The most common reasons are that the card hasn’t been activated, the cashier is running the wrong type of transaction, the dollar amount being charged is greater than the card’s balance or the credit card processing machine is bumping up the charge amount to either place a hold on the card or to allow for a gratuity.
How do I Activate my vanilla Visa card?
Method 2 Method 2 of 3: Activating the Card Through Your Bank
- Call your bank to have a representative activate your card. Call your bank and provide the required information to verify your identity.
- Use your bank’s mobile app to quickly activate the card yourself. If you use a mobile app for banking, open the app and log in to your account.
- Go to your bank’s website to activate your card online. ...
Why isn't my Visa gift card working?
Possible Reasons Why Your Visa Gift Card Might Not Be Working Online
- Visa Gift Card Not Activated. For security measures, some gift card sellers require the recipient to activate the card before it can be used.
- Visa Gift Card Should be Registered. Registration usually involves linking a name and billing address to the prepaid card. ...
- Waiting Period on the Card. ...
- Insufficient Funds on the Card. ...
Why is my Visa gift card being declined?
Visa® gift card not working? There are a number of reasons why a gift card may be declined. The most common reasons are that the card hasn’t been activated, the cashier is running the wrong type of transaction, the dollar amount being charged is greater than the card’s balance or the credit card processing machine is bumping up the charge amount to either place a hold on the card or to ...
How do I Check my vanilla Visa gift card balance?
Vanilla Visa offers an easy way to check a gift card balance on its website. Simply enter the gift card number, expiration date and CVV number, and click the arrow to get the gift card balance. As Made Man explains, it is important to know the balance on the card before presenting it for payment.
See more
Near-identical complaints from readers spanning two countries
A couple days before Christmas, we ran an article listing reasons why store-specific gift cards are often a bad gift idea, and added: “if you must give a card in lieu of actual money, a prepaid debit card valid with any merchant who takes credit cards is far better than a gift card limited to one company.”
Card was declined
Consider this story from Gwen in Ontario, who told us on Dec. 21 that, “On Dec. 13, I purchased a Vanilla Visa Gift Card for $150 and sent it to my elderly mother in another province to finish her Xmas shopping. At the check out, the card was declined. When she called the [help number], they wouldn't help her and hung up.
Non-festive New Year's
Elsewhere in California, Wendy spent a non-festive New Year's Eve telling us her story:
How to tell if a Visa gift card is not working?
If you’ve checked all of these things and your Visa gift card is not working, then call the telephone number or check the website typically listed on the back of the card. You will need to contact the issuing company to find out exactly why your card isn’t working.
Why are Visa gift cards declined?
Inactive cards will be declined if used for payment because the associated bank accounts are not ready to be used. Think of the hundreds of gift cards found on racks at the grocery store.
How to use a Visa gift card as a debit?
To use a Visa gift card as a “debit” transaction, you’ll need to enter a Personal Identification Number (PIN) at the Point of Sale (POS) terminal. Without a PIN, the gift card should be run as a “credit” transaction.
What happens if your address doesn't match on a Visa gift card?
If the addresses don’t match, the card may decline. This is often the case when the Visa gift card is purchased at a grocery store or some place that doesn’t require you to put a name and address on the physical card.
What to do if gift card is not working?
If your gift card is not working or you are not sure how the gift card should be processed, ask the cashier. I find that most cashiers know exactly how to handle each type of payment method presented.
Why is my credit card not activating?
The most common reasons are that the card hasn’t been activated, the cashier is running the wrong type of transaction, the dollar amount being charged is greater than the card’s balance or the credit card processing machine is bumping up the charge amount to either place a hold on the card or to allow for a gratuity.
Can a Visa gift card be used at a gas station?
When a Visa gift card is swiped at a gas station pump, the dollar amount of the transaction is unknown. So gas station pumps typically pre-authorize $75 or more on the card swiped. If the pre-authorization amount is greater than the card’s value, the transaction may be declined. To avoid having this hold placed on your gift card, pay inside. Tell the attendant to only charge the amount you specify.
How long does a vanilla gift card last?
Your expiration date is nine (9) years from the date of purchase. This expiration date is listed on your account for your reference. Funds do not expire. Contact Vanilla Gift Card customer care for a replacement account number upon account expiration.
Can vanilla gift cards be delivered to one address?
Vanilla Gift Cards can be delivered to one address, which can be different from the billing address.
Does Vanilla Gift Card work with email?
Yes, Vanilla Gift Card sells Gift Cards for email delivery. Please select ‘email’ as a delivery type on your choice of card and follow steps to purchase. Once you have purchased, your email Gift Card can be accessed as a Vanilla Gift Virtual Account.
Can you use a vanilla gift card with a debit card?
You can use your Vanilla Gift Virtual Account with any United States-based online, phone, or mail-order merchants wherever Vanilla debit cards are accepted. Please remember, you will only be able to shop with merchants in the United States and District of Columbia. Your Virtual Account cannot be used for transactions requiring a physical card.