How do I create and manage gift cards in Shopify?

Shopify gift cards are digital products that customers can purchase or that you can issue manually from the admin. They are delivered by email by default and, unless configured otherwise, do not expire. Gift cards help increase cash flow and encourage repeat purchases.

Part 1: Create a Gift Card Product (Sell Gift Cards Online)

This method allows customers to buy gift cards directly from your store.

1. Go to Shopify Admin → Products → Gift cards.
2. Click Add gift card product.
3. Enter basic product details:
   • Title (e.g., Birthday Gift Card)
   • Description
   • Product image or media

Set Gift Card Denominations

• Default denominations are generated automatically.
• Edit values to any amount greater than zero (up to $10,000 USD or equivalent).
• Click Add denomination to add more options.
• A minimum of one denomination is required.
• Customers cannot enter custom amounts from the storefront.

Additional Settings

• Adjust search engine listing preview (SEO title and description).
• Set product availability under Sales channels.
• Add product type, vendor, collections, and tags.

Click Save. When a customer purchases the product, Shopify automatically generates a unique gift card code and emails it to the customer.

Part 2: Create a Gift Card Manually (Issue from Admin)

This method is ideal for refunds, store credits, or custom amounts.

1. Go to Shopify Admin → Products → Gift cards.
2. Click Create gift card.
3. Enter the Initial value (up to $2,000 USD by default).
4. Add a customer (email or phone number required).
5. Optionally set an expiration date (check local laws first).
6. Add internal notes if needed.
7. Click Save, then Send gift card.

Note: Shopify Plus merchants registered as money services businesses can request an increased manual limit up to $10,000 USD.

Part 3: Manage Gift Cards in Shopify

From Products → Gift cards, you can:

• Search, filter, and sort gift cards.
• View balance and transaction history.
• Resend gift cards via email or SMS.
• Deactivate a gift card (prevents further use).
• Export gift cards to CSV for records.

Refund to a Gift Card

You can issue refunds directly to a gift card from the order refund page.

Gift Card Settings

Expiration Settings

• By default, gift cards do not expire.
• You can configure expiration rules (commonly up to 5 years where allowed).
• Always verify local legal requirements before enabling expiration.

Apple Wallet Integration

• Customers can add gift cards to Apple Wallet.
• Requires a banner image (1125px × 432px) and header text (max 30 characters).

Automatic Fulfillment

Gift cards are automatically delivered after purchase unless fulfillment settings are changed.

How Customers Redeem Gift Cards

• Customers enter the gift card code at checkout.
• Codes are not case-sensitive.
• Gift card balance applies to order total (including taxes and shipping).
• If balance is insufficient, customers can use an additional payment method.
• Multiple gift cards can be used on one order.
• Gift cards cannot be used to purchase another gift card.

Where Gift Cards Can Be Redeemed

• Online store
• Shopify POS
• Shop app
• Buy Button and supported sales channels

Important Limits and Rules

• Gift card products: Up to $10,000 USD per denomination.
• Manual gift cards: Up to $2,000 USD (higher limit available for eligible Plus merchants).
• Use discount codes or automatic discounts to discount gift card products (do not use Compare-at price).
• Staff permissions control who can view, create, export, or deactivate gift cards.