What Bank Sells Gift Cards? How and Where to Get One
Gain confidence in selecting, acquiring, and using bank gift cards. This guide clarifies the process from purchase to practical application.
Bank-issued gift cards offer a convenient and widely accepted alternative to cash or store-specific gift certificates. These prepaid cards are typically branded by major payment networks such as Visa, Mastercard, or American Express, enabling their use at a vast array of merchants. Functioning similarly to debit or credit cards, they provide flexibility for the recipient while allowing the giver to control the gifted amount.
Where to Buy Bank Gift Cards and Available Types
Many financial institutions, including major national banks, regional banks, and credit unions, commonly offer bank-issued gift cards. These cards are predominantly network-branded, bearing the logo of Visa, Mastercard, or American Express. This branding ensures acceptance almost anywhere the respective payment network is processed, both online and in physical stores.
While these universally accepted network-branded cards are the primary offering, some banks may also have specific arrangements for other types of prepaid cards. Consumers should verify the type of card offered by their chosen financial institution. Availability can vary, as some banks, like Truist, have discontinued gift card sales.
How to Purchase Bank Gift Cards
Acquiring a bank-issued gift card typically involves a straightforward process, whether completed in person or online. For in-person purchases, individuals can visit a branch of a participating bank or credit union. A teller can assist with selecting the card’s design and loading the desired monetary value, often ranging from $10 to $1,000. Identification may be required, and payment can be made using cash, a checking/savings account, or a debit or credit card.
Many financial institutions also offer the option to purchase gift cards through their official websites. This online method allows purchasers to browse available designs, specify the amount to be loaded onto the card, and personalize it with a recipient’s name or a message. The process involves navigating to the bank’s gift card section, inputting recipient and sender details, and completing payment. After an online purchase, physical cards are usually mailed, while digital versions may be delivered almost instantly via email.
Fees and Important Usage Details
Bank-issued gift cards often come with associated fees. A common charge is a purchase or activation fee, which is an upfront cost added at the time of sale. These fees can vary, typically ranging from $2.95 for lower card values up to $6.95 for higher denominations, though some institutions may offer cards without a purchase fee. This fee covers the operational costs incurred by the issuer for providing the card.
Another potential charge is an inactivity fee, though federal regulations have significantly limited their application. Under the Credit CARD Act of 2009, dormancy, inactivity, or service fees cannot be imposed unless there has been no activity on the card for at least one year. Only one such fee may be assessed per calendar month, and these fees must be clearly disclosed before purchase. Federal law also mandates that the funds on bank-issued gift cards cannot expire earlier than five years from the date of issuance or the last time funds were added.
Upon receiving a bank gift card, activate it if required, which can be done online or via a toll-free number printed on the card. To check the remaining balance, cardholders can visit the issuer’s website or call the customer service number provided on the back of the card. When using the card for purchases, selecting “credit” at the point-of-sale is the standard option, as these cards do not typically require a Personal Identification Number (PIN).