Many beginners come across "Gift Card" or "Vouchers" in the Binance app menu and mistake them for some kind of "prepaid card" required to use Binance. It's actually the opposite—this is a feature provided by Binance to give cryptocurrency as a gift to others, similar to a digital "red packet." The bottom line: Binance Gift Card is an official feature that lets you create a "gift card" using coins from your spot account, generating an 8-digit redemption code or sharing link. The recipient simply enters the code in the app to claim the coins instantly—completely fee-free and with no expiration. If you haven't registered yet, you can start from the Binance Official Website, download the Binance Official App, and iPhone users should check the iOS Installation Guide for region-switching tips.
What Exactly is a Binance Gift Card?
The Concept
Binance Gift Card (sometimes referred to as "Vouchers" or "Red Packets") is essentially a digital voucher for crypto. Here is how it works:
- You deduct 10 USDT from your Spot Wallet.
- The system gives you an 8-character string:
ABC12XYZ. - You send this string to a friend (via SMS, WhatsApp, email, etc.).
- Your friend logs into Binance, goes to the "Gift Card" section, and enters the code.
- Your friend's Spot Wallet is instantly credited with 10 USDT.
Key features of this process:
- Zero fees for the sender.
- Zero fees for the recipient.
- Instant arrival without on-chain waiting.
- No minimum amount limits (minimum 0.0001 BTC equivalent).
Differences from Internal Transfers and Withdrawals
Binance offers three ways to send coins to others:
| Method | Recipient Needs to Provide | Speed | Fee | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gift Card | 8-digit redemption code | Instant | 0 | When you don't know their UID/Email |
| Binance Pay | Email / Phone / UID | Instant | 0 | When you know their account info |
| Withdrawal | On-chain wallet address | 1-30 mins | 0.29-15 USDT | Sending to external wallets |
Core Advantage of Gift Cards: You don't need any account information from the recipient. Just give them the code, and they can claim it.
How to Create a Gift Card
Steps in the App
- Go to "Wallet" at the bottom → "Gift Card" (If not found, search for "Gift Card" in the top-right "More" menu).
- Tap "+ Create" in the top right.
- Select the coin: USDT / BTC / ETH / BNB or any coin supported by Binance.
- Enter the amount (e.g., 10 USDT).
- Choose "Digital Gift Card" (Crypto Box).
- Select a template (birthday, holiday, or thank-you themes).
- Add a message (optional, max 200 characters).
- Tap "Next" and confirm with your funding password or 2FA.
- The system generates a redemption code and a sharing link.
Steps on the Web
Log in and go to "Finance" in the top menu → "Gift Card." The remaining steps are identical to the app.
Validity Period
- Default 1 year.
- If expired and unredeemed, the funds are automatically returned to the sender's account.
- There is no design where funds "disappear" upon expiration.
Creation Limits
- Max single card amount: approx. 5,000 USDT equivalent.
- Daily creation limit: 100 cards.
- Max total unredeemed gift cards: 50,000 USDT equivalent.
This is more than enough for daily use.
How to Redeem a Gift Card
Recipient's Steps
If you receive an 8-digit code (or a link):
- Log into the Binance App.
- Go to "Gift Card."
- Tap "Redeem."
- Enter the 8-digit code.
- The system will identify the content (coin and amount).
- Tap "Confirm."
- The coins are instantly added to your Spot Wallet.
Redeeming via Link
If the sender provided a link (e.g., https://www.binance.com/en/gift-card/redeem?code=ABCXYZ123):
- The link contains the code automatically. Clicking it opens the Binance App or website.
- The code is pre-filled.
- You just need to tap confirm.
Can People Without a Binance Account Claim It?
Not directly. The recipient must have a Binance account and must complete KYC verification.
If the recipient doesn't have an account:
- Register a Binance account first (they can use your referral link; see [Is the Binance Referral Code Useful?](/posts/binance-referral-code-fee-saving/)).
- Complete KYC verification.
- Redeem the gift card.
Common Uses for Gift Cards
1. Sending Crypto to Friends
The most direct scenario. Whether it's a birthday or a holiday wish, sending a 100 USDT gift card feels more ceremonial than a simple transfer.
2. Transferring Between Your Own Accounts
- Create a gift card in your main account.
- Redeem it in a sub-account or a family member's account.
- It's free and instant.
However, "Binance Pay" can also achieve this; gift cards just add an extra step of generating a code.
3. Twitter Giveaways / Community Events
- Merchants or communities organizing events.
- Create multiple small gift cards (e.g., 100 cards of 5 USDT each).
- Post the codes publicly (first-come, first-served).
- This is similar to a "red packet rain" on WeChat.
Note: Publicly posted codes might be snatched by bots instantly. For serious marketing, consider distributing codes via private message.
4. Cross-border Transfers
No bank cards, WeChat, or Alipay needed. As long as the other party has a Binance account, gift cards can complete cross-border transfers much faster than international wire transfers.
Security Reminders for Gift Cards
The Code Itself is "Cash"
The 8-digit code is bearer-based—whoever has the code can claim it. If leaked:
- Posted in a public group → Anyone can claim it instantly.
- Screenshotted on Twitter → Bots will scan and claim it instantly.
- Sent via insecure chat → Man-in-the-middle could intercept it.
Always send codes only to trusted individuals and use encrypted channels (Signal, encrypted email, or in-person).
How to Cancel a Redemption
If you just generated a gift card and realized you sent it to the wrong person or changed your mind:
- Find the card in your Gift Card list with the "Unredeemed" status.
- Tap "Withdraw."
- The amount is immediately returned to your Spot Wallet.
This only works if the recipient hasn't redeemed it yet. Once redeemed, it cannot be reversed.
Avoiding Phishing
Common scam tactics:
- "I'm sending you a gift card, but you must transfer 50 USDT to verify your identity first" → 99% a scam.
- "Click this link to claim a gift card" → Phishing sites trying to steal your password.
- "Compensation gift card from support" → Binance support will never proactively send gift cards of any kind.
Only redeem gift cards within the Binance App or official website. Ensure links start with binance.com to be safe.
Limitations of Gift Cards
Cannot Be Purchased with Fiat Directly
You can only create gift cards from your existing crypto assets. If you want to use cash to send a gift, you must first buy USDT via P2P and then create the card.
Limited Coin Support
Most coins supported by Binance (USDT, BTC, ETH, BNB, USDC, DOGE, etc.) can be used, but a few newly listed coins or certain stablecoins (like FDUSD, TUSD) might occasionally be unsupported.
Platform Specific
Binance Gift Cards can only be redeemed within the Binance platform. OKX or HTX users cannot claim a Binance gift card, and vice versa.
Gift Cards vs. WeChat Red Packets
Many beginners compare gift cards to WeChat red packets. Here are the similarities and differences:
| Dimension | WeChat Red Packet | Binance Gift Card |
|---|---|---|
| Account Needed | Binance (with KYC) | |
| Asset Type | Fiat (CNY) | Cryptocurrency |
| Single Limit | 200 CNY (Standard) | ~5,000 USDT |
| Reversibility | Refund after 24 hours if uncollected | Can be withdrawn anytime if unredeemed |
| Cross-border | No | Global |
| Fees | 0 | 0 |
Binance Gift Cards are better for large amounts, cross-border use, and long-term holding, while WeChat red packets are better for small amounts among acquaintances during holidays.
Practical Example
Scenario: Sending 50 USDT to a Friend Overseas
- Open the Binance App and tap "+" in the "Gift Card" section.
- Select USDT and enter 50.
- Select a "Birthday" template and write "Happy Birthday."
- Tap "Create," 50 USDT is deducted, and you get the code
XYZW1234. - Send the code to your friend via a Telegram private message.
- Your friend logs into their Binance account and enters the code.
- Your friend's Spot Wallet receives 50 USDT instantly.
- The whole process takes 2 minutes, arrives cross-border instantly, and costs zero fees.
If your friend isn't registered yet, send them an invite link first, and they can claim it after registration and KYC.
FAQ
Q: Can I buy gift cards with local currency? A: No. Gift cards are created using your existing cryptocurrency. You need to buy USDT via P2P first.
Q: Which account is the funding deducted from? A: By default, it's deducted from your "Spot Wallet." Funds in Earn or Futures accounts must be transferred to Spot before use.
Q: What happens if the gift card expires? A: They typically have a 1-year validity. If expired, the funds are automatically returned to the sender's Spot Wallet.
Q: Can my friend send the code to a third party? A: Yes. The 8-digit code isn't bound to a specific recipient. Anyone with the code can claim it. Once claimed, it's locked to that account.
Q: Are there any fees for gift cards? A: None at all. Zero fees for both the sender and the recipient, making it cheaper than any withdrawal or cross-chain transfer.
Q: What does the code look like?
A: It's an 8-character string of mixed letters and numbers (case-sensitive), e.g., aB3xY7zQ. We recommend copying and pasting it to avoid errors.