Gift cards are convenient for giving and receiving but can be tricky when making larger purchases. Many shoppers have multiple gift cards from different stores, each with varying amounts that don’t entirely cover what they want to buy. Combining these cards strategically can help you maximize their value and afford items out of reach with a single card.

Why combine gift cards?

Combining multiple gift cards allows you to consolidate fragmented value into a more helpful sum. Instead of making several small purchases across different stores, pooling your gift cards can help you afford the big-ticket items you’ve been eyeing. This approach is beneficial after holidays or birthdays when you receive several cards with modest amounts. Consolidation also helps reduce the risk of forgetting about cards with small balances, which often go unused and eventually expire, resulting in wasted money.

Online retailers that accept multiple cards

Several major online retailers have systems in place that make it easy to use multiple gift cards for a single purchase:

  • Amazon allows adding up to 20 gift cards to your account balance
  • Target permits using up to 5 gift cards per online order
  • Walmart supports multiple gift card payments in a single transaction
  • Best Buy accepts several gift cards for one purchase, both online and in-store

Always check the retailer’s gift card policy page to confirm their current limitations when using multiple cards.

Strategies for in-store purchases

Using multiple gift cards for in-store purchases requires more planning. Always tell the cashier about your intention to use various cards before they begin scanning your items. Some registers have limitations on the number of payment methods they can process, so ask about store policies beforehand. Try shopping during less busy hours when cashiers have more time to process complicated transactions. Be organized by arranging your cards in order of use and knowing each card’s gift card mall balance before reaching the register to avoid holding up the line.

Balance transfer methods

There are some retailers that allow gift card balances to be combined onto one card. This service might be available through customer service desks or online account management tools. Third-party gift card exchange services sometimes provide balance consolidation options, though these may come with processing fees. For brand-specific cards, calling the customer service number may reveal options for transferring balances between cards that aren’t advertised online.

Managing small remaining balances

Small leftover balances can be particularly challenging to use efficiently:

  • Use small balances for everyday purchases like groceries or gas
  • Combine a small balance card with cash or credit card for a more significant purchase
  • Apply tiny balances toward subscription renewals or recurring bills
  • Donate cards with minimal balances to charity organizations

Research is essential when making a large purchase using multiple gift cards. Contact the store directly to learn their policies on using various gift cards. Consider splitting your purchase into separate transactions if a store limits the number of cards per sale. For online purchases, test adding one gift card to your account first to ensure the system works appropriately before adding others. Always have a backup payment method ready in case of unexpected issues with your gift cards.