PlayStation Gift Card Guide: How It Works & Why It's the Best Gift for Gamers

Not sure what to buy the gaming enthusiast in your life? It's not always easy to know what they’ll like (or if they have the latest release already). That’s why a gift card or evoucher for their favourite gaming platform can be a surefire way to give them a gift they’ll really love.

A PlayStation Gift Card is the perfect gift for PS4 and PS5 owners – helping them access the latest games, DLC, in-game currency and PlayStation Plus subscriptions. Plus, it’s an easy gift option as codes can be emailed (or enclosed in greeting cards), and helps gamers shop without using a credit card.

But how exactly does it all work? Find out how to buy a gift card for PlayStation, what your money can get you and why gamers will consider it one of their best presents this year.

What Is a PlayStation Gift Card?

A PlayStation Gift Card (also known as a PlayStation Network Card) gives its recipient money to spend at the PlayStation Store or PSDirect, or on in-game purchases or online upgrades. It comes in two forms: a physical card, or an online voucher.

How Does PlayStation Gifting Work?

PlayStation gifting works through buying and sending PlayStation Gift Cards or PlayStation Plus subscriptions. An online voucher is the quickest and easiest way to do this. These can be bought from trusted sites like MobileTopUp. Simply choose the amount you want and a code will be emailed to you (or your chosen recipient) almost immediately.

Shop PlayStation Gift Cards

How to Redeem a PlayStation Voucher Code

Once you’ve bought the voucher, a code will be sent directly to your chosen email address. Your recipient can then redeem it on their account. Here’s how:

1. Switch on your console and navigate to the PlayStation Store (this is the shopping bag icon).
2. Use the top menu or select your profile picture, then navigate to the “…” (the more menu).
3. Select “Redeem Codes”.
4. Enter the 12-digit code from the gift card or email and select “Redeem.” The credit will then be added to your account.

For more detailed instructions, visit our step-by-step guide: How To Redeem Your PSN Card.

What Can You Buy With a PlayStation Gift Card?

You can redeem a PlayStation Gift Card against anything on the PlayStation Store. Think: digital games, add-ons, subscriptions like PlayStation Plus, movies, TV shows and music.

What you can buy:

• Games – full-length games and add-ons like DLC and season passes. You can also pre-order games and have them automatically downloaded and ready to play on release day.
• In-game purchases – like currency and skins. In fact, a PlayStation Gift Card is an ideal replacement for the now-discontinued V-Bucks Gift Card (that offered Fortnite redeem codes).
• Subscriptions – renew or buy PlayStation Plus subscriptions.
• Customisation – buy themes and avatars for your profile.
• Entertainment – rent or purchase movies and TV shows.
• Music – access game soundtracks and other music content.

What you can’t buy:

• Physical products like consoles or accessories from PlayStation Direct.
• Merchandise from PlayStation Gear.
• Games directly from the FIFA store (however, you can still buy the FIFA game, in-game currency and other add-ons directly from the PlayStation Store).
• Games or accessories from other gaming retailers like GAME, Amazon or Argos.

Regional Restrictions and Currency Conversion

It’s important to know that PlaySation Gift Cards do come with regional restrictions. So, if you buy a card in the UK, the recipient can only use it for an account on PS Store UK (a PSN account's region is determined when you first create the account – it can’t be amended later).

In the same vein, you can’t convert currency on PlayStation Gift Cards either. The funds on the card are in a specific currency and can only be added to a wallet that uses that same currency. There is a way around this, though. If you exchange your PlayStation Voucher for cash (more on this below), you can specify the currency you’d like to receive.

So, if you’re converting from US dollars to UK GBP, here’s what you can expect to get – minus the platform fees:

• 60 dollars in pounds = £45
• 40 dollars in pounds = £30
• 40 pounds to dollars = $53

And if you need to convert from the UK to Europe – approximately 70 euros in pounds? That's just over £60.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Convert a PlayStation Gift Card to Cash?
While you can't directly convert a PlayStation Gift Card to cash, you can exchange it via third party exchange websites. Platforms (like GameFlip) allow you to list your unused PSN card for buyers with payouts via PayPal or bank transfer. You’ll also find marketplaces like Reddit and Ebay offer gift card exchange options.

It’s important to note that, if you’ve already added the funds to your PSN Wallet, you can’t sell them or gift them – your code must be unredeemed. You can expect to get a little less than the value of the card, too, as platforms will take a fee.

Do PlayStation Gift Cards Expire?
Good news; PlayStation Gift Cards do not expire – your code is valid indefinitely. However, once you’ve added funds to your account, be mindful that if you don’t use the account for a long time, it could be closed.

Is a PS4 Gift Card Compatible with PS5?
Yes. PlaySation Gift Cards are compatible with both consoles. You can use a PS5 Gift Card with a PS4 and vice-versa. In fact, they’re not console-specific, and can also be used on the PlayStation App, or on the website through your browser.

Can I Use a Regular Store Gift Card on PlayStation?
In short, no. You can’t use gift cards for other retailers on the PlayStation Store. However, you can use vouchers like the Love2shop Gift Card at retailers like GAME, or supermarkets like ASDA offer gift cards (just search “PS5 ASDA Gift Card”).

b]Can I use a Playstation Store Discount Code and a Gift Card at the Same Time?[/b]
Yes, you can. This is actually a great way to get more for your money. Apply the discount code to your basket, then use the gift card for the remaining balance.