Gift cards are a popular way of gifting someone money, especially during the holiday season. However, many people wonder if they can use their gift card to play games. The answer is yes, but it depends on the type of gift card.
What is a gift card?
A gift card is a prepaid card that contains a specific amount of money. It can be used to purchase goods or services at the store or online. Gift cards are an excellent option for gifting friends and family as they allow them to choose what they want.
Types of gift cards
There are two types of gift cards: closed-loop and open-loop.
Closed-loop gift cards are specific to a particular store or chain. They can only be used at that store or chain and not anywhere else. For example, if you have a Starbucks gift card, you can only use it at Starbucks.
Open-loop gift cards, also known as network-branded gift cards, have the logo of a major credit card company like Visa, Mastercard, or American Express on them. They can be used anywhere that accepts credit cards.
Can you use a gift card to play games?
If you have an open-loop gift card, you can use it to play games online or offline as long as the game accepts credit cards. However, if you have a closed-loop gift card like an Xbox or PlayStation Store Gift Card, you can only use it to purchase games from that particular store.
It’s essential to note that some games may require additional in-game purchases like virtual currency or DLC (Downloadable Content). In such cases, you may need to link your open-loop gift card with your gaming account before making any purchases.
Using a Gift Card for Online Gaming
To use your open-loop gift card for online gaming purchases:
- Log in to your gaming account.
- Select the game or DLC you want to purchase.
- At the payment page, select Credit Card as your payment method.
- Enter your gift card details, including the card number, expiry date, and CVV.
- Click on “Submit” to complete your purchase.
Alternatively, you can add your open-loop gift card as a payment method to your gaming account. This way, you don’t have to enter your card details every time you make a purchase.
Conclusion
In conclusion, gift cards can be used to play games if they are open-loop gift cards. Closed-loop gift cards can only be used to purchase games from that particular store.
It’s essential to read the terms and conditions of the gift card carefully before using it for gaming purchases. With these tips in mind, you can make the most out of your gift card and enjoy playing your favorite games hassle-free.