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How to use a gift card online

Published · By Vanilla Balance

Most prepaid gift cards work just like a debit card on the web. Here is the step-by-step process and what to do when something doesn't go through.

Step by step

  1. Check the balance first. Use our balance lookup so you know how much you can spend.
  2. Add items to the cart. Make sure the cart total is no more than the card balance — many merchants will decline a partial charge.
  3. Choose "Credit Card" at checkout.Even though it's a prepaid card, you select the credit card payment option.
  4. Enter the details. Type the card number, expiration date, and CVV exactly as printed on the card. The cardholder name field can usually be left as your own name.
  5. Match the billing ZIP code.If the merchant asks for a billing address, register the card with your ZIP first on the issuer's site, then use that ZIP at checkout.

When the charge is declined

Common causes:

  • The cart total exceeds the available balance.
  • The card has not been activated yet.
  • The billing ZIP doesn't match the one on file.
  • The merchant doesn't accept the brand of card.

Splitting payment

If your purchase costs more than the card balance, some merchants allow split tender — using the gift card for part of the total and a credit/debit card for the rest. Check the merchant's help pages to see if they support this.

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