How to Use a Visa® Gift Card Online (2024)

In today's "digital first" world, it can be difficult to pick a gift for someone. Oftentimes, you just aren’t sure what they want, if they already have it or where to find the best price.

Similarly, it can be tricky to find the perfect credit card for yourself. Which one do you qualify for? Which is the most secure?

While these may seem like two vastly different problems, there is one easy solution to both—Visa gift cards.

Visa gift cards can serve as both the perfect gift and a secure method of spending your hard-earned money. And, perhaps most importantly, they're perfect for those who prefer to work, shop or play online.

Can you use Visa gift cards online?

Yes. Because a Visa gift card functions like a credit card, it can be used anywhere that Visa cards are accepted, including online purchases—though it will likely need to be registered online or by phone prior to use. We'll explain how to do that later.

And you don’t need a bank account to get a Visa gift card. Simply buy a card—either online or at your local retailer—and load it with the desired amount, typically between $5 to $500. You can then give it as a gift or save it to use yourself.

If you don't have a debit card or credit card, Visa gift cards even come with routing and checking numbers, which means you can reload it through Paypal or other online methods.

Why use a Visa gift card?

Why would you opt for a Visa gift card? There are multiple reasons—here's just a few of them:

1. It’s easy—Visa gift cards are as simple and easy to use as a regular Visa debit card or credit card. Just choose your card at the store, load it with the desired amount of money, then shop, shop, shop! No paperwork, no fees and no waiting in line at the bank.

2. It's secure—Depending on where you buy the Visa gift card, it may be eligible for the same protections that come with debit and credit cards. Before you buy, ask the retailer about replacement fees and fraud protection.

3. It makes an excellent gift—Unlike traditional gift cards to individual stores or restaurants, a Visa gift card may be used anywhere Visa cards are accepted. This gives the user freedom to spend the gifted funds any way they please.

4. It’s an alternative if you don’t have a bank account—Whether you're new to banking or in between financial institutions, Visa gift cards give you freedom and time to shop around. No longer do you have to deal strictly in cash if you don’t have a bank account. Visa gift cards may be used anywhere a Visa debit card is accepted. Sometimes referred to as “non-reloadable prepaid cards,” these cards were originally created to be used by those locked out of financial institutions for lack of credit, bad credit or other eligibility restrictions.

5. It’s a safe option if you're just learning to manage finances—Trying to teach your kids about financial health? Visa gift cards are great for teenagers and even pre-teens. They get access to a limited amount of cash, helping them learn to practice fiscal responsibility. You can set them up with a budget, teach them to track their spending and discuss the ins and outs of savings. Best of all, when the money is gone, it’s gone. Your teen can only spend up to the amount on the card.

How to use a Visa gift card online

Learning how to pay with Visa gift cards online is incredibly simple. In fact, there are only two steps:

• Activate—If you purchase your Visa gift card from a retail outlet, the card should be activated and ready for immediate use after purchase. However, if you purchased it online, you’ll need to activate it once you receive it. This is typically done online or by calling the toll-free number listed on the card.

• Register—You’ll also need to register your card if you want to use it online so that retailers can link the card to a billing address. Instructions on how to do this will be provided with the card. The process usually requires entering the card information online or by phone as well as your name, billing address and phone number. This will allow you to use a billing address when checking out during an online transaction, giving the vendor an opportunity to verify.

Ultimately, a Visa gift card could help you give the perfect gift, teach your kids about money management or help you with your own spending. They're simple to buy, easy to use and don't come with hidden fees or credit checks.

Need more information? Meet with an expert at Mountain America Credit Union. Our knowledgeable team can answer your questions about Visa gift cards.*

* Visa gift cards are no longer available for purchase at Mountain America.