How to Use a Visa Gift Card – 10 Most Popular Ways
In today’s competitive business landscape, it’s rare to find a company that hasn’t embraced employee rewards and incentive programs.
Businesses, both large and small, recognize the immense value of such programs in attracting, retaining, and fostering a positive corporate culture among their employees.
They also understand the role these incentives play in enhancing relationships with customers and partners. Research by the Incentive Federation reveals that 84% of businesses with annual revenue exceeding $1 million and a whopping 92% of those with revenue above $5 million offer non-cash incentive programs.
Among these non-cash incentives – which range from experiential rewards like concerts and sports events to merchandise and incentive travel – gift cards have held a consistent top spot.
Visa gift cards, in particular, stand out due to their versatility. But how do you use a Visa gift card? Especially, how do you use a Visa gift card online? And where can you use a Visa gift card? In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to use a Visa gift card and answer these questions.
What Are the Advantages of Using a Visa Gift Card?
Visa gift cards have become a popular payment option among consumers worldwide. Their appeal lies in the combination of flexibility and control they offer, functioning similarly to debit cards but with predefined spending limits.
Unlike traditional bank-issued debit cards, these prepaid cards do not require a bank account and keep users’ personal financial information secure, making them an ideal choice for those who value privacy.
They can be used almost anywhere that accepts debit cards, making them extremely versatile. Whether for online shopping, investing in stocks, or everyday purchases, these prepaid cards provide a convenient, secure, and manageable payment method that meets diverse consumer needs.
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10 most popular ways to use your Visa gift card
Among hundreds of brands and retailers, Visa gift cards have remained in the top 5 gift cards to maximize incentive programs in 2024.
With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine the best way to utilize your Visa gift card. For your convenience, we have compiled a list of the top ten ways to use them. Feel free to take a look and get started.
- Online Shopping. Use your prepaid Visa gift card to shop on popular e-commerce websites like Amazon, eBay, and more. Make online purchases and enjoy the convenience of online shopping.
- Treat Your Pet. Spoil your furry friend with an extra special treat.
- Vehicle-related Expenses (Physical cards only). Purchase gas or other vehicle-related expenses.
- Pursue Hobbies or Classes. Invest in your personal growth and interests by using your prepaid card to pay for hobby supplies or enroll in classes like cooking or photography. Explore new skills and passions with ease!
- Dining Out or Food Delivery. Whether you prefer dining out at restaurants or ordering food online, your prepaid card can handle the payment. Treat yourself to a delicious meal from your favorite eatery, or utilize food delivery services like DoorDash.
- Travel Tickets and Accommodation. Plan your next getaway by using your prepaid card to book travel tickets, hotels, or car rentals. Enjoy the freedom of exploring new destinations and take advantage of the flexibility of your prepaid card.
- Entertainment Experiences. Indulge in entertainment experiences such as watching movies at the theater or purchasing games.
- Invest in Stocks or Cryptocurrencies.
- Birthday Presents. Buy birthday presents for your loved ones. Make your loved ones feel special.
- Support Charitable Causes. Spread kindness to charities or non-profit organizations. Every little bit helps!
4 Things to Keep in Mind Before Using Visa Gift Cards
Activate the Card
Whether you’ve been given a digital Visa gift card or a physical one purchased online, you’ll need to activate it upon receipt. On the back, you’ll find both a website URL and a contact number provided by the card issuer. Choose whichever method you prefer:
- Online Activation: Visit the URL and enter your 16-digit card number, its expiration date, and the 3-digit security code also known as CVV.
- Phone Activation: Call the contact number and follow the prompts, usually requiring the same details.
Once activated, remember that you can use these methods to check the gift card balance.
Check the Expiration Date
The expiration date for a prepaid Visa gift card varies depending on the card issuer and the specific card.
Generally, most prepaid cards have an expiration date of 6 months to 3 years from the date of purchase or activation. It is important to check the expiration date on the card before using it to avoid any issues with declined transactions or lost funds.
Understand the Fees Associated with the Card
Some card issuers may charge monthly fees, transaction fees, or even inactivity fees after a certain period of time, so it is important to read the terms and conditions of the card carefully.
Verify Card Acceptance in Intended Countries and Locations
Before using your Visa gift card, ensure it’s accepted in the countries or locations you intend to use it. Many Visa gift cards are country-specific, meaning they might be limited to use within a single country.
Additionally, always be aware of the gift card balance. Most of these prepaid cards can’t be reloaded with additional funds, and they may not be usable at ATMs.
How to use Visa gift card online
Using a Visa gift card online is much like using a traditional credit card. Input the gift card number along with its CVV just as you would with any standard card. When prompted for a cardholder’s name, simply enter ‘Gift Card’ in the designated field.
how to use Visa gift card on Amazon
Using a Visa gift card on Amazon might seem a bit puzzling at first glance. When selecting a payment method, you’ll encounter options for both credit/debit cards and gift cards.
Although it’s counterintuitive, remember to choose the credit/debit card option when using your Visa gift card, rather than the gift card selection.
How to use every cent of your Visa gift card
One of the great advantages of prepaid Visa gift cards is their flexibility—they’re accepted at any merchant that processes credit cards.
However, they do have a drawback. If you try to make a purchase that exceeds the remaining balance on the card, the transaction will be declined, much like a regular debit card.
This can be particularly tricky when you have a small residual amount on the card, say $9.38. Ideally, you’d find an item priced close to this leftover balance. Otherwise, you risk being left with a negligible, and potentially unusable, amount.
So, what’s the solution? Amazon. You can buy an Amazon gift card for the exact leftover amount on your Visa gift card.
Here are the steps:
- Check the remaining gift card balance.
- Navigate to Amazon.com eGift Card (email delivery).
- Under the section to ‘Enter your gift card details’, input the precise amount you have left on your Visa gift card, and then finalize your purchase.
- Voila!
Visa prepaid cards are fast becoming the go-to choice for employee and customer rewards.
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