How to Use a Virtual Gift Card in Store?
Effectively use your virtual gift card for in-store purchases. This guide provides clear advice on navigating digital funds for physical shopping.
Virtual gift cards, also known as e-gift cards or digital gift cards, offer a convenient alternative to traditional physical gift cards. These electronic vouchers can be purchased and sent online. Many virtual gift cards are designed for use not only for online purchases but also for transactions in physical stores, providing flexibility for the recipient.
Understanding Your Virtual Gift Card Details
A virtual gift card typically includes a unique card number, a Personal Identification Number (PIN), an expiration date, and a security code (CVV). This information is usually provided in the email or text message containing the virtual card, often accessible through a clickable link. Some virtual cards can also be added to digital wallets on smartphones.
Checking the balance of a virtual gift card is usually performed before making a purchase. Most card issuers provide a website where you can enter the card number and PIN to view the current balance. A customer service number is often provided to inquire about the balance over the phone.
Virtual gift cards generally fall into two main categories: store-specific and network-branded. Store-specific cards are redeemable only at the issuing retailer. Network-branded virtual cards, such as those from Visa or Mastercard, function more like prepaid debit cards and are accepted wherever that payment network is recognized. Network-branded cards provide broader acceptance, similar to a regular credit or debit card.
Preparing Your Card for In-Store Use
Before heading to a physical store, prepare your virtual gift card details for quick access. One method involves saving a screenshot of the virtual card information, including the card number, PIN, and any barcode, to your smartphone. Another approach is to print out the email or web page containing the card details. If supported, adding the virtual card to a mobile wallet application on your phone allows for contactless payment.
Confirm that the specific store you plan to visit accepts virtual gift cards, especially if it is a network-branded card or if you intend to use a digital wallet. Verifying beforehand can prevent issues. Ensure the virtual card is active and has sufficient funds for your planned purchase. Organizing your card number and PIN in an easily accessible format will contribute to a smooth transaction.
Using Your Virtual Card at Checkout
To make a purchase in a physical store, present the necessary details to the cashier. For cards with a barcode, the cashier can scan it directly from your phone screen or a printed copy. If there is no scannable barcode, you may need to verbally provide the card number, expiration date, and security code, similar to a credit card transaction. Some stores also have self-checkout terminals where you can manually enter these details.
At the payment terminal, the process often mirrors using a debit or credit card. For network-branded virtual cards, you might select “credit” or “debit” and then enter the card number and PIN when prompted. For store-specific virtual cards, there may be a dedicated “gift card” option to select before entering the card details. If your purchase exceeds the virtual card’s balance, most retailers allow for partial payments. The gift card covers part of the total, and you pay the remaining amount with another method, such as cash or a debit/credit card.
After a transaction, if a remaining balance exists on the virtual gift card, the cashier may provide a receipt indicating the updated balance. Retain this information for future purchases. Virtual gift cards generally function until their balance is depleted or they reach an expiration date, if applicable.