The more retailers accept a gift card, the better it is. By such criteria, it’s hard to beat Vanilla Visa Gift cards, as you can use them almost anywhere in the United States. Online stores, supermarkets, gas stations, and many others accept them just as debit cards.
You only need the gift card number and PIN to use Vanilla gift cards. The latter is riddled with misconceptions but is still crucial for using your gift card. This article will give you some tips and tricks for secure transactions.
What is a Vanilla Visa Gift Card?
Vanilla Visa gift cards are just like any other prepaid gift card. They have a set amount deposited that can be used for store purchases. Vanilla Cards differ from other gift card vendors and Visa card types in two ways.
They are often issued to employees as bonuses or travel expenses. They also have different denominations starting from $50 to $250 compared to other gift cards.
In general, Vanilla cards function similarly to debit cards and can even be used as a temporary replacement. However, they also have some unique benefits.
Vanilla Visa gift cards can be used to make more anonymous purchases. No one will see a payment card with your name used for a transaction. Additionally, they have the benefit of helping you stay within your budget.
How to Find the PIN on Your Vanilla Visa Gift Card?
All these benefits of a Vanilla Visa gift card come with one common misconception about their PINs and how to find them. Let’s go through the steps to find the PIN for Vanilla Visa gift cards.
Steps to locate the PIN on physical cards
Vanilla Visa Gift Cards have a PIN number, but you won’t find it written on the card itself. Instead, you will find the information needed to set it up. Here are the steps.
- Flip your Vanilla Visa Gift card to the back side. That’s the one that doesn’t have a 16-digit number.
- In the lower-left corner, you will find a phone number. Usually, it’s 1-833-322-6760, but check your Vanilla gift card as it might be different.
- Call the number.
- Provide your gift card number, valid until date, and a security code located on the same side of your card.
- After providing the information, the automatic phone service will allow you to set a four-digit PIN.
- Take note and use it when purchasing with your Vanilla gift card.
Steps for eGift cards
Online Vanilla Gift cards cannot be used for transactions requiring a physical card. Therefore, no PIN is necessary. As with an ordinary Visa Card, you only need to enter the details on the card to make a payment. Here are the steps.
- Go to checkout until asked for a payment card.
- Enter your Vanilla gift card number (16 digits).
- Enter the valid thru date and the security code located on the backside of the card.
- That’s it. You only need to wait until the payment finishes processing.
How to Set Up and Activate Your Vanilla Visa Gift Card PIN?
We’ve already touched on how you can set the PIN for a physical Vanilla Gift card. The same process also activates the card. However, there is an even easier method of activating new Vanilla gift cards.
- Visit balance.VanillaGift.com
- Enter your Vanilla gift card number (16 digits).
- Enter the valid thru date and the security code located on the backside of the card.
- The Vanilla gift card is now activated, and you can also view its balance.
Some people also report that you can simply try to pay with your physical Vanilla gift card at the store before activating. In such cases, the first PIN you enter will be used for other purchases as well.
However, it’s recommended to go with the above method first in order to ensure your Vanilla gift card has enough balance for purchases. It would be embarrassing if your gift card was declined because of insufficient funds.
The method of simply paying with a card works for online Vanilla Visa gift cards, as they are sent to your email already activated. It’s still beneficial to check the balance before purchasing, but it isn’t as crucial as with physical Visa gift cards.
How to Use Your Vanilla Visa Gift Card PIN?
For online purchases, the PIN code of your Vanilla Visa gift card is not needed. You can simply enter the gift card number and security code. As with all payment cards, this will be enough to make a transaction.
One thing to keep in mind is that you shouldn’t choose a gift card option when paying with a Vanilla card. The process here is the same as using a debit card, as you’ll enter the credentials in the same format.
In-store purchases with a Vanilla gift card will require you to use a PIN code you set online, on your phone, or for the first time you are shopping. Sometimes, the cashier might also ask for your signature.
Transactions under $50 are less likely to require your signature, but if they do, you will also have to sign for Vanilla Gift card purchases. Make sure to put your signature on the back of the Vanilla Visa gift cards you own.
Sometimes, a point of sale (POS) terminal will give you a choice of payment type. When paying with a Vanilla gift card, it’s best to choose debit as the cashier is less likely to ask you for a signature.
What to Do if You Forget or Lose Your PIN?
It’s recommended to make a mental note of your Vanilla Visa gift card, but it happens to the best of us. Worry not. There are multiple ways you can recover a lost Vanilla gift card PIN.
Whether the PIN has been set for the Vanilla gift card or not, you should do it again. Simply call the customer support number provided on the back of the card and follow the steps to set the PIN. Another option is to do it online. Below are the steps.
- Go to balance.VanillaGift.com.
- Enter the needed Vanilla gift card details.
- Find the section Balance and Transactions.
- Visit manage PIN from the menu.
- Click on the button Reset PIN.
If you are using an online Vanilla gift card, you should check for the email you used to order your Vanilla Gift card. The original email will include all the details you need to make online purchases. Note that PIN code is not needed for this.
In case you don’t have access to the original email from Visa, contact customer support with the number provided on the back of your Visa Vanilla gift card or online (1-833-322-6760).
Security Tips for Your Vanilla Visa Gift Card PIN
When it comes to security, you should treat your Visa Vanilla gift card the same as other payment cards. Most security tips are also the same. Here are the main ones.
- Sign your name and signature on the gift card.
- Remember your PIN code, and don’t tell anyone about it.
- You can write it down, but keep the note in a place different from the card. Never write the PIN on the card.
- Do not use the security code or a part of the 16-digit code as your PIN. It increases the chances of thieves guessing your Vanilla gift card PIN.
- Use only trusted online vendors, as shady ones might steal or leak your gift card PIN.
If you suspect that your card was stolen or the gift card number and security code were leaked, notify Visa customer support immediately. You can do it by calling the provided number on the card (1-833-322-6760). In many cases, Visa can even provide a replacement card.
Conclusion
Vanilla Visa gift card PINs can be a bit confusing. Unlike ordinary Visa cards, they do not include the PIN code you must use to make purchases. Instead, you must create your own one by calling a number, visiting the Visa website, or making the first purchase.
