# Gift cards, store credit, returns and exchanges in the app

> Sell and check gift cards, pay with gift cards and store credit, and take returns with refund, store credit, gift card or exchange in the app.

Source: https://docs.smartposhub.com/business-app/gift-cards-and-returns/  
Last updated: 2026-10-30  
Product: SmartPOS Hub (https://smartposhub.com)

This page shows cashiers and managers how to handle gift cards, store credit, returns and exchanges in **SmartPOS Business**, using the same rules and return policy as the web app.

## Before you start

- Gift cards and returns are switched on for the business on the web; see [Returns and gift cards module](https://docs.smartposhub.com/modules/returns-and-gift-cards/).
- Your role has return and gift card permissions.
- All of this needs an internet connection.

## Gift cards

Open **Gift cards** (**More › Sell**). Filter **Active**, **Used up**, **Expired** or **Void**; search by code or customer or scan a card.

- **Sell gift card** (**+**) – set the amount and customer and take payment. Print it on the receipt printer if you like.
- **Check balance** (scan button) – *Scan the QR code or barcode, or type the code.*
- Open a card to see its balance, history and expiry, or void it.

## Pay with a gift card or store credit

1. In the POS, tap **Pay**.
2. Under the payment methods (or **More**), tap **Gift card** and scan or type the card, then enter the **Amount to use**. Or tap **Store credit** to use the customer's balance.
3. The **Remaining** amount updates. Pay the rest with **Cash**, **Card** or another method.
4. Tap **Confirm payment**.

![Gift cards list with Active, Used up, Expired and Void filters and cards with balances and expiry](https://docs.smartposhub.com/_astro/app-gift-cards.5wOSzZZc.png)
![Take payment sheet with Remaining 32.50 after a gift card and store credit, and methods Store credit, Gift card, Cash, Card, Cheque, Bank Transfer](https://docs.smartposhub.com/_astro/app-gift-card-payment.D0BVj8E6.png)
*Gift cards and a payment split between a gift card, store credit and cash.*

## Take a return

1. Open **Sell › Return** and choose the sale, or open the sale from **Recent sales** and tap return.
2. Under **What is coming back?** set how many of each item (**Sold …**). The app shows the return window (**Returns accepted within … days**) and any restocking fee.
3. Choose the outcome under **Settle the return**:
   - **Refund** – pay the money back now (cash, card or other).
   - **Store credit** – add it to the customer's balance to spend later.
   - **Gift card** – issue a new gift card for the amount.
   - **Exchange** – swap for other items in the same step (**Next: choose new items**).
   - **To settle later** – save the return and refund later.
4. Confirm. Print or share the return receipt.

![Return CN2026/0010 for 18.50 with the original sale, the returned Margherita Pizza, summary To refund 18.50 and a Refund button](https://docs.smartposhub.com/_astro/sell-return.C1IsXGpA.png)
*A saved return, ready to refund.*

A return that is not refunded shows on the customer as **You owe this customer** until you settle it. See [Customers and ledger](https://docs.smartposhub.com/business-app/customers-and-ledger/#read-the-balance).

## Related pages

  - [Returns and refunds (web)](https://docs.smartposhub.com/selling/returns-and-refunds/)
  - [Gift cards and store credit (web)](https://docs.smartposhub.com/selling/gift-cards-and-store-credit/)
  - [Sell in the app](https://docs.smartposhub.com/business-app/sell-in-the-app/)
  - [Returns and gift cards module](https://docs.smartposhub.com/modules/returns-and-gift-cards/)

## Frequently asked questions

### How do I take a return in the app?

Open the sale (Sell › Return or Recent sales), choose what is coming back and how many, then settle the return with Refund, Store credit, Gift card, Exchange or To settle later.

### Can a customer exchange an item for another?

Yes. Choose Exchange as the outcome, then pick the new items. The app works out the difference.

### Can a customer pay with a gift card and cash together?

Yes. On the payment sheet add the gift card first, then pay the remaining amount with cash or another method.

### What if the return window has passed?

The app shows Return window passed. If your role allows it, you can Override the policy; the return is logged.

### Do returns work offline?

No. Returns, gift cards and store credit need an internet connection.

### Why don't I see Gift cards?

Gift cards must be switched on for your business on the web, and your role needs the gift card permissions.