With the highly anticipated release of the new PS5 Slim and the festive fervor of the holiday season, there are many players with Gift Cards on their hands to redeem. However, redeeming these gift cards can be a hassle if you encounter issues with their functionality. And that has exactly been the case for some unfortunate players. In other words, the PlayStation Gift Cards are not working for some players. So, in this article, we’ll explore solutions to address this issue, ensuring that you can swiftly overcome obstacles and make the most out of your PlayStation Gift Card.
PlayStation Gift Cards, a staple in the gaming community, offer a convenient way for users to add funds to their PlayStation Network (PSN) accounts. These prepaid cards, available in various denominations, enable gamers to make purchases on the PlayStation Store, including games, downloadable content, subscriptions, and more. As the holiday season drives a surge in the popularity of these cards, the unfortunate occurrence of some not working raises concerns for many players in possession of these cards. So, if you too are encountering the same issue, here’s how you can deal with it.
PlayStation Gift card not working: How to fix it
The recurring issue of PlayStation Gift Cards not working has troubled users in the past, and in light of this, we present some worthwhile workarounds to address the concern that has also been suggested on the official support page for this issue.
Verify Store Receipt and Payment Status
If you bought your gift card from a physical store, there is one nifty tip suggested by a user on Reddit. So, all you need to do is examine the store receipt accompanying the PSN card purchase to confirm its payment status. If the receipt indicates that the PSN card is paid for, consider reaching out to PlayStation Support for assistance. However, if the receipt solely states that the PSN card is not paid, it’s advisable to return the card to the store. There is a chance that the card is potentially stolen. Contacting the store with the receipt is the wisest course of action in such cases.
Check Code Accuracy
Keeping it simple, when redeeming a gift card, double-check the accuracy of the entered code. Take a close look at the code and make sure that each character is input correctly to avoid any errors during the redemption process.
Spam Redeem button
If the “prepaid card could not be redeemed. Please try again later” message continues to persist, try spamming the redeem button about 5–10 times. This eventually fixed the issue for Reasonable_Tennis722, so it might work for you as well.
Attempt Redemption on PS App or Website
As an additional workaround, instead of using the console, consider trying to redeem the PlayStation Gift Card through the PS App or the official PlayStation website. Log in to your PSN account on your PC or use the PS app to redeem the gift cards.
Carefully Reveal Gift Card Digits
When dealing with gift cards, carefully scratch off the protective layer using a coin or a blunt-edged object. Be gentle to avoid damaging the code, and ensure all 12 digits are visible. If you accidentally scratch too hard and a digit becomes unclear, you can make an educated guess and try entering the code multiple times. However, exercise caution, as excessive attempts may lead to complications. Only guess a single digit at a time, and avoid overdoing it to prevent other potential issues.
Distinguish Between Voucher and Discount Codes
With the code properly revealed, try to recognize the type of code being used. A standard PlayStation voucher code consists of 12 digits. If the code has only 10 digits, it is a discount code and can only be redeemed during a purchase transaction.
Verify Code Validity and Expiry
This one is obvious: confirm that the voucher code is still valid. Check for an expiration date on the voucher, as some codes have a limited redemption timeframe. If your code has expired, that explains why it is not working.
Align Country of PSN Account and Gift Card Issuance
Another unspoken criterion for successful redemption is ensuring that the country associated with your PlayStation Network (PSN) account matches the country where the gift card is issued. Mismatches in regions can lead to compatibility issues, potentially causing the gift card to not work.
Check Network Status and Account Refresh
Before entering the code, head over to the PlayStation Network Status page to rule out any ongoing network issues. If problems persist, signing out of PSN and then signing back in can refresh your account, potentially resolving any connectivity-related obstacles.
Contact Support as a Last Resort
If all else fails and the PlayStation Gift Card issue persists, reaching out to PlayStation Support becomes the last resort. Provide them with all the necessary details, including the gift card code, purchase information, and any relevant details about the problem. Support teams are equipped to handle complex issues and may offer personalized assistance to resolve the problem. So make sure to reach out to them as soon as possible.
With those tips and workarounds, you should be able to redeem your gift cards and get the most out of them this holiday season. Anyway, that is all for this guide but remember, for more gaming guides and news, stay in touch with DigiStatement. Read more: PS5 stuck on sparkle screen: How to fix it?
