FAQ

Getting your Visa Gift card

How do I get a Visa Gift card?

There are three easy ways to get a Visa Gift card:

• Purchase a Visa Gift card in person - use the card locator to find providers and locations.
• Purchase online - use the directory to locate providers who offer this service
• Purchase by phone - choose from the list of providers

How does my Visa Gift card work?

• The Visa Gift card is a "non-reloadable prepaid" card, meaning the initial value is determined by the person who purchased the card. Additional funds cannot be added to the card balance.
• The card carries the Visa logo like any Visa credit or check card so the Visa Gift card can be used at million of places that accept Visa debit cards.
• Because the Visa Gift card is a prepaid card, the amount you can purchase using the card is limited to the initial value determined by the purchaser.
• Each time your card is used for a purchase, that amount is automatically deducted from the card balance.

Do I need to activate my Visa Gift card?

The activation process is determined by the provider, so you will need to follow the instructions provided with your card. Many Visa Gift cards are activated automatically upon purchase and may be used immediately. However, some Visa Gift cards must be activated by the recipient before they can be used.

What should I do if my Visa Gift card is lost or stolen?

• Report a lost or stolen card immediately to the provider that issued the card. You can do this by calling their toll-free number, which is shown on the back of the card. That number can also be located in the materials that came with your card.
• You will need to provide the Visa Gift card number in order for that card to be cancelled and a replacement card to be issued.
• Keep a record of your card number and the provider contact information in a safe place, separate from the card.

Card value

How do I know the value of my Visa Gift card?

• The initial value of your card should be included in the materials that came with your card. You can also use the instructions on the back of your card to verify your card balance.
• The materials provide important information, including the terms and conditions for using your Visa Gift card, so please read them carefully before using your card. If you did not receive these materials, contact the provider that issued the card.

Is there a limit to the value placed on the Visa Gift card?

• Maximum card values vary and are established by the providers that issue the card. For more information, refer to the list of Visa Gift card providers.

What should I do with my Visa Gift card once the value is depleted?

You should keep your card—even after the balance is depleted—until you know that you will not be returning any of the items purchased with the card. If you do try to return items purchased, the store's policy may require you to present the card used to make the purchase. You may destroy the card once you are sure there is no further need for the card.

Making a purchase

How do I make a purchase with my Visa Gift card?

• Using your Visa Gift card for a purchase is similar to using a credit card. When you are ready to pay, give the card to the cashier and ask to sign the purchase receipt.
• If asked, swipe the card through the keypad and push the "credit" button, then sign the receipt. Note: Most Visa Gift cards do not come with a PIN, therefore, you should not push "debit". This will cause your transaction to be declined.
• Each time your card is used for a purchase, that amount is automatically deducted from your balance. It is recommended that you know your balance before making a purchase because many merchants will not be able to provide that information. See below for details on how to determine your balance.
• It is important to note that the Visa Gift card is 'non-reloadable', which means that additional money cannot be added to the balance of the card. The card does not offer a line of credit like a credit card. The initial value available for use is determined by the person who purchased the card.
• If your gift card states "Valid only in the United States" on the front, the provider has issued a Domestic Use Only card. Although your gift card will not be accepted at locations outside of the United States, it’s welcome at millions of locations within the United States where Visa debit cards are accepted.

How do I know the balance on my Visa Gift card?

• You can determine the balance on your card at any time. Most card providers offer web site access or a toll-free number. See instructions on the back of your card for details.
• It is important that you know the remaining balance on the gift card before you make a purchase, because many merchants will not be able to provide that information.
• When you make a purchase, record the amount and make a note of your new balance.
• Please note that if you try to make a purchase for an amount that is more than the balance on your card, your transaction may be declined. See the next section for more details.
• View a list of merchants

What if I want to purchase an item that costs more than the balance on my Visa Gift card?

• To make a purchase in an amount greater than the balance on your card, you will need to use a second form of payment—credit or debit card, cash or check—to cover the difference.
• When you are ready to make your purchase, tell the cashier in advance the amount you would like applied to your Visa Gift card. The balance will then need to be paid with the second payment method.

What should I do if my Visa Gift card is declined?

• If your purchase is declined and you believe the card has sufficient funds, please contact the card provider at the toll-free number on the back of the card.
• To help prevent a card from being declined, it is recommended that you verify that there are sufficient funds on the card prior to making a purchase. You can determine the balance on your card by visiting the web site of the provider that issued the card, or by calling their toll-free customer-service number.

What if I change my mind and want to cancel a purchase?

You should let the cashier know that you have decided not to complete the purchase. If the merchant cancels a transaction after it has been processed, it will take three to seven days for the authorization hold to be removed from your card and the money to be available for use.

What if I need to return an item that I purchased with my Visa Gift card?

• If you decide to return merchandise purchased with your Visa Gift card, you may be asked to present the card to process that return. Be sure to hold onto your purchase receipts and your Visa Gift card—even after the balance is depleted. The retailer may ask for both.
• If the store policy is to issue a credit to the card used to make a purchase (rather than providing you cash or store credit) that value will take three to seven days to be added back to the available balance on the card.
• When returning an item purchased online, you may need to provide your gift card number in order to process the return.

How long can I use my Visa Gift card?

You can make purchases using your Visa Gift card until the expiration date shown on the card, or until the value of the card has been depleted.

Where to use your Visa Gift card

Where can I use my Visa Gift card?

• You can use your card at millions of places that accept Visa debit cards—including retail stores and online merchants, as well as mail and phone orders.
• For bill payment transactions, we recommend using a Visa credit or check card.

Can I use my Visa Gift card at more than one merchant?

Yes, you can use your Visa Gift card anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Just be sure that the remaining balance on your card will cover the amount of your planned purchase.

Can I use my Visa Gift card at gas stations?

Yes. When paying at the pump, simply insert your card and follow the instructions. If the transaction is not completed, you may need to go inside and pay the attendant prior to pumping.

Can I use my Visa Gift card at merchants where a tip may be appropriate, such as restaurants?

• Yes. When using your Visa Gift card at a merchant where a tip may be appropriate (such as at a restaurant), your transaction may be authorized for an additional 20% above your total bill. However, the tip amount is at your discretion. The actual amount processed to your card will not exceed the amount of the bill plus the tip added by you.
• Be sure that the balance on your card is sufficient to cover the cost of the bill plus the tip added. If it is not, it will be declined.
• In addition to restaurants, the types of merchants where a tip may be included are bars, taxis, salons and barbershops, and health and beauty spas.

Can I use my Visa Gift card at hotels or car rental companies?

You can use your Visa Gift card for the final payment for either a hotel and car rental. However, some car rental companies and hotels may require a credit card to make a reservation. At check-in, hotels will put a "hold" on the estimated amount of your stay, making those funds unavailable for purchase for a period of time. You can avoid a 'hold' being placed on your gift card by checking in with a Visa credit card, and then using your Visa Gift card for final payment when you return the car or at the end of your hotel stay.

Can I use my Visa Gift card for online or phone purchases?

• Yes. However, to make an online or phone purchase, you will need to register your card. You can do this by either calling the issuing provider, or by visiting their web site. This information should have been supplied to you when you received the card. It may also be printed on the back of the card.
• When you make an online or phone purchase, the name, address, and phone number you use will need to be exactly the same as the information you provided when registering your card. If the information is different, the transaction may be declined.
• You can verify or update your information by visiting the card provider's web site, or by contacting them using the toll-free number provided in your card materials.

Can I use my Visa Gift card outside of the United States?

If your gift card states "Valid only in the United States" on the front, your provider has issued a Domestic Use Only card. Although your gift card will not be accepted at locations outside of the United States, it's welcome at millions of locations within the United States where Visa debit cards are accepted.

What about Visa Gift cards for my business?

If you'd like to offer Visa Gift cards to reward your employees or customers, bulk purchase options are available.