Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about Vanilla Visa® Gift Cards, please read below or contact us.
General Information & Getting Started
Where can I buy a Vanilla Gift Card?
You can buy Vanilla Gift Cards online at VanillaGift.com. You can also buy them at participating retail locations.
Does VanillaGift.com sell eGift cards?
Yes, VanillaGift.com sells virtual gift cards that are delivered via email. Please select ‘Email’ as the delivery type and follow the steps to purchase.
What payment methods can I use to purchase a Vanilla Gift Card?
You can purchase Gift Cards using Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover credit/debit cards. You can also purchase Gift Cards online with PayPal or Apple Pay (on supported devices) at checkout. Regardless of payment method, the billing address must be in the United States.
Please note VanillaGift.com cannot accept payment methods with addresses from the state of Hawaii. VanillaGift.com cannot accept payment methods with addresses from the state of New Mexico for orders equal to or greater than $1,000 within a 24-hour period.
Where can I find my order history?
If you have a Vanilla Gift Account, view your order by signing in to VanillaGift.com with your Email Address and Password. Then press “My Orders” under My Account to view your Order History.
If you checked out as a guest or are not logged into your Vanilla Gift Account, you can click the “Track Order” link at the bottom of the page and enter your Email Address and Order Number.
Does my Vanilla Gift Card expire?
The funds on both Physical and eGift Cards never expire. However, your Gift Cards do have an expiration date listed to facilitate transactions.
The “Valid Through” Date indicated on the back of your Physical Gift Card or displayed on your eGift Card is not actually an expiration date. It is intended primarily for fraud protection purposes and permits your Gift Card to be used for ordering online or by phone.
Can I include a Gift Box with my order?
Yes, you can choose to include a gift box with your order.
The gift card will arrive already inserted inside the gift box, so you don't need to go through the hassle of putting the card in the box yourself. This ensures a polished and ready-to-gift experience.
There is a handling fee of $2.95 per gift box.
Shipping & Delivery
Where can I ship a Physical Gift Card to?
You can ship Physical Gift Cards to one address, which can be different from the billing address.
You cannot ship Gift Cards to PO Boxes, APO or FPO addresses, or international addresses.
How long does it take for a Gift Card to be delivered?
Most approved eGift orders are delivered within 5 minutes but can take up to 24 hours.
Delivery time for Physical Gift Cards depends on the shipping method selected. You can opt for FedEx Rush (2-3 business days), FedEx Expedited (3-4 business days), or Standard USPS First Class Mail (5-6 business days). If you select Rush or Expedited, you will receive the tracking number via email once the order ships.
If your Physical Gift Card has not arrived by the max number of business days listed above for the selected shipping method, please call 1-844-433-7898 with your Order Number.
Actual delivery times are subject to order information verification, processing, and carrier transit timeframes. As delivery delays are beyond our control, refunds cannot be provided if your order is delayed by the carrier.
Delivery Delays
We will not be responsible for delivery delays due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, such as delays due to severe weather, natural disasters, strikes, or other carrier delays. We cannot guarantee delivery on behalf of the carrier and refunds will not be issued for delivery delays for any reason.
Usage
Are there monthly fees or usage fees with my Vanilla Gift Card?
Other than the purchase fee, there are no fees associated with your Vanilla Visa Gift Card.
How do I activate my Gift Card?
You can activate your Physical Gift Card at balance.VanillaGift.com or by calling the toll-free phone number on the back of your Physical Gift Card (1-833-322-6760). You will need to provide your Gift Card Number, Valid Through Date, and Security Code located on the back of your Gift Card.
Vanilla Visa eGift Cards do not need to be activated prior to first use. They are activated upon purchase and shipped to the recipient’s email ready to use.
Where can I use my Vanilla Gift Card?
You can use your Physical Vanilla Visa Gift Card to make purchases anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the United States and the District of Columbia. Please note Visa Gift Cards may not be used for recurring billing or at ATMs.
You can use your Vanilla Visa eGift Card with any United States merchant (online, by phone, or by mail-order) wherever Visa debit cards are accepted. Please remember, you will only be able to shop with merchants based in the United States and the District of Columbia. Your Visa eGift Card cannot be used for transactions requiring a physical card.
How do I check the balance on my Vanilla Gift Card?
To check your Visa Gift Card or eGift balance, call 1-833-322-6760 or go to go to balance.VanillaGift.com and enter your Gift Card’s Security Code, Valid Through Date, and Gift Card Number.
How do I use my Physical Vanilla Gift Card to shop in-store?
1. Make sure the balance of the Vanilla Gift Card is more than the entire cost of the purchase, including taxes and shipping. Check your balance at balance.VanillaGift.com or call 1-833-322-6760. To use your Physical Gift Card along with another form of payment, tell the cashier how much you want to apply to each payment type.
Please note: some transaction types require a hold of up to 20% above the purchase amount. See your Cardholder Agreement for more information.
2. Swipe your Physical Gift Card and select Credit on the keypad or select Debit and enter any 4-digit number of your choice as your PIN.
Your Vanilla eGift Card can be added to your digital wallet (Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay).
How do I use my Vanilla Gift Card to shop online?
1. Make sure the balance of the Vanilla Gift Card is more than the entire cost of the purchase, including taxes and shipping. Check your balance at balance.VanillaGift.com or call 1-833-322-6760.
Please note: some transaction types require a hold of up to 20% above the purchase amount. See your Cardholder Agreement for more information.
2. Select "Credit" or "Debit" as the payment method (Do not select "Gift Card").
3. In the Payment Method section, enter the Gift Card information as you would a credit or debit card.
4. In the Billing Address section, please fill in your name and address.
How do I add my Vanilla Gift Card to a digital wallet?
Your Vanilla Gift Card purchased on VanillaGift.com can be used to pay with digital wallets: Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Google Pay.
1. Open the Wallet app on your device.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions, including entering your Gift Card Number manually or taking a picture of your Physical Gift Card.
3. After adding to the wallet, please wait at least 5 minutes before spending. Please note, if you remove your card from your mobile wallet, you may not be able to add it back again.
Can I use my Gift Card at gas stations?
When paying at the pump, some merchants authorize and hold the lesser of up to $175 or the full value of your Gift Card to ensure you have sufficient funds. Prior to using your Gift Card, check your balance at balance.VanillaGift.com or call 1-833-322-6760. To avoid the hold at the pump, give your Gift Card to the attendant to prepay for the gas.
Why is the merchant charging me for more than what I signed on my receipt?
Some purchases require a preauthorization wherein the merchant sends in a transaction for a higher amount than the purchase. This most often occurs at the gas pump or restaurant. When dining out, restaurants typically add 20% to your total to account for the tip. We are required to approve and hold funds based on the estimated total until the merchant finalizes the transaction. Merchant finalization can take up to 7 business days.
Can I convert a Vanilla eGift Card into a Physical Gift Card?
No, we cannot transfer your Visa eGift Card funds onto a Physical Visa Gift Card.
Can I get cash with my Vanilla Gift Card?
Vanilla Gift Cards cannot be used at ATMs nor can you get cash back from any of your purchases.
What do I do if my Gift Card is in an ‘ON HOLD’ status?
Your Gift Card is unable to be used at this time. Please call customer service at 1-833-322-6760 so that we may assist you.
Why is my Gift Card declined when attempting to make an online purchase even though I have sufficient funds on my Gift Card?
If you have sufficient funds to cover the purchase, you were most likely declined due to security and safety measures meant to protect your Gift Card funds. Use your Card in person or at a different online merchant, and ensure to include the card security code.
What should I do if the expiration date on my Vanilla Gift Card is not working when I try to make a purchase online?
Vanilla Gift Card expiration dates can go up to 14 years in the future. Online merchants may not always offer future expiration date options. Please reach out to them if your gift card has a longer expiration date than what is available. If you face this issue and there is a digital wallet payment option, add the gift card to your digital wallet and retry the transaction. You can also try making your purchase on the merchant's app, as the expiration date field on the app's checkout page may accept your expiration date.
Cancel Order
Can I cancel an order?
In the interest of processing your order as quickly as possible, once your order has been submitted there is no way to return or cancel the order. We highly encourage you to review your cart and checkout details before checking out.
Why was my Gift Card order canceled?
Please call Customer Service at 1-844-433-7898 to get details about your canceled order.
Can I get a refund on my Gift Card purchase?
You may be able to get a refund on your purchase. Terms and conditions apply. See Cardholder Agreement for details or call 1-844-433-7898 to find out how you can get a refund on your purchase.
Lost or Stolen Gift Cards
What do I do if my Gift Card is lost or stolen?
If you believe that your Card has been lost or stolen, you need to notify us immediately by calling 1-833-322-6760. You will be asked to provide us with the Gift Card Number and other identifying information. We cannot provide a replacement unless you provide your Gift Card Number and all other requested identifying information.
I lost my “Order Confirmation” email. How can I get it reissued to me?
Please contact us for assistance at 1-844-433-7898 to obtain another “Order Confirmation” email.
How do I resend an eGift Card if the recipient lost or didn’t receive the email?
If the recipient did not receive the eGift Card email, you can resend the email by going to VanillaGift.com. Click “Track Order” and log into your Account or enter the email address you used to order. Click “My Orders” under My Account. Once you’ve located the purchase, you can resend the email.
If you and/or the recipient have not received the eGift Card and you need to resend or change the email address, please click on the “Change/Resend” link in the “Your Order Is On Its Way” email. If you cannot find this email or need assistance, please call Customer Service at 1-844-433-7898.
Contact Us
Trying to purchase a Vanilla Visa Gift Card?
If you have questions about purchasing Gift Cards online, please call us at 1-844-433-7898.
Already purchased a Vanilla Visa Gift Card?
If you have questions about a Vanilla Visa Gift Card you’ve already purchased, please contact us for assistance at 1-833-322-6760.
You are about to enter a third-party website where all use is governed by that website’s terms and conditions.
You will be subject to its privacy and security policies and practices.