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Gift cards sold at Coles and Woolworths
Woolworths and Coles both sell gift cards you can use in stores and in many other retailers. But check the fine print first, because some of these cards expire or can't be used online.
Coles and Woolworths both sell various supermarket gift cards you can use in stores or online.
The main Woolworths gift card is the Everyday WISH gift card, which you can use at Woollies 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 use at Coles, Coles Express fuel outlets, Liquorland and First Choice Liquor, Kmart, Target and more.
Comparison: Woolworths WISH Gift Card vs Coles Group & Myer Gift Card
More stores. You can use Coles Group & Myer gift cards at more stores than WISH gift cards.
No expiry. But WISH gift cards don't have an expiry. Coles gift cards expire after 4 years.
Online. WISH cards have the edge here too.
Other gift cards
Coles and Woolworths supermarkets stock a variety of gift cards for other retailers and brands, including Bunnings Warehouse, JB Hi-Fi, iTunes, Westfield and Uber.
Coles and Woollies both offer gift cards you can only use in their supermarkets and not other stores in their retail groups.
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. "
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 (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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Richard Whitten is a money editor at Finder, and has been covering home loans, property and personal finance for 6+ years. He has written for Yahoo Finance, Money Magazine and Homely; and has appeared on various radio shows nationwide. He holds a Certificate IV in mortgage broking and finance (RG 206), a Tier 1 Generic Knowledge certification and a Tier 2 General Advice Deposit Products (RG 146) certification. See full bio
Richard's expertise
Richard has written 553 Finder guides across topics including:
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What is the maximum amount of cards allowed to be purchased per person
Finder
AmyDecember 19, 2023Finder
Hi Sara,
Unfortunately the maximum amount may vary based on factors including the store, type of gift card and how you pay for them. In some cases, it can also be limited if there is a promotion. For example, a previous Coles promotion offered 15% off gift cards purchased in-store and had a limit of 5 gift cards per customer. As another example, some banks have transaction limits so you would not be able purchase gift cards worth more than that limit without contacting the bank to request it first. It’s also worth noting that gift cards are typically non-refundable and have an expiry (e.g. 3-4 years after the purchase date). I hope this helps.
BennyMay 17, 2023
Can I use a Myer/Coles gift card in Bunnings? The card does not display the Bunnings logo.
Finder
SarahMay 19, 2023Finder
Hi Benny,
According to their terms and conditons, this card is redeemable in-store at Coles, Coles Express, First Choice Liquor Market, Liquorland, Kmart, Myer, Officeworks, Target and Vintage Cellars. It can not be redeemed at Bunnings.
Hope this helps!
AnnaSeptember 22, 2018
I want to order a gift card online, how long would the delivery take?
Finder
JhezelynSeptember 25, 2018Finder
Hello Anna,
Thank you for your comment.
Upon checking, the delivery of the Woolworths Gift Card ordered online is within 6 business days by courier or 10 business days by registered post.
Should you wish to have real-time answers to your questions, try our chat box on the lower right corner of our page.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
JamesJuly 14, 2018
comment.
Two areas where these card differ is:
1. Use at POS. Coles you scan simply scan a barcode, and enter pin at the card machine. If you don’t have enough balance you get the option to pay with remaining credit and then use another payment option for the rest (including another gift card. Woollies, you have pre-nominate the amount to pay and type in the card number and pin. Takes more time. In this regard Coles win.
2. Check balance. Coles you have to go to website, punch in the whole number, pin, AND recaptcha images (sometimes multiple times). Woollies, you load the card in the “Money” app on your phone and can instantly see balance. In this regard, Woollies win.
Finder
JoshuaJuly 23, 2018Finder
Hi James,
Thanks for that adding your comment. :)
Cheers,
Joshua
DianeJanuary 27, 2016
I was given a Australia Post Load and Go Gift card for Xmas for $200.
When I went to use it to purchase some goods it would not allow me to have the $200 so I used $190. Next day I phoned Aust Post and they said there was a balance remaining of $9-10? (not sure why) so I said I would like to close it…OK THAT WILL COST YOU $15… Is this legal. What a rip off. It cost my family member $6.95 to purchase it.ME THINKS ….BE WARY OF AUSTRALIA POST LOAD AND GO CARDS . Have others had this experience
Finder
JonathanJanuary 28, 2016Finder
Hi Diane, thanks for your inquiry!
As per the product disclosure statement of the Australia Post Load&Go Reloadable Visa Prepaid Card the cancellation cost is $15.00. To further inquire into the cancellation fee and your current account balance you can contact Australia Post on 13 POST (13 7678) available Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm.
Cheers,
Jonathan
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What is the maximum amount of cards allowed to be purchased per person
Hi Sara,
Unfortunately the maximum amount may vary based on factors including the store, type of gift card and how you pay for them. In some cases, it can also be limited if there is a promotion. For example, a previous Coles promotion offered 15% off gift cards purchased in-store and had a limit of 5 gift cards per customer. As another example, some banks have transaction limits so you would not be able purchase gift cards worth more than that limit without contacting the bank to request it first. It’s also worth noting that gift cards are typically non-refundable and have an expiry (e.g. 3-4 years after the purchase date). I hope this helps.
Can I use a Myer/Coles gift card in Bunnings? The card does not display the Bunnings logo.
Hi Benny,
According to their terms and conditons, this card is redeemable in-store at Coles, Coles Express, First Choice Liquor Market, Liquorland, Kmart, Myer, Officeworks, Target and Vintage Cellars. It can not be redeemed at Bunnings.
Hope this helps!
I want to order a gift card online, how long would the delivery take?
Hello Anna,
Thank you for your comment.
Upon checking, the delivery of the Woolworths Gift Card ordered online is within 6 business days by courier or 10 business days by registered post.
Should you wish to have real-time answers to your questions, try our chat box on the lower right corner of our page.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
comment.
Two areas where these card differ is:
1. Use at POS. Coles you scan simply scan a barcode, and enter pin at the card machine. If you don’t have enough balance you get the option to pay with remaining credit and then use another payment option for the rest (including another gift card. Woollies, you have pre-nominate the amount to pay and type in the card number and pin. Takes more time. In this regard Coles win.
2. Check balance. Coles you have to go to website, punch in the whole number, pin, AND recaptcha images (sometimes multiple times). Woollies, you load the card in the “Money” app on your phone and can instantly see balance. In this regard, Woollies win.
Hi James,
Thanks for that adding your comment. :)
Cheers,
Joshua
I was given a Australia Post Load and Go Gift card for Xmas for $200.
When I went to use it to purchase some goods it would not allow me to have the $200 so I used $190. Next day I phoned Aust Post and they said there was a balance remaining of $9-10? (not sure why) so I said I would like to close it…OK THAT WILL COST YOU $15… Is this legal. What a rip off. It cost my family member $6.95 to purchase it.ME THINKS ….BE WARY OF AUSTRALIA POST LOAD AND GO CARDS . Have others had this experience
Hi Diane, thanks for your inquiry!
As per the product disclosure statement of the Australia Post Load&Go Reloadable Visa Prepaid Card the cancellation cost is $15.00. To further inquire into the cancellation fee and your current account balance you can contact Australia Post on 13 POST (13 7678) available Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm.
Cheers,
Jonathan