Do Gift Cards Have PIN Numbers & When Are They Used?

Gift cards are a widely used form of payment. A common question is whether these cards come with or require a Personal Identification Number (PIN). Understanding the role of a PIN in gift card transactions can help clarify their usage and security features.

Do All Gift Cards Have PINs?

Most gift cards do not require a PIN for standard use, functioning similarly to a credit card where a signature or simply swiping or tapping completes the transaction. This is true for “closed-loop” gift cards, which are specific to a single merchant or a limited group of affiliated retailers, such as a gift card for a particular coffee shop or department store.

However, some “open-loop” or network-branded gift cards, like those bearing the Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover logos, can have a PIN. These cards function more like prepaid debit cards and are accepted wherever the associated payment network is honored. While they may have a PIN, many can still be processed as a “credit” transaction without requiring the PIN.

When a PIN Might Be Involved

A PIN becomes relevant for specific types of gift cards and transaction scenarios. For open-loop, network-branded gift cards, a PIN may be required if a user selects the “debit” option at a point-of-sale terminal. This is because these cards are technically prepaid debit cards with a set balance, and using the PIN allows them to function like a debit card.

A PIN or a similar security code might be necessary for online interactions with some gift cards. This can include registering the card online, checking its remaining balance, or adding it to a digital wallet for convenient use. Some virtual gift cards may incorporate a security code or require setting up a PIN for certain online uses. When present, a PIN provides an added layer of security.

Finding and Using a Gift Card PIN

If a gift card has a PIN, locating it usually involves checking the physical card itself. For plastic cards, the four-digit PIN is often found on the back, frequently hidden under a scratch-off panel. The original packaging or the purchase receipt might also contain PIN information.

For open-loop cards, users may need to activate the card and/or set a PIN by calling a toll-free number provided on the card or its packaging, or by visiting a specific website. When using a card with a PIN for an in-store purchase, selecting the “Debit” option at the checkout terminal and entering the four-digit PIN is the typical process. If a PIN cannot be located or set, contacting the card issuer’s customer service department is advisable for assistance.