A Lidl gift card is activated at the checkout or online by entering its 18 or 20-digit number and its 4-digit PIN code; it is then spent like any payment method until the balance is exhausted, including on seasonal festive products (salmon, yule logs, toys, table decorations…).
Activating and using a Lidl gift card step by step 🎁
At the “Customer Service” desk, activation takes only a minute. This speed is appreciated by families who prepare for the holiday season as early as late November.
- 📲 Online: enter the card number + PIN on the dedicated Lidl.fr page, then instantly check the balance.
- 🏪 In store: scan the card at checkout, pay a symbolic €1 for initialization, the card is ready as soon as the receipt is printed.
- 💡 Tip: then scan the Lidl Plus QR Code to accumulate additional discounts.
| Step | Action | Average time ⏱️ |
|---|---|---|
| Scratch the PIN | Remove the thin silver layer | 5 s |
| Online entry | Enter 18-20 digits + 4 digits | 30 s |
| Validation | Message “Card activated” | Instant |
Once activated, the card acts like a standard payment method; it can be combined with Lidl Plus coupons that are activated in the app before checkout.
What does the card really cover in the holiday basket?
It pays for everything except tobacco: foie gras, champagne, boxes of chocolates, or even the famous star-shaped brioche that has been all the rage since 2024.
Where to buy, reload or check the balance of the Lidl gift card 🛒
Points of sale are multiplying to keep up with the competition: Carrefour, Auchan, Leclerc, Intermarché, and Monoprix each offer their own cards, but the German discounter focuses on simplicity.
- 🛍️ At Lidl checkout: amounts from €5 to €250.
- 💻 On the e-gift portal: immediate delivery by email (convenient for last-minute gifts).
- 🔄 Reloading: at checkout by presenting the same card, in increments of €5.
- 🔎 Balance inquiry: via the Lidl Plus app or website, or on the receipt after each purchase.
| Minimum amount 💶 | Maximum amount 🏷️ | Validity 📅 | Reloading |
|---|---|---|---|
| €5 | €250 | 3 years | Yes, unlimited |
Travelers who like to offer local souvenirs can consult guides such as the shops of Mont-Saint-Michel or authentic Guadeloupe; however, the Lidl gift card remains dedicated to food purchases and not exotic souvenirs.
In case of technical issues 🔧
- ❌ App crashing? Update Lidl Plus, otherwise clear the cache as recommended by customer service.
- 🔄 Card declined? Check the expiry date or balance before checkout.
- 📞 Contact support: online chat or 01 88 24 70 70, response in less than 2 minutes according to the latest 2025 survey.
Maximizing the gift card during the holidays: discounts, stacking, and comparisons 🎄
To compete with Casino, U Express, Franprix, or Aldi, the chain multiplies “bonus” operations: €10 offered for every €100 loaded in December or a 5% delayed discount on December 24th.
- 🎅 Stack card + coupon: activate salmon or turkey promotions in Lidl Plus before paying with the card.
- 📈 Take advantage of “100% reimbursed” days: some toys get the amount credited back as a voucher on the card within 48 hours.
- 🎁 Resell unused balance: legal platforms described in this guide resell your gift cards.
- 💳 Compare with other retailers: Leclerc and Auchan often require 12 months validity, Lidl offers 36 months.
| Retailer | Validity | Stackable with loyalty app? | Holiday bonus 🎉 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lidl | 3 years | Yes (Lidl Plus) | 5% or more |
| Carrefour | 2 years | Yes (Carrefour +) | – |
| Auchan | 2 years | Yes (Waaoh) | €3 offered / €50 |
| Leclerc | 1 year | Ticket E.Leclerc | – |
Bargain hunters can also fill their sack with 20 gift ideas under €5 or check the 2025 VAT rules to optimize company budgets.
Case study: the “Christmas Eve for 8” basket
Pauline loaded €120 on her card; thanks to €15 in Lidl Plus coupons and a 5% discount, she pays only €99 for a complete meal, saving as much as a similar basket at Franprix estimated at €125.
Frequently asked questions about the Lidl gift card
Does the Lidl gift card expire?
Yes, after 36 months without use, the balance is lost.
Can I pay in several installments with the same card?
Yes, the amount decreases down to €0; the remainder can be paid by credit card.
How do I send an e-card the same day?
Order before 10 p.m.; the activation email is sent automatically in less than 5 minutes.
Does the card work in all countries?
No, only in the country of issue (a France card does not work in Germany).
Is it possible to combine it with an Edenred gift cheque?
Yes, the cheque is used first, the remaining balance is charged to the Lidl card; more details in the guide Edenred.
