Best Early Black Friday Gift Card Deals To Expect in 2025

The holiday season is creeping up, and with it comes the biggest shopping event of the year. Black Friday is the perfect time to snag incredible deals on everything from electronics to apparel, but one of the most strategic buys you can make is the humble gift card. Often overlooked, discounted gift cards are a savvy shopper's secret weapon for stretching a budget, whether you're pre-paying for your own future purchases or giving the gift of choice. With Black Friday landing on November 28, 2025, and Cyber Monday hot on its heels on December 1, the window for the year's best gift card savings is officially opening.

This year, we're seeing retailers roll out gift card promotions earlier than ever, with a mix of straight discounts, bonus cards with purchase, and free gift cards bundled with other items. These offers can be found at many of the top stores for the best Black Friday deals online, turning a good deal into a great one. Getting a $50 gift card for $40 or receiving a free $15 bonus card might not seem like a massive discount on its own, but these savings add up quickly, especially when you're buying for multiple people.

At DealNews, our job is to sift through the noise and bring you only the best, most valuable offers. We've been tracking Black Friday trends for decades, and we've compiled the ultimate guide to help you navigate the landscape of gift card deals. Read on to discover what to expect, when to shop, and how to maximize your savings this holiday season.

Our Best Early Black Friday Gift Card Deals

Gift Card Black Friday Deals at Amazon

Up to 20% off

Get ready for Amazon's Black Friday sale on gift cards, where you can save up to 20% on huge brands like DoorDash, Bath & Body Works, Uber, and more. Even better, some gift cards will likely include additional promo credits that sweeten the deals even more.

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Black Friday Gift Cards at Best Buy

Up to 20% off

Get ready to shop a wide variety of gift cards at Best Buy and save up to 20% in the process. The Black Friday sale offers one of the best opportunities to save on the face value of gift cards to your favorite restaurants and retailers.

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$10 Target Gift Card

Free w/ $100 gift card purchase w/ Target Circle

Get a $10 Target gift card for free when you spend $100 or more on nearly 300 gift cards from tons of retailers like restaurants, digital platforms, home improvement stores, and many more. The Target gift card adds to cart automatically with your purchase. This deal is for Target Circle members only (it's free to sign up).

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Gift Cards at Sam's Club

Up to 25% off for members

Shop a wide variety of retailer and restaurant gift cards and save up to 25% off with these offers. Depending on the item, you'll either get free shipping or email delivery. Note that there are limits for each gift card per membership. Pictured is the $50 Shake Shack Gift Card for $39.98 ($10 off).

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Restaurant Gift Card Deals at Costco

Up to 30% off for members

Shop a variety of restaurant gift cards at Costco and you'll save up to 30% on the face value on cards for dining at places like Shake Shack, Texas de Brazil, and more. Plus, cards will ship for free or be delivered for free via email.

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Giftcards.com Pre-Black Friday Savings

10% off

Use promo code "EARLYBIRD" to save 10% on a range of gift cards from stores like Disney, Gap, Finish Line, PUMA, Wendy's, and more.

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When is the Best Time to Save on Black Friday Gift Card Deals?

While Black Friday itself is the main event, the best gift card deals often start appearing in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. We've already seen some retailers launch "early Black Friday" sales as soon as mid-November. These early bird offers are a great opportunity to get a jump on your holiday shopping before the rush. Historically, the period from the week of Thanksgiving through Cyber Week (the week following Thanksgiving) is the sweet spot for the highest quantity and quality of deals.

However, don't discount the days leading up to Christmas. Many restaurants and retailers will run "last-minute" gift card promotions, often with bonus card offers that are perfect for procrastinators. To be safe, it's best to start looking early and act fast when you see a deal you like, as the most popular gift cards can sell out.

How Do I Get the Most Out of Black Friday Gift Card Deals?

Getting the best value from gift card deals requires a bit of strategy. It's not just about finding a discount but also about how you use it. By planning ahead and combining offers, you can turn a simple purchase into a significant savings.

Here are a few tips to help you maximize your savings:

• Look for Bonus Offers: Instead of a direct discount, many retailers offer a free bonus gift card with a minimum purchase. For example, you might get a free $15 gift card when you buy a $100 gift card. You can either give both as a generous gift or keep the bonus card for yourself.
• Stack Your Discounts: Some stores allow you to combine savings. For instance, if you have a store credit card that gives you a percentage off every purchase, like the Target Circle Card's 5% discount, you can use it to buy an already-discounted gift card for even more savings.
• Buy Discounted Gift Cards for Your Own Shopping: If you know you'll be making a big purchase at a specific store, buying a discounted gift card beforehand is like giving yourself a coupon. A 15% discount on a gift card translates to 15% off your entire purchase when you pay with it.
• Check Resale Sites: Websites that resell unwanted gift cards can be a goldmine for discounts year-round, but they often have an influx of inventory around the holidays. You can sometimes find gift cards for popular brands at 20% off or more.
• Read the Fine Print: This is crucial, especially for bonus cards. These often come with an expiration date and can only be redeemed during a specific timeframe, such as a few weeks in January. Always check the terms so you don't miss out on your freebie.

By keeping these strategies in mind, you can approach the Black Friday sales with confidence and come away with the best possible deals. It's all about making the promotions work for you.

What Brands Sell Discounted Gift Cards on Black Friday?

Black Friday brings gift card deals from a massive range of brands, covering everything from dining and retail to travel and entertainment. You can find offers at major department stores, specialty shops, restaurant chains, and even online marketplaces. Even premium brands get in on the action, often with unique promotions like those detailed in our complete guide to Apple gift card deals. The key is to know which retailers and brands typically participate so you can plan your shopping list accordingly.

Here are some of the top brands we've seen offer fantastic gift card deals in the past, giving you an idea of what to look for this year:

• adidas: A great way to save on athletic gear, with gift cards often seeing discounts of 15% to 20%.
• Amazon: While a major seller of other brands, Amazon also runs its own promotions, including sweepstakes to win Amazon gift cards.
• Apple: Doesn't offer a direct discount, but runs a popular event where you get a free Apple Gift Card (worth up to $200) with an eligible product purchase.
• Barnes and Noble: The perfect deal for book lovers, often offering a free $10 gift card with the purchase of $100 in gift cards.
• Bath and Body Works: Look for their gift cards to be discounted by about 20% at various online retailers.
• Best Buy: A key retailer that not only sells discounted gift cards but also offers its own bonus cards with the purchase of other specialty cards.
• Chipotle: A fan-favorite restaurant that frequently sees its gift cards discounted by about 15% at stores like Best Buy and Amazon.
• Costco and Sam's Club: These members-only clubs offer year-round savings on multipacks, with even better Black Friday deals on travel and dining cards.
• Dave and Buster's: A fun gift for all ages, with past deals offering a 20% discount on $50 gift cards.
• DoorDash: One of the most common deals available, with $100 cards often selling for $85 at a variety of retailers.
• Domino's: A perennial favorite, with gift cards frequently discounted by 15% to 20% during Black Friday sales.
• Fandango: A perfect gift for movie lovers, with past promotions offering a 20% discount.
• Gap: Look for discounts around 15-20% off, perfect for stocking up on wardrobe staples for the whole family.
• GameStop: A must-watch for gamers, with deals on PlayStation and Xbox cards, especially for its Pro members.
• Instacart: Save on future grocery deliveries with frequent 15% off deals on $100 gift cards.
• Landry's: This restaurant group's gift cards (good at Morton's, Bubba Gump, and more) are often available for 20% off at warehouse clubs.
• Lowe's: A great way to save on home improvement projects, with past deals offering bonus cards with a minimum purchase.
• Macy's: The department store often offers its "Star Money" as a bonus with gift card purchases.
• Nordstrom: A smart way to save on high-end fashion, with deals like $100 cards for $90.
• PlayStation and Xbox: Find gift cards for these gaming consoles at a discount at retailers like GameStop and Best Buy.
• Southwest Airlines: A top travel deal, with gift cards often available for 10% off or more at warehouse clubs.
• Starbucks: The quintessential gift card, often part of "buy a card, get a bonus" deals at retailers like Target and Amazon.
• Target: A major hub for promotions, frequently offering its own gift card as a bonus when you buy other brands.
• Uber and Lyft: Save on future rides with discounted gift cards from various online retailers, often at a 20% discount.

The variety is what makes Black Friday so powerful for gift card shoppers. This list is extensive, but it's still just a glimpse of the hundreds of brands that go on sale. Deals for fan-favorite destinations can be especially valuable, as you can see in our comprehensive guide to Disney gift card deals. By keeping an eye on these brands, you can find a gift card for just about anyone on your list, or simply stock up for your own spending at a significant discount.

Can I Use Discount Codes During Checkout for Black Friday Gift Cards?

In most cases, you cannot apply a separate discount or coupon code when purchasing a gift card. Retailers typically treat gift cards like cash or a currency equivalent, which makes them ineligible for most promotional codes that are designed for merchandise. For example, a "20% off your entire order" coupon will almost always exclude gift card purchases in its fine print.

However, there are exceptions. The savings on gift cards usually come from a direct, pre-applied discount (e.g., a $50 card for $40) or a bonus offer that is automatically added to your cart. Additionally, some store-wide loyalty rewards or credit card benefits, like the 5% discount from a Target Circle Card, can sometimes be applied to specialty third-party gift cards. Always be sure to read the terms and conditions of a coupon before trying to use it on a gift card purchase.

Will Retailers Price Match Black Friday Gift Card Sales?

Price-matching policies for gift cards are very rare and, in most cases, retailers will not price-match them. Gift cards are considered financial instruments rather than standard retail products, and they are almost universally excluded from price-matching guarantees. A store's price match policy is designed to compete on merchandise pricing with other retailers, not on currency.

Furthermore, many of the best Black Friday gift card deals are exclusive to a specific retailer. For instance, if Best Buy offers a $100 DoorDash gift card for $85, you won't be able to go to Target and ask them to match that price. Your best bet is to simply buy the gift card from the retailer that is offering the promotion directly.

What is the Return Policy for Discounted Gift Cards on Black Friday?

Gift cards are almost always considered final sale items, meaning they cannot be returned or refunded. This policy applies whether the gift card was purchased at full price or as part of a Black Friday promotion. Once a gift card is purchased and activated, the retailer considers the transaction complete and the value loaded onto the card.

Because gift card sales are non-refundable, it's very important to double-check your purchase before completing it. Make sure you are buying a gift card for the correct brand, especially when there are similar options available (like a Disney gift card versus a deal on a Disney Plus gift card). If you end up with a gift card you don't want, your only option is typically to use it, regift it, or sell it on a legitimate gift card exchange website.

How do Gift Card Black Friday Deals Compare to Their Cyber Monday Deals?

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are often treated as a single, extended shopping event, and many gift card deals will be available during both. It's common for a promotion that starts on Black Friday to run through the entire weekend and conclude at the end of Cyber Monday. However, there are some subtle differences. Black Friday deals are sometimes available both in-store and online, while Cyber Monday deals are exclusively online.

While there can be some overlap, some retailers may offer unique, one-day-only gift card deals on Cyber Monday to attract online shoppers. These are often digital gift card deals that are delivered instantly via email. To learn more about the distinctions between the two shopping holidays, you can read about the ways Cyber Monday is different from Black Friday. Ultimately, the best strategy is to keep an eye out for deals throughout the entire 4-day period, as you never know when the perfect offer might appear.

What Have Gift Card Black Friday Deals Looked Like Previously?

Looking back at past Black Friday deals is a great way to predict what we can expect for the upcoming season. Retailers tend to be consistent, often bringing back their most popular promotions year after year. While the exact percentages might shift, the types of deals—bonus card offers, straight discounts, and free gift cards with a product purchase—have remained the same. This history gives us a reliable roadmap for what to expect in 2025.

These past promotions demonstrate a consistent pattern of savings around 15% to 20% on some of the most popular brands. Here are some specific examples of the types of deals that were available during previous Black Friday sales:

• 20% Off Select Gift Cards: We saw numerous deals at this level, including a $100 Lyft gift card for $80 and 20% off gift cards for brands like adidas, Domino's, and Golden Corral at Amazon.
• 15% Off Fan-Favorite Brands: This was a very common discount, with offers like a $100 DoorDash gift card for $85 at Best Buy, a $100 Instacart or Chipotle gift card for $85 at Amazon, and a $100 Gap gift card for $85.
• 10% Off Travel and High-End Retail: Promotions at this tier included a $100 Nordstrom Rack Gift Card for $90 at eGifter.com, a $200 Disney e-gift card for $180 at Sam's Club, and a $100 Uber gift card for $90.
• Target's "Buy, Get a Bonus" Deal: This is a recurring and extremely popular offer. Shoppers could get a free $10 or $15 Target Gift Card with a $100 purchase of select gift cards, including top brands like Apple, Disney, Starbucks, and major gaming services.
• Barnes and Noble's Classic Offer: A fantastic deal for book lovers, this promotion gave shoppers a free $10 eGift Card with a $100 gift card purchase.
• Best Buy's Bonus Offer: Shoppers could receive a free $10 Best Buy Gift Card with the purchase of $50 in select specialty gift cards.
• Macy's Star Money: The department store offered $10 in its "Star Money" rewards currency with the purchase of a $50 gift card.
• Gaming-Specific Discounts: Gamers could find 5% to 10% off PlayStation and Xbox gift cards at GameStop (for Pro members) and 15% off Roblox gift cards with Target Circle.
• Gift-with-Purchase Deals: Some offers were tied to merchandise, such as the deal to get a free $15 adidas Gift Card with a $35 adidas product purchase at eGifter.com.
• Apple's Black Friday Event: A standout promotion where buying an eligible Apple product like an iPhone or MacBook would earn you a free Apple Gift Card worth up to $200.

Beyond these specific examples, there are several key historical trends worth noting. One of the most common promotions is the "bonus card" offer, especially from restaurants. Instead of discounting the initial gift card, they'll give you a second, smaller bonus card for free (for example, "Buy a $50 gift card, get a free $10 bonus card"). It's a fantastic way to get extra value, but it's critical to read the fine print, as these bonus cards are often promotional and must be used within a specific timeframe, typically in January or February of the following year.

Another major trend is retailers offering a free gift card with the purchase of a specific product. Apple is the most famous example of this, bundling an Apple Gift Card with the purchase of an iPhone or MacBook. This strategy allows the retailer to maintain the product's price while still offering a compelling incentive. We've also seen this from department stores and specialty retailers across various categories. These historical patterns show that the best deals often require a bit of strategic thinking to maximize their value.

What Other Gift Card Promo Codes and Discounts are Currently Available?

You don't always have to wait until Black Friday to find a great deal on a gift card. Many retailers, and especially warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club, offer discounts year-round. These might not always match the deep discounts of Black Friday, but they can still provide solid savings if you need a gift card right away. To see what offers are live right now, you can check out all the current gift card deals that our team has vetted and published.

Here are some of the best gift card deals and promotions available now:

• Applebee's: A $100 gift card multipack is available for $79.99 at Sam's Club.
• California Pizza Kitchen: Sam's Club members can get a $75 gift card for only $59.99.
• Chipotle: Get a $100 gift card multipack (four $25 cards) for $89.99 at Costco.
• Cinemark: A $50 gift card can be purchased for $39.99 at Costco.
• Cold Stone Creamery: Get a $50 gift card multipack for just $34.99 at Sam's Club.
• Darden Restaurants: A $100 gift card (good for Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, etc.) is available for $89.99 at Costco.
• Domino's: Get a $100 gift card multipack (four $25 cards) for just $79.99 at Sam's Club.
• Fanatics: Sports fans can get a $100 gift card multipack for $79.99 at Sam's Club.
• Fandango: Get a $50 gift card for only $39.99 at Costco.
• Golden Corral: Sam's Club offers a $75 gift card value pack for just $56.25.
• Grubhub: Costco members can buy a $100 gift card for $79.99.
• IHOP: A $100 gift card multipack is available for $79.99 at Sam's Club.
• Instacart: Sam's Club members can purchase a $100 gift card for $80.
• Jiffy Lube: A $100 gift card multipack is available for $74.99 at Sam's Club.
• Krispy Kreme: A $50 gift card is available for $39.99 at Sam's Club.
• Landry's Restaurants: Get a $100 gift card for $79.99 at Sam's Club.
• Nintendo eShop: Get a $100 digital gift card for $89.99 at Costco.
• O'Charley's: A $75 gift card is available for $56.25 at Sam's Club.
• Red Robin: A $100 gift card multipack is available for $79.99 at Sam's Club.
• Southwest Airlines: A $500 gift card is available for $449.99 at Costco for members.
• Steak 'n Shake: Get a $50 gift card multipack for $37.50 at Sam's Club.
• Topgolf: A $100 gift card can be purchased for $79.99 at Sam's Club.
• Uber: Costco offers a $100 Uber gift card for $79.99.
• Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: Costco members can get a 3-Month Membership card for $38.99.

These deals show that warehouse clubs are a fantastic resource for year-round savings. It's always worth checking their inventory before paying full price for a gift card, especially if you're planning a large purchase or giving multiple gifts.

Are There Purchase Limits on Discounted Gift Cards?

Yes, almost all of the best Black Friday gift card deals come with purchase limits. Retailers do this to prevent resellers from buying up all the stock and to ensure the deal is available to as many customers as possible. For example, warehouse clubs like Sam's Club often limit members to two of each discounted gift card.

Target's popular deals are typically limited to one per Target Circle account. Always check the fine print for these limits before you plan to stock up. If you need more than the limit allows, you may need to visit different retailers or have another member of your household make a separate purchase.

Do Visa, Mastercard, or American Express Gift Cards Go on Sale?

It is very rare to find a direct discount on the face value of a bank-issued gift card (like those from Visa or Mastercard). These cards work almost like cash, so you won't see a $100 Visa gift card for sale for $80. However, the "deal" on these cards during Black Friday often comes in the form of waived or reduced activation fees. A typical activation fee is $5.95, so getting that fee waived is a form of savings. You may also find promotions at grocery or office supply stores where buying these gift cards earns you bonus fuel points or store rewards, which is an indirect way to save.

Can I Buy a Gift Card With Another Gift Card?

This is a very common question, and the answer is almost universally no. Retailers' point-of-sale systems are programmed to prevent this type of transaction. You cannot, for example, walk into Target, hand the cashier a $50 Target gift card, and use it to buy a $50 Starbucks gift card.

This policy is in place to prevent fraud and money laundering. Think of it this way: a store's own gift card is a liability on their books, and they want you to use it on their merchandise, not to purchase a competitor's currency. You'll need to pay for your gift card purchases with a credit card, debit card, or cash.

Do Black Friday Gift Cards Expire?

This is a critical question with a two-part answer. For the main gift card you purchase, federal law (the Credit Card Act of 2009) protects you. This law mandates that gift cards cannot expire for at least five years from the date they are activated. So, you can shop with confidence knowing your purchased gift card has a long shelf life.

However, this protection does not apply to promotional or bonus cards. That free $15 bonus card you received for buying a $100 gift card is considered a promotional coupon, not a gift card. As such, it can (and very often does) have a very short expiration window. It's common for these bonus cards to be valid only for a few weeks in January or February. Always read the terms and conditions on any bonus card you receive so you don't miss your chance to use it.

How Can I Avoid Black Friday Gift Card Scams?

While the vast majority of gift card deals from reputable retailers are perfectly safe, the holiday season is a prime time for scams. The most important rule is to buy directly from the source or from major, trusted retailers. Be wary of unsolicited emails or social media ads from unknown sellers offering deals that seem too good to be true.

Red flags include pressure to pay with unconventional methods like wire transfers or cryptocurrency, typos and grammatical errors on a website, and sellers on third-party marketplaces with little or no feedback. Stick to the official websites of stores like Costco, Target, Best Buy, and Amazon, or trusted digital gift card platforms like PayPal and eGifter.com.

How are Black Friday Deals Sourced and Published?

At DealNews, our process for sourcing and publishing deals is built on a foundation of expertise and meticulous verification. Our team of deal experts works year-round to monitor prices and cultivate relationships with thousands of retailers. For Black Friday, we shift into high gear, analyzing leaked ads, confirming offer details directly with merchants, and comparing prices across the web to ensure that every deal we publish is the best available. We cut through the hype to present only the offers that provide genuine value, saving you both time and money.

Why Trust DealNews for Gift Card Deals?

For over 25 years, DealNews has been a trusted resource for savvy shoppers. Our mission has always been simple: to provide consumers with the most accurate, up-to-date information on the very best deals. We are obsessively focused on quality, and our experts spend countless hours verifying every offer we publish. We don't just list sales; we provide context, price comparisons, and strategic advice to help you make the smartest purchasing decisions. When it comes to Black Friday, our experience is unparalleled.

We know that finding the best gift card deals can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, which is why we do the hard work for you. To stay ahead of the curve, sign up for the DealNews newsletter, and we'll deliver the top deals directly to your inbox. And for a truly customized experience, you can create a deal alert to be notified the moment a deal on your favorite brand goes live. With DealNews, you can shop with the confidence that you're always getting the best price.