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How to use a Visa gift card on Amazon

There are a few ways to use your gift cards on Amazon.
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Published onOctober 6, 2024

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Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

While gift cards aren’t the most personal thing, if you’re considering one as a present, a Visa prepaid gift card can be an excellent choice. It’s more flexible than most, since you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted. Here’s how to use a Visa gift card on Amazon.

QUICK ANSWER

To use a Visa gift card on Amazon, you first need to activate it. You can usually do this online or by calling the provider. Instructions will be included in the packaging. After this, you can add the card's information as a payment method on Amazon. You can also use the card to add funds to your Amazon gift card balance.


Make sure to activate your Visa gift card first

Credit cards and debit cards stock photo
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

Visa gift cards are usually activated at checkout if you purchase them in a brick-and-mortar store. This is not always the case, though. If you purchased it online, it will more than likely need to be activated when you get your hands on it.

We can’t give you step-by-step instructions on activating your Visa gift card, as the process will vary depending on the provider. The steps will come in the packaging, though. It usually involves providing the card details and your information, either on an official website or via a phone call.

Once you do this, you’re ready to use your Visa gift card on Amazon.

How to use a Visa gift card on Amazon during checkout

You can use a Visa gift card like any other Visa debit or credit card. If you know the card’s balance will cover something you’re trying to buy, add the card as a payment method during checkout.

The gift card will have a 16-digit number, plus an expiry date and security code. You can use your own name and address. If need be, the card will have a number on the back that you can call to confirm what additional information to use.

How to use a Visa gift card during Amazon checkout:

  1. Go to Amazon.com and add your desired items to the cart.
  2. Click on your Cart, then hit Proceed to checkout.
  3. Under Payment method, hit Change.
  4. Select Add credit or debit card.
  5. Enter the card info and select Add your card.
  6. Finish the checkout process.

If you’re on mobile, you can add items to your cart, then go to Cart > Proceed to checkout > Change payment method > Add new > Add credit or debit card, enter the card info, and hit Add and continue.

Adding a Visa gift card before checkout

If you haven’t decided what to buy, or the card’s balance isn’t enough to cover what you want, you might save it for later.

How to add a Visa gift card as an Amazon payment method:

  1. Go to Amazon.com and sign into your account if you haven’t done so.
  2. Hover your cursor over the Accounts & Lists option.
  3. Select Account.
  4. Go into Your Payments.
  5. Click on Add a payment method.
  6. Select Add a credit or debit card.
  7. Enter your card info and select Add your card.

If you’re on mobile, tap on the three-line menu button, then go into Account > Yout Payments. Find the Cards & accounts section and hit Add next to it. Go into Add a credit or debit card, enter the card info, and hit Add and continue.

You can also use a Visa gift card to top up your Amazon balance

What if you want to use your Visa gift card to purchase something that costs more than the balance on the card? Sadly, Amazon doesn’t let you split payments using two cards, but there is a way to use your Amazon gift card balance to get around this.

How to add money to your Amazon balance:

  1. Go to Amazon.com and sign into your account, if you haven’t.
  2. Access the Amazon Reload page.
  3. Under Amount, select Other, and enter the exact amount remaining on your Visa gift card.
  4. Click on Buy Now and use the Visa gift card as the payment method.
How to add money to your Amazon balance

If you’re on mobile, tap on the three-line menu button, then go into Account > Manage gift card balance > Reload Your Balance. Under Amount, select Other, and enter the exact amount remaining on your Visa gift card. Hit Buy Now and use the Visa gift card as the payment method.


FAQs

Make sure the price of the item you want to buy doesn’t exceed your Visa gift card balance, and that you’ve entered the card number, expiration date, billing address, and phone number correctly. Otherwise, you can resolve a declined payment dispute with Amazon here.

There are two types of gift cards. Regular gift cards can be store-specific, so if you have a Target gift card, you can only use it at Target. If the card has a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or any other logo from a major payment network, it will work anywhere this payment network is accepted.

Amazon doesn’t let you split costs using two cards, but there is a way to use the amount towards your Amazon gift card balance.

To have a chance at being approved for the Amazon.com Credit Card, a credit score of 700 or higher is suggested. Individuals with at least good credit may qualify.

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