Groupon Gift Cards: Where to Buy and How to Use Them

Groupon Gift Cards: The Ultimate Guide to Buying, Redeeming, and Saving

by

Giving the gift of experiences, services, and unique products is easier than ever with Groupon. But instead of guessing which spa day or restaurant deal your friend might love, a Groupon gift card offers the ultimate flexibility. It unlocks a world of possibilities, from local dining and wellness treatments to exciting getaways and trending merchandise.

Whether you’ve just received one or are thinking of buying one, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll cover how they work, where to buy them, and how to redeem them, ensuring you get the most value out of every dollar.

Table of Contents

What Exactly Is a Groupon Gift Card?

It’s easy to confuse a Groupon voucher with a gift card, but they serve very different purposes. A standard Groupon voucher is a prepaid coupon for a specific deal at a particular business. A groupon gift card, on the other hand, is a prepaid card that loads funds directly into your Groupon account as "Groupon Bucks."

Think of it like a store credit that you can use to purchase almost any deal available on the Groupon platform. This flexibility makes groupon gift cards an ideal present, as the recipient can choose exactly what they want, when they want it. A gift card groupon essentially transforms into a versatile currency for exploring the vast marketplace of local experiences and goods.

How Do Groupon Gift Cards Work?

The process is designed to be simple and user-friendly. Understanding how do groupon gift cards work is the first step to unlocking savings.

  1. Receive the Gift Card: You’ll receive either a physical card or a digital e-gift card via email.
  2. Locate the Code: Each card has a unique redemption code. For digital cards, this is in the email; for physical cards, it’s typically on the back. This is the groupon gift card code you’ll need.
  3. Redeem the Code: You log into your Groupon account and enter this code in the designated area.
  4. Funds are Converted: The card’s value is immediately converted into Groupon Bucks and added to your account.
  5. Shop for Deals: You can now browse Groupon and apply your Groupon Bucks at checkout to pay for all or part of your purchase.

Where to Buy and Send a Groupon Gift Card

If you’re wondering where can i buy a groupon gift card, the most direct and reliable place is the official Groupon website. This ensures you’re getting a legitimate card and allows for easy customization and sending.

When you buy groupon gift card directly from the source, you have two primary options:

  • Groupon E-Gift Card: This is the most popular choice for its convenience. You can purchase a groupon e-gift card online, choose a design, add a personal message, and have it sent directly to the recipient’s email inbox. You can schedule it to be delivered instantly or on a future date, making it perfect for last-minute gifts. It’s the easiest way to send groupon gift card to friends and family anywhere.
  • Physical Groupon Gift Card: For those who prefer giving a tangible gift, a physical groupon gift card is a great option. While sometimes available through third-party retailers, purchasing directly from Groupon (when available) is the safest bet.

How to Redeem Your Groupon Gift Card (Step-by-Step)

Once you have your card, you’ll want to know how to use groupon gift card funds. The key is to redeem it before you try to make a purchase. The value must first be converted into Groupon Bucks in your account.

Here’s how to redeem groupon gift card on both the website and the mobile app:

On the Groupon Website:

  1. Log in to your Groupon account.
  2. Navigate to the top right corner and click on "My Stuff," then select "Redeem a Gift Card" from the dropdown menu.
  3. Enter the unique gift card code exactly as it appears.
  4. Click "Redeem." The value will be added to your Groupon Bucks balance.

On the Groupon Mobile App:
Learning how to redeem groupon gift card on app is just as easy:

  1. Open the Groupon app and log in.
  2. Tap on the "My Stuff" icon at the bottom of the screen.
  3. Scroll down and tap on "Gift Card."
  4. Enter your gift card code in the provided field and tap "Redeem."

Once redeemed, your Groupon Bucks will automatically appear as a payment option at checkout.

Checking Your Groupon Gift Card Balance

Because the card’s value is transferred to your account, you don’t check the card itself for a remaining balance. Instead, you check your account’s Groupon Bucks balance.

To check groupon gift card balance, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your Groupon account on the website or app.
  2. Go to your "Account" section.
  3. Look for "Groupon Bucks" or a similar wallet/credit summary. Your available balance will be displayed there.

This process simplifies things, as you always know your total available credit in one place. This is the definitive answer for how to check groupon gift card balance after you’ve redeemed the card. Your total groupon gift card balance is the amount of Groupon Bucks you have available.

Understanding the Rules and Restrictions

While versatile, it’s important to be aware of a few key rules. One of the most common questions is, can you use a groupon gift card for anything on the site? For the most part, yes. Groupon Bucks can be used to purchase most vouchers for Local Deals, Getaways, and Goods.

However, there can be some groupon gift card restrictions. For instance, you typically cannot use Groupon Bucks to buy another gift card. Always check the fine print of a specific deal if you are unsure.

Another frequent concern is, do groupon gift cards expire? Per U.S. federal law (the CARD Act), gift card funds cannot expire for at least five years from the date of issuance. Groupon’s policy aligns with this, stating that the funds from a redeemed gift card (your Groupon Bucks) do not expire.

Finding the Best Groupon Gift Card Deals

Who doesn’t love getting more for their money? Keep an eye out for special promotions and groupon gift card deals. Occasionally, you might find a groupon gift card discount, where you can purchase a gift card for less than its face value (e.g., pay $45 for a $50 gift card). These promotions are often run during holidays or special sales events, providing an excellent opportunity to save before you even start shopping.

Troubleshooting: What to Do If Your Gift Card Isn’t Working

Encountering an issue can be frustrating, but there’s usually a simple solution if your groupon gift card not working.

  • Check for Typos: The most common error is a simple typo. Double-check that you’ve entered the code exactly as it appears, paying attention to letters vs. numbers (like ‘O’ and ‘0’).
  • Already Redeemed: The card might have already been added to your account or another account. Check your Groupon Bucks balance first.
  • Invalid Code: Ensure the card was purchased from a legitimate source. If you suspect an issue with the card itself, contact Groupon’s customer support with the gift card code and any proof of purchase you have.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a Groupon Gift Card and a Groupon Voucher?
A Groupon Gift Card adds a credit balance (Groupon Bucks) to your account, which you can use to buy almost any deal. A Groupon Voucher is a pre-paid coupon for one specific product or service at a particular business.

Can I use my Groupon gift card on any deal?
You can use the Groupon Bucks from a gift card on the vast majority of deals available on the site, including Local, Getaways, and Goods. The primary restriction is that you cannot use them to purchase more gift cards.

How do I check my Groupon gift card balance?
After redeeming the card, its value becomes Groupon Bucks. To check your balance, log into your account and navigate to the "Account" or "My Stuff" section, where your Groupon Bucks total will be displayed.

What happens if I return an item I bought with Groupon Bucks?
If you make a purchase using Groupon Bucks and are eligible for a refund according to Groupon’s policy, the refund is typically credited back to your account as Groupon Bucks.

Do Groupon gift card funds expire?
No, the funds from a redeemed Groupon gift card, which are held as Groupon Bucks in your account, do not expire.