- What is a Prepaid Visa Gift Card?
- Can I Use a Visa Gift Card on Amazon?
- How to Check the Balance on Your Visa Gift Card
- How to Use Your Visa Gift Card on Amazon
- Amazon Restrictions on Prepaid Cards
- Do Visa Gift Cards Expire?
- Can I Make a Return With a Visa Gift Card?
Nowadays, more people are shopping online instead of heading into brick-and-mortar stores. And among the most-visited sites is Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer, offering just about anything you could possibly need. So, if you’ve received a prepaid Visa gift card or purchased one from a retailer, you may be wondering, “Can I use a Visa gift card on Amazon?”
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Although you aren’t technically able to use it on the site, there are ways around this which will allow you to begin making purchases using the funds on your Visa card. Here’s how to do it.
What is a Prepaid Visa Gift Card?
A Visa gift card is a prepaid debit card that functions like a regular debit card and works anywhere that accepts Visa. However, once you run out of funds on your Visa gift card, it cannot be reloaded.
These gift cards can be obtained at retail outlets and even banks. The issuer typically chooses the value of the card which can range from $25 to as much as $750. Many Visa Gift cards are ready to use and activated upon purchase.
If your card requires activation, you may see a sticker with instructions on how to activate it. Otherwise, call the toll-free phone number on the back to do so.
Can I Use a Visa Gift Card on Amazon?
The short answer is yes, you can use a Visa gift card on Amazon, but it'll take some work.
There are two ways to do so:
- Use your Visa gift card to purchase an Amazon gift card
- Add the Visa gift card as a new payment method on your Amazon account
This second option may not always work, especially if your card has a three-digit CVV. For the first option, before trying to load it onto your Amazon account, you’ll want to make sure that you activate the card and check the current balance (you’ll need the exact dollar amount later).
How to Check the Balance on Your Visa Gift Card
Because some Visa gift cards have a small activation fee, the actual amount available once you activate it may differ from the amount gifted to you or that it was purchased for.
To check your balance, look at the back of the gift card. You should see a toll-free number that can direct you on how to check your balance.
You can also check the card issuer’s site and enter your card’s 16-digit number and security code. Some common issuers include:
How to Use Your Visa Gift Card on Amazon
To use your Visa gift card on Amazon, first go to the homepage and then follow the below steps:
Option 1: Add a New Payment Method With the Visa Gift Card
- Hover over the “Account & Lists” tab and click on “Account.”
- Click on “Your Payments.”
- Under "Wallet," scroll down to "Add a payment method."
- Click on "Credit or debit cards."
- Enter your card number, your name, and the expiration date.
- Hit "Add card."
- If your card is accepted, it'll be added onto your account as a payment option.
Option 2: Buy an Amazon Gift Card With Your Visa Funds
- Hover over the “Account & Lists” tab and click on “Account.”
- Click on “Your Payments.”
- Look for “Rewards & Balances” and underneath it you should see “Amazon Gift Card.”
- Click on “Amazon Gift Card” and hit “Reload your balance.”
- Enter in the balance on your Visa gift card in the box that says “Amount,” then select “Buy Now.”
- You’ll be directed to the Payment Method page.
- Once there, scroll down to “Payment method” and hit “Change.”
- This should open up your payment options menu. Click on “Add a credit or debit card.”
- Enter your Visa gift card’s information and use your billing address for the “Address” section.
- Finally, your account will be updated to reflect the new Amazon Gift Card balance which will be deducted from your Visa gift card when you use select “Pay with Gift Card.”
Amazon Restrictions on Prepaid Cards
Certain restrictions apply when using prepaid Visa, MasterCard, and American Express cards:
- Single orders cannot combine a Visa gift card with a debit or credit card. So you’ll need to have the full amount on your prepaid card to make a purchase.
- Amazon.com doesn't support entering the three-digit CVV code found on some cards. Payments may not process successfully if the code is required by the issuing bank.
Do Visa Gift Cards Expire?
Gift cards funds must be good for at least five years under federal law. And, depending on which state the card was purchased in, you may have more time. Check with the issuer to see how long your Visa gift card is good for.
Can I Make a Return With a Visa Gift Card?
Yes, you can make a return on an item you purchased with a Visa gift card. You’ll need your Visa Gift card to process the transaction, so keep it somewhere safe even after the funds are gone.
Merchants will handle the return like any other Visa transaction and may put the funds back onto your card.
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