Activate And Use Your Visa Gift Card: A Detailed DIY Guide

A close relative who stays abroad once gave me the option to pick any gift card of my choice, and I chose the Visa gift card. Of all gift card categories, you’d ask why the Visa gift card? It’s simply because the Visa gift card is very flexible and convenient to use. You can use it to make payments anywhere and on any platform. 

Now you know why you need to master the processes of activating your Visa Gift card so that you can start using it for your online payments  ASAP! This is exactly what I am dealing with in this article, “How to Activate and Use Your Visa Gift Card”. 

I have also included the processes on how to exchange Visa gift cards for cash online and check your Visa gift card account balance. You are going to enjoy this. Stay put!

How to activate a Visa gift card in 2025

You want to activate your Visa gift card to keep it secure and ready for use. Follow these 6 simple steps below to activate your Visa gift card

Step 1: Locate a website link or toll-free number on the Visa gift card packaging.

Step 2: For the phone activation method, call the toll-free number.

Step 3: For online activation, visit the URL you found on the packaging.

Step 4: Provide the card number, expiry date, and CVV number.

Step 5: Verify your identity for the online activation method. 

Step 6: Confirm activation and test the card with a mini purchase.

How to Use your Visa Gift Card

There are two ways to use your Visa gift card, and they are:

1. Using your Visa gift card in-store
2. Using your Visa gift card online

How to Use your Visa Gift Card In-store

To use your Visa gift card in a store, you must have correctly activated it and set a PIN. Then, follow the processes below to complete your payments:

1. Find the store’s payment terminal.
2. Insert your Visa gift card in the terminal.
3. Select the “Debit” payment option.
4. Enter your correct PIN when requested.

4 Simple Steps to Use Your Visa Gift Card Online

To use your Visa gift card online, you need to find a retailer that has the Visa logo as a payment option. That will be easy to find because most online stores accept Visa. The 4 simple steps below will further guide you to use your Visa gift card online:

Step 1: Add your desired items to the shopping cart

Step 2: Proceed to the checkout page

Step 3: Choose “Visa” as the payment method

Step 4: Enter your card details and billing address, and confirm.

How To Exchange Visa Gift Cards For Cash Online in 2025

You may just be in need of some cash, and fortunately,  Visa gift cards have one of the juicy rates on Nosh currently. Exchange your Visa gift card seamlessly with the steps below.

1. Go to the Nosh website or download the mobile app.

2. Register for a new account.

3. Verify your account via the link sent to you.

    4. Now, log in with your email address and password.

5. Click on the “Buy | Sell” then the  “Sell Gift Cards” options.

6. Swipe the gift cards or select Visa gift card from the dropdown menu.

7. Select the subcategory of your Visa gift card which is based on the denomination range.

8. Type in the amount you want to trade. The naira equivalent will be shown.

9. Upload the images of your gift card.

11. Click on the Proceed button.

12. Read the important notice and complete the trade.

How to check your Visa Gift card balance

It is a good idea to know the exact balance of your gift card before embarking on any shopping spree. There are two simple ways to check your Visa gift card balance:

1. Call the toll-free number on the back of your gift card to get your Visa gift card balance.

OR

1. Visit the Visa gift card issuer’s site and input your 16-digit number and security code.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Use My Visa Gift Card Online?

Yes, you can use your Visa gift card on any website that accepts Visa cards as a payment option. It functions like a credit card, so it’s easy to use.

2. Do Visa Gift Cards Work Internationally?

Yes, Visa gift cards work in most countries in the world. Most stores accept Visa gift cards but some may not accept them.

3. Does a Visa Gift Card Have Fees?

Yes, all Visa gift cards have a fee. The value of the gift card determines the fee that will be charged. There is a fee of $2.95 on Visa gift cards ranging between $10 and $74.99. A fee of $3.95 applies to Visa gift cards of $75.00 and $149.99.

4. Are Visa Gift Cards Reloadable?

No, Visa gift cards are not reloadable. You can only use the funds preloaded on it. However, Visa prepaid cards used at ATMs are reloadable.

5. What Visa Gift Card Can Be Used At an ATM?

Visa Prepaid credit cards can be used to withdraw cash at the ATM.

Conclusion

With the guidelines provided in this guide, you should be able to easily activate and use your Visa gift cards now. Note that it is essential you register your Visa gift card if you want to use it online. The instructions on how to get that done are always available whenever you need them. Are you thinking of selling your Visa gift card for cash? Sign up on the Nosh app.