How to Use Your Vanilla Visa Gift Card: Common Questions & Answers

Picture this…you just received a Vanilla Visa Gift Card or Vanilla Visa eGift Card!

One of the great things about these gift cards is that they are easy to use. If you’ve ever used a debit card, you already know the basics. However, gift cards aren’t exactly the same as debit or credit cards. There are a few key differences.

Here are some common questions and answers to help you understand how to use your card and get started making purchases right away.

Does the money on my card expire?

Nope! The money on your Vanilla Visa Gift Card or eGift Card never expires. If you haven’t used it, the money is still there. However, every card does have an expiration date for fraud protection purposes—see the “valid through” date listed on the back of your card. This date allows your card to be used when ordering anything online or on the phone. These types of transactions usually require you to enter an expiration date for your card.

What if my card expires, but I still have unused funds on the card?

If your card expires, but you haven’t used the funds on it, don’t worry—that money is not lost. You can order a replacement card with a new expiration date that will allow you to access the rest of your balance. There is no charge for this. Contact Vanilla Visa Gift Cards customer service at 1-833-322-6760 for your new card, and have the expired card’s information on hand because you’ll be asked for it. Keep in mind that, until you contact customer service, your unused funds won’t be available.

What are the monthly usage fees for Vanilla Visa Gift Cards?

Good news! There are no monthly fees to use a Vanilla Visa Gift Card or eGift Card. When you buy a Vanilla Visa Gift Card, you will pay a purchase fee, but after that, you won’t pay any ongoing fees.

Can I use my Vanilla Visa Gift Card right away, or do I have to activate it?

You must activate your physical Vanilla Visa Gift Card before it can be used, for safety reasons. To do so, go to Balance.VanillaGift.com or call the number on the back of the card. At the prompts, provide the card number, valid-through date, and security code noted on the back of the card.

If you have a Vanilla Visa eGift Card, you don’t have to active it. All the card information is sent to your email address securely, and it’s ready to use immediately. You won’t receive a physical card.

What stores and merchants accept Vanilla Visa Gift Cards?

You can use your physical Vanilla Visa Gift Card anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted in the U.S., including in the District of Columbia—that’s over 10 million stores, restaurants, and other merchants across the country. However, you can’t use the Vanilla Visa Gift Card for recurring billing; for example, you cannot use the card for your monthly utility bill. Additionally, you can’t use the card to get cash from an ATM, or to get cash back with a purchase.

If you have a Vanilla Visa eGift Card, you can use it to shop online, in mail-order catalogs, or over the phone with any United States-based merchant that takes Visa debit cards. However, you won’t be able to use an eGift Card for transactions where you have to present a physical card. For example, you likely won’t be able to use your eGift Card at a restaurant, grocery store, or gas station—at these locations, you typically have to swipe, insert, or tap a physical card to complete the transaction.

How do I keep track of how much money is left on my card?

It’s easy to check your card’s balance, whether you have a physical Vanilla Visa Gift Card or eGift Card. Just go Balance.VanillaGift.com or 1-833-322-6760. You’ll be asked to enter the card’s security code, valid-through date, and the card number.

How do I use my card to shop in physical stores?

It’s easy to use your Vanilla Visa Gift Card in stores, restaurants, and at other brick-and-mortar businesses. Just swipe your card. At the prompt, either select “Credit” or “Debit.” If you select “Debit,” just enter any four-digit number for your PIN when prompted. Make sure this number is something you can remember, because this will be the PIN for all transactions on the card going forward. Call customer service at 1-833-322-6760 if you’ve forgotten your PIN and you can reset it, as long as you have the card number, valid-through date, and security code.

Note that you cannot use a Vanilla Visa eGift Card in any store where you need to present a physical card.

How do I use my card to shop online?

Both Vanilla Visa Gift Cards and eGift Cards can be used to shop online, and the process is similar to using a traditional bank-issued debit card.

At checkout, select “Debit” or “Credit” for the type of payment—do not select “Gift Card.” Enter the card details as you normally would with a debit card, typing in the card number, expiration date, and security code. For the address and name, just enter your own.

How do I load my card to my digital wallet?

Vanilla Visa Gift Cards can be added to Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Apple Pay. On your smartphone, open your digital wallet app. Follow the step-by-step instructions and enter the card number as directed. You may also be asked to take a photo of the card with your smartphone camera.

What if my card is lost or stolen?

Let Vanilla Visa Gift Cards know ASAP. Call 1-833-322-6760 as soon as you can. You’ll have to provide the card number and other information—you won’t be able to receive a replacement card unless you can provide these necessary details.

Where can I buy a Vanilla Gift Card?

If you’re enjoying your Vanilla Visa Gift Card and want to buy one for someone else (or another for yourself), there are lots of places to find them. The easiest way to buy one is to go to VanillaGift.com. At this site, you can choose from a huge range of card designs for a variety of occasions or created a personalized card. Several familiar chain stores also offer Vanilla Visa Gift Cards, including CVS Pharmacy, Walmart, Walgreens, Dollar General, Rite Aid Pharmacy, 7-Eleven, Sam’s Club, H-E-B, and Speedway.