If you’ve accidentally scratched off the code on your gift card and now it’s unreadable, you’re not alone. Every day, thousands of people in Nigeria and Ghana damage their gift cards while trying to reveal the PIN. But does this mean your money is lost forever? Not necessarily. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what happens when you scratch off a gift card code by mistake, how you can recover the balance, and the fastest ways to still trade it for cash safely.
Can a Scratched Gift Card Still Be Redeemed?
It depends on the severity of the damage. If the code is only partially scratched off and you can still read most of the characters, you can often try to guess the missing parts using common patterns. For example, Apple, Steam, and Amazon codes often follow a standard combination of letters and numbers.
However, if the entire code has been scraped away or the silver panel is destroyed beyond recognition, you’ll likely need to contact the card issuer for help.
What Should You Do First?
Here are quick steps to take immediately:
Stop scratching further – More friction can remove whatever is left of the code.
Check for any visible parts of the code – Sometimes even a faint impression can be enough to figure it out.
Take clear photos – Most gift card issuers require proof of the damaged card front and back.
Keep the purchase receipt – This is your strongest evidence to prove ownership. If you plan to trade the card on Astro Africa, a valid receipt can improve your chances of acceptance or verification.
Can You Still Sell a Scratched Gift Card?
Yes, in some cases.
At Astro Africa, we only accept valid unused gift cards, which means the code must be verifiable and active. If you have partial visibility or a receipt proving the exact code, our team can sometimes help confirm it.
However, if the card issuer has already marked it as redeemed or invalid, you won’t be able to trade it for cash.
Never attempt to sell a card you suspect is compromised without disclosing the issue—most buyers will test it, and if it fails, your account may be flagged.
How to Recover a Scratched Gift Card Code
Each brand has its own recovery process. Here’s how it works for the most popular cards:
Apple & iTunes:
Contact Apple Support.
Provide the serial number (usually near the barcode), purchase receipt, and photos of the damaged card.
If verified, Apple may issue a replacement code.
Amazon:
Call Amazon Customer Service with the card’s serial number and proof of purchase.
They will check if the balance is still available.
Steam:
Submit a ticket through Steam Support with clear images and receipt.
Steam may manually retrieve the code.
Remember: the receipt is often your only proof, so never throw it away.
How to Prevent This Problem Next Time
To avoid scratching off your gift card code by mistake:
Scratch lightly with a coin or your fingernail—never use knives or metal objects.
Hold the card steady on a flat surface.
Take a photo of the back before scratching.
This way, you always have a backup if anything goes wrong.
Why Trust Astro Africa?
We built Astro Africa to make safe, fast, and transparent gift card trades available to everyone in Nigeria and Ghana. Whether you’re selling Amazon, Apple, Steam, or Razer Gold, you can count on:
Instant payouts to your wallet or bank account.
Competitive rates updated daily.
Expert support if you ever face issues with your card codes.
Don’t risk your money with unverified platforms. Trade with Astro Africa and enjoy peace of mind.
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FAQs About Scratched Gift Cards
Can you trade a scratched gift card without a receipt?
Most platforms—including Astro Africa—require a receipt if the code is damaged. Without it, recovery is unlikely.
How long does it take to get a replacement code?
It depends on the issuer. Apple and Amazon can take 3–7 business days to verify and issue a new code.
Ready to trade your gift card securely?
Sign up today and experience instant payouts on all your valid cards—without stress.
