cards can only be used in specific stores specified by the retailer or brand. For example, Target, Amazon, Walmart, and Netflix gift cards.

Conclusion

iTunes gift cards find great application in paying for digital items on the Apple ecosystem. They remain valid even as Apple has unified its product offering in favor of a single Apple gift card.

iTunes gift cards have several use cases, from paying for subscriptions to purchasing paid apps and entertainment. Its services, strong demand, and high resale value are essentially why they are considered one of the most popular gift cards in the market.