The digital gift cards market 2025 is experiencing a major transformation as businesses and consumers rapidly shift from physical to digital gifting. This evolution is fueled by technology, e-commerce growth, and consumer demand for speed, convenience, and flexibility. From Apple and Steam to PSN and Xbox, digital gift cards are redefining modern gifting across entertainment, gaming, and retail industries.
Digital gift cards offer significant advantages over traditional plastic versions. Specifically, they eliminate shipping delays, reduce environmental impact, and provide instant delivery – benefits that today’s convenience-focused consumers actively seek. Furthermore, the flexibility of digital gift cards extends beyond traditional retail, with popular options like Apple gift cards, Steam gift cards, and PSN gift cards demonstrating how digital gifting spans entertainment, gaming, and technology sectors. Consequently, businesses without a robust digital gift card strategy risk falling behind as the market continues its rapid digital evolution toward 2025.
The Shift from Physical to Digital Gift Cards
As traditional plastic cards gradually make way for digital alternatives, the digital gift cards market is transforming. Businesses are adapting to new consumer expectations, while customers enjoy the speed, convenience, and eco-friendly nature of e-gifting.
How Consumer Habits Are Changing
Recent studies show that 69% of consumers purchased the same or more gift cards in 2023 than in 2022. Notably, digital gift cards now account for over 50% of total sales, surpassing physical versions for the first time. Millennials lead this change, with over 70% preferring digital options. The global market, valued at $258 billion in 2020, is projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2030.
The Role of Mobile and E-Commerce
E-commerce and mobile technologies have become essential to the digital gift cards market in 2025. Over 1.5 billion people now use mobile wallets, and nearly one-third of them store their gift cards digitally. The convenience of managing all cards in one place aligns with modern lifestyles. Moreover, omnichannel redemption—encompassing both online and in-store channels- continues to bridge the physical-digital gap.
Why Immediacy and Convenience Matter
Instant delivery is one of the biggest advantages of digital gift cards. About 63% of consumers prefer them for their immediacy, while 53% find them easier to send than physical versions. During the 2023 holiday season, 20% of all Christmas Day purchases came via mobile devices, highlighting how digital gift cards fulfill last-minute gifting needs efficiently.
Key Trends Driving Digital Gift Card Growth in 2025
Several trends define the digital gift cards market in 2025:
- Growing adoption of mobile wallets
- Rise of AI-powered personalization
- Expansion in B2B corporate gifting
- Increased focus on fraud prevention and security
Security, Fraud Prevention, and Platform Reliability
As the market expands, so do security challenges. Fraudsters target digital gift cards due to their cash-like nature. Common schemes include:
- Gift card draining
- Account takeovers
- Bot attacks on activation codes
To counteract these, companies are investing in encryption, fraud detection tools, and secure APIs. Businesses that prioritize trust and compliance are more likely to sustain long-term growth.
The Future of the Digital Gift Cards Market
The digital gift cards market 2025 is more than a convenience trend—it’s the foundation of modern gifting. While physical cards will persist for certain occasions, digital versions will dominate due to their flexibility, personalization, and instant delivery. Companies that embrace digital infrastructure today will lead tomorrow’s gifting economy.
- Learn more about WUPEX Digital Gift Card API for B2B partners.
- Explore Top-Up Products including PUBG, PSN, and Xbox gift cards.
- Read The Benefits of Digital Gifting to understand the business impact.
For a detailed look at global digital payment adoption, visit Statista’s Digital Payments Report 2025.
