IKEA, MediaMarkt and El Corte Inglés are where many of the larger household expenses end up: a sofa, a washing machine, a laptop, a wardrobe for the new flat. Their gift cards are one of the most practical ways to turn crypto into those purchases, because amounts go up to 2000 per card. This guide explains how each card is typically used, what to check in the terms and how to plan a big purchase without surprises.
Which countries each card covers
| Brand | Regions | Amounts per card | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| IKEA | Spain, Germany, France, Italy | 50 to 2000 | Furniture, storage, kitchen, textiles |
| MediaMarkt | Spain, Germany | 50 to 2000 | Electronics, appliances, gaming |
| El Corte Inglés | Spain | 50 to 2000 | Fashion, home, electronics, supermarket |
The country matters: an IKEA card for France is for IKEA France. If you are furnishing a flat in Spain, choose the Spanish version on the IKEA gift card page.
Using the card online
Retail gift cards are generally used at checkout as a payment method. On the brand's website you usually find a "gift card" option on the payment step, where you enter the card number and, when the card has one, its PIN. The amount is deducted from your basket and, if the basket costs more, you pay the rest with another method.
- Copy the code from your order page (the copy button avoids typing mistakes).
- Build your basket on the brand's website for the right country.
- At payment, choose the gift card option and enter the number and PIN.
- Check the remaining amount and pay the difference if needed.
Each brand sets where its cards are accepted (online, in store or both) and any conditions. Read the terms shown with the card on the brand's website before you plan a purchase around it.
Using the card in store
In physical stores, the usual approach is to show the card or its code at the till, where staff scan or type it in. Keep the code ready on your phone. For big items that are delivered later, such as furniture or appliances, ask at the counter whether the gift card can be used for the order and for the delivery service.
IKEA: furnishing with crypto
IKEA purchases often happen in stages: the big pieces first, accessories later. A practical way to handle that is one larger card for the main order and a smaller one for later trips. IKEA's own site lets you check gift card balance, which helps keep track of what remains.
MediaMarkt: electronics and appliances
For a laptop, a television or a fridge, a single MediaMarkt gift card of 500 or 1000 can cover most of the price. MediaMarkt cards in the catalogue are available for Spain and Germany. Prices in this category move with promotions, so it is sensible to pick the product first and then buy the card for the amount you need.
El Corte Inglés: one card, many departments
El Corte Inglés is a department store, so the same El Corte Inglés gift card can go towards clothes, cosmetics, home goods, electronics or the supermarket, within the brand's own terms. It is Spain-only.
Planning a big purchase with crypto
- Pick the product first, then the card amount. Cards are 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 or 2000.
- Combine cards if needed, for example 1000 plus 200 for a 1150 purchase, and pay any small difference with another method.
- Pay with a stablecoin for big amounts: with IKEA with USDT or MediaMarkt with USDC the value does not move while the transfer confirms.
- Mind the order limit: one order can be worth up to about 3000 USD.
- Keep the order ID: the code lives on your order page, not in your email.
Common questions at the till
Can I return an item bought with a gift card?
Returns follow the store's policy. Many retailers refund purchases made with a gift card back to a gift card, not to cash, but the rule is the brand's; check it before buying.
Can I use two cards on one purchase?
Often yes, but it depends on the brand and the channel. Online checkouts sometimes limit how many cards can be entered.
For other day-to-day stores, see paying groceries with crypto or the overview of what you can buy with crypto in Spain and Europe.