How to Buy Visa Gift Cards

Visa gift cards may be good anywhere Visa is accepted, but you can't buy them anywhere. The cards, which start with a fixed amount and can't be reloaded, are available for purchase in person or online. Various financial institutions issue these cards, and they determine the terms and conditions. You'll get a slightly different product depending on where and how you buy them.

If credit cards are not your thing, or cannot access credit card because of poor credit ratings, visa gift cards can be ideal position not only for people who don’t like credit cards or have poor score, but people who love gift cards. Most Visa gift cards work exactly like a prepaid visa debit or credit card. The good news is that despite working as credit cards, they do not affect your credit score.

​Read More​: How Visa Gift Cards Work

The available denominations for Visa gift cards vary with the issuer but typically begin at ​$20 or $25​. You can also "create your own" and have blank cards loaded in even dollar amounts up to ​$500​ or more.

Most also require an activation fee, which is approximately ​$4​ for most cards. You can compare terms and fees on Visa and other gift cards online.

Visa gift cards are sold at banks, grocery stores, big-box stores, and many other retailers nationwide. You can search banks in your area through a basic internet search and visit them for the card. The same internet search as simple as ''Visa gift cards'' can provide alternatives on where the cards are available. You need to have an internet connection on your iPhone or computer and also turning on your GPS to locate Visa Gift centers in your location.

The cards are usually sold like any other retail item, which means you can pay by check, debit card, credit card or cash, depending on the store. When you buy Visa gift cards in a store, the cashier must activate them at the register.

Many financial institutions and major retailers such as Walmart and Target sell the cards online, although some banks only sell to their customers. You can also locate online vendors on the Visa gift card website.

Choose a vendor and click the icon. First, choose a card design and gift amount, and then select a delivery method, such as mail or email. Enter information on the recipient, including his address or email. The vendor will accept payment by check or credit card.

Purchasing a Visa gift card from an online source is the most convenient for the majority of people. However, you cannot use the card until it is physically shipped to you. The best online sources for Visa gift cards include credit unions and banks such as Navy Federal Credit Union, PNC Bank, Wells Fargo and Chase. Further, Visa gift cards are available in online card centers such as Gift Card Mall, Giftcards.com, and GiveCard.io.

Know what you're buying before you purchase gift cards. Read the terms and conditions online or on the back of the card. For example, some charge a monthly inactivity fee after one year of non-use. These fees may continue until the card's value expires. Card issuers also typically charge a replacement fee for lost cards.

Some Visa gift cards are good only in the U.S. Cards that are valid abroad typically charge a foreign currency transaction fee of ​1 percent​ or more.

Some online card purchases arrive already activated, while others require activation. You must call an 800 number to activate some cards, while you can register others online. To register online, you typically enter the gift card number and an activation code. With some online vendors, only bulk purchases require activation.

​Read More​: How to Use a Visa Gift Card Online