If the card was purchased in-person, it’s probably already activated and ready to use. Cards ordered online need to be activated to access the balance. The phone number most likely leads you to the gift card issuer’s customer service team and not to Visa directly.
Once you’ve submitted all of the card’s information, it will be activated and ready to use. Choose a strong PIN you’ll remember that’s also difficult for others to guess (not your birthday, for example). Look for the card number on either the front or back of the card. The expiration date and security code are most likely on the back of the card. [3] X Research source If you’re struggling with an automated call, press “0” repeatedly. This may redirect you to a live customer service agent. [4] X Research source
Call Visa customer support at 1-800-847-2911. Email Visa through their online contact form. Click “Start Chat” on Visa’s “Contact Us” page for live assistance online.
If you can’t find the activation website and aren’t sure who the issuer is, visit Visa’s prepaid gift card activation page to begin activating the card. The card issuer is often a bank or a retail company, such as Walmart or Vanilla Gift.
Once you’ve submitted all information about the card, it will be active and ready to use. You may be asked to create an account through the issuer or through Visa so you can also register and manage your card online. If you register your card at the same time, also provide your name, billing address, contact info, and potentially your Social Security number. [8] X Trustworthy Source US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau U. S. government agency for protecting consumers in the financial sector Go to source
Inspect the card’s packaging before activation. If the packaging is damaged or the security code is exposed, request a new one card.
If you can’t find any phone numbers or websites on the card, go to the provider’s home page and navigate to the Visa gift card registration page. Registering the gift card allows you to make purchases online or over the phone and check the card’s balance. Consider registering cards with high balances as an extra safety precaution against theft, loss, or fraud.
You may need to create or sign into an account through the card provider to register and manage your gift card. Update your registered billing information if you move, change your name, or change your contact information.
Registration makes it easier to cancel the card, request a new one, and dispute fraudulent charges if it’s stolen or missing since it’s tied to your identity.
Visa may not consider your card (or purchases made with it) valid if it’s not signed on the back.
The security code and customer service number are both on the back of the card. The gift card number may be on the front or the back of the card. If there is a 4-digit card identification code on the front of the card, copy that down too. Alternatively, take pictures of the front and back of the card and save them to your phone for easy access.
Depending on the gift card issuer’s policy, you may be able to request a new card with your remaining balance after the original card expires.
You may also need to provide the expiration date or security code from the back of the card.
