The Scoop by Vanilla VisaThe Scoop by Vanilla Visa
Vanilla Visa Gift CardsVanilla Visa Gift Cards

October 16, 2023

Every October during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the country unites to spread knowledge and show support for those affected by breast cancer. Here at Vanilla Gift, we are proud to partner with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) to make a difference in the fight against this devasting disease that has affected the lives of millions of people. Read below to learn more about the impactful work of BCRF and how you can help us support their mission all year long. 

Embark on a road trip adventure with Vanilla® Visa® Gift Cards

July 25, 2024

tablet with cardstablet with cards

Road trips aren't just about the destination; they're about the journey, the memories, and the adventure. At Vanilla Gift, we believe the road trip can be as memorable as the final destination. Add delight to your road trip by digging out all those Vanilla Visa Gift Cards you got at Christmas and using them to enhance your trip. Road trips are filled with adventurous dining, unique shopping, and fun snacks that you would never let yourself eat at home. Read below for some road trip tips and discover how you can make the most out of your road trip adventure with Vanilla Visa Gift Cards. 

 Shop Vanilla Gift Travel & Food Gift Cards. 

Before You Hit the Road, Know Your Balance  

Enjoy every moment without any surprises. 

tablet with visa cardstablet with visa cards

Before embarking on your journey, the first step is to know your balance. With Vanilla Visa Gift Cards, it's all about keeping the good times rolling, and that means making sure you know what available funds you have to spend. After all, you wouldn’t want to experience a declined transaction and spend unnecessary time sorting it out. You would rather be on your way to your fabulous vacation spot. We get it!  

Luckily, checking your Vanilla Visa Gift Card balance is easy – simply hop online to Balance.VanillaGift.com. You'll have all the info you need right there, and you can review available balance, transaction history, and more. Armed with this info, you can enjoy your trip with confidence, knowing exactly how much you have to spend on all your adventures.  

Remember, you can only spend up to the amount available on your card. For example, if you're eyeing that $51 purchase but only have $50 on your card, don’t worry. Simply tell the cashier you want to pay the $1 difference in cash or another form of payment, and then put the available amount on your Vanilla Visa Gift Card to cover the rest. It's as easy as that. 

By keeping tabs on your balance before you set off on your journey, you'll be able to make the most out of every moment without any surprises. So go ahead, check your balance, buckle up, and get ready for the road trip of a lifetime with Vanilla Visa Gift Cards in your pocket. 

 

LightbulbLightbulb

 

Forgot to check your balance before you left home? No worries! You can check from your mobile device at any time. Just don’t do it when you’re driving, of course. 

 

Fuel Up without the Hassle 

The whole truth about gas station holds and how NOT to let them cramp your style.  

managing your cardmanaging your card

Gas stations can serve as a break from driving and an excuse to get much-needed road trip snacks. When it comes to refueling your vehicle, things can get a bit tricky. But here’s the scoop on using a Vanilla Visa Gift Card at gas stations so you can breeze through those fuel stops like a pro. 

When paying at the pump, some merchants may try to authorize and temporarily hold up to $175 or the full value of your Vanilla Visa Gift Card. This is just a way for them to ensure you have sufficient funds. While this may seem like a small inconvenience, the gas stations want to protect themselves against non-paying customers (which we know you are not).  

Don’t worry! There's a simple workaround to avoid these temporary holds. Instead of swiping your card at the pump, opt to pay inside. Just hand your Vanilla Visa Gift Card to the friendly attendant, prepay for your gas, and be on your way. You can hit the road again without any worries or holds cramping your style. 

By paying inside, you not only avoid those holds but also have the opportunity to stretch your legs, pour yourself a fountain drink, or share travel tips with fellow travelers. It's all part of the adventure. 

 

Indulge in Culinary Delights

And don't forget about the tip.

managing your cardmanaging your card

One of the fun side benefits of road trips is the joy of discovering new places to dine along the way. Whether you're craving a homestyle meal from a roadside mom-and-pop diner or a favorite entree at a nationwide chain, your Vanilla Visa Gift Card is ready for action at any place that accepts Visa. 

Here's a little insider tip: Did you know that many restaurants typically add 20% to your total to account for the tip? While this may seem like a small detail, it's essential to keep in mind when using your Vanilla Visa Gift Card to cover the bill. 

While some restaurants may temporarily authorize a bit more than your actual bill, it's all part of the process. Vanilla Gift is required to approve and hold funds based on the estimated total until the merchant finalizes the transaction.  

And remember, merchant settlement can take up to 7 business days, so don't be alarmed if you see those funds held up for a bit. That’s just the time it takes for the full transaction to fully go through and get processed. In the meantime, sit back, relax, and enjoy the flavors of the journey. 

 

Stop, Shop, and Roll

Know how to use your Vanilla Visa Gift Card and shop with confidence.

managing your cardmanaging your card

Happiness is when you stumble upon charming boutiques during your journey that you never would have found otherwise. From eclectic antique shops to whimsical gift boutiques, there are so many hidden shops waiting to be discovered along your road trip route. With a Vanilla Visa Gift Card in your hand, you can shop 'til you drop at every adorable store you encounter. Read below to learn about shopping with your Vanilla Visa Gift Card. 

 

Shopping with a Vanilla Visa Virtual eGift Card 

Obviously, you can use your Vanilla eGift Card at any United States merchant online that accepts Visa. To shop with your eGift Card at a brick-and-mortar store, just pull out your mobile device, find the email, and click on the link to see your card. Show it to the cashier, and they will be able to enter your card information to complete your purchase. 

 

Shopping with a Physical Vanilla Visa Gift Card 

You can use your Physical Vanilla Visa Gift Card to make purchases anywhere Visa is accepted within the United States and the District of Columbia. Whether you're shopping for local crafts or buying souvenirs, be sure to keep it on the good ‘ole U S of A when using your Vanilla Visa Gift Card. 

When making your purchase, inform the cashier if you would like to use your Vanilla Visa Gift Card along with another form of payment (if the total purchase amount is greater than your Gift Card balance). You can then specify how much you want to apply to each payment type. Swipe your Gift Card at the checkout terminal and select "Credit" on the keypad. 

Like to travel light? Your Vanilla Visa Gift Card can be added to your digital wallet, including Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay, making it easier than ever to shop on the go. Just open up your digital wallet and follow the prompts to “add to wallet.” 

For all your road trip purchases, Vanilla Gift is a versatile and convenient way to enjoy a shopping adventure. 

 

Peace of Mind 

While road trips are all about spontaneity and adventure, it's important to travel with peace of mind. With Vanilla Visa Gift Cards, you can rest easy knowing that you have a secure and convenient payment option. In the unfortunate event that your card goes missing, just give us a call at 1-833-322-6760. You can also visit Balance.VanillaGift.com and report your card missing. Your safety and security are important to us, and our team will help to get you a replacement card. 

 

Know Someone Planning a Road trip?

We have the perfect gift.

managing your cardmanaging your card

A Vanilla Visa Gift Card is a thoughtful gift for someone planning a road trip. They’ll be able to add fuel to the tank, buy snacks for the road, pay for a night of lodging, or pick up souvenirs. And Vanilla Gift has dozens of delightful travel and food designs - there’s a perfect card for everyone. 

 

Let the Road trip Delight Begin! 

So there you have it, fellow adventurers – everything you need to know about road tripping with Vanilla Visa Gift Cards! So pack your bags, crank up the tunes, and get ready for adventure. With Vanilla Visa Gift Cards, every mile of the journey is sure to be filled with delightful moments and unforgettable memories.  

Bon voyage and safe travels from Vanilla Gift!