In this article, we’ll explain how to use a Visa gift card online.
This will include answering common questions, addressing international purposes, and even talking about buying on specific platforms like Amazon.
This article is part of our free series on credit cards in the US, including how to get a US credit card with an ITIN number, which you can access here.
Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the sections most relevant to you.
Table of Contents
- How to Use Visa Gift Card Online
- Do Visa Gift Cards Work Internationally?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ready to Open Accounts With Banks in the USA?
How to Use a Visa Gift Card Online
To use a Visa gift card online, you will need to insert the card number, expiration date, and card verification value (CVV), which is the three-digit code found on the back of the card. If the merchant requests the cardholder’s name, you will insert “Gift Card” in the available field.
Do Visa Gift Cards Work Internationally?
Yes, Visa gift cards do work internationally. In fact, Visa gift cards are accepted by any merchant that accepts Visa payment cards generally. This includes online merchants, in-person retail locations, and even ATMs.
Some credit card providers issue cardholders with a CPN (Controlled Payment Number) to reduce potential unauthorized charges, which you can learn more about by accessing our free guide linked here.
How Do I Know My Balance on My Gift Card?
You can confirm the balance of your gift card through one of the following methods. First, contact the gift card provider using the phone number located on the back of the card. Second, you can visit the card provider’s website and confirm the card balance by inserting the card number.
As always, when confirming information online, you should make sure that the website you are using is secure and the correct site for your card. Otherwise, someone could attempt to steal your information and use the training balance themselves.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Below are five of the most common questions we receive from people looking into how to use a visa gift card online. If you have further questions you would like to ask our team, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
How Do I Give a Visa Gift Card as a Present?
You can give a Visa gift card as a present by purchasing a card that is preloaded with your preferred balance either in person or online. Alternatively, you can also choose to purchase a blank Visa gift card and then choose to load the card with a specific balance instead.
Can You Use a Visa Gift Card for Online Purchases?
Yes, you can use a Visa gift card for online purchases. In fact, you can use a Visa gift card for online purchases at any online retailer or service provider that accepts Visa credit and debit cards. That said, certain merchants, like Amazon, do not specifically support the use of Visa gift cards. However, there are alternative approaches that can still allow you to use Visa gift cards through their platforms.
Why Can’t I Use My Visa Gift Card Online?
If you can’t use your Visa gift card online, it may be because you have already spent the available balance. If you would like to confirm the remaining balance, you can contact the card provider using the information on the back of the card. Alternatively, it is also possible that you have not yet activated the card. If this is the case, you can again follow the instructions on the back of the card.
What Is the PIN Number on a Visa Gift Card?
The PIN number on a Visa gift card could either be the last four digits of the card or it may not have a PIN at all. In fact, it is uncommon for a Visa gift card to have a security PIN. However, if a Point-of-Sale terminal is requesting a PIN, it could indicate that one has been set for your card. If this happens, you may want to try the last four digits of the card.
Can You Use a Visa Gift Card on Amazon?
Yes, individuals have reported that you can use a Visa gift card on Amazon. However, Amazon does not explicitly allow this. Additionally, there is no specific location to insert a gift card as a payment method. So, instead, what certain individuals have reported doing is adding the Visa gift card as if it was a credit card, which appears to work for their needs.
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