Coinbase Gift Card: Can You Buy, Send or Redeem One?

Key Takeaways

A Coinbase gift card can be redeemed for crypto on the US-based crypto exchange Coinbase.
Do note that the actual Coinbase gift cards that you normally know are no longer available for purchase since the middle of 2023, but they still honor existing gift card balances.
You can still send crypto to others digitally inside the Coinbase app through crypto gifts.

Gift cards can be brilliant because you can buy whatever you want, but some shops just aren’t your cup of tea.

Now, what if I told you there is (or at least there was) a crypto gift card you can use to top up your balance on a crypto exchange?

In this article, we are going to talk all about Coinbase gift cards and more specifically answering the question of how to buy a Coinbase gift card.

There aren’t really too many steps involved and it’s pretty easy to do, so make sure to stick around for the tutorial guide.

What is a Coinbase gift card?

A Coinbase gift card is an e-gift card that can be used to top up an account balance on your Coinbase account.

For context, buying a Coinbase gift card is very similar to buying online gift vouchers. They are available on online e-commerce platforms and come with specific instructions on how to redeem them on Coinbase. The use of such gift cards involves understanding their limitations, redemption processes, and the security measures that are in place to protect your gift card and its value.

Just a quick trip down memory lane, Coinbase gift cards started during the bear market in 2018. As the years went by, more cash-in options started popping up to make buying crypto more easier and secure. Coinbase then finally sunsetted the Coinbase gift card in 2023.

Why buy a Coinbase gift card?

If you are trying to teach someone about crypto and you think that by giving them a Coinbase gift card would prompt them to learn more about how it works.

Other than that, there is not much you can do with gift cards, as they are considered to be a relic hanging in retail stores nowadays.

How to send crypto as a gift with Coinbase

Please note that since 2023, crypto exchange Coinbase has already phased out its gift cards. The screenshot you are seeing above shows what it looked like on the website three to four years ago, and you can no longer see it as of 2026.

But if you are still looking to gift some crypto to a friend or loved one, you can also use the Coinbase app to send crypto gifts instead of using a gift card.

To be able to send someone a crypto gift, use the menu at the top left of the app, click the hamburger icon and select “Send a gift”.

Then choose the crypto you want and the exact amount you want to send to the receiver.

Next, enter the email address of the person you want to send crypto to. You can also personalize this crypto gift with an image and a custom note.

In order to claim the gift, the receiver will then need to create a Coinbase account and complete KYC before he/she can receive the crypto that you sent.

To avoid wasting money, double-check with your friend that they agree to create a Coinbase account before you send the crypto.

How to buy gift cards with crypto

You might be bummed that Coinbase no longer issues gift cards on its website and you might be looking for an alternative.

As of 2026, the option when buying gift cards is to find e-commerce platforms that sell digital gift cards and would honor crypto as a mode of payment.

Some offshore exchanges also sell digital gift cards in-app, but unfortunately Coinbase stopped doing this a while ago.

Through Coinbase, where available

Unfortunately, Coinbase no longer sells gift cards directly on its platform. But if you have a Coinbase debit card, you can use it to buy gift cards on other external websites and e-commerce platforms.

Through gift card platforms that accept crypto

Famous e-commerce platforms like Bitrefill, crypotrefills, CoinGate and Coinsbee have many digital products that users can choose from and these platforms would gladly accept crypto as payment.

Can you use a gift card to buy crypto on Coinbase?

No, because today’s usual gift cards are retail store cards such as Steam, Amazon, and Apple gift cards. They cannot be used to buy crypto on the Coinbase app.

Coinbase has completely phased out the “crypto gift card” you knew of four years ago, possibly because of low demand and end of service.

Gift card scams that target Coinbase users

Scammers may try to contact you through text or call saying you won a Coinbase gift card or any retail gift card for that matter. Just ignore these kinds of calls and move on with your day as Coinbase gift cards are no longer sold on the official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the most commonly asked questions about Coinbase gift cards.

Are Coinbase gift cards still available for purchase?

Coinbase gift cards have not been available for purchase since 2023. The platform also doesn’t sell third-party digital gift cards like Steam, Amazon, or Apple in the app. However, you can buy gift cards on other external websites using your Coinbase debit card. Just make sure your Coinbase debit card has been topped up before using it for purchase to avoid failed payment.

Do I need a Coinbase account to redeem my gift card?

Yes, an active Coinbase account is required. If you plan to send a crypto gift to a friend or loved one, double-check that they already have a Coinbase account. If they don’t, ask if they are willing to create an account to receive the crypto you will send.