Can You Put Money on a Gift Card With Cash?

It is often possible to put money on certain types of gift cards using cash. This capability varies depending on the specific gift card and the retailer offering the service. Understanding the different kinds of gift cards and the processes involved can help you utilize this option.

Types of Gift Cards and Cash Accessibility

Gift cards generally fall into two main categories: open-loop and closed-loop. Open-loop gift cards are branded by major payment networks such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. These cards function much like prepaid debit cards and are widely accepted wherever the associated payment network is honored. Many open-loop cards can often be reloaded with cash at various retail locations, including grocery stores, pharmacies, and large retail chains. Examples of such cards include MyVanilla reloadable cards, which can be loaded with cash at participating Walmart locations.

Closed-loop gift cards, in contrast, are issued by and specific to a single retailer or a limited group of affiliated merchants. For instance, a gift card from a specific department store or coffee shop chain can only be used at that particular brand’s locations. While you can typically purchase these cards with cash directly from the issuing retailer, the option to reload them with cash is less common and depends entirely on the individual retailer’s policies.

Step-by-Step Cash Loading Process

Loading money onto a gift card with cash at a physical retail location involves a straightforward transaction. Once you have identified a store that offers this service for your specific type of gift card, approach the customer service desk or a checkout lane. Inform the cashier or customer service agent that you wish to purchase a new gift card or reload an existing one with cash.

Present the gift card, if you are reloading, and state the exact cash amount you intend to load. The cashier will then process the transaction, often by swiping the card through their point-of-sale system. After the transaction is complete, it is important to confirm that the correct balance has been added to the card before leaving the counter. Always request and keep the printed receipt as proof of your cash load.

Key Details for Cash Loads

Activation fees are common, particularly for new open-loop gift cards, and these can range from approximately $2.95 to $6.95, varying with the card’s value. Some retailers might impose their own service charges, which could increase the overall cost. Reloading an existing card with cash may also incur a fee, such as up to $3.95 for certain reloadable prepaid cards.

There are typically limits on how much cash can be loaded onto a gift card in a single transaction or over a specific period. Many general-purpose reloadable cards have initial load limits, often ranging from $10 to $500, though some can accommodate up to $2,500 or even $4,999. Federal anti-money laundering (AML) regulations influence these limits.

For larger cash transactions, particularly those exceeding $200 to $500, retailers might request identification, such as a driver’s license. This practice helps them comply with internal risk management policies and broader financial regulations.