How to Check If Your Gift Card Is Still Valid Before You Trade It.

Nothing breaks your heart than being disappointed that your gift card has no value when you are able to trade it. As such, I want to show you how to check if your gift card is still valid before you trade it.

Many Nigerians make the mistake of holding onto their gift cards for too long, only to discover later that the card has expired or the code is no longer active. Before you upload your card to any trading platform, it’s important to confirm that it’s still valid and has its full balance intact. This saves you from unnecessary stress, delays, or rejection during trade verification.

Before we proceed, why is it important to validate your gift card?

Why Validating Your Gift Card Matters

Validating your gift card before trading is the difference between cashing out smoothly and losing your money entirely. Many people assume that once they have a gift card, it automatically holds value forever, but that’s not always the case.

Fig. 1 – Why Do Gift Cards Have Varying Rates?

Let me tell you why checking your gift card’s validity is crucial:

To Avoid Trading Invalid or Used Cards

Some gift cards may have already been used, tampered with, or deactivated without your knowledge. This is a common experience if you didn’t buy them directly from the source. Validating the card ensures you’re not wasting time trading something with no balance.

To Prevent Rejection During Trade

Most reliable trading platforms, such as Ridima, verify your card before processing payment. If your card fails validation, the transaction will be declined. Confirming it in advance helps you avoid delays or disappointment.

To Protect Your Money from Expired Cards

Some cards, like Visa gift cards, can expire after a certain period. Once they do, the value may be lost or start reducing due to inactivity fees.

To Get the Most Accurate Value

When you verify your gift card, you can also confirm the remaining balance. This helps you know exactly how much it’s worth before uploading it to trade. That way, you can be sure if an exchange platform is trying to take your money or not.

To Build Trust with Your Trading Platform

Trading valid and confirmed cards reduces disputes and builds a good trading history. Hence, credible platforms like Ridima process verified trades faster because there’s less need for manual review.

Step-by-Step: How to Check If Your Gift Card Is Still Valid

Fig. 2 – 7 Important Facts You Should Know About Gift Cards

Now that you understand why validation matters, let’s go over how to actually check if your gift card is still valid before you trade it. The method you will use depends on the type of card you have, but here are the most common and effective ways to confirm its status:

Check the Balance on the Official Website

Every major gift card brand has a balance-checking page on its website. For example:

Amazon Gift Card: Visit amazon.com/gc/balance and log in to your account.
iTunes or Apple Gift Card: Go to your Apple account and click “Redeem.” The system will show you if the card is active.
Google Play Gift Card: Visit play.google.com/redeem to check validity or remaining balance.

All you need is your card’s code or PIN. If the site shows a balance, you’re good to go. If it shows an error or a zero balance, don’t trade it, as it may already be used or expired.

Use the Card Issuer’s Customer Service

If you’re not sure where to check online, call or email the brand’s customer support. Most automated phone systems allow you to enter your card number to hear your current balance. This is especially useful for physical cards with unclear origins.

Check for Expiration Date or Inactivity Fees

Look carefully at the back of your physical gift card. Some cards come with expiry dates or start losing value if unused for a long time. Always redeem or trade them before the expiry date.

Avoid Third-Party Balance Checkers

There are many websites that claim to check gift card balances instantly. Be careful, as most of them are scams designed to steal your card details. Always check directly from the official brand website or through trusted apps like Ridima.

Test Small (If You’re Unsure)

If you suspect a card might be invalid, try redeeming a small portion or using the card to make a low-value purchase. If it goes through, you’ll know it’s still valid.

Common Signs Your Gift Card Might Be Invalid

Before you even start checking the balance, there are early warning signs that your gift card might already be invalid or compromised. Here are the most common ones to look out for:

Scratched or Damaged Code

If the code on the back of the card is faint, scratched off, or unreadable, that’s a red flag. Trading platforms will reject it immediately because the code is what confirms ownership and value. Hence, always handle your physical cards with care.

“Invalid Code” or “Already Redeemed” Message

When you try to check the balance and see messages like “Invalid Code,” “Already Redeemed,” or “This Card Cannot Be Used”, it means someone has already used the card or it’s no longer active.

Expired Date

Some cards have their expiry dates printed on them. If the date has passed, the card is no longer valid, even if it hasn’t been used. So, you can look out for the dates.

Unknown or Suspicious Source

If you got your card from an unreliable seller or a random online giveaway, there’s a high chance it’s fake or has been tampered with. Only buy or accept gift cards from trusted sources.

However, you can receive the online giveaway card and try it. You have nothing to lose at the end of the day.

Currency or Region Mismatch

If the card says “UK Only,” but you’re trying to use or sell it as a global card, it will likely fail. Always confirm that the region matches what your trading platform accepts.

Long Period of Inactivity

Leaving a gift card unused for months can make it lose value or trigger automatic deactivation. If you have had your card sitting around for too long, check it immediately.

If you don’t need it urgently, you can convert it to cash within minutes on Ridima. Let me show you how.

How to Trade Your Gift Cards on Ridima.

You can trade your gift cards on Ridima by following the process below;

Create an account via our website or mobile app.
Download the Ridima Mobile App from the Google Play Store or the App Store.
Register and set up your account profile.
Optionally, verify your BVN for added security.
Add your bank account details for easy fund withdrawal.
Click “TRADE GIFT CARDS” and select “SELL GIFT CARDS.”
Click on “Amazon.”
Use the dropdown for “SELECT CURRENCY” (USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, etc.)
Specify the currency and card type (E.g., Physical card, E-Code, Receipt, etc.).
Enter card details: sub-category, value, and amount.
Review the cash payout in Naira and proceed.
Verify the gift card by entering the e-code or uploading a photo of it.
Confirm the transaction and receive instant cash in your account wallet for withdrawal.

Conclusion.

Your gift card is only as valuable as its validity. Before you rush to trade, always take a moment to check if it’s still active and holds its full balance. A simple verification step can save you from unnecessary losses, stress, or disappointment.

Thankfully, platforms like Ridima make the entire process easier and safer. So, the next time you’re about to trade, choose smart and trade with confidence using Ridima.

If you enjoyed this, read more;

Battle of Gift Cards: Which One Pays the Most in 2025?

How to Make Money as a Student in Nigeria in 2025

The Most Valuable Gift Cards in Nigeria (2025)

Possible eBay Gift Card Errors and How to Fix Them in 2025

How to Redeem a Google Play Gift Card on a Google Play Account

7 Best Gift Cards for Teachers to Show Your Appreciation

Why Do Gift Cards Have Varying Rates?

How to use AMEX gift card to make payments on Amazon

American express gift cards everything you need to know about them

How much is 500 AMEX gift card to Naira