How to see visa gift card balance

It’s easy to find out how much credit you have left on any Visa gift card, such as a Vanilla Visa gift card, using your computer or smartphone, or by checking with a merchant when you make a transaction.

But first, you’ll need the Visa card and its security code. Then, the process of finding the gift card balance will take a matter of minutes.

How Is Visa Involved?

Visa is not a credit card or gift card issuer. Visa U.S.A. Inc. is a network for banks and retailers that want to issue Visa credit cards or gift cards, which are gift cards that come with different rewards. Also, the company offers Visa debit cards while creating the rewards programs so that banks don’t have to come up with their own.

This means that more consumers will have access to the rewards, making them more attractive to Visa’s partners who provide the prepaid cards, who then can then offer them to consumers at a lower cost.

Remember that Visa also does not issue gift cards, such as Vanilla gift cards. Those come from banks, stores and other businesses. They are part of the Visa network, which helps advertise and promote the cards.

Check the Balance on My Visa Gift Card

Visa provides a web page with step-by-step instructions for checking the balance of your Visa gift cards online. Navigate to this page, which has the headline, "How to Check Your Visa Gift Card Balance."

The basic method involves calling the toll-free number on the back of your card or going to the card issuer’s site and entering the card’s 16-digit number and security code.

Different companies offer different Visa gift cards. And you can also use a general gift card website that sells cards to check your balance. Fortunately, the Visa web page lists a number of these sites, with direct links to their websites:

• Visa Vanilla Gift Cards
• Walmart
• Giftcards.com
• Commerce Bank
• Gift Card Mall
• Navy Federal

Visit the Card Issuer’s Website

Each business that issues a Visa gift card, including a digital card, provides you with ways to check your balance. One is to visit the website and enter your card information. That's the very first step you can take if you need to determine your Visa gift card balance. For example, you can check VanillaGift.com and do a balance check.

Call the Toll-Free Number

If you’re not near a computer, don’t want to use your phone to visit a website or have no virtual account, you can call the phone number on the back of your Visa gift card. Then follow the prompts you are given to get your gift card balance.

Keep in mind that you should have your gift card number and security code ready because you will need to use this information at some point for verification before getting your gift card balance.

Ask a Merchant

Whenever you make a purchase with a Visa gift card, ensure that you get a receipt if you want to see what your new card balance is. Companies like Home Depot provide their employees with marker pens to write your balance on your gift cards if you’d like. So don’t be afraid to ask questions if you can’t see the balance.

Tips for Using Gift Cards

Here are some tips for using Visa gift cards:

• Check to see if you can register your gift card as soon as you get it. If you lose it, you can then freeze it and get a new one – otherwise, someone else can use your card.
• Always have a credit or debit card ready to use if, for some reason, there’s a problem with your Visa gift card. The last thing you want to do when there are other people waiting at the checkout line behind you is to have a long conversation with a cashier or have to put your items back.
• Always ensure that the Visa gift card balance is sufficient to cover your purchases. And take the time to memorize your card number and security code so you can easily determine the balance before you start shopping.
• Confirm the expiration date of your gift card by reading the cardholder agreement carefully to ensure that the card is still valid before buying products. Also, confirm whether your card is reloadable.

Know your balance

Find your initial balance and track card value

Before you use your card you should know your card’s initial balance, and remember to track your remaining balance after each purchase.

You can check your card balance by visiting the website of your card issuer or calling their toll-free customer service number.

If you would like to make a purchase for an amount greater than the balance on your card, you’ll need to use a second form of payment to cover the difference—just tell the cashier in advance the amount you’d like applied to your gift card. The balance will then need to be paid with the second payment method.

Use your card

Using your Visa Gift card is similar to using a credit card.

How  to activate your card

Visa Gift cards can be used for purchases just like you use your other cards. Many Visa Gift cards are activated automatically upon purchase and may be used immediately. However, some cards must be activated before they can be used. Follow the activation instructions provided by the issuer with your card.

Sign within the designated area on the back before making your first purchase to help prevent someone else from using the card. Keep a record of your card number and the issuer contact information in a safe place, separate from the card in case of loss or theft.

Special transactions

Payment situations that may require additional steps.

Gas stations

When paying at the pump, insert your card and follow the instructions. If the transaction can’t be completed, you may need to go inside and pay the attendant prior to filling your tank.

Tipping

When tipping with your Visa gift card, the merchant or issuer may decide to authorize your transaction for an additional 20% above your total bill. The actual tip amount is your choice.

Hotels and car rentals

Some car rental companies and hotels may require a credit card to make a reservation. At check-in, these merchants may put a "hold" on the estimated amount of your reservation, making those funds unavailable for a period of time.

Troubleshooting + tips

Common questions about how to use your gift card

How do I check my balance on a Visa gift card?

How can I check my Visa gift card balance without my card?

Can you check balance of gift cards online?