Can you combine visa gift caIndividuals ask whether one can utilize multiple gift cards for a single transaction. Can you combine visa gift cards?
If you find yourself with multiple Visa gift cards containing small unused balances, you may want to know how to combine them so that you will not waste the remaining funds.
In this article, you’ll learn simple, real-world ways to merge your multiple Visa gift cards together without wasting any balance.
They are all outlined in plain language so that you can manage your gift cards yourself and get the most out of every dollar.
What Are Visa Gift Cards?
Visa gift cards are prepaid Visa-issued cards. You can use them as a debit card wherever Visa is accepted.
They have a pre-loaded value on them and are popular birthday, holiday, and occasion gifts. Unlike gift cards sold in stores, you are not tied to a store or brand.
These cards can be utilized in physical stores and internet stores. However, if you have a couple of them with low balances, buying a large item is out of the question. That is the reason why you need to know how to stack Visa gift cards.
Why Would You Want to Combine Visa Gift Cards?
You might wonder why you should use your Visa gift cards combined. The reason is simple – the balance of each might be low and not worth anything big on its own.
Instead of wasting the balance, you can combine them so that you can buy something for a higher price.
For example, if you possess three Visa gift cards with a total value of $5 each, combining the cards gives you $15 to spend on a product or service without any issue. This helps you manage your finances effectively and avoid being left with unused money.
Can You Combine Visa Gift Cards?
Yes, you can combine Visa gift cards but not in a direct way. Visa does not have any official method to stack many gift cards into one card. However, there are smart ways to use the money on these cards together for a single transaction.
We will share these strategies through this entire guide so that your money might not go to waste.
How Do You Combine Visa Gift Cards to Spend Them All at Once?
The following are the primary methods of combining Visa gift cards efficiently:
1. Spend Them on One Purchase with Split Payment
Most retailers, particularly online and offline stores, allow split payments. This allows you to pay for part of your bill using one card and the rest using another card or payment option. Here’s how you do it:
- Verify your Visa gift card balances either online or by telephone prior to your visit to the store, by the card number on the back of each card.
- Inform the cashier that you wish to use more than one payment source prior to swiping the initial one.
- Make the payments using the gift cards sequentially until you’ve covered the total amount.
- Settle any outstanding balance with cash or your debit card.
Not all stores allow multiple cards for split payments, so advance checks are recommended.
2. Spend Your Visa Gift Cards on an e-Gift Card
Another handy method is to buy a store e-gift card using your Visa gift cards. For example, if you shop at Amazon regularly, you can buy Amazon e-gift cards using one Visa gift card and load them into your Amazon account balance.
This accumulates all your small balances into one store account that you can utilize in the future. You can even do this with other online stores like Walmart or Target, depending on where you shop the most.
3. Pay Bills or Services with Multiple Cards
Split payments for some online sites and service providers are possible through multiple cards. For example, payment for utility bills, mobile recharges, or online food ordering services sometimes allow split payments.
This way, you can spend your Visa gift card balances without the need to consolidate them onto one physical card.
4. Add Them to Your Digital Wallet
Prepaid cards are supported by some digital wallets like PayPal. You may add each Visa gift card to your PayPal account and use them individually while making payments.
But you cannot combine them into a PayPal balance, but it makes payment processing from one platform easier.
Google Pay and Apple Pay also accept Visa gift cards in some regions, so you can use them as soon as possible for mobile payments.
5. Buy a Money Order
If you have enough balance on your Visa gift cards to cover the fee, you can buy a money order. For instance, if you have more than one card with over $10 on each, you can buy separate money orders using them and deposit the money orders in your account at a later time.
This is slightly more time-consuming and incurs a charge, but it is another way to turn your cards into spendable money in your account.
Can You Transfer the Visa Gift Card Balance to a Bank Account?
You cannot transfer your Visa gift card balance into a bank account directly. But you can use indirect means like:
- With PayPal: Connect Visa gift card with PayPal and use it for payments you would have otherwise made from a bank account, keeping your bank money spare.
- Buying Money Orders: As explained earlier, buy a money order with a Visa gift card and deposit it to your bank account.
- Selling on Card Exchange Platforms: You are able to sell your Visa gift cards for money through some platforms at a fee. Make sure that you only utilize credible platforms to avoid being scammed.
Do Visa Gift Cards Expire If Not Combined or Used?
Yes, Visa gift cards do expire, and the date of expiration can be found on the card. The money on the card does not expire, though. If your card has expired, you can contact the issuer and request a replacement card with the balance carried over. It would be better to use the card before it expires to save you hassle of replacement.
Can You Combine Visa Gift Cards Online?
You cannot combine Visa gift cards into one online card, but you can use them online as follows:
- Amazon: Buy Amazon e-gift cards with each Visa gift card and add them to your Amazon account balance.
- PayPal: Pay for online services using PayPal with them by adding separately.
- Online Retailers: Split payments are supported on some sites, but the majority do not. Check their payment policy before checkout.
Are There Fees for Combining Visa Gift Cards?
There is no fee for you to spend your gift cards with Visa. However, if you are using third-party services to exchange the gift cards for money or buy money orders, there may be fee charges. Always read the terms before using these services.
What Are the Limitations When Combining Visa Gift Cards?
The following are some limitations to bear in mind:
- Split Payment Acceptance: Certain stores refuse to accept split payments with greater than one card.
- Online Restrictions: Certain online stores will only accept one card when checking out.
- Transaction Decline: If you try to spend greater than the available balance on a gift card, the transaction may decline unless you inform the cashier of the split payment.
Can You Combine Visa Gift Cards with Debit or Credit Cards?
You cannot use Visa gift cards in conjunction with your credit or debit card balance. You can use some of a payment on a Visa gift card and your debit or credit card for the remaining amount. Split tender is what this is called and it is accepted at most stores.
What Happens If You Do Not Use the Full Balance
If you don’t use all the balance, it’s left in the card until you use it or the card expires. Cards in some instances have maintenance fees after one year of no usage, gradually taking away your balance. It is better to use the cash early to avoid worrying about these charges.
What Is the Best Way to Handle Multiple Visa Gift Cards?
Fast tips on how to effectively deal with your cards are as follows:
- Check Balances Periodically: Keep a clue about how much is available on each card.
- Label Cards: Label each card with the balance in ink for easy reference.
- Pay Cards with Smallest Balances First: Pay the smallest-balance cards to get rid of them sooner.
- Combine With e-Gift Cards: As shown, buy e-gift cards with your Visa gift cards and keep them in your account balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use two Visa gift cards to make a single purchase?
Yes, if the store allows split payments. Inform the cashier beforehand so that you can utilize each card to pay for half of the bill.
Do Visa gift cards have an expiration date?
The card will have an expiration date indicated on it, but the funds themselves don’t expire. In case your card does expire, contact the issuer so that they may send you a new card with your balance intact.
Is there a fee to combine Visa gift cards?
Visa does not charge for getting the cards functional, but if you utilize the services of third parties like pawning the card or buying money orders, then you will have some fee to incur.
Final Thoughts
Having many Visa gift cards is stressful, but you are able to use them to your advantage. Buy store e-gift cards, make split payments, or transfer them to PayPal so that you do not lose any balance.
Always check the balance on every card before shopping and redeem them before they expire or charge fees. With these suggestions, you will be making the most of each Visa gift card.
