Finding a gift that someone actually wants is a headache. You’ve probably stood in a checkout line, staring at a wall of colorful plastic, wondering if you're even in the right place. If you're hunting for that sleek white-and-blue card, you're likely asking what stores sell apple store gift cards right now?
Honestly, the answer is a lot simpler than it used to be. A few years ago, Apple unified their system. They used to have separate "App Store" cards for digital stuff and "Apple Store" cards for hardware. Now, it's basically one card to rule them all. You can use it for a new MacBook or a 99-cent app.
The Heavy Hitters: Where You’ll Definitely Find Them
If you need a card today, like right now, these are your best bets. Most of these places have a dedicated gift card kiosk near the registers or in the electronics department.
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Target is usually the go-to. They keep them well-stocked, and if you have a Target Circle Card, you sometimes get that 5% discount, though gift card rules can be a bit finicky depending on current promotions.
Best Buy is another massive player. They sell them in every denomination imaginable, from the $15 "stocking stuffer" size up to $200. Plus, if you're a member of their rewards program, you can sometimes snag deals where you get a Best Buy gift card for free when you buy a high-value Apple card.
Walmart carries them both in-store and on their website. It’s worth noting that Walmart.com often uses third-party sellers, so make sure it says "Sold and shipped by Walmart" to avoid getting a bum code.
Grocery Stores and Pharmacies (The "Emergency" Options)
You’re picking up milk or a prescription and realize you forgot a birthday. It happens. Luckily, the "Gift Card Mall" sections in grocery stores are usually loaded with Apple cards.
- Kroger: One of the biggest distributors. They often run "4X Fuel Points" promotions on gift cards, which basically means you’re getting cheaper gas just for buying an Apple card.
- Walgreens and CVS: These are everywhere. The selection isn't always as deep as a Best Buy, but they almost always have the standard $25 and $50 denominations hanging near the photo department or the front counter.
- Whole Foods: Since they’re owned by Amazon, they carry a decent variety, though they tend to focus on the "all-in-one" Apple Gift Card.
- Publix and Safeway: Standard grocery fare. If there's a carousel of gift cards near the entrance, Apple is going to be on it.
What Stores Sell Apple Store Gift Cards Online?
Buying a physical card is great for a card or a gift bag, but digital is faster. You’ve got options here that don't even require putting on shoes.
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The Apple Store app and Apple.com are the most obvious. It sounds redundant, but it's the safest way to ensure the code works. You can even schedule the email to arrive at a specific time, like 8:00 AM on someone’s birthday.
Amazon is the king of digital delivery. They usually send the code to your email within five to ten minutes. Just a heads-up: Amazon is very strict about returns on gift cards. Once that code is in your inbox, it’s yours. No refunds.
PayPal Gift Cards (via their digital store) is a solid choice if you have a balance sitting in your PayPal account that you want to burn. It’s secure, and the delivery is almost instant.
The Warehouse Clubs: Buying in Bulk
If you’re trying to save a few bucks—and who isn't?—Costco and Sam’s Club are the secret weapons.
They don't always have them, but when they do, they usually sell them in bundles. For example, you might get $100 worth of Apple Gift Cards for $94.99. It’s not a massive savings, but if you’re buying hardware like an iPad or an Apple Watch, every little bit helps.
Why the "Store" vs "App" Distinction Matters
It’s worth repeating: in 2026, the "everything" card is the standard. However, you might still find old "iTunes" or "App Store" cards in the back of a drawer or at a dusty gas station.
Those old cards still work.
Apple transitioned to the unified "Apple Gift Card" (the one with the colorful logos) to make life easier. If you find an old iTunes card, you can still add it to your Apple Account Balance. It’ll just show up as a dollar amount you can use for anything from an iCloud+ subscription to a pair of AirPods.
Scams: A Quick Reality Check
Because Apple cards are basically as good as cash, they are huge targets for scammers.
Never buy an Apple Gift Card from a site you’ve never heard of just because it’s "20% off." It’s a scam. Also, no legitimate business or government agency (like the IRS or a utility company) will ever ask you to pay them in gift cards. If someone on the phone tells you to go to CVS and buy $500 in Apple cards to "clear a warrant," hang up.
Getting the Most Value
Before you run out to whatever store sells Apple store gift cards nearest to you, check your credit card rewards.
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Some cards offer 5% back at grocery stores or wholesale clubs during certain months. If you’re planning a big purchase at the Apple Store, buying the gift cards at a grocery store during a 5% back window is a clever way to effectively "discount" a brand-new iPhone that Apple otherwise never puts on sale.
Next Steps for You:
- Check your local grocery store's weekly ad to see if they are offering bonus fuel points or rewards for gift card purchases.
- Verify your Apple Account Balance on your iPhone (Settings > Name > Payment & Shipping) before adding new cards to ensure you don't hit any account limits.
- If you are buying a physical card, always check the back to ensure the silver scratch-off area hasn't been tampered with before you take it to the register.