Everything You Need to Know about Gift Card Activation

Рет қаралды 37,041

Күн бұрын

If you are trying to activate a #visagiftcard, can't figure out how to activate a gift card, or you think you got ripped off by a gift card activation scam, watch this video. In this video, Shelley Hunter, Gift Card Girlfriend, shares the best way to activate #visagiftcards, how gift card activation works, and why it's important to activate your Visa and Mastercard gift cards.
When you buy a gift card at the store, the cashier "activates" the gift card and loads value onto the card. That's one type of gift card activation. But the type of activation people sometimes struggle with is gift card activation at home. Gift cards that generally need to be activated at home are those that arrive in the mail or via email. Examples of gift cards that have to activated at home are stimulus check gift cards, gift cards received from a rebate program, or a Visa gift card that comes in the mail from a customer appreciation event (e.g. you switched your cable service or received a rebate gift card when you ordered new contact lenses, etc.).
In this video, I'll share the following:
- Why gift cards have to be activated to be used
- Where you should look for gift card activation instructions
- Why you should NEVER search for a gift card activation website
- How to read the fine print on the back of your gift card
- A gift card activation scam you can avoid!
To be honest, it really is easy to activate a Visa gift card. But people get into trouble when they try to find the gift card activation site by looking online rather than following the instructions on the card. It's my goal to help people use the full value of the gift cards they have, and this is an important first step.
AND HERE'S ONE MORE TIP: Promotional gift cards such as the rebate cards or customer appreciation cards listed above, almost always have a short (6 months to 1 year) expiration. So make it a practice to activate and use the gift cards you received as soon as possible.
Let me know in the comments below if you have any other gift card questions. This is one of my favorite topics to discuss and I'm happy to help.
Happy Gift Carding and thanks for watching.
~ Shelley
0:00 Everything you need to know about gift card activation
0:38 Two types of Visa gift card activation
1:17 The most important thing about gift card activation
1:50 Don’t search online for gift card activation site
2:40 How to see the numbers on the back of a gift card
2:53 Gift card activation scam
3:48 MOST IMPORTANT TIP
4:00 Why gift cards need to be activated
4:46 Some gift cards will not be activated until after a waiting period
Mentioned in this video:
--------------------------------------
- How to activate a gift card from GiftCards.com: www.giftcards.com/activate
- Blog post on gift card activation: www.giftcards.com/gcgf/how-to...
- KZfaq video on gift card registration:

Пікірлер: 45

@maryhughesappel1323 Жыл бұрын

I bought a gift card from Home Depot. It was an amount over $500.00. The store marked it as fradulant and are now refusing the card. We have reciept for purchase and have called Home Depot. They are saying that they are looking into it but will take 10 to 15 days for them to get back wit us. I am upset that this has happened and don't know what to do. Can you help with suggestions.

@dbest4755 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome explanation ... Thanks!

@GiftcardsDotCom 2 жыл бұрын

You are welcome!

@user-qr9rc2qf3u 4 ай бұрын

Teach me how I will get my own please

@kimgaudette29 Жыл бұрын

I have a question to ask my card is activate since today Oct 7/22 the language is now in French when I get to the verification part which I do not speak or read french. How do I get the language back to English.

@GiftcardsDotCom Жыл бұрын

What is the number or website address printed on the back of the card? Where is the gift card issued from?

@katsypa3397 2 жыл бұрын

Hi! Your video has been really helpful but my gift card still isn't working. I try to activate it but it keeps saying my card doesn't match their records.

@GiftcardsDotCom 2 жыл бұрын

When you look at the back of the gift card, what website address or telephone number does it say to contact? Let's start there and see if you're at the right place.

@sw_1776 2 жыл бұрын

Is there a gift card that can be used online without linking s.s.# or other sensitive info and can make online purchases anywhere? What is the best option?

@GiftcardsDotCom 2 жыл бұрын

Visa Gift cards do not require a social security number. So you can buy those and use them online in most cases. There are restrictions such as you can't use a U.S. gift card outside of the U.S. (including online sites), no gambling sites, etc. So be sure to check the restrictions before buying. If you are referring to Reloadable Prepaid Debit Cards...the ones that are more like a bank account, then those rules and regulations are different. I believe most require identify verification. I am not as well-versed on this type of card. I did this post a few years ago...maybe it will help? www.giftcards.com/gcgf/reloadable-prepaid-cards

@magnacarta5846 2 жыл бұрын

My uncle sent me a Canadian vanilla visa gift card of $300 yesterday... It is already activated according to the receipt but I tried checking the balance several times, it said "system error"... I checked back on the activation receipt and it says it will be activated within 24 hrs and that attempt to check balance info before 24 hrs may render card void... It's yet to be 24hrs already but I hope the balance check attempt I made initially won't void the card....it's a lot of money ☹️☹️

@GiftcardsDotCom 2 жыл бұрын

I would wait the 24 hours - and try again. If you have an issue, then contact the gift card issuer.

@baddestjoanna-michellesmit5578 Жыл бұрын

Same , the website on the car dis not the same only great ...

@tinacirman7212 2 жыл бұрын

I have thousands in disney e cards from a cancelled cruise. I found someone to buy them from me but she wants plastic actual cards not ecards. Disney doesn't allow purchase of gift cards WITH gift cards so I wanted to get zero balance gift cards that I can use to just transfer balances to them from the ecards. How can I buy gift cards at the store so that they will get activated but I don't want to put any balance on them since I already have the funds. Thanks!

@GiftcardsDotCom 2 жыл бұрын

Be very careful selling gift cards to people. Once they have the numbers, they can just use the value (even if you are still holding the gift card--digital or plastic.) There is no legal way for you to take plastic gift cards and add value yourself. Can you just add the gift cards to your Disney account for a later trip? Or use the cards to buy disneyland tickets and then sell or donate the tickets? Just be sure to only do this with someone you know and trust.

@robertmtaylor2472 9 ай бұрын

@@GiftcardsDotCom, True. True.

@mercymaingi1724 2 жыл бұрын

On the receipt, is it indicated that the gift card was activated? What about one vanilla gift cards?

@GiftcardsDotCom 2 жыл бұрын

There is usually a part on the receipt that is separate from the rest of the receipt. It should show the activation--meaning that money was loaded onto the card. However, once the recipient opens the gift card, they may find a second process for activating the gift card, but those instructions should be on the card or on a sticker across the front of the card.

@ShamuriiIngham 2 жыл бұрын

i tried using the card but it keeps saying its on hold, i called the phone number and they keep asking me to repeat my 16 digit code but i did it like 5 times and it still wouldnt go threw

@GiftcardsDotCom 2 жыл бұрын

Is this for a Vanilla Visa? Which gift card company? When you look at the back of the card, what does it say? I'm wondering if a hold was placed on the card from checking it too many times?

@lobothehuskyyy3129 Жыл бұрын

I bought a NetSpend gift card from the 7 eleven and in the cashier I though it got activated immediately so I went to the thing I was going to but but it says Your cards issuer had declined this request.what exactley does that mean?

@lobothehuskyyy3129 Жыл бұрын

And when I go to the app or website it tells me to,to activate it it asks me for my social security number is the website safe?

@GiftcardsDotCom Жыл бұрын

Make sure you type the web address on the card exactly as it is written. Don't do a search. Type the web address into your computer and don't let the computer autofill it in either...you do the typing to ensure you get to the right website. If you're still concerned, maybe call via telephone if that's an option.

@carolbroadbent8816 2 жыл бұрын

I have a visa debit gift card when I check the balance I have plenty of money left on it I just used it march 31st Now when I try to use the card it comes up invalid please help me

@GiftcardsDotCom 2 жыл бұрын

What website are you trying to use it on? It must be a US-based website and there are a few that gift card issuers block as well. If you want to check your specific card, look at the back for a web address to check or customer service to call. They can tell you what is happening with your specific card.

@collinjm04 Жыл бұрын

i bought a visa gift card at the store and i’ve been trying for hours to use the card but it kept saying transaction failed/declined i thought it immediately activated when you get them from the store and the cashier would activate the card. i cant find the activation code anywhere i even called the number that is listed in the back of the card. Please help

@GiftcardsDotCom Жыл бұрын

What store did you buy it from? Each issuer could have different rules, but if you bought it at the store, it would most likely be activated and ready to go. 1. Do you still have the receipt? Do the last four digits on the receipt match the gift card? 2. Many stores put holding periods on cards so they can't be used immediately (for fraud purposes). So it could just be a delay. Look on the gift card packaging and receipt to see if a waiting period is mentioned. 3. If you try to use the card repeatedly and it keeps declining, it could get a hold placed on it to protect the balance. Let me know which store and what type of Visa it is and I can get the numbers to call.

@stardust_rosewolf Жыл бұрын

Where is the 4 digit activation code on a regular visa gift card? Can’t find it!

@GiftcardsDotCom Жыл бұрын

If you have a regular Visa gift card (meaning plastic), you have a gift card number (16 digits), a CVC (check verification code), an expiration date (even if the card doesn't expire), and a zip code. What kind of gift card do you have (look at the back and tell me the website url) and what process are you trying to activate it on? If you are referring to a 4-digit PIN so you can use it as a debit card, keep in mind, you can't get money off of the card. You can only select "debit" at the register but won't get cash back. The PIN is usually assigned when you receive the card. If the gift card is from Giftcards.com, you'll see the PIN on the paper carrier that delivered the card. Else, when you activate the card, there should be a process there to assign a PIN. Does any of that help? Shelley

@dolphinducks7522 Жыл бұрын

You most likely threw away the activation code, they put it on the packaging that holds the card somewhere, that’s what someone told me and I just threw mines out yesterday

@King_Frd Жыл бұрын

darn i was hoping i would be able to steal a gift card

@imomoemiyasuo7062 Жыл бұрын

How can I activate my gift card sent directly to my email address

@GiftcardsDotCom Жыл бұрын

If you received a Visa gift card by email, there should be a link in that email that takes you to an activation or registration page. If you are nervous about clicking a link in the email, look for other instructions. What company did you get the gift card from? If it's a Giftcards.com egift card, I can provide more detailed instructions.

@olahellasnews1252 2 жыл бұрын

after 48 hours still not activated.

@GiftcardsDotCom 2 жыл бұрын

Contact the gift card issuer. You should find a phone number or web address on the back of the card.

@anthonyraineri5190 Жыл бұрын

This is a scam, card not registered .

@baddestjoanna-michellesmit5578 Жыл бұрын

Wow gift card MALLLLL !!! Lol

@Johnalucard-jo3yi 2 ай бұрын

Captain obvious. Show us how!!!!!!!

@smrtzttspanishenglishtutor67 Жыл бұрын

Biased, not clear information. It did not provide any accurate information.

@GiftcardsDotCom Жыл бұрын

Tell me what's missing - I'm happy to provide updates. Every card has different rules for activation, but it in general, you'll want to register the card (if possible) so you have a place to turn if the card is lost or doesn't work. Do you have a card you need help with?