Vanilla Gift Card: Everything You Need To Know

A few years ago, I found myself in a last-minute scramble to find a birthday gift for my cousin. I wanted something flexible, something that allowed her to buy whatever she wanted. I stumbled upon Vanilla Gift cards at a local convenience store, and they looked perfect. I grabbed one, loaded it with $50, and handed it over with a birthday card. She loved it!

But later that week, she called me, frustrated. She tried to use it for an online purchase, but the transaction wouldn’t go through. That’s when I realized I didn’t fully understand how Vanilla Gift Cards worked. I had to do some research to help her, and now, I’m here to save you from the same hassle. In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about Vanilla Gift cards, including where to buy them and how to use them.

What Is a Vanilla Gift Card?

A Vanilla Gift card is a prepaid card that comes preloaded with a specific amount of money. It works like a debit card but isn’t tied to a bank account. You can buy vanilla gift cards in various denominations, and they can be used for purchases at most places that accept Visa.

Unlike credit cards, they don’t require a credit check, and unlike store-specific gift cards, they allow you to shop almost anywhere, both online and in physical stores. Vanilla gift cards come in denominations ranging from $10 to $500. You can either get them as plastic physical cards or as e-gift cards delivered to your email. 

Key Features of Vanilla Gift Card

• Available in physical and digital gift formats
• Can be used online or in-store at most merchants
• No personal banking details required
• No expiration on funds (though some may have fees after a certain period)
• No ability to reload once funds are depleted

Activating a Vanilla Gift Card 

The first thing you need to do after getting a vanilla physical gift card is to activate it. My cousin missed this important step, which is why she couldn’t use her card at first. Vanilla e-gift cards, on the other hand, are automatically activated upon purchase, so you can go straight to using them. 

Here are the steps to activate your Vanilla Gift card:

1. Visit the Vanilla website
2. Type in the details of your Vanilla gift card. This includes the 16 digit code, expiry date and the security code at the back of the card 
3. Click on “Continue”
4. Navigate to the activate card page through the main menu 
5. Click on the “Activate” button, and you’re good to go. 

Alternatively, you can call the toll-free phone number on the back of your physical gift card (1-833-322-6760). Provide the same card details above and follow the prompts to activate your card. 

Checking Your Vanilla Gift Card Balance 

I absolutely recommend finding out the remaining balance on your Vanilla gift card before trying to make a purchase with it. This will save you from the last-minute heartbreak that comes with an ‘insufficient funds’ alert. Ideally, your gift card balance should be more than the overall cost of your purchase, including taxes and shipping. 

Checking your vanilla gift card balance is not rocket science, and it only takes a few minutes. Here’s what you need to do: 

1. Go to the Vanilla gift balance checker page.
2. Type in the 16-digit code located on the back of your card.
3. Input the expiration date.
4. Enter the PIN and CV
5. Click “Continue” 
6. Navigate to the Check Your Balance page through the main menu. You will be redirected to a new page with your current balance.

Alternatively, you can call customer support at (1-833-322-6760) and communicate your needs to them.

Making Purchases With Your Vanilla Gift Card 

Using a Vanilla Gift card to make purchases is similar to the way you will use a credit or a debit card. This card can either be used in-store or online, and in the next few paragraphs, I’ll take you through the steps to accomplish both. 

How to Use Vanilla Gift Card In-Store

If you’re shopping in a physical store, simply present the card at checkout. After swiping the card, either select “Credit” or select “Debit” and enter any 4-digit number of your choice as your PIN. 

If your gift card balance does not cover the cost of your purchase, you can use it alongside another method of payment. Simply inform the cashier how you’d like to split the cost and make payment. 

How To Use Vanilla Gift Card Online

It’s quite easy to use a Vanilla gift card to make purchases online. First, make sure you have enough balance to cover your purchase plus taxes and shipping. Then follow the following steps:  

1. Pick the items and proceed to checkout
2. Choose “Credit or Debit” as the payment option. Do not choose “Gift Card”
3. Input the card details in the required fields
4. Enter your name and house address in the Billing Address field
5. Complete the payment.

How To Buy Vanilla Gift Cards Online

The best place to buy Vanilla gift cards is on the official Vanilla website. Here, you can get gift cards for various occasions, ranging from birthdays and graduations to easter and father’s day. You also have the option of customizing the gift card with a photo of your choice, to make it more personal.

If you’re in Nigeria, and you’re looking for the best retail platform to purchase Vanilla gift cards, then look no further. Nosh is your guy. Nosh is a platform that facilitates the buying and selling of various gift cards, including vanilla gift cards. It’s particularly popular in Nigeria for its competitive rates and fast delivery. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to purchasing a Vanilla Gift card on Nosh.

 Step 1: Visit the Nosh Website 

Visit the Nosh website on your browser or download the Nosh mobile app from your app store.

Create an account if you’re new, or log in if you already have one.

Step 2: Select ‘Buy Gift Card’

Click on “Buy Gift Card”. You’ll be prompted to select the gift card country, which in this case is the United States. Click “Proceed”.

Next, you need to choose the gift card brand. Type out Vanilla, and select your preferred options from the ones available

Step 3: Choose the Amount 

Specify the amount you wish to purchase. Nosh offers vanilla gift cards in $5, $25, and $100 denominations. The equivalent price in Naira will be displayed underneath your selection. 

If you’re getting more than one gift card, you can also indicate your preferred quantity here.

Step 4: Agree to Terms of Purchase

Agree to the terms of purchase by ticking the “I Understand” box. Finally, click on “Complete Order.” 

You’ll be prompted to top up your wallet and complete the payment securely.

Step 5: Receive Your Gift Card

Once your payment is processed, you’ll receive your Vanilla gift card code instantly.

How To Convert A Vanilla Gift Card To Naira

​If you have a vanilla gift card that you can’t use, converting it into cash is the next best thing. Nosh offers you a straightforward way to do this. And don’t worry, the rates on this platform are competitive, so you know you’re getting the best value possible for your card. ​

Step 1: Log in or Sign Up on Nosh

Login to your Nosh account either on the app or the website. If you don’t have an account yet, create one here.

Step 2: Select the “Buy/Sell Gift Cards” Option

Once logged in, click on “Sell Gift Cards” to start your transaction.

Step 3: Choose Your Gift Card Category

On the next page, browse the available options to look for the gift card. You can also use the search bar to find “Vanilla”, and select it as the gift card category.

Step 4: Choose Your Gift Card SubCategory

Go on to select the subcategory. If you’re selling a physical card, choose a physical card option. On the other hand, if you have a digital card, choose an e code option.

Step 5: Enter Card Denomination

Next, enter the exact value of your vanilla gift card. The amount you will receive in Naira will be displayed instantly. 

Step 6: Upload Your Gift Card Details

Afterwards, if you have a physical vanilla gift card, upload a clear image of the card. If it’s a digital gift card, enter the e-code in the provided space.

Step 7: Complete the Transaction

Click the “Proceed” button to initiate the transaction. Once the gift card is verified, you’ll receive a notification and an instant payout to your Nosh wallet.

Common Issues With Vanilla Gift Cards and How to Avoid Them

Many users have reported issues with Vanilla Gift Cards, particularly concerning scams and fraudulent activities. Here are tips I’ve practiced to troubleshoot these issues: 

• Card Tampering: There have been instances where scammers tamper with the card packaging to access the card information, leading to unauthorized use of the funds. 

To avoid this, always purchase cards from reputable retailers and inspect the packaging for any signs of tampering.

• Zero Balance Scams: Some users have reported buying cards that already had a zero balance. This is why it’s important to check the balance immediately after purchase and keep the receipt as proof.

If your balance is not as expected, report the issue to the Vanilla customer service as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vanilla Gift Cards 

1. Can I reload my Vanilla Gift Card?

No, Vanilla Gift Cards are not reloadable. Once the balance is used, the card cannot be reloaded with additional funds.

2. What should I do if my Vanilla Gift card is lost or stolen?

Contact Vanilla Gift customer service immediately to report the loss. Provide them with the card number and any other required details so you can be issued a replacement.

3. Are there any hidden fees with Vanilla Gift Cards?

Other than the initial purchase fee and potential monthly maintenance fees after 12 months of inactivity, there are no hidden fees associated with Vanilla Gift Cards.

4. Can I use my Vanilla Gift Card for online subscriptions?

No, Vanilla Gift Cards cannot be used for recurring payments, such as subscriptions.

5. Why Is My Vanilla Gift Card Not Working?

The most common reasons why your Vanilla gift card is not working may be because the gift codes are fake or not yet activated. You need to also check that your billing address is correct.

Final Thoughts on Vanilla Gift Cards 

Whether you’re buying one as a gift for a friend or using it for your own purchases, Vanilla Gift Cards always come in handy. If you’re buying online, make sure you’re using a reputable retailer to avoid scams. And once you have your card, use it wisely and keep track of your balance. By following these tips, you can make the most of your prepaid gift card.