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Gift cards and store credit as Shopify AOV levers in 2026
Gift card buyers spend 20-40% more than the card value. Store credit turns returns into revenue. Most merchants leave both on the table.
38%
Average overspend on gift cards
21%
AOV lift from tiered gift card denominations
72%
Redemption rate on store credit vs 0% on refunds
Refunds are a dead end. Store credit and gift card thresholds turn every transaction into a future AOV lift.
The hacks
Bonus $10 gift card on orders above $75
Spend $75, get a free $10 gift card. Customers add one more item to hit the threshold, then come back to spend the card - and overspend by 38% on average.
Gift card bundles at a premium price point
Sell a $100 gift card bundled with a branded tote or sample kit for $112. The physical item makes the gift feel personal, and the card guarantees a return visit.
Store credit on returns instead of cash refunds
Offer 110% store credit as an alternative to a cash refund. 72% of customers take the credit, and they overspend it by an average of $19.
Tiered gift card values that nudge higher spend
Offer $25, $50, $75 gift cards - but make the $50 feel like the obvious pick with a bonus item. The middle tier anchors spending and recipients overspend by 38%.
Gift card + free product bundle at a threshold
A gift card alone is transactional. Bundle it with a free sample or mini product and the perceived value jumps. Recipients feel they got a deal before they even shop.
Gift card upsell at checkout with tiered pricing
Show a "Add a gift card for someone?" prompt at checkout with three denominations. The middle option anchors the price. 8.6% of buyers add one to their order.
Store credit bundles that guarantee higher next-order AOV
Give $15 store credit that activates only on orders above $75. The threshold ensures the credit lifts AOV instead of subsidizing a small order.
Start with store credit on returns
It costs nothing to set up and recovers revenue you are already losing. Offer 110% store credit as the default option on your returns page. Once that is running, layer in the bonus gift card threshold to drive new AOV lift.