- How do I use my Vanilla Visa®; Gift Card?
Simply present the Card at the time of payment, and sign the receipt. As you use the Card, the balance will be reduced by the full amount of each purchase including taxes, charges and other fees, if any. The Card can be used to pay the full amount of the purchase and applicable taxes, so long as the balance remaining on the Card is sufficient. If you want to make a purchase for an amount greater than the remaining balance, you must notify the merchant before completing the transaction.
- Where can I use my gift card?
You may use your Vanilla Visa® Card anywhere Visa® debit cards are accepted within the fifty United States and District of Columbia; however, it does not include the territories of Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. The Vanilla Visa® Card cannot be used at merchants outside of the United States or the District of Columbia, including the Internet and mail order/telephone order merchants outside of the United States or the District of Columbia.
- How do I activate my gift card?
The Card is activated by the cashier at the time of purchase. Sign the back of the Card immediately where indicated. We recommend that you write down the Card number and the customer service number on a separate piece of paper in case the Card is lost or stolen.
- Can I reload my gift card?
The Card is not reloadable or returnable.
- What billing address do I use for online and phone transactions?
Your personal information is not associated with the Card therefore you should use your mailing address. This will ensure that if a problem arises you are able to be contacted by the merchant.
- Why is the merchant charging me for more than what I signed on my receipt?
Some purchases require a preauthorization. This is where the merchant sends in a transaction for a higher amount than the purchase. For example a $40 purchase at a restaurant is typically sent by the restaurant as $48 as they want to allow for a tip. We are required to approve and hold funds based on the $48 until the merchant finalizes the transaction which can take up to 10 days.
- Where do I find the serial number on my gift card?
The serial number is the 9 digit number on the back of the Card in the bottom left corner.
- How are merchandise returns processed?
If you are entitled to a refund for goods or services obtained with your Card, you agree to accept credits to the balance on your Card in place of cash. The credit will reflect on the Card within 30 days.
Note: Any credits that exceed the face value of the Card may be declined or take up to 30 days to process.
- What are the fees associated with the gift card?
You may keep a remaining balance on the Card as long as you wish. A Service Fee of $2.50 per month beginning on the 7th month from the date of activation will be applied to any remaining balance except where prohibited by law. Please refer to Cardholder Agreement for more information.
- Can I share the balance or funds from one Vanilla Card to another Vanilla Card?
No, you may not.
- If I lose or my gift card gets stolen how do I get a refund or a replacement gift card?
If you believe that your Card has been lost or stolen you need to notify us IMMEDIATELY. You can do this by going to www.vanillavisa.com and clicking on the contact us section. You will be asked to provide us with the Card number and other identifying details. We cannot provide a replacement Card if you do not have your Card number. If our records show that a balance still remains on the Card, we will cancel the Card and may refund such available balance amounts to you in the form of another Gift Card. There is a $5.95 Re-issuance Fee for replacing a Card.
- How do I get a PIN for the gift card?
No PIN is associated with the Card or required for use.
- Why was my gift card declined at the pump?
When using pay at the pump a preauthorization is processed that could be greater than your card balance to compensate for not knowing the final purchase amount. To avoid a decline, it is recommended you go inside and tell the attendant exactly how much you want to pay.
- When can I start using my gift card?
You can start using your Vanilla Card at the time of purchase. The Vanilla Card is activated at the store. Note: Some retailers may hold funds for up to 24 hours after time of purchase.
- What denominations can I purchase a gift card for?
Consumers: $25, $50, $100.
For corporate orders: $10 - $750
- Can I get cash at any ATM with my gift card?
The Card cannot be used at ATMs.
- How do I dispute a gift card transaction?
If there are any disputes in regard to purchases you make using the Card, you agree to settle such disputes with the merchant from whom the purchase was made.
- Can I use my gift card for reoccurring billing?
No, your Vanilla Visa® Gift Card can not be used for this purpose.
- Can I use my gift card at gas stations?
Yes. If you pay at the pump for gas, the pump terminal may check to see if you have funds to pay for up to $75 worth of gas because the station doesn't know how much you are going to buy. If you do not have $75 available on your Card, your transaction may be declined. If you plan to buy less than $75 worth of gas, it is recommended that you give your Card to the station attendant and state exactly how much gas you want to purchase, instead of swiping your Card at the pump.
