Can Gift Cards Be Reloaded? What You Need to Know

Gift cards are a popular and convenient way to give the gift of choice, allowing recipients to select items they truly desire. The ability to reload a gift card depends on its specific type and the policies of the issuer. Understanding the distinctions between various gift card formats is important for consumers.

Characteristics of Reloadable Gift Cards

Gift cards generally fall into two main categories: open-loop and closed-loop cards. Open-loop gift cards, such as those branded with Visa, Mastercard, or American Express, function similarly to prepaid debit cards. These cards are widely accepted wherever the associated payment network is honored, providing broad spending flexibility. Many open-loop cards are designed with reload capabilities, allowing users to add funds repeatedly.

Closed-loop gift cards are issued by specific retailers or groups of affiliated merchants and can only be used within that particular store or brand’s ecosystem. While many closed-loop cards are not reloadable, some major retailers and service providers offer this feature for their store-specific cards. Identifying a reloadable gift card often involves checking the card’s packaging, the fine print, or consulting the issuer’s website. Cards explicitly marketed as “prepaid” or “reloadable prepaid cards” typically offer this functionality.

Reloading Your Gift Card

Adding funds to a reloadable gift card can typically be done through several methods. Online reloading is a common option, often available through the issuer’s website or a customer’s online account. This process usually requires entering the gift card number, and sometimes a Personal Identification Number (PIN), along with details of the payment method, such as a credit card, debit card, or bank account. Some platforms may also offer the ability to set up automatic reloads.

In-store reloading is another method, especially for closed-loop gift cards, involving visiting the issuing merchant’s physical location and presenting the card to a cashier. The user will specify the amount to add and provide a form of payment, which can include cash or another debit/credit card. For certain reloadable prepaid cards, funds can also be added via direct deposit or cash at participating retail locations. While many reloads process instantly or within minutes, some transactions may take up to 24 hours, or in rare cases, even a few days to reflect the updated balance. Reloading fees can vary, with some cards, particularly open-loop prepaid cards, potentially incurring activation, monthly maintenance, or transaction fees.

Gift Cards That Cannot Be Reloaded

Many gift cards are designed for a single-use purpose, meaning they cannot be refilled once their initial balance is depleted. This non-reloadable characteristic is common for various types of gift cards, including many promotional cards, and those issued by smaller, independent merchants. Once the value on such a card is spent, the card becomes inactive.

Examples of widely distributed gift cards that are typically non-reloadable include those from major online retailers, digital content platforms, and many popular chain restaurants and department stores. For instance, Amazon, Apple/iTunes, Steam, Sephora, Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Netflix gift cards are generally not reloadable. Additionally, most standard Visa, Mastercard, and American Express gift cards (as opposed to their reloadable prepaid card counterparts) are also issued as non-reloadable, single-use instruments.