How to Use a Visa Gift Card to Shop on Amazon: Step-by-Step Guide [Can you use Visa Gift Card on Amazon]

If you’re an avid Amazon shopper, you may have received a Visa gift card as a gift or incentive. But can you use it to make purchases on Amazon? The short answer is yes, Amazon allows you to use Visa gift cards as a payment, but there are some limitations and restrictions to keep in mind.

In this article, we’ll explore how Visa gift cards work, learn how you can use them on Amazon, and what potential issues you may encounter. We’ll also dive deeper into the restrictions and limitations of using a Visa gift card on Amazon and how to check your gift card balance, and offer a bonus for Amazon sellers – how to streamline your accounting routine.

Discover the strategies and insights that will keep you ahead of the competition, guiding you toward Amazon success like never before. Download the guide now.

How a Visa gift card works as a payment method

Visa gift cards are prepaid cards that come with a predetermined value loaded onto them. They can be used at any establishment that accepts Visa debit cards, both online and in-person. Gift cards offer a convenient way to make purchases without the need for a credit or debit card. Visa gift cards can be purchased at various retailers or online and come in different denominations.

Gift cards by Visa function differently from credit and debit cards. They don’t link to a bank account and don’t require the personal information to obtain. However, they come with some limitations, including:

• Visa gift card often has a limited lifespan, with some cards having expiration dates or inactivity fees.
• Visa gift card can’t be reloaded with additional funds once it’s depleted.
• Visa gift card can’t be used to withdraw cash at an ATM.

How to use a Visa gift card on the Amazon platform

Amazon offers several payment methods, including credit and debit cards, gift cards, and Amazon Pay. 

To use a Visa gift card on Amazon, follow these steps:

Step#1. Add the Visa gift card to your Amazon account

• Log in to your Amazon account.
• Go to “Your Account” and select “Payment options.”
• Choose “Add a credit or debit card.”

Step#2. Proceed to checkout

• Add the items you want to purchase to your Amazon cart.
• Proceed to checkout when you’re ready to make your purchase.

Step#3. Select payment method

• During the checkout process, when you reach the payment section, you’ll see the payment methods you’ve added to your Amazon account.
• Choose your Visa gift card as the payment method.

Step#4. Enter amount to pay with gift card

• Amazon may give you the option to split the payment between multiple payment methods.
• Enter the amount you want to pay with your Visa gift card. You can usually do this by typing in the amount or selecting it from a dropdown menu.

Step#5: Complete the transaction

• Review your order summary to ensure everything is correct.
• Click “Place your order” or a similar button to complete the transaction.

Step#6. Check confirmation

• Once the transaction is complete, you should receive an order confirmation email from Amazon.

Remember, if the balance on your Visa gift card doesn’t cover the entire purchase amount, you’ll need to use another payment method to cover the remaining balance. Make sure to keep track of the balance on your Visa gift card to avoid any payment issues during checkout.  

Read more about Amazon payment methods.

How to check the Visa gift card balance?

To check the balance on your Visa gift card, you can typically do so through one of the following methods:

• Online: Visit the website of the issuer or the company that provided the Visa gift card. Look for a section labeled “Check Balance” or “Manage Card.” Enter the card number and any other required information to access your balance.

• Phone: Call the customer service number provided on the back of the Visa gift card. Follow the prompts to check your balance. You may need to enter the card number and any other required information using the phone keypad.

• In-store: Some retailers may allow you to check the balance of your Visa gift card at their physical locations. Simply present the card to a cashier or customer service representative and ask them to check the balance for you.

• Mobile app: If the issuer or company that provided the Visa gift card offers a mobile app, you may be able to check your balance through the app. Download the app from the app store, log in to your account (if applicable), and go to the section for managing your gift cards.

• Visa website: You can also check the balance of your Visa gift card through the official Visa website. Visit the Visa website and look for a section related to gift cards or card management. Enter the required information to check your balance.

It’s necessary to keep track of your Visa gift card balance when making purchases. If the balance isn’t enough to cover the cost of a purchase, the transaction may be declined.

Breaking down a Visa gift card: Restrictions and limitations

While you can use a Visa gift card on Amazon, there are some restrictions and limitations to keep in mind. For example, you can’t use a gift card to purchase Amazon Prime memberships or digital products such as Kindle e-books or MP3 downloads. Additionally, you can’t use a gift card to buy another gift card.

Another limitation to using a Visa gift card on Amazon is that it may not cover the full cost of your purchase. This can be an issue if you’re trying to make a purchase that exceeds the value of your gift card balance. If this happens, Amazon won’t automatically use the remaining balance on the gift card and will prompt you to add a second payment method to cover the difference.

As we mentioned before, If you want to use a Visa gift card to make a purchase on Amazon, make sure to check the card balance beforehand. This will help you avoid the frustration of trying to purchase with a low balance and finding out that your transaction has been declined.

As you can see, certain restrictions apply. Here are some additional limitations to keep in mind when using a Visa gift card on Amazon:

1. A Visa gift card can’t be used to purchase Amazon Prime memberships. You can’t use a Visa gift card to purchase an Amazon Prime membership, which offers benefits such as free shipping and streaming services.

2. A Visa gift card can’t be used to purchase digital products. You can’t use a Visa gift card to purchase digital products such as Kindle e-books or MP3 downloads.

3. A Visa gift card can’t be used to buy another gift card. You can’t use a Visa gift card to purchase another gift card.

4. A Visa gift card may not cover the full cost of your purchase. If the value of your purchase exceeds the balance on your Visa gift card, you’ll need to pay the remaining balance with another payment method.

5. Amazon may put a hold on your gift card balance. Amazon may place a hold on your Visa gift card balance to ensure that it is valid. This hold typically amounts to $1, but the transaction will fail if the remaining balance on your gift card is less than $1. In this case, you will need to add another payment method to complete the purchase.

6. Gift cards may have expiration dates or inactivity fees. Some Visa gift cards may have expiration dates or inactivity fees that reduce the value of the card over time. Be sure to check the details and terms and conditions of your gift card to avoid losing the remaining balance so that you can use this option on Amazon.

Learn about the main challenges for sellers on Amazon and how to overcome them – check our guide. 

Visa gift cards vs Amazon gift cards

For many, the flexibility of a gift card plays a pivotal role in its value. When considering cards from the perspective of the recipient, a Visa gift card often stands out as it offers unparalleled versatility. Unlike store-specific cards, the Visa gift card can be used across a myriad of merchants, essentially allowing the recipient to purchase almost anything they desire, from groceries to gadgets to garments. In that sense, its potential goes way beyond the confines of single-brand offerings.

However, this flexibility comes at a slight premium for the sender. For instance, purchasing a $100 Visa gift card generally incurs an additional fee, usually around $5. This means that the sender would end up spending $105 for a gift card that offers the recipient a value of $100.

On the other hand, Amazon gift cards present a more straightforward proposition. These cards can be quickly and conveniently sent electronically, removing any physical hassle. Additionally, there’s no overhead cost for the sender, making it a one-to-one value proposition. If you spend $100 on an Amazon gift card, the recipient gets the full $100 to spend. The trade-off here, of course, is limitation. The recipient of the card is bound to the vast but singular world of Amazon, limiting their choices to whatever is available on the platform. They won’t have the freedom to spend that amount outside of the Amazon ecosystem.

All in all, the choice between a Visa gift card and an Amazon gift card hinges on a balance between flexibility for the recipient and cost-effectiveness for the sender. Both cards have their merits, and the decision ultimately depends on the priorities of the sender.

Bonus for Amazon retailers: Accounting for your Amazon business

Many sellers on Amazon find it challenging to keep track of their sales accurately and ensure they’re following all the necessary rules and regulations. When it comes to managing your Amazon sales records, you typically have two options: you can do it manually, which involves a lot of time-consuming tasks and may lead to errors, or you can opt for an automated solution like Synder.

Synder offers seamless integration with accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, or Sage Intacct and various payment gateways, which simplifies the process of managing your Amazon sales data. By using Synder, you can automatically import your Amazon fees and transactions, saving you valuable time and effort. Moreover, you can customize the categorization of your sales, expenses, taxes, and other items based on your preferences, guaranteeing that your financial reports remain accurate and up-to-date.

If you’re interested in trying out Synder for your business, you can attend one of our Weekly Public Demos to see how it works firsthand. To get started, simply sign up for a free Synder account and connect it to your Amazon account.

Final thoughts and recommendations

In conclusion, using a Visa gift card on Amazon can be a convenient and flexible payment option for online shopping. While it has some limitations and restrictions, Visa gift card can be a useful payment method for those who don’t have a credit or debit card or who want to stick to a budget. By understanding the details and limitations of using a Visa gift card on Amazon, you can take advantage of this payment method and enjoy all that Amazon has to offer.

You might want to know more about the Amazon marketplace and if selling on Amazon is worth it.

Using Visa gift cards on Amazon: FAQs

1. Can you use a Visa gift card on Amazon?

Yes, you can use a Visa gift card on Amazon. During the checkout process, you can add your Visa gift card as a payment method and use it to make purchases on Amazon. However, please note that some Visa gift cards may have limitations or restrictions, so it’s a good idea to check the terms and conditions of your specific card before attempting to use it on Amazon. Additionally, if the balance on your Visa gift card doesn’t cover the total purchase amount, you may need to use another payment method to cover the remaining balance.

2. How to utilize a Visa gift card for partial payment on Amazon?  

To use a Visa gift card on Amazon for partial payment, first, add the card to your Amazon account’s payment options. Then, check its balance. When ready to purchase, proceed to checkout, select the gift card as the payment method, and enter the desired payment amount. Complete the transaction and ensure the gift card covers the purchase or use another method for the remaining balance.

3. How to use a Visa gift card online?

Using a Visa gift card online is similar to using a regular credit or debit card. Activate the card if necessary, check its balance, then select items and proceed to checkout. Enter shipping and billing information, select the card as the payment method, and confirm the purchase. Keep track of the card balance to avoid payment issues.

4. What is the difference between a Vanilla Visa gift card and a Visa gift card?

The main distinction between the two  lies in their available denominations. For instance, the Vanilla Visa card offers various denominations ranging from as low as $50, with additional options of $75, $100, $150, and $250, while Visa gift cards can be loaded with balances ranging from $10.00 to $1,000.00. 

5. What’s an Amazon gift card?

An Amazon gift card is basically a prepaid card you can use to buy things on Amazon, from electronics and clothes to books and digital content like movies or e-books. It’s a flexible way to pay because you can use it on Amazon.com or certain other affiliated sites. You can get them in both physical and digital formats, and they’re perfect for gifts, rewards, or even budgeting your own spending. Once you redeem the gift card, the balance gets added to your account, and you can use it whenever you’re ready to shop.

6. How to add a gift card to my Amazon account? 

To use your gift card, visit the “Redeem a Gift Card” section, sign in to your account, and input your claim code. Click “Apply to Your Balance” to redeem it. Once redeemed, the funds will be stored in Your Account and will be applied to your next eligible order.

Share your opinion

Have you ever tried using a Visa or another type of gift card on Amazon? We’d love to hear about your experience! Share your story in the comments below.