How To Add a Vanilla Gift Card to Venmo: Your Simple, Step-by-Step Guide

Do you have a Vanilla gift card and want to use it with Venmo? You’re not alone. While many people appreciate the convenience of prepaid cards like Vanilla, they often face challenges linking them to different online payment platforms like Venmo. Good news? It’s simple—and I’ll guide you through how to do it easily, without the stress.

Vanilla gift cards are popular among the different types of gift cards because they offer flexibility; you can use them without a bank account and control your spending. But since they’re prepaid and work differently from debit or credit cards, adding them to Venmo requires a few essential steps.

In this guide, I’ll explain what a Vanilla gift card is, provide a step-by-step guide on adding it as a payment method to Venmo, and transfer the funds from the gift card to your Venmo account, including how to troubleshoot common problems. Let’s dive in.

What’s a Vanilla Gift Card—and Why Add It to Venmo?

Vanilla gift cards are prepaid Visa or Mastercard cards loaded with a specific amount. A Vanilla gift card works differently — it isn’t connected to a bank account like debit or credit cards are. You can buy and use them anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted, including online purchases.

People choose Vanilla cards for many reasons, including

• No bank account needed: Great if you don’t have a bank card or just don’t want to use one.
• Spending control: You can only spend the value on the gift card.
• Gift option: They make practical, flexible gifts.

Venmo is a popular app for sending and receiving money, paying friends, or making purchases. Linking a Vanilla card lets you fund payments or pay for things directly through Venmo. Since Vanilla uses an open-loop gift card, it is not limited to any specific brand or retailer.

How To Add a Vanilla Gift Card to Venmo (Step-by-Step)

Adding your Vanilla gift card to Venmo is straightforward and only takes a few minutes. Before you begin, confirm your gift card is activated and registered with a zip code, ensuring it supports online transactions. These are crucial precautions against declines. Once your Venmo account is all set up, follow these steps:

1. Open the Venmo app on your phone and log in.
2. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner.
3. Select Settings, then tap Preferences.
4. Go to Payment Methods.
5. Tap Add a Bank or Card, then choose “Card.”
6. Input your card number, expiration date, and ZIP code you used when registering the gift card.
7. Enter the amount charged to your Vanilla card in Venmo to complete the gift card verification. (Venmo will temporarily charge a small amount on your Vanilla card, usually less than $1. Check your Vanilla card transactions to find the exact amount charged.)
8. You can include an image of the gift card by clicking the camera button. 
9. If you haven’t registered your Vanilla gift card to any home address, enter its zip code into the space provided. If it does not come with a zip code, you must register your Vanilla gift card first. 
10. Finally, click on “Add Card.”

After you’ve added the Vanilla gift card, it will be added to your Payment Methods as a prepaid card. You can now use it for payments or transfer its balance into your Venmo account.

How To Transfer Vanilla Gift Card Funds to Your Venmo Balance

If you want to transfer the balance in your Vanilla gift card to your Venmo wallet, here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Venmo app.
2. Go to the menu and tap Manage Balance.
3. Select “Add Money” from the list of options.
4. Enter the amount you want to transfer (up to the value on your gift card).
5. Make sure you select the Vanilla card as the payment method.
6. Review the details and tap “Add Money” to finish.

The funds will appear in your Venmo balance and can be used like any other money in your wallet.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Sometimes, users encounter problems when adding a Vanilla gift card to Venmo. If you’re having trouble, check for the following:

• Is your gift card registered? Unregistered cards may not work. Register your gift card and set a billing zip code at VanillaGift.com.
• Is there enough balance on the gift card? Make sure the balance covers any small verification charges that might be applied.
• Did you enter the correct details? Double-check the card number, expiry date, CVV, and zip code.
• Is the gift card already linked elsewhere? It depends on the type of prepaid card. You cannot add some prepaid gift cards to more than one account at the same time.

If you’ve checked everything and it still doesn’t work, try removing the card and adding it again, or contact Venmo Support for help.

Frequently Asked Questions About Using Vanilla Gift Cards with Venmo

1. Can I use a Vanilla Visa gift card on Venmo?

Yes. You can use a Vanilla gift card on Venmo. Once your card is activated and registered with a zip code, you can add it as a payment method.

2. Why won’t my Vanilla gift card work on Venmo?

The most common reason is an unregistered card. Ensure the card is activated and tied to a valid billing address or zip code.

3. Can I send money from my Vanilla gift card to someone through Venmo?

Yes, once you add the gift card, you can use it to fund transactions like money transfers or purchases.

4. Where can I get a Vanilla gift card?

You can buy Vanilla gift cards at stores like Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and online. If you’re looking for a digital and reliable option, platforms like Nosh allow you to buy gift cards and safely trade them.

Conclusion

Adding a Vanilla gift card to Venmo is a quick and flexible way to make payments without using a traditional bank account. Whether you’re trying to spend a gift card balance or add your gift card to Venmo, the steps above will guide you through the process.

Ensure your gift card is activated, registered, and has sufficient balance. Once set up, you can use it on Venmo like any standard debit card and enjoy the convenience of a simplified payment option.

If you need more gift card tips or secure places to buy gift cards and trade them for cash, visit Nosh—a trusted platform for all your gift card needs.