How to check your Gift card balance
Start by looking at the back of your gift card. Typically, you’ll find a number you can call to discover your balance. Or you can check your balance by visiting the card issuer’s site and chat with a customer-support agent (Have your gift card details for verification)
Getting started with Gift cards
How to activate your Gift card
Many Gift cards are activated upon purchase and ready to use. However, if yours requires activation, you’ll typically see a sticker with instructions and a phone number.
Where to use your Gift card
You can use your gift card anywhere* gift card is accepted online. And you can make purchases up to the amount that’s on the card.
Using your Gift card online
For an online checkout, you’ll enter your gift card’s 16-digit number, expiration date and CVV in the appropriate form field.
Making returns with a gift card
Even if there’s no balance left, you’ll want to hold onto your Gift card. If you ever need to make a return, you’ll need to show the card.
FAQ about Gift cards
- Report a lost or stolen card immediately to the card issuer by calling the number listed on the issuer’s website or in the card documentation.
- You’ll need to provide the lost or stolen Gift card number for cancellation and replacement.
- Registering your card is always a good idea. Some card issuers will replace a gift card only if it’s actually been registered.
- Check to make sure there are sufficient funds on the card before making a purchase.
- If your purchase is declined and you believe the card has sufficient funds, please contact the card issuer number.
When gifting a card, remember to give the recipient all the materials you received with the card at the time of purchase. These materials should include the issuer’s terms and conditions for use. If gifting to kids or teens, review the materials together.
The issuers determine the maximum amount of money a Visa Gift card can hold.
If you’re planning to return anything you purchased with the card, you’ll still need the actual card. So holding onto your gift card for a period of time is a good idea.
You’ll need your Gift card, of course. The merchant will handle the return like any other Visa transaction and may put the funds back onto your card.
The gift cards work with most online stores
When you’re ready to check out keep your card handy and then, in the online form, fill in your 16-digit card number, expiration date and CVV number. You’ll want to make sure that your gift card’s balance is enough to cover the amount of your purchase.
Keep your gift card handy and then, when asked, provide the following information: 16-digit card number, expiration date and CVV number.
Under federal law, gift card funds must be good for at least five years and, depending on the state you purchased the card in, you may actually have more time than that. Check with the gift card’s issuer for more details.
You sure can—but there may additional steps. At gas stations, you should be able to pay at the pump. If your transaction can’t be completed, you’ll need to use your card inside the station.
Hotels and car rentals often require a credit card and that’ll mean that they have to put a “hold” on your card—so part of the balance of your gift card may not be available. And, for tipping, the merchant or issuer may decide to authorize your transaction for an additional 20% above your total bill. The amount of your tip is still your choice though.
Yes. It’s just the same as paying with your debit card. You’ll just want to make sure your gift card is already activated.
No. A Visa Gift card can’t be reloaded with additional funds.
Get a new Gift card
Convenient. Secure. Accepted all over. A Gift card is an easy way to give someone a present.