When you need a quick and easy gift for any occasion, gift cards are often the way to go. Nearly every major retailer offers them, allowing your recipient to pick out exactly what they want. In fact, gift cards have become a massive industry in their own right. According to research firm Mercator Advisory Group, the total volume of gift card purchases in the U.S. reached $171 billion in 2019 and is projected to grow to $218 billion by 2024.
But where can you find a wide selection of gift cards at the last minute? Look no further than your neighborhood 7-Eleven. As one of the largest and most popular convenience store chains, 7-Eleven offers a surprising variety of gift cards for everything from streaming services to your favorite restaurants. Keep reading for an in-depth look at 7-Eleven‘s gift card offerings, including what brands you can expect to find, how to check the stock at your local store, and expert tips for getting the most out of your 7-Eleven gift card purchase.
How 7-Eleven‘s Business Model Impacts Gift Card Selection
Before we dive into the specific gift cards you can buy at 7-Eleven, it‘s helpful to understand a bit about how the company operates. Founded in 1927, 7-Eleven has grown to become the world‘s largest convenience store chain with over 70,000 stores across 17 countries. In the U.S. alone, 7-Eleven operates, franchises and licenses more than 9,000 stores and generates annual revenue of $14.88 billion.
While 7-Eleven is a global brand, the vast majority of its stores are actually franchises. In fact, franchisees own and operate about 94% of 7-Eleven‘s U.S. stores. This means they are independently owned and managed by individual franchisees who have licensed the 7-Eleven brand and business model.
What does this franchise structure mean for 7-Eleven‘s gift card selection? In short, it can vary widely from one store to the next. Corporate 7-Eleven provides franchisees with market research and analytics to help them choose which products to stock. However, each store owner ultimately decides what to carry based on local customer demand, available shelf space, and other factors.
As a result, not all 7-Eleven stores will have the exact same assortment of gift cards at any given time. The options at your go-to 7-Eleven could be quite different from the selection at another location across town or in a different region. With that said, most 7-Eleven stores aim to stock a good mix of universally popular gift card brands along with local favorites to meet the needs of their customers.
Types of Gift Cards Typically Sold at 7-Eleven
While the exact gift card assortment varies by location, most 7-Eleven stores carry a range of options across several main categories:
Prepaid Credit Cards
- Visa
- American Express
- MasterCard
Entertainment Gift Cards
- Apple / iTunes
- Google Play
- Netflix
- Hulu
- Spotify
- Xbox
- PlayStation
- Nintendo eShop
- Fandango
- Regal Cinemas
- AMC Theatres
Retail Store Gift Cards
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Target
- Kohl‘s
- Macy‘s
- Best Buy
- GameStop
- Barnes & Noble
- Sephora
- Lowe‘s
- Home Depot
- Foot Locker
- Dick‘s Sporting Goods
- Ulta Beauty
- Bath & Body Works
Restaurant Gift Cards
- Starbucks
- Dunkin‘
- McDonald‘s
- Subway
- Domino‘s
- Burger King
- Wendy‘s
- Chick-fil-A
- Chipotle
- Panera Bread
- Olive Garden
- Chili‘s
- Outback Steakhouse
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- Applebee‘s
- Texas Roadhouse
- Cheesecake Factory
- Red Lobster
- Cracker Barrel
Telecom Gift Cards
- AT&T
- Verizon
- T-Mobile
- Boost Mobile
This broad selection covers many of the most sought-after gift card categories. Restaurant gift cards are perennially popular choices, with over a third of U.S. consumers purchasing them as gifts. Retail, entertainment and digital content gift cards are also in high demand, reflecting the continued growth of ecommerce and streaming services.
7-Eleven‘s varied gift card assortment stacks up fairly well against other major convenience store chains and pharmacy retailers. A recent gift card audit by GiftCardGranny.com found that 7-Eleven offered around 34 different gift card options on average, trailing slightly behind leaders Rite Aid (43) and CVS (38) but ahead of Circle K (28), Speedway (17) and Walgreens (13).
Checking Gift Card Availability at Your Local 7-Eleven
Since gift card selection can fluctuate between 7-Eleven stores, how can you know what‘s currently in stock at your neighborhood location? One option is to simply call ahead or stop by in person. 7-Eleven doesn‘t provide online inventory for individual stores, so you‘ll need to check with the store directly to get the most up-to-date information.
If you call, let the store associate know you‘re interested in buying a gift card and ask what kinds they have available at the moment. The employee should be able to list some of the most popular gift card brands they carry or even check the gift card rack if there‘s a specific card you‘re looking for.
Of course, visiting your local 7-Eleven in person is the best way to browse their full gift card selection. You might spot gift cards you didn‘t expect them to carry or discover new options that inspire your gift-giving. Plus, being able to pick up the gift card right then and there saves you an extra trip later on.
Reloading Prepaid Gift Cards at 7-Eleven
In addition to closed-loop gift cards that can only be redeemed at the issuing retailer, 7-Eleven sells a variety of prepaid debit cards, including the Netspend Visa Prepaid Card and 7-Eleven‘s own 7-Select Prepaid Mastercard. These reloadable cards can be used anywhere the payment network (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) is accepted, making them more flexible than traditional gift cards.
Even better, many 7-Eleven stores participate in the Green Dot and Vanilla Reload networks, meaning you can add money to these prepaid cards right at the register. Prepaid card reloading is a convenient service for regular users, allowing them to top off their balance while picking up everyday items at 7-Eleven.
Green Dot and Vanilla Reload‘s websites have store locators to help find participating 7-Eleven locations, though cashiers should also be able to confirm whether they can process prepaid reloads. Just keep in mind that each reload network only works with eligible cards issued by that company.
Convenience and Selection Make 7-Eleven a Gift Card Destination
Convenience is the name of the game at 7-Eleven, and that extends to their gift card offerings. With over 9,000 U.S. locations, many of which operate 24/7, there‘s bound to be a 7-Eleven nearby whenever a last-minute gift need arises.
"7-Eleven has made gift cards an important piece of their in-store assortment. Having a meaningful variety of gift cards for top national brands gives 7-Eleven a leg up when it comes to unplanned or impulse gift card purchases," said Ben Kaplan, CEO of CashStar, a leading provider of prepaid commerce solutions.
Indeed, it‘s hard to beat swinging by 7-Eleven when you‘re already out and about to quickly pick up a gift card for an upcoming birthday, holiday or event. There‘s no battling crowds at the mall, waiting in long checkout lines or worrying about shipping delays.
The combination of convenience and a diverse gift card selection has helped position 7-Eleven as a go-to gifting destination, especially for busy, on-the-go shoppers. 7-Eleven shoppers "over-index" on gift card purchases compared to the average consumer, acquiring six gift cards per year on average across a wide range of retail segments.
Tips for Buying and Giving 7-Eleven Gift Cards
To make the most of your gift card purchase at 7-Eleven, consider these expert tips:
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Check the card balance before gifting. 7-Eleven cashiers should always activate gift cards upon purchase, but it‘s a good idea to double check the balance. You can usually find a web address or phone number to check the balance on the back of the gift card or packaging.
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Look for gift card promotions and bonus offers. While 7-Eleven doesn‘t run gift card promos as often as some larger retailers, it‘s still worth keeping an eye out for special discounts or bonus rewards, especially around the holidays. In the past, 7-Eleven has offered fuel savings or free merchandise with qualifying gift card purchases.
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Consider prepaid cards for the most flexibility. If you‘re unsure of your recipient‘s specific interests, a prepaid Visa or Mastercard gift card can be a great catchall option. These can be used anywhere that accepts credit cards, giving your recipient ultimate spending flexibility.
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Go digital with 7-Eleven‘s gift card app. Did you know 7-Eleven has its own mobile app where you can send and receive digital gift cards? Available on both iOS and Android devices, the 7-Eleven Gift Card app lets you instantly purchase and deliver mobile gift cards for several popular brands like Xbox, Uber, and Domino‘s. It‘s perfect for when you need a gift in a pinch and don‘t have time to make it to the store.
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Include the gift receipt…just in case. Some gift cards come with a separate gift receipt showing the purchase price and transaction info. Always pass this along to your recipient in case there are any issues with the gift card down the line. While gift card problems are rare, a gift receipt can be helpful for verifying and resolving any hiccups.
Despite a few potential limitations compared to big box stores, 7-Eleven offers an impressive gift card selection coupled with unparalleled convenience. This winning combination makes it easier than ever to find the perfect gift card for anyone on your list, no matter the occasion.
"As a leader in the convenience retail space, 7-Eleven continues to innovate and improve their gift card program to align with consumer needs and preferences," said Theresa McEndree, VP of Marketing at Blackhawk Network, a global leader in gift card distribution. "We expect more exciting developments from 7-Eleven as they work to personalize and enhance the gift card experience, both in-store and digitally."
The next time you‘re in a gifting pinch, remember that your neighborhood 7-Eleven likely has a gift card for that. By following the tips outlined here and exploring all the gift card options 7-Eleven has to offer, you‘ll become a gift card giving pro in no time.
