Jump to:
- How to activate a physical Vanilla gift card
- How to add a PIN to your Vanilla gift card
- How to use your Vanilla gift card for an online purchase
- How to add your Vanilla gift card to your smartphone
- What happens if the Vanilla gift card is overspent?
Vanilla gift cards are one of the most versatile gifts to receive, whether you've been given the physical version or an e-gift card. They're a type of Visa gift card that can be used almost anywhere in the U.S. that accepts debit cards. You can use a Vanilla gift card to offset practical expenses like groceries or buy yourself something special!
If you've received a physical Vanilla gift card, activating it is quick and easy. Vanilla e-gift cards, on the other hand, are activated as soon as they hit your email inbox, so you can start shopping with it (or add it to your Amazon account) right away.
Here's how to activate a Vanilla gift card, along with a few other helpful tips for getting the most out of it.
How to activate a physical Vanilla gift card
To activate a physical Vanilla gift card, visit balance.vanillagift.com or call the toll-free number that's located on the back of your card: 1-833-322-6760. You'll need to enter the 16-digit card number, expiration date, and CVV for both of these methods.
Once you receive confirmation that the card has been activated, you can also get the card balance as well.
How to add a PIN to your Vanilla gift card
If you're asked to input a PIN when using your Vanilla gift card at checkout, simply type any four digits you'd like. Choose something easy for you to remember but hard for someone else to guess. Note that this will be the PIN to use for this specific card in the future.
How to use your Vanilla gift card for an online purchase
You can use your Vanilla gift card for making online purchases — just make sure that your card balance can cover your purchase total.
On the website's checkout page, you can designate either "credit" or "debit" as the card type (but not "gift card"). Then, enter the card information as you would normally, and add your name and address to the "billing address" section.
Keep in mind that according to some cardholder agreements, certain online orders may require a card balance up to 20% above the total amount. If your card isn't accepted for an online order, this may be why. You also won't be able to use a Vanilla gift card for recurring bill payments or subscription services.
How to add your Vanilla gift card to your smartphone
If you want to make touchless payments with your Vanilla gift card, you can add it to a digital wallet on your smartphone, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay.
Add to Apple Wallet:
- Go to the Apple Wallet app and tap the "+" in the upper right-hand corner
- Select "Debit or Credit Card"
- Either scan the card with the phone's camera or enter the card details manually
- Add your billing address and save your information
- Your Vanilla gift card should now appear as a payment option in your Apple Wallet app
Add to Google Wallet:
- Go to the Google Wallet app and tap "Add to Wallet +" at the bottom
- Select "Payment Card"
- Select "New credit or debit card"
- Either scan the card with the phone's camera or enter the card details manually
- Enter your billing address information and select "Save"
- Your Vanilla gift card should now appear as a payment option in your Google Wallet
Add to Samsung Wallet:
- Go to the Samsung Wallet app and tap the "+" in the upper right-hand corner
- Either scan the card with the phone's camera or enter the card details manually
- Enter your billing address information and select "Save"
- Your Vanilla gift card should now appear as a payment option in your Samsung Wallet
What happens if the Vanilla gift card is overspent?
If you attempt to spend more than the available balance on your Vanilla gift card, two things can happen: The purchase will be declined or it will go through, but you'll need to cover the remaining balance with a different payment method.
If you know your Vanilla gift card balance is less than the purchase total, you may also be able to ask your checkout cashier to apply the card balance amount to your purchase, then pay the remainder with a different payment method. Keep in mind that this may not work with online payments.
Melanie Yates
Senior Digital Editor
Melanie Yates is the Senior Digital Editor at House Beautiful, where she oversees design, gardening, and home renovation content. Since joining the team in 2024, Melanie ideates, assigns, and edits digital stories from in-house and freelance writers and helps execute big-picture projects for the brand. Prior to this role, Melanie was a senior editor at Best Products for over eight years, where she launched the site’s home vertical, conducted numerous bedding product tests, wrote The Present Perfect newsletter column, and produced video tutorials on how to wrap a gift. A lifelong enthusiast of the written word, Melanie holds a BA in broadcast journalism from Hofstra University and a certificate in copyediting from UC San Diego Extension. She’s always on the lookout for the next vintage find to furnish her Queens apartment.
FAQs
To activate a physical Vanilla gift card, visit balance.vanillagift.com or call the toll-free number that's located on the back of your card: 1-833-322-6760. You'll need to enter the 16-digit card number, expiration date, and CVV for both of these methods.
Can I use my Vanilla gift card without activating it? ›
Vanilla Visa gift cards typically do not require activation. However, it's always a good idea to check the activation status of the card by calling the number provided on the card or visiting the website mentioned on the card before making a purchase, to ensure that the card has been activated and has available funds.
Why is my vanilla gift card being declined when I have money? ›
Please ensure that you are entering the card number, expiration date, and security code (CVV) accurately, without any errors. Additionally, it may be helpful to check the balance on your card. There is a possibility that the card is empty or does not have sufficient funds for the purchase.
How do I use my Visa gift card for the first time? ›
Activate—If you purchase your Visa gift card from a retail outlet, the card should be activated and ready for immediate use after purchase. However, if you purchased it online, you'll need to activate it once you receive it. This is typically done online or by calling the toll-free number listed on the card.
How do I activate a gift card? ›
If a card needs to be activated, the ID number and activation code will be on the card, as well as a website and toll-free phone number via which you can activate the card. Gift cards that need activation may also require you to use a PIN.
Do you need to activate Visa gift card? ›
Many Visa Gift cards are activated upon purchase and ready to use. However, if yours requires activation, you'll typically see a sticker with instructions and a toll-free phone number.
Do I have to register my Vanilla gift card before I use it? ›
While it is not necessary to register your Vanilla gift card, it is advised because it helps in safeguarding your funds. Follow the steps below to register your Vanilla Gift Card online. Visit the link on the front sticker or at the back of your gift card.
Do gift cards work without activation? ›
Activation is typically required before a gift card can be used for the first time. If you have yet to hear of them, gift cards are a popular gift option that allows the recipient to choose their gift from a particular store or retailer. However, it must be activated before a gift card can be used.
Why can't I use my vanilla gift card? ›
The main reason why your Vanilla gift card may be declined is that it is yet to be activated. Follow the processes discussed earlier to activate your gift card. Alternatively, locate the customer support line on your gift card and contact them to process it for you.
How to get a vanilla gift card to work? ›
To activate the card, go to the Vanilla gift card website. Enter your Vanilla gift card details, including your card number, the expiration date and the 3-digit code at the back of your card (CVV). Then tap Continue. Follow the prompts to activate the card, and the card will be ready to use.
The most common reasons are that the card hasn't been activated, the cashier is running the wrong type of transaction, the dollar amount being charged is greater than the card's balance or the credit card processing machine is bumping up the charge amount to either place a hold on the card or to allow for a gratuity.
How to fix Visa gift card not working? ›
What to do if your Visa gift card won't activate. If your Visa gift card isn't activated, it could be the reason why it's not working or is being declined. On purchase, gift cards need to be activated to be used. If you're having issues, please call (833)-263-4157.
How do I activate my Vanillagift card? ›
To activate a physical Vanilla gift card, visit balance.vanillagift.com or call the toll-free number that's located on the back of your card: 1-833-322-6760. You'll need to enter the 16-digit card number, expiration date, and CVV for both of these methods.
Where is the pin number on a vanilla Visa gift card? ›
If you've forgotten the PIN for your Vanilla Visa gift card, here are some steps you can take to resolve the issue:Check if a PIN Was Set:Vanilla Visa gift cards typically don't come with a PIN set by default. The PIN is usually chosen by the cardholder the first time they use the card.
How do you use a Vanilla Visa gift card? ›
When using your Card to make a purchase in-store, simply swipe the Card, select “Credit” and sign the receipt. much you want to pay. The Card cannot be used to obtain cash – from an ATM, bank or shop. The Card cannot be used to make reoccurring payments.
Where is the PIN number on a vanilla Visa gift card? ›
If you've forgotten the PIN for your Vanilla Visa gift card, here are some steps you can take to resolve the issue:Check if a PIN Was Set:Vanilla Visa gift cards typically don't come with a PIN set by default. The PIN is usually chosen by the cardholder the first time they use the card.
How do I register my Vanilla prepaid gift card? ›
How To Register Your Vanilla Gift Card
- Visit the link on the front sticker or at the back of your gift card. ...
- Enter the required information in the fields provided. ...
- Once you are signed in, click on “Check Balance” or go to the balance checker page.
To activate your new credit card you'll need the credit card number and your date of birth. You can either activate your card via online banking, mobile banking, phoning the card provider directly or in person at the nearest branch of your bank.
Why is my vanilla gift card on hold? ›
The “Status on hold” error message means the balance on your gift card is frozen and the active status has been revoked. It happens when the gift card is under review for reasons such as reported stolen, etc. It is best to contact Vanilla with your gift card details to properly clarify this issue.
