Top 10 Best Gift Cards to Buy for Christmas
Whenever Christmas is around the corner, one of many things it means is gift shopping! But let’s face it, finding the perfect gift can be stressful. What if they don’t...
December 13, 2024
6 mins Read
Ever received a Visa gift card and wondered if you could turn it into cash? You’re not alone. While Visa gift cards are convenient for shopping, sometimes what you really need is cold, hard cash. Whether you’re trying to cover transport, buy food, or sort a few bills, it’s totally normal to want more flexible options.
In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about Visa gift cards -how they work, how to use a Visa gift card online, how to check your Visa gift card balance, and yes, how to turn that balance into actual cash (legally and safely). We’ll also look at where to buy Visa gift cards near you and what to avoid so you don’t get scammed. So, let’s clear up the confusion and get you the answers you need.
What Is A Visa Gift Card?
A Visa gift card is a prepaid card branded by Visa, loaded with a fixed amount of money that you can use almost anywhere Visa is accepted. Unlike a traditional bank account, this card isn’t linked to any checking or savings account. It’s a standalone card loaded with funds that are available for spending online or in-store. However, once the balance is used up, it cannot be reloaded.
Visa gift cards come in denominations ranging from $25 to $1000. They are issued by financial institutions like banks and credit unions. You can purchase them at different retail stores like Walmart, Target, Amazon, and many others.
Free Ways To Get A Visa Gift Card
Even though it’s hard to believe, there are actually legit platforms that offer free Visa gift cards. Of course, there are things you need to do in return, but that doesn’t include spending a dime. All you need to do is perform a task or complete a series of activities to win free Visa gift cards. The more tasks you complete, the bigger your reward gets to be.
Here are some platforms from which you can get free visa gift card:
Prime Opinion
Prime Opinion is a platform that allows users to complete surveys and offer high rewards. As a first-time user, all you need to do is visit the website, open an account, and start filling out surveys.
If you are committed, you can earn about $10 within 30-60 minutes. When you earn a minimum of $5, you can withdraw your points as a Visa gift card. Other payout options on this Prime Opinion include PayPal and bank accounts
Freecash
On Freecash, you are not limited to just filling out surveys. There are several different tasks you can complete on the platform to easily stack up points. Freecash is available to use in almost every country.
You’ll also need a minimum of $5 to make a withdrawal in the form of a Visa gift card. You can decide to withdraw via PayPal or in the form of Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Litecoin.
Prize Rebel
Prize Rebel is one of the popular Get-Paid-To sites you can make money from online. The minimum point you need to withdraw a Visa gift card is $5. You can quickly reach this amount by carrying out various tasks on the website. You can also withdraw your points as Amazon, Google Play, and iTunes gift cards.
GrabPoints
The rewards GrabPoints offer per survey are quite good. Regardless of where you are based, you can sign up for free. You just need to fill out as many surveys as you can till you reach your earning goal. Once your points are enough, you can withdraw as Visa gift cards.
Branded Surveys
Branded Surveys is only available in the UK, Canada, and the USA. The minimum payout threshold here is $10, which you can withdraw as a visa gift card. There are lots of paid surveys on the site, so it shouldn’t take you too long to make $10.
How to Purchase a Visa Gift Card Online (Using Nosh)
Nosh is a trusted digital platform in Nigeria that lets you buy, sell, and manage gift cards with ease. Whether you’re buying a Visa gift card for yourself or someone else, Nosh makes the process quick and secure, right from your phone or computer. Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Create an Account on Nosh
Visit the Nosh website or download the Nosh app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Sign up using your email address and create a secure password.
Step 2: Verify and Log In
After signing up, verify your account through the link or code sent to your email. Then, log in to your dashboard.
Step 3: Go to the ‘Buy Gift Card’ Section
Once you’re logged in, click or tap on the “Buy Gift Card” option from the menu.
Select the country associated with the Visa gift card you want to buy. This is important, as it determines where the card can be used.
Step 4: Search for ‘Visa’ Gift Card
Under the gift card category, in the search bar, type in “Visa” and select it from the list of available gift card brands.
Step 5: Select Amount and Quantity
Choose the value of the Visa gift card (e.g. $25, $50, $100) and how many you want to buy.
Step 6: Review Purchase Terms
Carefully read through the terms of purchase, and select “I agree”
Step 7: Complete the Purchase
Pay using your preferred payment method (usually via wallet or linked bank account). Once completed, your Visa gift card code will be delivered directly to your email address.
And that’s it! Nosh makes it easy to buy a Visa gift card online in just a few minutes. Whether you’re planning to use it for online shopping or trade it later, the process is smooth and stress-free.
Related Article: How to Use Visa Gift Card on Amazon: A Step-by-Step Guide
How To Activate a Visa Gift Card
Activating a Visa gift card is usually easy, and in most cases, it’s already done for you at the time of purchase. But sometimes, especially if you received the card via email or bought it online from a platform like Nosh, you might need to activate it manually before you can use it. Here’s how to do that:
- Check for Activation Instructions: Look at the back of the physical card or the email that came with a digital card. Most Visa gift cards include a website link or phone number for activation.
- Visit the Activation Website: If your card needs to be activated online, go to the website provided
- Enter Card Details: You’ll be asked to enter the 16-digit card number, expiration date, and sometimes the 3-digit CVV code on the back of the card.
- Provide Billing Info (if required): Some cards may ask for a ZIP/postal code or name for verification. This helps when you’re using the card for online shopping.
- Submit and Confirm: After filling in the info, click “Activate” or “Submit.” You should get a confirmation message saying your card is ready to use.
- Test the Card: Try using the card for a small online purchase to make sure it’s working. If it doesn’t go through, double-check the card details or balance.
Another option is to call the toll-free customer support number on the back of the gift card. They can assist you with activating the card as well as checking your balance.
How to Sell Visa Gift Cards in Nigeria
If you have a Visa gift card in Nigeria that you can’t use, selling it on Nosh is a great way to get cash instead. Nosh is a well-known gift card trading platform that gives you good rates, safe transactions, and fast payments.
Follow the easy steps below to sell your Visa gift card on Nosh:
Step 1; Download the App
Start by downloading the Nosh app from your device’s app store.
Step 2: Create an Account
Once installed, create an account by signing up with your email and verifying your identity. Then log in.
Step 3: Select Gift Card Category & Subcategory
Navigate to the Sell Gift Card section and select Visa from the list of available options.
Next, choose the subcategory that matches your card denomination, such as $100 – $299, or $300 and above.
Step 4: Provide Gift Card Details
Enter the total value of the card, and Nosh will instantly display the current exchange rate and the naira equivalent you will receive.
To proceed, upload clear images of your Visa gift card, making sure that all necessary details are visible.
Step 5: Complete Transaction
After reviewing the details, click the Proceed button to submit your trade. The Nosh team will verify your card. Once the verification process is complete, you will receive payment directly into your Nosh wallet or preferred bank account.
Common Issues and Solutions When Selling Visa Gift Cards
Even with a reliable platform like Nosh, you might run into some common problems when selling your Visa gift card. Here’s how to handle them:
- Card Not Accepting: Some Visa gift cards have regional restrictions. If you’re getting this, make sure the card allows international transactions before trying to sell it.
- Low Rates Offered: Exchange rates often change even within a day. You should try selling your card during peak hours (usually between 9 AM – 5 PM WAT) for better rates.
- Payment Delays: If your payment is taking longer than expected, check if the card details you submitted were correct. If everything is fine, reach out to customer support.
- Verification Issues: If your transaction is delayed due to verification problems, ensure you uploaded clear images of your gift card.
- Card Already Used: If the platform says your card has already been used but you know it hasn’t, double-check the card details. If the issue continues, please contact our customer support for assistance.
Also read: Can You Combine Multiple Visa Gift Cards Balances?
Frequently Asked Questions About Visa Gift Cards
- How Do I Check my Visa Gift Card Balance?
You can check your Visa gift card balance by contacting the customer support number. Place a call and you will be provided guidelines. Alternatively, visit the card issuer’s website and input your card number and security code.
- Can I Use My Visa Card Online?
Yes, you can use your Visa gift card online to make purchases. As long as the card is activated and the merchant accepts a Visa gift card, you can carry on.
3. Where Can’t I Use My Visa Gift Cards?
You cannot use your Visa gift cards at stores that do not accept Visa as a mode of payment. Also, Visa gift cards cannot be used to make withdrawals at ATMs.
4. What Happens If My Visa Gift Card Is Damaged, Lost, Or Stolen?
You are covered if you ever find yourself in a situation where your Visa gift card is stolen or misplaced. However, you will need your Visa gift card number.
Make sure to have this written somewhere safe. Call the customer support number and provide your gift card number. It will be canceled and a replacement will be issued.
5. Is My Visa Gift Card Reloadable?
No, you cannot add additional funds to your Visa gift card. You can only use the amount preloaded on it.
Final Thoughts on Visa Gift Cards
Visa gift cards are more than just a casual gift, they’re an easy-to-use payment option that can come in handy when you least expect it. Whether you want to shop online, pay for a subscription, or convert the balance into cash.
Now that you know how to buy, activate, and use a Visa gift card (plus how to check the balance and where to spend it), you’re in a great spot to make the most of it. So, the next time someone hands you one, you won’t just say thanks, you’ll actually know what to do with it.
