Gift cards sold at Coles and Woolworths

Which in-store gift cards can I buy at my local supermarket?

The main Woolworths gift card is the Everyday WISH gift card, which you can use at Woolworths or Big W, BWS, Dan Murphy's and participating EG/Ampol fuel outlets.

The Coles Group & Myer gift card is the Coles equivalent, which you can use at Coles, Coles Express fuel outlets (now branded Reddy Express), Liquorland and First Choice Liquor, Kmart, Target and more.

Comparison: Woolworths WISH Gift Card vs Coles Group & Myer Gift Card

Key details	Everyday WISH Gift Cards	Coles Group & Myer Gift Cards
Participating stores	BWS Big W Dan Murphy's Woolworths supermarkets Everyday Rewards Shop Participating EG Ampol service stations	Coles Coles Express (Reddy Express) service stations Kmart Liquorland Myer Officeworks Target Vintage Cellars First Choice Liquor
Expiry	None	4 years from the date of issue
Minimum and maximum value	$5 to $500	$20 to $500
Use online	Yes	Only at Myer, Target and Officeworks

Our verdict

• More stores. You can use Coles Group & Myer gift cards at more stores than WISH gift cards.
• No expiry. WISH gift cards don't have an expiry. Coles gift cards expire after 4 years.
• Online. WISH cards have the edge here too, with more online purchase options.

What other gift cards do supermarkets sell?

Coles and Woolworths supermarkets stock a variety of gift cards for other retailers and brands, including Bunnings Warehouse, JB Hi-Fi, Apple, Westfield, Netflix, Google Play and Uber. They also sell "themed" gift cards which can be used in a broad range of stores, such as the TCN and Ultimate range.

Additionally, supermarkets sell "virtual" eftpos and credit cards which can be used in any store that accepts those payment forms. Those cards usually have an additional service fee of between $5 and $8, depending on the card value.

Our expert says: Earn points from non-supermarket gift cards

"Want to earn points from gift cards? Ignore the supermarket-branded ones, and look out for offers of bonus Flybuys or Everyday Rewards when you buy other gift cards such as Netflix, Apple, Uber or TCN Gift. These routinely offer 10 or 20 times the face value in points - great for getting $10 off your shop or converting into frequent flyer points. I've earned thousands of points using this approach. "

Angus Kidman

Editor-at-large

Be careful when buying a gift card with a credit card

Gift cards are a type of "stored value card", which some providers consider to be cash advance transactions. This means paying a fee and a higher rate on the purchase.

As Woolworths and Coles are supermarkets, you may want to check first before using a credit card to buy gift cards. Or you could check your card activity after buying a gift card to see if cash advance rates and fees are applied.

Anything else I should know before purchasing a supermarket gift card?

• Check the fine print. Before you buy a gift card, check if there's an expiry date. Legally, cards must be valid for at least 3 years. Many cards now have no expiry, but not all do - for instance, Coles cards expire after 4 years. Also check where and how you can use the gift card. You can use an Everyday WISH card when shopping online, but a Coles card can't be redeemed via Coles Online. You can use a Coles Group & Myer gift card at Liquorland, but not a Coles gift card, which Coles says works only in Coles Supermarkets and Coles Central stores.
• Can't buy gift cards with gift cards. Most gift cards can't be redeemed for other gift cards.
• Card theft or loss. Gift cards are treated as cash. This means that if they are lost or stolen, there is little chance of reclaiming the value of the card.

Pros and cons of using a supermarket gift card

Pros

• Convenient gift. A gift card is a quick and easy gift that, while not very personal, is quite practical.
• Choice. A gift card is more personal than giving cash but still allows the recipient to choose what they want to buy.
• Customisable cards. Woolworths and Coles gift cards offer a range of design options to suit different occasions.

Cons

• Potential expiry. A gift card may expire after a period of time and any remaining value on the card will be lost.
• Limited options versus cash. A gift card can only be used at certain shops and merchants.
• Limited use. Most gift cards can only be loaded with money once and used until that balance is cleared or the card expires (whichever happens first).

Woolworths and Coles gift cards are subject to a range of terms and conditions. So before buying one, make sure you compare the features and acceptance of these cards so that you can choose a gift that offers the greatest value to you and the person you're buying it for.

Frequently asked questions

• What's the difference between an egift card and a regular gift card?

  An "egift card" is a digital or virtual gift card, rather than a physical card. While you swipe a regular gift card at the checkout, with an egift card you simply enter the details from the virtual card to make a purchase. Some egift cards are designed specifically for online purchases, while others are accepted in-store as well.

• Why doesn't my gift card work?

  If your gift card doesn't work, check to see whether the card is still valid. If you're trying to use the product in-store and you get a bad read message, check to see whether or not the magnetic strip on the back or card is damaged. If it is damaged, you may need to arrange for a replacement. This can be organised by contacting the card issuer's customer service.

• What if I want to return goods purchased with the gift card?

  You should be able to return goods you've purchased with your gift card. However, refund policies can vary depending on the store where the items were purchased. So instead of money being refunded onto the gift card, you may be refunded in cash or have the option of getting the funds reimbursed onto your debit or credit card. Contact the store directly to enquire about your refund options for any purchases made with a gift card.

• How do I find out about the balance of my gift card?

  Most gift card issuers allow you to check the balance of your gift card online. You will need to visit the gift card website and look for the option that lets you log in to your gift card account.

• Will I get change from my gift card?

  While most supermarket gift cards won't allow you to get cash if there is a balance remaining after your purchase, you can usually continue using the card until you have spent the full amount loaded onto it.

Written by

Richard Whitten

Senior Money Editor

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Richard Whitten is Finder’s Senior Money Editor, with over eight years of experience in home loans, property, credit cards and personal finance. His insights appear in top media outlets like Yahoo Finance, Money Magazine, and the Herald Sun, and he frequently offers expert commentary on television and radio, helping Australians navigate mortgages and property ownership. Richard started his career in education and textbook publishing in South Korea. He holds multiple industry certifications, including a Certificate IV in Mortgage Broking (RG 206) and Tier 1 and Tier 2 certifications (RG 146), as well as a Bachelor of Education from the University of Sydney and a Graduate Certificate in Communications from Deakin University. See full bio

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Angus Kidman

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Angus Kidman is Finder’s global Editor-at-Large and an award-winning journalist with over 30 years of experience in tech, travel and finance. He was previously the editor of Lifehacker Australia and Australian Personal Computer, and is a recognised commentator, appearing on shows like Sunrise and The Project. A two-time IT Journalism Award winner, Angus has written for top publications such as The Sydney Morning Herald, the AFR, The Australian and Gizmodo, and is known for his expertise in travel rewards and consumer technology. See full bio

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