Prepaid debit gift cards like the Vanilla Visa Gift card are more difficult to use than you might think.
I recently purchased one from Walmart and there are a number of steps you have to take.
In order to use it, you need two things.
![Activation Activation](/uploads/1/2/6/3/126343708/385380364.png)
Nov 17, 2018 The MyVanilla Visa isn't the only Vanilla card product out there. Vanilla also offers prepaid gift cards, which you or people you buy them for can use anywhere that Visa cards are accepted. Vanilla gift cards don't expire and aren't credit cards, so no credit check is required. The gift cards don't need to be activated once they're purchased.
1. Register the Zip code on vanillavisa.com
2. Call in and activate it.
2. Call in and activate it.
I jumped through several hoops and removed that journey from this text. Hopefully you will ignore any Walmart stickers or instructions that come with the card.
Or get a better quality gift card.
Registering your card
If you received the card as a gift, or purchased the card at the store or online, you still need to register it
- Go to vanillavisa.com
- Enter your card info and check your balance
- There is a link on the side for Registering your card. After you enter your zip code, the link becomes “Edit your card”
- Now that it is registered to your zip code, you still need to activate it.
- Find the cardholder agreement link, or the number on the back of the card packaging and call the toll-free number to activate your card. You will be prompted by an automated message to enter the card number.
These steps are probably the same for Vanilla Master card.
At the Store
If you use the card in a store, you have to choose “credit” if you are swiping the card yourself in a scanner.
Declined Card?
If you don’t have the card registered and activated, expect your purchases to be declined. If your card is declined, a $1 hold may be placed on your account until the store voids the charge (usually 7-10 days).
Activation Fee?
If the activation fee is not applied to your card, see the cardholder fee table on vanillavisa.com for the fee amount.
Cardholder Name?
If you are making a purchase online, the cardholder name will be the name you registered at the store you purchased the card from. Or check the card for text where the name would be printed, like “A GIFT FOR YOU“.
The google search for: cardholder name for vanilla visa found a number (400) of silly people calling the card a scam and a rip-off on a topix forum. Oh, to be a young teenager again. 🙂
Update 12/26/14
Upon a second look at that topix forum, there seem to be numerous reports of issues with the card. Without digger deeper to see what’s going on, this is something to consider before spending a lot of money on these cards. I was able to use a $50 card with some difficulty, but my purchase did go through.
Alternatives
Sometimes you should just buy a quality gift card.
Customer Service?
A link from vanillavisa.com for Tips for Using Your Gift Card -> to Shop Online , links to a useless Youtube video that speaks like an advertisement. No wonder all the kiddies down-voted it.
What do you do when it’s not as easy as Point, Click and Buy? #FAIL
Tags: gift card, pre-paid
How do I use my gift card?
Simply present the Card at the time of payment, and sign the receipt. As you use the Card, the Balance will be reduced by the full amount of each purchase including taxes, charges and other fees, if any. The Card can be used to pay the full amount of the purchase and applicable taxes, so long as the Balance remaining on the Card is sufficient. If you want to make a purchase for an amount greater than the remaining Balance, you must notify the merchant before completing the transaction.
Where can I use my gift card?
The Card is a prepaid gift card that can be used anywhere Mastercard cards are accepted, including mail order, online and point of sale retail merchants.
How do I activate my gift card?
The Card has no value until it is (i) activated by the cashier at the time of purchase; and (ii) signed by you on the back of the Card, where indicated. We recommend that you write down the Card number and the customer service number on a separate piece of paper in case the Card is lost or stolen.
Can I reload my gift card?
The Card is not reloadable or returnable.
What billing address do I use for online and phone transactions?
If you are using the Card for online or phone transactions, we recommend that you register your address with us, because a number of merchants use this as a security check before processing transactions or orders.
Why is the merchant charging me for more than what I signed on my receipt?
Some purchases require a preauthorization. This is where the merchant sends in a transaction for a higher amount than the purchase. For example, a £40 purchase at a restaurant is typically sent by the restaurant as £48 as they want to allow for a tip. We are required to approve and hold funds based on the £48 until the merchant finalizes the transaction, which can take up to 10 days.
Where do I find the serial number on my card?
The serial number is the 10 digit number on the back of the card in the bottom left corner.
How are merchandise returns processed?
If you are entitled to a refund for goods or services obtained with your Card, you agree to accept credits to the Balance on your Card in place of cash. The credit will reflect on the card within 30 days.
Note: Any credits that exceed the face value of the card may be declined or take up to 30 days to process.
What are some additional transaction fees associated with the card?
For all transactions associated with gambling a 3% fee will be applied. For all transactions in a foreign currency a 3% fee will be applied once the amount has been converted to sterling. If there is no activity on your Card for 6 months, a £2 per month fee will be applied.
Can I share the balance or funds from one Vanilla card to another Vanilla card?
No you may not.
If I lose or my card gets stolen how do I get a refund or a replacement card?
If you believe that your Card has been lost or stolen you need to notify us IMMEDIATELY. You can do this by going to www.myvanillagiftcard.com and clicking on the contact us section. You will be asked to provide us with the Card number and you must register your Gift Card at www.myvanillagiftcard.com when you receive it to be able to report it as lost or stolen. Please make a note of the 16 digit number on the front of your Gift Card and keep this in a safe place. If you do not register your Gift Card no refund of value on the Gift Card will be possible in case it is lost or stolen.
If you lose your Gift Card please log into your account at www.myvanillagiftcard.com where you can block the Gift Card from further use and request a refund of the remaining value on the Gift Card. We may contact you to verify your identity before making any refund. Such refund will be made by cheque and is subject to a minimum balance of £6.50 at the time of blocking of the Gift Card. We will charge a refund fee of £4.95, which we will deduct from your balance.
How do I get a PIN number for the card?
![Prepaid Vanilla Card Activation Prepaid Vanilla Card Activation](http://doublemoneycard.weebly.com/uploads/4/5/1/1/45114903/4927171.jpg?873)
No PIN is associated with the card or required for use.
Why was my card declined at the pump?
When using pay at the pump a preauthorization is processed that could be greater than your card balance to compensate for not knowing the final purchase amount. To avoid a decline, it is recommended you go inside and tell the attendant exactly how much you want to pay.
When can I start using my Vanilla card?
You can start using your Vanilla card shortly after purchase. The Vanilla card is activated at the store.
What denominations can I purchase a Vanilla card for?
£25, £50 & £100 with a purchase fee of £2.95, £3.95 and £4.95 respectively.
Can I get cash at any ATM with my Vanilla card?
The Card cannot be used at ATMs.
Can my Vanilla card be used internationally?
Yes, you can use your Vanilla Mastercard card anywhere Mastercard cards are accepted. A charge of 3% will be applied to transactions in any currency other than Pounds Sterling.
How do I dispute a Vanilla card transaction?
If you have reason to believe that any of the transactions for which your Gift Card was used are unauthorised or has been posted to your Gift Card in error, you may ask us to investigate the transaction by contacting Customer Services on 0333 600 22 44.
Can I use my gift card for reoccurring billing?
No, your Vanilla Mastercard Gift card can not be used for this purpose.