you know the card I got turned out to be defective.

Thank you for reaching out. 🤗

According to Apple:

If you can't read the code on the back of your card because it's scratched or damaged, contact Apple Support. ←💳

You might need to provide:

• An image of the full front and back of your card.
• A sales receipt showing when your card was purchased.
• The serial number from your card.

Good luck! 👋🏼😉

Smiliñ 😎 Brian | Community Volunteer

Hello~ See the link below…

If you can't redeem your Apple Gift Card, App Store Card, or App Store & iTunes Gift Card - Apple Support

Contact Apple Support - Apple Support

You will need to contact Apple. Many scams abound and due to this I purchase my Apple Gift Cards here…

Apple Gift Card - Apple

~Katana-San~

I suggest you go to the general page below since you do not tell us exactly what the problem with the card is.

--> If you can't redeem your Apple Gift Card or App Store & iTunes Gift Card - Apple Support

When following the directions at the end for contacting Apple Support, once you are on the special link page, click “Get more help”.

Have a look here.....

If you can't redeem your Apple Gift Card or App Store & iTunes Gift Card - Apple Support