Where can you use prepaid Visa gift cards?

You can use prepaid Visa gift cards just about anywhere in the world. 

Prepaid Visa cards are nearly as versatile as cash. But they also have built-in protections against loss or theft.

They can be a solid option for gifting — especially if you don't know the recipient well enough to pick out an ideal present. That’s why companies use prepaid Visas cards to reward employees, incentivize customers, and pay research participants. 

Accepted in over 200 countries and territories, Visa gift cards are easy to use and a great way to delight everyone on your list. Here’s a quick look at how they work and how they can be put to use.

How prepaid Visa gift cards work

Prepaid Visa gift cards work just like regular credit or debit cards at merchants and ATMs accepting Visa. 

The key difference is that prepaid gift cards are loaded with a set amount that can't be reloaded after its spent. Cardholders can check their remaining balance by calling the toll-free number provided or visiting the issuer’s website.

Gift cards won’t expire for at least five years from the date of issue, per federal law. In some states, they’re valid for even longer. In New York, gift cards must be valid for at least nine years from the date of purchase.

8 ways to spend prepaid Visa gift cards

Online shopping

Prepaid Visa gift cards can be used for just about any online purchase as most e-comm sites accept Visa. Plus, there’s an added layer of security since the gift card isn’t linked to a bank account. 

The payment process works just like any other credit or debit card. Simply enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV number. If the site only allows for one payment method, make sure the remaining balance is enough to cover the purchase.  

Credit card balances

You could use your Visa gift card to pay an existing credit or debit card balance. And your gift card dollars will go a little bit further if your credit card has a rewards program. 

Be sure to check your gift card balance to know exactly how much you can apply to your credit card bill. And don't forget to activate your prepaid Visa gift card first to avoid any hiccups.

Traveling abroad

Don’t want to carry a ton of cash or worry about currency exchange when traveling abroad? Use a prepaid Visa gift card instead.  

Visa cards are accepted just about everywhere. That includes ATMs, so you can use your prepaid card to get local currency from any machine that takes Visa.

And, since prepaid Visa gift cards aren’t linked to a bank account, you don’t have to worry about runaway charges if the card gets lost or stolen. If you do lose the card, call the number or visit the site provided to place a hold and get it replaced.

Hotel bookings and car rentals

Many hotels and car rental agencies accept prepaid Visa gift cards for reservations. There’s just a few things to keep in mind.

Rental companies and hotels usually place holds on cards. That may temporarily tie up your full balance until you’ve checked out or returned the car. 

If your prepaid gift card doesn't cover the full transaction, you can use it with a payment method.

Gas stations

It’s easy to fuel up with prepaid Visa gift cards. They usually go through right away, because card readers recognize them as Visa debit cards.  

If the machine doesn’t accept it right away, just go inside to pay as you would with cash.

Charitable contributions

Your favorite charity probably takes Visa, so you can use your prepaid gift card to support your favorite cause. 

It’s worth noting that nonprofits are still subject to credit card processing fees of around 2-3%. A charity might only receive ~$98 on a donation of $100. 

If you’re giving a charitable donation as a gift, you might want to look into fee-free options.

Entertainment 

All shopped out? Treat yourself to a nice dinner or a choice tee time with your Visa gift card.

Pro tip for movie buffs: Theater chains will let you put your gift card balance directly onto their loyalty apps. This way, you can grab tickets whenever you want and earn points towards popcorn.

Subscription services

You can pay your Netflix, Hulu, or Paramount Plus bill with your prepaid Visa gift card. Just remember to switch payment methods before the card balance runs out.

The same goes for Amazon prime, meal kits like Hello Fresh, or any other subscription-based service. It’s a great way to use your remaining cash, but you might want to set a reminder in advance to switch back to your credit card.

Why prepaid Visa gift cards are used as incentives

Prepaid Visa cards take the guesswork and legwork out of gifting. They’re also a great way to incentivize employees and customers with varying tastes — perfect for SPIFs, survey rewards, and more.

Plus, prepaid Visas are: 

Flexible

Recipients can use Visa gift cards for whatever they want, whenever they want — a $100 card offers a higher perceived value than a physical $100 gift.

Cost-effective

With prepaid Visa cards, marketers and HR pros don’t have to spend time shopping for ideal incentives. Instead, that extra time can be put towards strategic initiatives that drive business growth.

Accepted globally

Visa gift cards can be used by most distributed employees since they’re accepted in 200+ countries. There are some exceptions, however, including China and India.  

Simple distribution and tracking

It’s easy to send virtual Visa prepaid gift cards. And recipients can spend them right away. They’re also easy to track, so companies don’t have to worry about shipping delays.

Sending prepaid Visa gift cards at scale

It’s easy to send virtual prepaid Visa cards in bulk with Tremendous. 

You can let recipients choose from prepaid Visas and 2,000 other great redemption options, like Amazon gift cards and Venmo transfers.

This way, everyone gets exactly what they want, boosting the ROI of your incentives and rewards programs.

Sending rewards internationally? The Tremendous rewards catalog covers over 200+ countries — including places like China and India that don’t accept Visa gift cards.

Ready to send great rewards like prepaid Visa gift cards at scale? Sign up today or take a demo to learn more.