Using Custom Code Prefixes
By the end of this guide, you'll know how to add custom prefixes to your gift card codes for branding and organization.
What code prefixes are
A code prefix is a custom string added to the beginning of every gift card code in a batch. For example, if you set the prefix SPRING, your codes might look like SPRING-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX.
Prefixes help you:
- Brand your codes — recipients see a recognizable name when they use the code
- Organize batches — quickly identify which campaign or event a code belongs to
- Track sources — filter and search gift cards by prefix in your Shopify admin
Set a prefix during batch creation
- Open BatchCard and click Create Batch.
- Fill in the batch details (name, quantity, value).
- Enter your code prefix in the prefix field.
- Click Create.
Every gift card in the batch will use this prefix.
Set a prefix via spreadsheet import
If you're importing from a spreadsheet, add a code_prefix column to your file. Each row can have a different prefix.
| value | quantity | code_prefix |
|---|---|---|
| 25.00 | 10 | SPRING |
| 50.00 | 5 | VIP |
Prefix format rules
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 3 to 10 characters |
| Characters | Letters (A-Z) and numbers (0-9) only |
| Case | Prefixes are converted to uppercase |
| Uniqueness | Multiple batches can use the same prefix |
Keep prefixes short and meaningful. Good examples: SPRING, VIP2026, REWARD, HOLIDAY. Avoid using special characters or spaces.
Examples of good prefixes
| Use case | Prefix | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Seasonal promotion | SPRING | Short, clear, identifies the campaign |
| Employee rewards | REWARD | Easy to filter when reviewing gift cards |
| VIP customers | VIP2026 | Includes the year for easy tracking |
| Partner campaign | ACME | Identifies the partner company |
What happens without a prefix
If you don't set a prefix, Shopify generates codes with its default format. The codes still work the same way. Prefixes are purely organizational.
Learn more
- Custom code features — full overview of code customization
- Creating gift cards — complete batch creation walkthrough
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