3 best ways to buy gift cards with a credit card

Buying gift cards with a credit card is an easy and efficient way to handle gifting, whether for corporate rewards, client appreciation, or holiday celebrations.

With benefits like digital convenience and the chance to earn rewards, using a credit card makes the process both practical and rewarding.

We’ll explore three of the best ways to buy gift cards with a credit card, breaking down the pros and cons to help you choose the right option for your needs.

3 Best Ways to Buy Gift Cards with a Credit Card

1. Toasty

Send yourself a Sample Toasty Choice Card and experience the flexibility for yourself.

If you’re looking for a flexible and hassle-free way to buy gift cards with a credit card, Toasty is the ideal solution. We may sound biased but here’s why:

Unmatched Flexibility

The Toasty Choice Card allows recipients to choose from hundreds of popular brands across 90+ countries. Whether they prefer shopping, dining, or entertainment, there’s something for everyone.

Plus, with flexible denominations ranging from $5 to $2,000, you can personalize your gift to suit any occasion.

No Hidden Fees

Unlike many gift card options, Toasty doesn’t charge any additional fees when you buy or send gift cards—what you spend is exactly what your recipient gets. While there is a standard 3% credit card processing fee, this is the only fee you’ll see at Toasty.

Even for Visa prepaid gift cards, there are no activation charges or surprise deductions.

Perfect for International Gifting

With global accessibility, Toasty ensures recipients can redeem their gift cards wherever they are. We handle currency conversion for you, eliminating concerns about exchange rates or regional restrictions.

Digital Convenience

Gone are the days of waiting for physical cards to arrive in the mail—or the risk of losing one.

Toasty delivers gift cards digitally, instantly, and securely, making it ideal for last-minute gifts or corporate rewards. With Toasty, you’ll never miss an important occasion.

Plus, you can create a custom gift card design using AI prompts on Toasty. (We also offer premade designs for a variety of occasions.) This allows you to craft a unique gift card that truly resonates with the recipient.

Ideal for Businesses

For businesses, Toasty makes employee rewards and client appreciation programs effortless. With features like automated deliveries for birthdays and anniversaries, bulk gifting options, and easy tracking, you can manage all your gift cards in one place.

It’s a convenient way to ensure your recipients feel valued while your team stays productive.

How to Get Started

Buying gift cards through Toasty is as simple as:

1. Sign Up: Create a free account.
2. Add Funds: Pay securely with a credit card or bank transfer.
3. Select Your Gift: Choose a Toasty Choice Card or a single-brand gift card, and personalize it with a message.
4. Send or Schedule Delivery: Deliver the gift card instantly or schedule it for a specific date.

While Toasty offers many other features to save you time and effort, the process is just this simple.

2. Purchase Gift Cards Online from Major Retailers

For businesses looking for a quick and straightforward way to buy gift cards with a credit card, online platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and Target provide a wide range of options.

These websites offer retailer-specific gift cards as well as digital versions, making them convenient for occasional gifting or brand-specific rewards.

How It Works:

1. Visit the retailer’s website and navigate to the gift card section.
2. Choose the desired gift card type (digital or physical) and denomination.
3. Personalize the card with a message (if available) and complete the purchase using your credit card.

Pros:

• Instant digital delivery is available for many gift cards, ensuring quick access.
• May qualify for bulk discounts (e.g., orders over $50K).
• Suitable for businesses with one-off gifting needs or specific brand preferences.

Cons:

• Limited flexibility, as retailer-specific cards are only redeemable at the issuing store or platform.
• Prepaid cards like Visa or Mastercard often include activation fees.
• Managing multiple purchases across different retailers can be time-consuming for larger gifting programs.

3. Buy Gift Cards In-Store at Supermarkets or Pharmacies

Supermarkets and pharmacies like Kroger, Walgreens, or CVS often carry a wide selection of gift cards for various brands, including retailer-specific options and prepaid cards like Visa or Mastercard.

This method can be helpful if you need physical gift cards quickly and have immediate access to a store.

How It Works:

1. Select your desired gift cards from the in-store display.
2. Bring them to the register and pay with your credit card.
3. The cards are activated at checkout and ready for use immediately.

Pros:

• Convenient for last-minute purchases (though a digital platform like Toasty are often quicker and more efficient).
• Immediate access—no need to wait for shipping or delivery.
• Includes retailer-specific and prepaid card options like Visa or Mastercard.

Cons:

• Limited to the stock available at the store, which may not meet all your needs.
• Prepaid cards often incur additional activation fees.
• Requires a physical visit to the store, making it less convenient.

Frequently Asked Questions on Buying Gift Cards with a Credit Card

Can you Buy a Visa Gift Card With a Credit Card?

Yes, you can buy gift cards with a credit card, including popular Visa gift cards. Many retail stores and drugstores sell physical Visa gift cards in denominations ranging from $25 to $500. However, these cards often come with purchase fees that vary by retailer.

If you’d prefer a fee-free option, consider Toasty. At Toasty, you can buy prepaid gift cards with a credit card, offering flexible denominations from $5 to $2,000—without worrying about additional fees.

Can You Earn Credit Card Rewards When Buying Gift Cards?

Yes, you can often earn rewards like points, cashback, or miles when buying gift cards with a credit card. However, it’s important to check your card’s terms and conditions, as some issuers may exclude these transactions from earning rewards.

Be aware that some credit cards may also classify gift card purchases as a cash advance, especially if you’re buying prepaid cards like Visa or Mastercard directly from financial institutions. A cash advance could result in extra fees and higher interest rates.

To avoid these issues:

• Purchase gift cards from general retailers or grocery stores, where they’re less likely to code as a cash advance.
• Contact your credit card issuer to confirm their policy or request to disable cash advances on your card.

By choosing the right retailer and credit card, you can avoid unnecessary fees and potentially earn rewards for your gift card purchases.

Can I Buy International Gift Cards With a Credit Card?

Yes, you can buy international gift cards with a credit card, but there are a few things to consider. While some gift cards can be used in multiple countries, most are country-specific and may not work outside their designated region.

The Toasty Choice Card is a great exception. It can be redeemed in over 90 countries, giving recipients the flexibility to choose from various brands and retailers across different countries.

Toasty also handles currency conversions seamlessly, ensuring a hassle-free experience for both you and the recipient. And yes, you can purchase the Toasty Choice Card with a credit card!