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If you're not a fan of credit cards, can't get credit cards because of poor credit, or just want to give a versatile, useful present, Visa gift cards may be the ideal solution. Most Visa gift cards work exactly like a prepaid Visa debit or credit card, except that Visa gift cards don't affect your credit score and cannot be reloaded with more money later on.
Steps
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1Visit any participating merchant that sells Visa gift cards.[1] Some popular merchants include:
- Transit companies, such as Greyhound;
- Banks, such as Wells Fargo;
- Grocery stores, such as Safeway;
- General retailers, such as Target, Kmart and Walmart;
- Specialty stores, such as Office Depot and Nordstrom.
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2Purchase a Visa gift card from an online source. Keep in mind that you can't use the card until it's physically shipped to you.
- Reputable online sources for Visa gift cards include banks and credit unions such as Chase, Navy Federal Credit Union, PNC Bank and Wells Fargo; card centers such as GiftCards.com, Give Card and Gift Card Mall; and money wiring service providers such as Western Union.
- Use your Visa gift card anywhere Visa debit and credit cards are accepted.
- Your Visa gift card allows access to the prepaid funds only and does not represent a line of credit. Because of this, attempts to authorize more than the card's remaining balance will be denied. This can cause problems at merchants, such as gas stations, which may authorize more than the actual purchase being made.[2]
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3Track your Visa gift card's remaining balance by calling the phone number or visiting the website listed on the back of the card.[3]
- Some merchants, such as Barnes & Noble, Target and Dillard's can check your remaining Visa gift card balance when you make a purchase.
Community Q&A
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QuestionWhat is the maximum amount of money the card can have on it?
Community AnswerThe maximum is $500, but you can buy unlimited cards. -
QuestionCan I get a credit card as a kid?
Community AnswerNo, you must be 18 or older to get one. Debit cards may work if you are fourteen, but the money is usually transferred from your parents' bank account. -
QuestionHow do I use a VISA gift card?Community AnswerVisa gift cards can be used like debit cards.
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QuestionIf I purchase a Visa gift card online, can I start using it now?
Community AnswerFor security reasons, your card has to arrive first, and you will probably be required to do online/phone activation. -
QuestionHow do I activate my Visa gift card?
Community AnswerUsually it's activated at checkout when purchased. If not, there should be a phone number and website on the card that you can call or visit to activate the card. -
QuestionCan I use a Visa gift card as a kid?Community AnswerYes, you can use this, as long as you are purchasing something that does not require I.D. such as alcohol or adult products.
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QuestionDoes getting a Visa gift card require an age limit?Community AnswerNo, you can go to a grocery store and buy one with cash, no I.D. is required.
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QuestionCan I draw the money out of the Visa gift card?Community AnswerIf it says that it is ATM compatible on the back, then yes. If nothing is listed, don't risk it.
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QuestionWhat do I put as a name when using it online?Community AnswerWrite your own name. It says cardholder on the card but you put your own name/parent's name if you’re a minor.
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QuestionIs there a fee taken out?Community AnswerNo, there shouldn't be anything taken out of your balance. If so your card may be compromised.
