If you’ve ever sold a gift card online, you know how frustrating it feels to wake up and see your payment reversed or your balance wiped out. Gift card chargebacks and payment disputes are one of the biggest headaches for sellers in Nigeria and Ghana.
But the good news? You can avoid almost all of them if you know exactly what to watch out for.
This guide will show you step-by-step how to protect yourself, keep your earnings safe, and trade gift cards confidently.
What Are Gift Card Chargebacks?
A chargeback happens when the buyer disputes a payment after you’ve already delivered the gift card. This usually means the money gets pulled back out of your account while the platform or payment processor investigates.
Some reasons for chargebacks include:
The buyer claims the card was invalid.
The buyer says they never received the code.
The original owner reports the card as stolen or unauthorized.
Fraudulent payments were used to buy the card.
If you trade gift cards on social media, peer-to-peer marketplaces, or unverified apps, your chances of getting hit by a chargeback are very high.
How to Avoid Chargebacks When Selling Gift Cards
1. Only Use Trusted Platforms
Never trade on WhatsApp groups, Telegram, or with random buyers who DM you. Use a reputable platform like Astro Africa, where all transactions are secured and payout is instant.
Astro Africa verifies all trades and doesn’t release your gift card value until it’s confirmed valid.
2. Always Keep Proof of Ownership
Make sure you can prove you bought the card legitimately.
✅ Keep your purchase receipt (cash receipt if you can).
✅ Take a clear photo of the physical card or ecode.
✅ Document the date you acquired the card.
Astro Africa sometimes requires evidence if there’s a dispute—so you’ll be glad you saved your receipts.
3. Verify the Gift Card Balance Before Trading
Many sellers skip this step and later get scammed. Before uploading your card, check the balance on the official website.
For example:
Apple Gift Card: redeem.apple.com
Amazon Gift Card: amazon.com/gc/balance
Steam Gift Card: store.steampowered.com/account/redeemwalletcode
Never assume a card has value because you scratched it new.
4. Use Instant Payment Settlement
Platforms with delayed settlement give scammers time to file a reversal. Astro Africa pays you instantly—once verified, your funds appear in your wallet or bank. This reduces your risk drastically.
5. Watch Out for Overpayment Scams
One common trick is when a buyer “accidentally” overpays and asks for a refund. This is often a setup for a reversal later.
Never refund any amount without confirming the source of payment.
If you get an unusual overpayment, contact support before releasing the card or refunding.
6. Never Share Card Codes Before Payment
If you send your card code or image before the buyer pays, you have no leverage. Once they redeem it, you’re left chasing empty promises.
With Astro Africa, you upload your card securely, and payment is released automatically after validation.
Why Sell Gift Cards on Astro Africa?
Thousands of Nigerians and Ghanaians trust Astro Africa because:
✅ Instant payouts—no waiting around
✅ Transparent rates with no hidden deductions
✅ 24/7 support if you have an issue
✅ Automated trade verification
✅ Bank-level security to protect your transactions
Trading gift cards shouldn’t feel like a gamble. That’s why we built Astro Africa to help you trade safely.
Read Also:
How to Withdraw Bitcoin to Nigerian Bank Account
Where to Sell Euro Apple Gift Card in Ghana for Instant Cedis
FAQs About Gift Card Chargebacks
Can gift card chargebacks happen if I use Astro Africa?
Our automated verification drastically reduces this risk. Once we validate your card, your payout is final.
Do I need to keep receipts?
Yes—keeping your receipt proves you owned the card legally and helps protect you in any dispute.
How fast do I get paid?
Once your card is verified, payouts are instant to your wallet or bank account.
Which gift cards have the least chargeback risk?
Generally, Apple, Amazon, and Steam cards bought directly with cash receipts have the lowest dispute rates.
Ready to trade safely and get paid instantly?
Sign up on Astro Africa today and enjoy secure, stress-free gift card selling.
