How to Use Vanilla Gift Card Online? Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Are you worried about the Vanilla gift card you have received on your birthday, as a holiday gift, or just as a thoughtful gesture from your friend? Are you confused about what a Vanilla gift card is and how you can do a transaction with a Vanilla prepaid gift card?

These are one of the most popular and flexible prepaid card options available today. The Vanilla prepaid card provides a freedom of shopping from almost anywhere, online or in-store purchases. These cards are available in both options such as Vanilla Visa card or Vanilla Mastercard. It shows these are accepted at millions of shopping places globally.

The best thing in the card is you can spend the only amount that is loaded in the card. It means, no overspending, no interest and hidden fees. Also, it doesn’t link to your personal bank account.

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What Is a Vanilla Gift Card?

A Vanilla gift card is a prepaid Visa or Mastercard. It acts as a debit card and can be used for online shopping or in-store purchases. It comes with a fixed amount of money loaded in it. These cards are available online or in-stores. The minimum value of Vanilla cards ranges from $10 to $500.

Once you spend the amount in the prepaid Vanilla card, you are done with it. You can’t add more balance to it as no bank can attach to it. Only rare Vanilla cards such as “OneVanilla” have the reloadable option.

These cards are prepaid, so you are in safe hands. You can do limited shopping, keep yourself on budget and can send it as a gift to someone instead of a hard cash.

Step 1: Activate Your Card

You should have to activate your Vanilla card before you use it. Here’s the way how to activate your gift card:

For in-store purchase, the cashier will activate the card at the checkout counter.
If you bought it as a gift, you should find the instructions in the packaging. To activate your Vanilla card yourself. The activation process will take less than 2 minutes:
Gently scratch off the silver strip on the back side of your Vanilla card. It’ll reveal your Vanilla card number and CVV code.
Next, visit the website printed on the card. The website is usually, vanillagift.com or otherwise, howto.vanillagift.com.
After you open the website, enter your 16-digit card number, its expiration date and 3-digit security code (CVV code).
Lastly, click on the “activate” option.

Step 2: Register the Card

Registering a Vanilla Visa gift card or Vanilla Mastercard gift card is very important for online use. Many people skip this step and then wonder why their card gets declined online.

Registration adds your name and zip code to the card, which most websites require for security.

While you’re on the activation site:

Look for the “Register Card” or “Add Billing Address” option.
Fill in your real name and a valid zip code (you can use your own even if the card was a gift).
Save the information.

Doing this simple step prevents almost all “card declined” problems when shopping online.

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How to Check Vanilla Gift Card Balance

You should check balance in your Vanilla card before you start your shopping, whether it is online or in-store. It only takes a few seconds to check your vanilla card balance and save you a lot of frustration and embarrassment.

You have three easy options:

Go to vanillagift.com and click “Check Balance”
Use the direct link balance.vanillagift.com
Call the toll-free number printed on the back of the card. It’s usually 1-800 or 1-833.

Write down or screenshot the remaining amount so you know exactly how much you have to spend.

How to Use Vanilla Card for Online Purchases

Using the Vanilla card online is almost the same as using a regular credit or debit card:

Add everything you want to your cart.
Proceed to checkout.
Select “Credit Card” or “Debit Card” as the payment type (never choose “Gift Card” unless the website has a special box for it).
Next, enter the 16-digit Vanilla Card number on the front of the card.
After, add the expiration date mentioned on your card.
Then, type the 3-digit CVV code (also known as CVC code or security code) from the back of the card.
Use the zip code you entered when you registered the card.
Click pay – the amount will be deducted from your balance right away.

Can You Use a Vanilla Card on Amazon?

Yes, absolutely! Thousands of people use them on Amazon every day. You can do it as well. Here’s the easiest way to use the card on Amazon:

Firstly, log into your Amazon account.
Secondly, go to “Your Account” → “Your Payments” → “Add a payment method”.
Third, choose “Credit or Debit Card” and enter the Vanilla card details.
On the last, Amazon will even let you split the payment if your order is more than the balance. Just pay the rest with another card.

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Common Reasons Your Vanilla Gift Card Is Not Working Online

Here are the top problems and quick fixes:

Problem	Solution
Card is not activated.	Activate it on the official website.
Card is not registered.	Register with your name and zip code.
Order is total higher than balance.	Check the balance first or split the payment.
Wrong billing zip code has entered.	Use the zip code you registered with.
Website asks for a PIN.	Choose “Credit” (not Debit) – its a vanilla visa card don’t need a PIN online.
Site blocks prepaid cards.	Try a different store as most major sites accept them

Are you still stuck in some problem? It’s advisable to call customer service. It gives you the best solution.

You can find the customer service number on the back of the card. They can see the problem you are facing on their system and can resolve it as soon as possible.

Pro Tips for The Best Experience

You should keep all the receipts of all your transactions you have made using your card.
You should treat your card like cash. Avoid sharing the images of the card to anyone.
Use the entire balance. The leftover amounts under $5 can be hard to spend later.
You should add the Vanilla prepaid gift card to your digital wallets for faster checkout.

Conclusion

The gift card actually works like a prepaid card. These are available in two options: Vanilla Visa gift card or Vanilla Mastercard gift card. You can use this card without connecting your bank account details with it.

The buying process is very simple. You can buy it online or in-store as well. The activation process is also very easy and takes a few minutes.

The Vanilla prepaid gift card is the best choice to give as a Christmas gift, a new year gift, or a birthday surprise. It is a good option for children too. They can enjoy the prepaid card and no overspending. Therefore, no stress for the parents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You can check your Vanilla gift card balance by simply visiting their website at https://vanillagift.com or https://balance.vanillagift.com. Enter the 16-digit card number, expiration date, and CVV code. On the other hand, you can call their toll free number 1-833-322-6760 to find the balance.

No, you don’t need a PIN for any online transaction. You have to choose the “credit” option at checkout and leave the PIN box blank.

There are few reasons for not working or declining. One is that your Vanilla card is not activated. First, you should activate your card. Another reason is that your order is higher than the balance available in your gift card.

Yes, you can add your card on PayPal as a prepaid card.

You can split your payment while shopping in many stores. Use the card first and pay the rest balance with another payment mode.

Unfortunately, there is no Vanilla card official app. You have to visit their official website or contact the customer service center on 1-833-322-6760.

You can call their helpline or toll free number. It is usually written behind your card. For information purposes you can call them on 1-833-322-6760. They are available 27/7 at your service.