Visa Gift Cards - When You Can't Decide What to Give

2007-03-08 10:33:40

( Financial )



Do you find it hard to select the right gift for your loved one? Or perhaps, you may not have enough time or energy to go shopping for a gift?

Now you can give your loved ones Visa Gift cards, which are prepaid credit cards that can be used at any online, merchant outlet, mail or phone order which normally accept Visa and other major credit cards.

Each Visa Gift card, or Gift Visa, has a predetermined amount limit which is reduced every time a purchase is made. Cardholders can be of any age as long as they can read and write.

You can buy Visa Gift card at any authorized financial institution, the same places you go to when you apply for Visa card. You can buy any number of cards and set the amount limits for each card.

Activating and Using Visa Gift Cards

The Visa Gift card can be activated automatically when you make your first purchase. You swipe the card and hit the CREDIT button to effect the transaction. Depending on who issued your Visa Gift card, you may be required to enter a PIN code. Then you sign a purchase slip or receipt.

The amount of purchase is automatically deducted from your card balance. In case the amount of purchase exceeds the balance, you can still use your Visa Gift card's remaining balance and then pay for the excess with cash, check or another credit card.

Refund amounts may be credited back to your card balance. That's why it is also important to keep your Visa Gift card even if it has been totally depleted.

You can keep track of your card balance by calling the toll-free number at the back of the card, by accessing the website, or by visiting any authorized Visa issuer.

Security Features of Visa Gift Cards

Like the regular Visa card, Visa Gift cards are also covered by the company's zero-liability policy which protects you from fraudulent use in case of loss or theft. Keep the serial number and toll-free number in a secure place so that in case your card is lost or stolen, you can immediately contact Visa to deactivate the lost card and to get a replacement. Sign the back of the card prior to using it, and memorize the PIN code if one was provided.

Tips for the Gift-Giver

When you purchase Visa Gift card as a gift, make sure to enclose the information materials that are provided by the Visa issuer. The materials will inform your recipient about the terms and conditions of using the card and how to use the card efficiently.

If your recipient is very young or has no experience in using credit cards, you may want to go over the mechanics of activation and usage, as well as the security features. Advise the person to keep a record of the card number and toll-free number. Most of all, remind him or her about the card's amount limit.


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