Can you buy visa gift cards with a credit card?

Whoever came up with the concept of a gift card deserves heartfelt applause from behind. Ingenious little plastic pieces are not only a convenient gift but also an easy way to show support for a local business. They can also be a great way to redeem or earn Rewards Points. This card is especially useful when travel is not the best option. However, to cash out these rewards, one must purchase them with a credit card. A question arises. Can I purchase a gift card with a credit card?

How to purchase a gift card with a credit card?

There are many reasons why people buy gift cards with credit cards, including convenience. If you’re shopping for groceries at the supermarket, why not add the gift card you want to your cart?

Regardless of the payment method, buying a gift card is very easy. When purchasing a gift card directly with a credit card, deposit the gift card at the cashier and select Credit as your payment method. The situation is similar when purchasing a gift certificate online and paying with a credit card. For example, to buy an Amazon.com gift card online, go to Amazon.com and choose whether you want the gift card to be sent to you by mail that you can print at home or if you would like a gift card.

From there, add the gift card to your online shopping cart and go to the checkout page as usual. Many other websites, including Staples.com, Walmart.com, and Target.com, similarly accept gift card purchases and credit card payments.

What are gift cards?

Of course, gift cards work similarly to debit cards so that you can use your existing balance. The main difference is that instead of linking to a bank account like a debit card, the donor prepaid the balance on the gift card. When the funds run out, the card is no longer important.

However, there are rules regarding using credit cards and gift certificates, so it’s natural to wonder if you can use one to buy the other.

Can you use a credit card to purchase a gift card?

Yes, you can purchase gift cards using your credit card at most stores. Sometimes this is not allowed for several possible reasons, for example, due to a particular store’s policy or a reported transaction from the card issuer. Although there may be exceptions, purchasing a gift card using a credit card is usually coded as a purchase rather than a cash receipt.

Important instances while buying gift cards with a credit card.

There are usually no issues with using a credit card to purchase gift cards, but sometimes minor issues can arise. Here are some common causes to watch out for:

1. Photo ID

Some stores require you to present your ID when purchasing a gift card using a credit card. By matching your name and face to your credit card, it makes it difficult to use a card stolen from the store for these transactions.

2. Store authentication policies

You can get any number of responses at the checkout. Users can enter the credit card blocks in any store on the chain. If you are a prime target for scammers, your credit card may be banned at certain stores you are in. Sales reps can misrepresent incorrect store policies. What’s the easiest way to avoid these obstacles? Try another store. If you are lucky, you can repeat the transaction with another seller in the same store.

3. Verification via OTP

In this case, it will stop the transaction, and you will need to confirm that you have initiated the purchase on your mobile device. If the notification arrives quickly enough, you can proceed with the transaction at the counter. Otherwise, you will need to cancel the purchase, confirm with the issuer, and try again.

One way around this limitation is to have a backup card. This card may not give you the rewards you expect, but it can save you the trouble of retrying your transaction.

Best Credit Cards to get Gift Cards in 2022

The best credit cards for gift cards offer as many rewards as possible. It implies that you need to choose carefully based on which credit card you want to use for your gift card and the type of reward you want to earn. Let’s read further to get information about them.

● Chase Freedom Unlimited

Chase Freedom Unlimited offers a $200 cash bonus if you spend $500 within three months of opening an account. You’ll also get a minimum of 1.5% on all purchases, 5% on Chase Ultimate Rewards, 5% on Lyft purchases (through March 2022), 3% on restaurant and pharmacy purchases.

With Chase Freedom Unlimited, you can get 3% cashback on gift card purchases at the pharmacy.

● Target RedCard

Target card is very limited as it can only be used while shopping from Target.com. However, this card has no annual fee, and you get perks like 5% off everything you buy from Target and Target.com. Target RedCard also saves 5% on special gift cards for travel, restaurants, subscriptions, and more.

● Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi

Citi’s Costco Anywhere Visa® card doesn’t charge an annual fee if you have a Costco membership ($60), but you’ll receive a 4% return on the first $7,000 you spend at eligible gas stations each year (with a 1% refund after that). 3% on restaurant and qualifying travel purchases, 2% on Costco and Costco.com, and 1% on other purchases. You must be a paid Costco member to participate in the program.

Bottom Line

You can purchase gift cards using non-cash or debit credit cards, but only with this plan. For example, buy a plastic gift certificate and don’t pay the balance in full. You’ll have to pay interest monthly on the revolving credit card balance. In addition, you should ensure that the gift card purchases you are considering do not incur cash advance fees.

So, suppose you’re inclined to give a gift. In that case, you should focus primarily on getting the recipient to purchase at the appropriate store (for retail gift cards). If you are buying online, make sure you use a legitimate site.