How to Instantly Send Someone iTunes Store Credit

Like gift certificates better than gift cards? iTunes has a solution

iTunes song gift cards are seen on display at a Best Buy

Justin Sullivan /Getty Images 

by Mark Harris
Mark Harris is a former writer for Lifewire who wrote about the digital music scene and streaming music services in an easy to understand, no-nonsense manner.
Updated June 24, 2019

An iTunes gift certificate (similar to iTunes Gift Cards) is a virtually instant way of giving someone credit for songs, albums, apps, audiobooks, and more. The certificate is redeemable in iTunes and the App Store.

You can choose a credit amount of $15 to $200 for your iTunes gift certificate. The recipient can receive an email message from you along with the credit, and you choose the theme for the virtual card.

You can also send someone a specific song or album, music and movies, and apps, instead of credit.

How to Buy an iTunes Gift Certificate

To buy an iTunes gift certificate, you need iTunes installed on your computer, and both you and the recipient need an Apple ID.

  1. Click Store at the top of iTunes.

    If you don't have iTunes on your computer, you can download it from Apple's website.

  2. Click Send Gift from the section on the right side of iTunes.

    You'll have to log in with your Apple ID if you're not already signed in to iTunes.

    The "Send Gift" link is only in the "MUSIC QUICK LINKS" section like you see below if you're currently viewing music in the iTunes Store. For example, if "Podcasts" are open, the section is called, "PODCAST QUICK LINKS."

    Screenshot of the Send Gift option in iTunes Store
    Jon Fisher

  3. Fill out the gift form by selecting a gift amount and entering the recipient's email address, your name, and an optional message.

    Screenshot of the gift options in iTunes
    Jon Fisher

  4. Choose either Now to send the gift today or Other Date to pick a different day on which the recipient should receive the iTunes gift certificate.

  5. Click Next.

  6. Choose a theme for the gift certificate.

    Screenshot of the gift certificate themes in iTunes
    Jon Fisher 

  7. Click Next.

  8. Review the purchase details and then click Buy Gift.

    Screenshot of the summary page when sending a gift certificate through iTunes
    Jon Fisher

You can cancel or change the order using the Cancel and Back buttons.