Check the balance and expiry date first
Most retailers offer an online balance check where entering the card number and PIN reveals the remaining amount. Also note the expiry date, since some gift cards lose value over time or become invalid entirely.
Combine multiple cards or methods
Many online shops let you combine multiple gift cards in a single order, or top up a gift card with another payment method for the remaining amount. That way you don't have to wait for a purchase that happens to match the balance exactly.
Small purchases that use up leftover balance
Think of a digital in-app purchase, a single song or album, a small accessory, or topping up another credit sold by the same shop. For a few euros of leftover balance, a small digital product is often the quickest way to use it up.
Reselling or gifting the balance
If you have no use for the shop yourself, you can sometimes resell leftover balance through specialised platforms, though you'll usually get less than face value back. Gifting it to someone who does shop there is often the simpler solution.
Frequently asked questions
- Does gift card credit always expire in the Netherlands?
- Not always, many Dutch gift cards are legally valid for at least two years, but international cards may follow different rules.
- Can I use two gift cards on a single order?
- At most major retailers yes, check at checkout whether there's an option to add a second code.
- Is it legal to resell gift card balance?
- In most cases yes, but some brands prohibit resale in their terms, so check beforehand.
