Know your balance
Before you use your card you should know your card’s initial balance, and remember to track your remaining balance after each purchase.
You can check your card balance by visiting the website of your card issuer or calling their toll-free customer service number.
If you would like to make a purchase for an amount greater than the balance on your card, you’ll need to use a second form of payment to cover the difference—just tell the cashier in advance the amount you’d like applied to your gift card. The balance will then need to be paid with the second payment method.
Use your card
Using your Visa Gift card is similar to using a credit card.
How to activate your card
Visa Gift cards can be used for purchases just like you use your other cards. Many Visa Gift cards are activated automatically upon purchase and may be used immediately. However, some cards must be activated before they can be used. Follow the activation instructions provided by the issuer with your card.
Sign within the designated area on the back before making your first purchase to help prevent someone else from using the card. Keep a record of your card number and the issuer contact information in a safe place, separate from the card in case of loss or theft.
Special transactions
Payment situations that may require additional steps.
Gas stations
When paying at the pump, insert your card and follow the instructions. If the transaction can’t be completed, you may need to go inside and pay the attendant prior to filling your tank.
Tipping
When tipping with your Visa gift card, the merchant or issuer may decide to authorize your transaction for an additional 20% above your total bill. The actual tip amount is your choice.
Hotels and car rentals
Some car rental companies and hotels may require a credit card to make a reservation. At check-in, these merchants may put a "hold" on the estimated amount of your reservation, making those funds unavailable for a period of time.
Troubleshooting + tips
Common questions about how to use your gift card
-
- Report a lost or stolen card immediately to the card issuer by calling the toll-free number listed on the issuer’s website or in the card documentation.
- You’ll need to provide the lost or stolen Visa Gift card number for cancellation and replacement.
-
- 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 at the toll-free number listed on the back of the card.
-
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.
-
Maximum card values vary and are established by the issuers that issue the card.
-
You should keep your card—even after the balance is depleted—until you know that you will not be returning any of the items purchased with the card.
If you do try to return items purchased, the store's policy may require you to present the card used to make the purchase.
-
Let the cashier know that you have decided not to complete the purchase. If the merchant cancels a transaction after it processed, it may take three to seven days for the authorization hold to be removed from your card and for the money to be replaced.
-
If your gift card states Valid only in the United States on the front, your issuer has issued a Domestic Use Only card. Although your gift card will not be accepted at locations outside of the United States, it's welcome at millions of locations within the U.S. where Visa Debit cards are accepted.
You may also be interested in
Visa's look ahead at the connected car
How close are we to paying for gas from the dashboards of our cars? Closer than you think.
