Visa® Gift Cards - FAQs
• 8 minute read
Frequently asked questions about visa gift cards
How do I buy a Visa gift card?
You can purchase a Visa gift card online. For more information about denominations or other frequently asked questions, visit our Visa Gift Cards page.
Can I get a Visa gift card at a branch location?
No, Visa gift cards aren’t available at our branches.
Will my credit be checked to purchase a Visa gift card?
No.
Is the Visa gift card connected to my credit or the credit of the person to whom I am giving the card?
No. The Visa gift card is not tied to anyone's personal credit.
Why do you need my personal information if I am purchasing the card for someone else?
Your information protects your rights with the card if it is lost or stolen before the recipient receives it. It also enables the gift card recipient to call a Customer Service Representative and validate his/her identity as the gift card receiver.
If the Visa gift card is not connected to my personal credit profile, why do you need my Social Security Number?
Visa uses this type of information when filing a dispute for an unauthorized purchase. While your Social Security Number is not required, it enables Visa to better protect your dispute rights if your card is ever lost or stolen.
Can I add a message on a Visa gift card?
Yes, we have several personalized messages that can be embossed on the Visa gift card. A list will be provided during the purchase process.
What payment method can I use to buy a Visa gift card?
You can use a Visa or MasterCard (credit or debit) issued from us. We do not accept Visa or MasterCard issued from other institutions. Please note you will be charged a cash advance fee if using a credit card.
Will I be charged a fee for purchasing a Visa gift card?
Yes, there is a fee for purchasing a Visa gift card. Purchase and delivery fees will appear during the purchase process.
Can I cancel a Visa gift card order online?
No. Once you have submitted your online order, it cannot be canceled.
The website timed out before I was able to complete my purchase. Will I still be charged?
If you were able to submit your purchase and you received a confirmation number, you will be charged for your purchase. If you were unable to click the "Submit" button and the system timed out, you should not be charged for your purchase.
How long will it take to receive a Visa gift card?
After placing your order, please allow up to 10 business days to receive your Visa gift card. If you requested Express Delivery, you will receive your Visa gift card in 3-5 business days.
Where will the Visa gift card be sent?
The Visa gift card will be sent to you unless you specify a different address.
Can I send a Visa gift card to any address?
Visa gift cards can be sent to US addresses, including APO and FPO addresses. They cannot be sent to a PO box or international address.
Why should I save my profile if I am buying a Visa gift card?
By saving your profile, you can purchase additional Visa gift cards in the future without having to enter your account information again. In addition, you can sign in and view your purchase history.
How do I activate my Visa gift card?
You can activate your Visa gift card one of two ways: Call 866.543.9161 (you can also find this on the activation sticker of your Visa gift card). There is no charge for using the voice response system. A fee applies if you speak with a Call Center representative. You can also sign in using your Visa gift card number and click Activate My Card.
Can I create a PIN (Personal Identification Number)?
Yes - you can create a pin on the Gift Card website by selecting "My Pin" under the My Settings tab.
You can also request one at the time you activate your card using the toll-free number on the sticker. There is no charge for using the voice response system. If you activate your card on the website, you will need to call 866.543.9161 to request a PIN.
What should I do if the Visa gift card never arrives?
If you do not receive the card within 14 business days, call 866.543.9161.
My Visa gift card doesn't have my name on it. Can I still use it?
Yes, you can still use your Visa gift card even though your name doesn't appear on the card. Make sure you sign the back of your Visa gift card because a retailer will validate your identity by comparing your signature on the back of your Visa gift card with the one on your receipt.
Do I have to accept the Terms & Conditions?
Using your Visa gift card signifies that you accept the Terms & Conditions.
How will I know the amount of my Visa gift card?
The original value may be printed on your card or on the card carrier. You can also check your balance by signing in or by calling the toll-free number on the back of your card.
Why should I register my Visa gift card?
There are several benefits:
- It enables you to make purchases online. Your registered address will serve as the billing address that retailers require.
- It enables representatives to more quickly assist you when you need assistance.
- It protects you if your card is ever lost or stolen, so that you can be reimbursed for funds lost.
Do I need an email address to use my Visa gift card?
No, you are not required to have an email address to make purchases with your Visa gift card. However, your email address is useful if you forget your username or password on the website – it can be sent to you at the email address we have on file.
Can I make purchases for more than the amount remaining on my Visa gift card?
For purchases that are higher than your Visa gift card balance, use your gift card along with another form of payment. If you attempt to make a purchase for more than the amount available on the card without another form of payment, the transaction will be declined.
Can I use my Visa gift card at more than one place?
Yes, you can use your Visa gift card at multiple retailers long as there is a balance on the card.
Can I use my Visa gift card online?
Yes, you can use your Visa gift card to make purchases online. We suggest that you register your card before purchasing online. Some retailers will not process your purchase without a valid address registered to the card.
Can I use my Visa gift card to get cash at an ATM or financial institution?
No, your Visa gift card can only be used for purchases
Can I use my Visa gift card to get cash back at checkout?
No.
Can I add more money onto my Visa gift card?
No the card will no longer work once the funds have been spent. You can always purchase a new gift card.
How can I check the balance on my Visa gift card?
To check the balance of your Visa gift card, sign in or call the toll-free number on the back of your card (a fee applies if you call).
What should I do if my Visa gift card is lost or stolen?
If your card is lost or stolen, contact us at 800.562.0999 to report it.
Do Visa gift cards expire?
Yes, Visa gift cards expire seven years from the purchase date. The expiration date is printed on your card for easy reference.
Can I buy a new Visa gift card with my current Visa gift card?
Yes, you can purchase a new Visa gift card using your current Visa gift card. There may be a charge for this purchase, which will be displayed when you order.
Why am I suddenly being charged an inactive fee?
A monthly maintenance fee is waived until the card becomes inactive for 18 months. If you still have a balance and you have not used your card for 18 months, your card will be charged a monthly inactive fee for as long as there is a balance remaining on the card.
What is the difference between a pending transaction and a posted transaction?
Pending transactions are authorized transactions with a hold for the purchase amount until the transaction clears. Posted transactions are purchases that have cleared on your card. There are some pending transactions that are more or less than the amount you actually spent. Some retailers place a pre-authorization amount to ensure the account is active and that you have enough money to cover the purchase. Once the transaction posts to your account, the pending transaction will be removed within a few business days, and you can use the funds again.
Why is my actual balance different than my available balance?
Typically, your available balance is less than your actual balance because your available balance reflects purchases that have been authorized but have not yet cleared your account. Your actual balance reflects all purchases that have cleared on your account.
Frequently asked questions about visa gift cards
You can purchase a Visa gift card online. For more information about denominations or other frequently asked questions, visit our Visa Gift Cards page.
No, Visa gift cards aren’t available at our branches.
No. The Visa gift card is not tied to anyone's personal credit.
Your information protects your rights with the card if it is lost or stolen before the recipient receives it. It also enables the gift card recipient to call a Customer Service Representative and validate his/her identity as the gift card receiver.
Visa uses this type of information when filing a dispute for an unauthorized purchase. While your Social Security Number is not required, it enables Visa to better protect your dispute rights if your card is ever lost or stolen.
Yes, we have several personalized messages that can be embossed on the Visa gift card. A list will be provided during the purchase process.
You can use a Visa or MasterCard (credit or debit) issued from us. We do not accept Visa or MasterCard issued from other institutions. Please note you will be charged a cash advance fee if using a credit card.
Yes, there is a fee for purchasing a Visa gift card. Purchase and delivery fees will appear during the purchase process.
No. Once you have submitted your online order, it cannot be canceled.
If you were able to submit your purchase and you received a confirmation number, you will be charged for your purchase. If you were unable to click the "Submit" button and the system timed out, you should not be charged for your purchase.
After placing your order, please allow up to 10 business days to receive your Visa gift card. If you requested Express Delivery, you will receive your Visa gift card in 3-5 business days.
The Visa gift card will be sent to you unless you specify a different address.
Visa gift cards can be sent to US addresses, including APO and FPO addresses. They cannot be sent to a PO box or international address.
By saving your profile, you can purchase additional Visa gift cards in the future without having to enter your account information again. In addition, you can sign in and view your purchase history.
You can activate your Visa gift card one of two ways: Call 866.543.9161 (you can also find this on the activation sticker of your Visa gift card). There is no charge for using the voice response system. A fee applies if you speak with a Call Center representative. You can also sign in using your Visa gift card number and click Activate My Card.
Yes - you can create a pin on the Gift Card website by selecting "My Pin" under the My Settings tab.
You can also request one at the time you activate your card using the toll-free number on the sticker. There is no charge for using the voice response system. If you activate your card on the website, you will need to call 866.543.9161 to request a PIN.
If you do not receive the card within 14 business days, call 866.543.9161.
Yes, you can still use your Visa gift card even though your name doesn't appear on the card. Make sure you sign the back of your Visa gift card because a retailer will validate your identity by comparing your signature on the back of your Visa gift card with the one on your receipt.
Using your Visa gift card signifies that you accept the Terms & Conditions.
The original value may be printed on your card or on the card carrier. You can also check your balance by signing in or by calling the toll-free number on the back of your card.
There are several benefits:
- It enables you to make purchases online. Your registered address will serve as the billing address that retailers require.
- It enables representatives to more quickly assist you when you need assistance.
- It protects you if your card is ever lost or stolen, so that you can be reimbursed for funds lost.
No, you are not required to have an email address to make purchases with your Visa gift card. However, your email address is useful if you forget your username or password on the website – it can be sent to you at the email address we have on file.
For purchases that are higher than your Visa gift card balance, use your gift card along with another form of payment. If you attempt to make a purchase for more than the amount available on the card without another form of payment, the transaction will be declined.
Yes, you can use your Visa gift card at multiple retailers long as there is a balance on the card.
Yes, you can use your Visa gift card to make purchases online. We suggest that you register your card before purchasing online. Some retailers will not process your purchase without a valid address registered to the card.
No, your Visa gift card can only be used for purchases.
No the card will no longer work once the funds have been spent. You can always purchase a new gift card.
To check the balance of your Visa gift card, sign in or call the toll-free number on the back of your card (a fee applies if you call).
If your card is lost or stolen, contact us at 800.562.0999 to report it.
Yes, Visa gift cards expire seven years from the purchase date. The expiration date is printed on your card for easy reference.
Yes, you can purchase a new Visa gift card using your current Visa gift card. There may be a charge for this purchase, which will be displayed when you order.
A monthly maintenance fee is waived until the card becomes inactive for 18 months. If you still have a balance and you have not used your card for 18 months, your card will be charged a monthly inactive fee for as long as there is a balance remaining on the card.
Pending transactions are authorized transactions with a hold for the purchase amount until the transaction clears. Posted transactions are purchases that have cleared on your card. There are some pending transactions that are more or less than the amount you actually spent. Some retailers place a pre-authorization amount to ensure the account is active and that you have enough money to cover the purchase. Once the transaction posts to your account, the pending transaction will be removed within a few business days, and you can use the funds again.
Typically, your available balance is less than your actual balance because your available balance reflects purchases that have been authorized but have not yet cleared your account. Your actual balance reflects all purchases that have cleared on your account.