If you‘re looking to do some one-stop shopping for household essentials, groceries, and gifts, Target is often a go-to destination. The retail giant carries a wide array of products at affordable prices, including a large selection of gift cards to popular stores, restaurants, streaming services, and more. But if you‘re specifically on the hunt for an Amazon gift card, you may be out of luck at your local Target.
As a retail industry expert and avid shopper myself, I dug into Target‘s gift card offerings to get the scoop on whether the bullseye carries gift cards to that other e-commerce powerhouse. Here‘s everything you need to know.
Does Target Sell Amazon Gift Cards?
The short answer is no, unfortunately Target does not sell Amazon gift cards either in its physical retail stores or through its website Target.com. Although Target stocks a wide variety of other gift cards (more on that below), the Amazon gift card is a notable exception.
You won‘t find Amazon gift cards on the rack next to iTunes, Netflix, Starbucks and the bevy of other gift card options at Target. And if you search for "Amazon gift card" on Target.com, you‘ll come up empty handed there as well. This applies across the board at all Target locations and in all regions of the country.
Why Doesn‘t Target Sell Amazon Gift Cards?
So what‘s behind Target‘s decision not to carry Amazon gift cards? The answer mainly comes down to competition. As two of the largest and most successful retailers in the U.S., Amazon and Target are in direct competition with each other across many product categories.
From household basics to electronics, apparel, groceries, home goods and more, Target and Amazon‘s offerings overlap significantly. Both are fighting to win market share and customer loyalty in an increasingly e-commerce driven retail landscape.
Consider these statistics that highlight just how fierce the rivalry is between these two retail juggernauts:
-
As of 2021, Amazon is the largest e-commerce retailer in the U.S. with a market share of around 40%. Target.com ranks as the 7th largest e-commerce site with a 1.2% share of the market. (Source: eMarketer)
-
Target‘s annual revenue reached $93.6 billion in 2020, a year of record growth driven largely by a 145% increase in digital sales due to the pandemic. For comparison, Amazon‘s net sales increased 38% to $386.1 billion in 2020. (Sources: Target, Amazon)
-
A 2020 survey found that 63% of Target shoppers also have an Amazon Prime membership. 78% of Target shoppers said they shop on Amazon at least a few times per year. (Source: Numerator)
By choosing not to sell Amazon gift cards, Target avoids providing additional revenue and marketing for one of its chief rivals. The company likely determined that the potential downside of enabling more spending with their competitor outweighed the upside of additional gift card sales.
This decision is similar to other large retail chains like Walmart and Costco, which also opt not to carry Amazon gift cards in their stores or online. Even popular pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens don‘t stock Amazon gift cards.
While it may be inconvenient for shoppers looking to grab an Amazon gift card while picking up laundry detergent and paper towels, Target‘s stance is understandable from a strategic business perspective. Gift cards effectively act as a form of free advertising for the retailer they‘re associated with.
What Gift Cards Does Target Sell?
Although you won‘t find Amazon gift cards at Target, the retailer does carry an extensive selection of other gift cards for sale both in-store and online. Popular categories include entertainment, dining, gaming, music and streaming, travel, and more.
According to a Target spokesperson, gift cards are a key part of the company‘s business, accounting for a significant portion of annual sales. Target reportedly sells more gift cards than any other retailer in the U.S., including major grocery stores and pharmacies.
Target offers several types of gift cards:
- Physical gift cards – plastic or paper cards that can be purchased in-store and gifted in person or mailed to the recipient
- eGift cards – digital gift cards that can be bought on Target.com and emailed to the recipient or printed at home
- Mobile gift cards – gift cards that can be stored and redeemed directly on the Target app, either by scanning a barcode or showing a digital wallet pass
Some of the top gift card brands you can find at Target include:
- Visa, Mastercard, and American Express
- iTunes and Apple Store
- Google Play
- Netflix
- Hulu
- Starbucks
- DoorDash and Grubhub
- Domino‘s Pizza
- Chipotle
- The Cheesecake Factory
- Nintendo eShop
- Xbox
- PlayStation Store
- Roblox
- Disney
Gift cards are available in set denominations typically ranging from $15-500 as well as variable amounts that can be customized by the buyer. Target also sometimes offers promotions like bonus gift cards with certain purchases or discounts on select gift cards during the holidays.
Whether you‘re looking for a last-minute present or a simple way to say thank you, Target‘s gift card mall has something to suit many occasions and recipients. Unfortunately, Amazon fans are out of luck.
Target Circle and Gift Card Perks
It‘s worth noting that Target offers additional benefits to gift card shoppers through its Target Circle loyalty program. Target Circle rewards include:
- 1% earnings on in-store gift card purchases to redeem later
- 5% off a single purchase for your birthday (includes gift cards)
- Exclusive deals on select gift cards throughout the year
- A vote to direct Target‘s community giving initiatives
To take advantage of these perks, shoppers can join the free program by signing up online, on the Target app, or in-store. Some restrictions apply and gift card promotions are subject to change.
With 75 million members and counting, Target Circle has become a popular way for frequent shoppers to save more at the bullseye. If you‘re planning on stocking up on gift cards for the holidays or special occasions, it pays to be a member.
Where Can You Buy Amazon Gift Cards?
Luckily, if you have your heart set on an Amazon gift card, you still have plenty of options beyond Target. Amazon gift cards are widely available from many other retailers, both large and small.
You can find Amazon gift cards for sale at most major grocery store chains, convenience stores, pharmacies, and other retail locations. Some of the top stores that carry Amazon gift cards include:
- Whole Foods Market
- Kroger
- Safeway
- Walgreens
- CVS
- 7-Eleven
- Circle K
- Speedway
Office supply stores like Staples also stock Amazon gift cards, as do many gas stations and corner markets. Even some unexpected spots like Lowe‘s home improvement and Best Buy carry them.
Online shoppers also have a range of convenient options. Amazon gift cards can be purchased in digital form directly from Amazon‘s website, on Amazon.com.
On the Amazon gift card page, you can:
- Choose from set denominations of $1-2,000 or enter a custom amount (up to $2,000)
- Select a gift card design – including animated and video options for digital cards
- Enter the recipient‘s email address
- Add a personalized message and photo
- Choose delivery speed – immediate or on a future date
Print at home and mail options are also available for physical gift cards purchased on Amazon. The company offers free one-day shipping on many of its gift cards as a Prime member perk.
Websites like GiftCards.com and eGifter.com are other online sources for buying Amazon gift cards. CardCash.com is a popular site for discounted gift cards from major retailers, and sometimes carries Amazon cards for less than face value.
Keep in mind that authorized retailers and websites will charge face value for Amazon gift cards, while online resellers may offer discounts in some cases. Purchasing through Amazon directly or a major chain retailer is generally the safest bet to ensure you‘re getting a legitimate, full-value card.
How to Redeem Amazon Gift Cards
Once you have an Amazon gift card in hand, redeeming it is a straightforward process. Here‘s how:
- Log in to your Amazon account
- Navigate to the "Gift Cards" section under "Your Account"
- Click "Redeem a Gift Card"
- Enter your claim code (printed on the back of physical cards or provided via email for digital cards)
- Click "Apply to your balance"
The gift card funds will be added to your account and applied automatically to eligible purchases during checkout. You can also choose to split payment between a gift card and another payment method if your order total exceeds the gift card balance.
To check your gift card balance at any time, visit the Gift Card Balance page on Amazon. There is no fee to activate or maintain an Amazon gift card, and funds do not expire.
One important thing to note is that Amazon gift cards can only be used to purchase eligible goods and services on Amazon.com (and other international Amazon sites). They cannot be used on purchases from third-party sellers or Amazon‘s other properties like Audible.com.
Tips for Buying and Using Gift Cards Safely
While gift cards are a convenient option for many occasions, it‘s important to be aware of potential risks and scams. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Only buy from trusted sources, like major retailers, reputable websites, or directly from the merchant
- Check the packaging for signs of tampering before purchasing physical gift cards
- Treat gift cards like cash and store them securely
- Don‘t share your gift card number or PIN with others
- Be wary of unsolicited offers or demands for payment via gift card – this is a common red flag for scams
- Check your gift card balance regularly for unauthorized use
- Report a lost or stolen gift card to the issuer immediately to potentially recoup any lost funds
Following these simple precautions can help ensure a positive gift card experience for you and your recipients.
The Bottom Line on Buying Amazon Gift Cards at Target
To recap, Target does not sell Amazon gift cards in any of its stores or through its website. The retailer has evidently made the strategic decision not to carry gift cards for one of its biggest competitors in the retail space.
However, Target customers still have access to a wide range of other popular gift card options from major brands in categories like dining, entertainment, gaming and more. Target‘s loyalty program also offers perks for gift card purchases like 1% earnings and special discounts.
If you‘re looking specifically for an Amazon gift card, you‘re best off purchasing one directly from Amazon.com or checking the gift card racks at grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies, office supply retailers, and online gift card websites.
As always, be sure to inspect any third-party gift card for signs of tampering and stick to authorized sellers to avoid scams. With a little research and caution, you‘re sure to find the perfect gift card for anyone on your list – even if it‘s not at Target.
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the ongoing consumer shift to e-commerce and digital payments, and this trend is likely to impact gift card spending moving forward. With more shoppers getting comfortable buying online, digital gift card sales are poised for continued growth.
According to Research & Markets, the global gift card industry is projected to reach $1.4 trillion by 2026. Digital gift cards are expected to be the fastest-growing segment, with a CAGR of over 23% during the forecast period.
As the retail landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how major players like Target and Amazon adapt their strategies around gift cards and customer loyalty. For now, the exclusion of Amazon gift cards at Target remains a notable example of the competition between these two retail giants.
