How to Use Vanilla Gift Card Online

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The Vanilla gift cards are known to be one of the most popularly gifted cards in America, and they serve almost the same purpose as a credit card. You can use this card to purchase gifts and other items with the pre-loaded amount on it.

Vanilla gift cards are available in retail stores or any major store available in your province. When buying the gift card, you are required to pay the amount shown on the card’s packaging – the preloaded amount. 

Once you get the Vanilla card, you are required to pay an activation fee of about CA$5.00 to get started. After activation, you can use the card as a credit card anywhere Visa and MasterCard are accepted, including international locations.

However, it can’t be used wherever physical cards are required, like ATMs. Also, you cannot use a Vanilla gift card for recurring bills. So how do you initiate payments with a Vanilla gift card online?

Using the Vanilla Gift Card Online

If your gift card was purchased from VanillaGift.com, there is no need to activate it because it will instantly be ready for use. If you need to activate it, all you have to do is call the toll-free number on the back of your card.

You will need to provide your card number, expiration date, and security code at the back of your card. 

You will also need to provide this information when you want to check your balance via your virtual account. Once set up, your card becomes active within 24 hours; you can then proceed to use the Vanilla gift card online.

To use your gift card online, you will need to set a zip code; this zip code is for security purposes, and most websites do zip checks before processing payments.

You can add a zip code to your card by logging in to your Vanilla gift card account and selecting manage card; you will be able to assign a zip code in this section.

To complete online payment using your Vanilla gift card, you must input an address. It is advisable to use an address associated with the zip code that was added.

Once the stages mentioned above are done, you can proceed to make payment. When you use the card to make purchases, the balance will be reduced by the total amount of the purchases, with taxes and other charges included.

This means that you should ensure that you have a sufficient balance on the gift card before making payments. If you need to make two payments because the purchase amount is greater than the balance on your card, you must notify the merchant before the transaction is completed. 

Conclusion

It is recommended that you register your current address with the issuer of the gift card you will be using online because some merchants require it as a form of security check.

The Vanilla gift card is slightly different from other cards because it never expires. Yes, you can use it for as long as you want. Also, you can always reload your card once you run out of funds. 

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5 thoughts on “How to Use Vanilla Gift Card Online”

  1. Vanilla cards have been nothing but trouble for me. Had more than one where it was refused everywhere and then couldn’t activate replacement card. Called multiple times, waited forever on hold then call dropped or hung up without issue being resolved. They are keeping my money, this is theft!

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Post Comments

5 thoughts on “How to Use Vanilla Gift Card Online”

  1. Vanilla cards have been nothing but trouble for me. Had more than one where it was refused everywhere and then couldn’t activate replacement card. Called multiple times, waited forever on hold then call dropped or hung up without issue being resolved. They are keeping my money, this is theft!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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Kareena Maya

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Kareena Maya is a freelance writer focused on the personal finance and travel spaces. He frequently writes about credit cards, banking, student loans, insurance, travel rewards and more. His work has been featured in publications such as Forbes Advisor, Bankrate, Credit Karma, Finance Buzz, The Ascent and Student Loan Planner.

Kareena Maya is a freelance writer focused on the personal finance and travel spaces. He frequently writes about credit cards, banking, student loans, insurance, travel rewards and more. His work has been featured in publications such as Forbes Advisor, Bankrate, Credit Karma, Finance Buzz, The Ascent and Student Loan Planner.