Can You Use a Visa Gift Card for Gas? And Other Common Visa Questions

If you are wondering if you can use a Visa gift card for gas, DoorDash, or any other service, we got you covered.

Visa gift cards are incredibly versatile and can be used almost anywhere regular Visa debit or credit cards are accepted.

Whether you’re using it for an online platform like Steam, paying for food deliveries, or making in-store purchases, these cards come with a lot of flexibility.

However, there are some nuances and limitations depending on whether you have a digital or physical gift card. Here’s everything you need to know to get the most out of your Visa card.

Helpful Hints for Using Your Visa Card

Before diving into the specific ways you can use a Visa gift card, it’s important to know a few key tips to help you avoid issues:

1. Check with the retailer if in doubt:
   
   Not all retailers, especially smaller or local businesses, accept Visa gift cards, particularly digital ones. If you’re unsure, it’s best to ask or check their website for payment options.
   
   
2. Make sure your card is activated:
   
   Visa gift cards need to be activated before use. If the card is physical, check the packaging or receipt for activation instructions. If it’s digital, follow the activation instructions from when you received the gift card.
   
   
3. Be aware of tolerances and authorization holds:
   
   Certain businesses, such as gas stations and restaurants, may place a temporary hold on your card for an amount higher than the actual purchase. This hold ensures the card can cover extra costs, like fuel limits or tipping. To avoid declined transactions, ensure your card has enough funds to cover these holds.
   
   
4. Track your balance:
   
   Unlike regular debit or credit cards, Visa gift cards won’t allow for overdraft. Always keep track of your card’s balance to avoid issues at checkout. You can check the balance online or by calling the number on the back of the card.

These simple steps will help you navigate common Visa gift card use cases more easily, whether you’re shopping in-store or online.

Now, let’s dive into specific scenarios and how to use both digital and physical gift cards effectively.

Can You Use a Visa Gift Card for Gas?

Whether you are using a digital or physical gift card, you can use it at gas stations, but there are some things to keep in mind.

Digital Gift Cards: Most digital Visa gift cards, such as those offered by Toasty, can be easily loaded to a mobile wallet such as Apple Pay or Samsung Pay, and almost every major fuel chain accepts these types of payments.

Physical Gift Cards: Yes, you can use physical Visa gift cards at gas stations just as you would a regular debit or credit card. Keep in mind that gas stations may place an authorization hold on the card, unless paying at the register.

Can You Use a Visa Gift Card on Steam?

Digital Gift Cards: Yes. At checkout, select Visa as your payment method and enter the card details. Just make sure your card balance covers the total cost, as Steam doesn’t allow split payments.

Physical Gift Cards: Physical Visa cards are also accepted on Steam in the same manner as digital gift cards.

How Do I Add a Visa Gift Card to PayPal?

Digital Gift Cards: To add a digital Visa gift card to PayPal:

1. Log into PayPal and go to Wallet.
2. Select Link a card, then enter the card details.

Physical Gift Cards: The process for adding a physical gift card card to PayPal is the same. Once added, you can use the gift card for PayPal transactions like any regular credit or debit card.

Can You Use a Gift Card at Restaurants?

Digital Gift Cards: Most restaurants don’t accept digital gift cards unless they accept mobile wallet payments like Apple Pay or Google Pay. If the restaurant supports contactless payments, you can load your gift card into a mobile wallet to use it there.

Physical Gift Cards: Yes, physical Visa cards can be used at most restaurants.

Can You Use a Visa Gift Card on DoorDash?

Digital Gift Cards: Yes, you can use a digital Visa card on DoorDash. Simply enter the card details during checkout, and ensure the balance is sufficient to cover the entire order. DoorDash does not allow split payments across multiple cards.

Physical Gift Cards: The same goes for physical Visa gift cards. You can use them on DoorDash, but like the digital version, the card must have enough balance to cover the total order. Enter the details just like any regular Visa card when checking out.

Can You Use a Visa Gift Card on UberEats?

Digital Gift Cards: Yes, you can use a digital Visa gift card on UberEats. Simply enter the card details during checkout, and ensure the balance is sufficient to cover the entire order. Like DoorDash, UberEats does not allow split payments across multiple cards.

Physical Gift Cards: You can use physical Visa gift cards on UberEats, but the card must have enough balance to cover the total order. Enter the details just like any regular Visa card when checking out.

Can You Use a Visa Gift Card on GrubHub?

Digital Gift Cards: Yes, you can use a digital Visa gift card on GrubHub. Simply enter the card details during checkout, and ensure the balance is sufficient to cover the entire order.

Physical Gift Cards: You can use physical Visa gift cards on GrubHub, but the card must have enough balance to cover the total order. Enter the details just like any regular Visa card when checking out.

How to Add a Visa Gift Card to Venmo

Digital Gift Cards: To add a digital Visa gift card to Venmo, follow these steps:

1. Open the Venmo app and go to the Me tab.
2. Tap Settings, then Payment Methods.
3. Tap Add bank or card, and then Card.
4. Enter your card details.

Physical Gift Cards: The process for adding a physical Visa gift card to Venmo is the same as for digital cards. Just make sure the card is registered with the issuer to avoid any verification issues.

How to Use a Visa Gift Card In-Store

Digital Gift Cards: You can use a digital Visa gift card in-store by adding it to a mobile wallet like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. After loading the card into your wallet, you can use it for contactless payments at stores that accept mobile payments.

Physical Gift Cards: For physical Visa gift cards, you can swipe or insert them at the payment terminal, just like any debit or credit card. If the balance is less than the purchase amount, inform the cashier so you can split the payment between your gift card and another form of payment.

Conclusion

Visa gift cards, whether digital or physical, offer a great deal of flexibility for both online and in-store purchases.

However, some minor limitations exist, such as pre-authorization holds at gas stations or restaurants, and the need for a registered billing address on certain platforms.

By understanding these nuances, you can maximize the value of your Visa gift card and use it seamlessly in a variety of settings.

Are you with a business that is looking to send Visa gift cards to employees or customers? 

If so, sign-up for a free Toasty account below, or book a demo to learn more!

Frequently Asked Questions

My Visa gift card does not have a zip code. What do I enter if asked?

Depending on your card issuer, you may need to register the card with your billing information.

If you received a Visa card from Toasty, you do not need to register the card — simply input your zip code when checking out.

I can’t use my physical Visa gift card on Paypal or Venmo. Why?

It is possible, especially with physical cards, that your card issuer has placed restrictions against using your card for P2P payment services like Paypal or Venmo.

If you are having trouble using a gift card on either service, check with your card issuer to see if they have such a restriction. For example, Vanilla gift cards cannot be used on Payal or Venmo.

Can I use a Visa Gift Card on Amazon?

Yes, you can use a Visa gift card on Amazon. Follow the link to find out how.

I tried using my $25 gift card on a $50 purchase, and it declined. Why?

Because $50 is more than $25. For most merchants, you cannot combine multiple forms of payment, and can only use the card on purchases less than the card value.