Importing

How to Import Active Gift Card Codes

Last updated: December 23, 2025

This guide explains how to import existing gift cards with custom codes from your legacy systems into Expresso Gift Cards.

Overview

The import feature allows you to bring in gift cards with their original codes intact, maintaining continuity for your customers. Custom codes are completely optional - you can mix and match cards with custom codes and auto-generated ones in the same import.

IMPORTANT: If you plan on importing hundreds of existing gift cards, then it is highly recommended to import in batches of 50-100 to avoid potential timeouts. Remember, your customers with active emails receive an email notification when a gift card is created in Shopify.

CSV File Format

Your CSV file should include these columns:

ColumnRequiredDescriptionExample
firstnameYesCustomer's first nameJohn
lastnameYesCustomer's last nameSmith
emailYesCustomer's email addressjohn@example.com
amountYesGift card value (no currency symbol)50.00
messageNoPersonal message for the gift cardHappy Birthday!
expiresonNoExpiration date (YYYY-MM-DD format)2025-12-31
codeNoCustom gift card codeHOLIDAY2024

Supported Code Column Names

The system recognizes these column variations for gift card codes:

  • code
  • giftcardcode
  • gift_card_code
  • cardcode

Important Notes

Custom Code Requirements

  • Codes must be unique across your Shopify store
  • Codes are case-sensitive
  • Invalid or duplicate codes will cause individual card creation to fail
  • The system will report which cards succeeded and which failed

Mixed Imports

You can import a mix of cards:

  • Some rows with custom codes
  • Some rows with empty code fields (auto-generated)
  • This gives you flexibility when migrating from legacy systems

Best Practices

  • Test First: Import a small batch to verify your format
  • Backup Codes: Keep a record of your original codes for reference
  • Unique Codes: Ensure all custom codes are unique before importing
  • Date Format: Use YYYY-MM-DD format for expiration dates
  • Amount Format: Use decimal numbers without currency symbols (e.g., 25.00, not $25.00)

Need more help? Contact our support team through the help beacon in the bottom-right corner of the app.

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