Do Credit Card Gift Cards Work for Online Purchases?
Credit card gift cards are increasingly common presents for a variety of occasions, such as birthdays, graduations and weddings. In general, credit card gift cards can be used in any situation where credit or debit cards are accepted, including online purchases. However, there are a few considerations to take into account before using a gift card for online purchases.
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Function
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CreditCards.com reports that "open-loop" or general purpose gift cards from the big credit card companies are popular because "You can use them anywhere you can use that network's credit card." This means that "open-loop" gift cards can be used both in stores and online. Since online retailers generally accept credit cards, a gift card from a major credit card company should be valid at nearly any online retailer.
Registration: Step 1
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Prior to use for online shopping, credit card gift cards need to be registered. Since most gift cards must be activated before use, registering the card does not require much additional effort. Visa.com explains that you can register the card "by either calling the issuing provider, or by visiting their website. This information should have been supplied to you when you received the card. It may also be printed on the back of the card."
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Registration: Step 2
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When you register the card, you are required to provide a name, address and phone number. This information allows the card to function in a manner similar to that of a credit or debit card when making online purchases.
Billing Address
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Visa states, "When you make an online or phone purchase, the name, address and phone number you use will need to be exactly the same as the information you provided when registering your card." The name, address and phone number will be entered as your billing address on the website where you are making the purchase. Since online credit and debit card purchases require a billing address, the gift card must also function in the same manner. If the billing address you enter differs from the address under which the card is registered, the purchase transaction may be declined.
Balance
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Before making an online purchase with a gift card, make sure the balance on the card is sufficient to cover the cost of the purchase. Unlike most retail stores, many online retailers will not allow you to use a second form of payment while completing the transaction. If the balance on your card is less than the purchase total, your card will probably be declined.
Checking Your Balance
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According to Visa.com, "You can determine the balance on your card at any time. Most issuers offer website access or a toll-free number. See instructions on the back of your card for details." Online retailers will not provide you with your balance information when you make a purchase. To save yourself the time of checking the balance online or over the phone, write down the balance of the card after each purchase and keep the total with the card.
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References
- Photo Credit credit card and hand image by Warren Millar from Fotolia.com
