Can You Add Money to a Visa Gift Card?
If you have a Visa gift card that you no longer want, it can be a great way to get some cash in your wallet. However, before you use it to buy anything, you need to know if it’s possible to add money to your visa gift card.
One easy way to do this is by buying a money order. These are often sold at places like Walmart and Western Union.
1. Buy a money order
Money orders are prepaid forms of payment that can be cashed at a variety of locations. They’re a secure alternative to cash and checks, which can be vulnerable to theft. You can purchase money orders at post offices, banks, grocery stores and other places that cash them.
There are several reasons you might need to use a money order, such as paying for an unexpected bill, making rent payments or even getting out of debt. However, it’s important to consider how much you want to spend before deciding where to get one.
The cost of a money order varies, depending on the institution issuing it and where you buy it. You can buy domestic money orders at post offices, Walmart and other retail establishments for a range of prices from under a dollar to around $5. International money orders can be purchased at Western Union and MoneyGram locations, but are typically more expensive than domestic ones.
When you buy a money order, be sure to write the name of the person or business receiving the funds in the pay to line. This will make it easier for the person or business to cash or deposit your payment, since they’ll know exactly who you are. It’s also a good idea to fill out the purchaser or from section, which will provide your full name and mailing address.
Be sure to keep the receipt of your money order, as it can be useful later on in case you need to track it or contact the place where you got it. It’s also a good idea for fraud prevention because it can alert you to any tampering or suspicious activity that may be occurring with your money order.
Another thing to note is that if you use your credit card to purchase a money order, the issuer will likely require you to have a certain amount of guaranteed funds. This is to ensure that the money order isn’t a fraudulent check that will bounce and be subject to a chargeback.
The most common scams involve people sending bogus money orders to their victims and asking for a large amount of cash back. It’s important to closely examine any money order you receive for tampering or misspelling, as well as other signs of fraud.
2. Sell it on Craigslist or eBay
If you’re looking to add money to a visa gift card, you can sell it on Craigslist or eBay. These websites are free to use, and they can help you make fast cash.
First, you’ll want to find a specific category for your item. There are more than a dozen options, so be sure to choose one that’s best for your situation. Then, you’ll need to describe your item. This is a big part of the selling process, so make sure to spend as much time as you need to ensure that your description is as accurate as possible.
You should also make sure that the pictures you post are clear and well-lit. This will help you stand out from other sellers and make it easier for buyers to see your item.
Another way to boost your selling success is to bundle like items together. This is especially helpful if you have a large item that you’re trying to sell, as it will simplify the process and increase your chances of finding a buyer.
Once you’ve bundled your items, it’s important to price them fairly. This will give you room to negotiate and may help you get a better deal. It’s a good idea to do some research on what similar items are selling for on other sites, then set your price a little higher than those prices so that you have room to bargain.
Next, make sure to set a safe meeting spot with your buyer. This is especially important if you’re selling a large or expensive item, as it’s better to meet in a public place that has bright lights and security. You should also always have someone with you when you’re meeting up to make sure that the buyer doesn’t try to scam you.
Finally, never agree to wire money or accept personal or cashier’s checks from buyers. These types of payments can be faked and are a major risk, says Scott LaPedis, senior director of security at Craigslist.
If you’re dealing with a foreign buyer, it’s also wise to ask them to meet you in person before transferring the money. This will eliminate most payment scams and ensure that you are dealing with a legitimate buyer.
3. Transfer it to PayPal or Venmo
If you’re a PayPal or Venmo user, adding a Visa gift card to your account is a convenient way to treat the balance like cash. It can also make it easier to transfer money between your wallet and a bank account.
It’s a great way to save money, and it’s easy to do. Once you’ve loaded the funds on your PayPal balance, you can use them to pay for purchases online and in stores where the service is accepted. Alternatively, you can send them to other PayPal users or a bank account that’s linked to your PayPal wallet.
You can also add a money order to your PayPal balance by using the PayPal app on your smartphone or tablet. It’s free to do this, and it’ll usually arrive in a few days, depending on your country.
Another option is to sell the money order on a site like Craigslist or eBay. This will typically get you the most for the money, though it can be risky if you don’t do it right.
If you’d rather use your money order as a savings account, try using an app like Ibotta. It’s a free service that gives you cash back on groceries, medicine, and other items. You can even earn a bonus for each purchase you make with the app.
Lastly, if you need to get some cash quickly, consider transferring the funds from your Visa gift card to your Venmo account. This is a quick and easy way to transfer money from your card to your bank account, and it’s free if you select the Instant Transfer option.
The only downside to this option is that it can take up to a few business days for the funds to show up in your Venmo account. If you don’t want to wait that long, choose the Standard Transfer option and you’ll be able to get the money in your bank account within one to three days.
In addition to being a great way to save money, converting your Visa gift card to your PayPal or Venmo balance can be helpful for online purchases. In fact, most major merchants accept these payment methods, so you can treat the balance like cash and make payments from anywhere that supports this method of paying.
4. Use it to pay your bills
Adding money to a visa gift card is simple and convenient. It’s also an excellent way to pay bills or save for a future purchase.
The first thing you should do is check the balance on your gift card. You can do this by calling a toll-free number or checking the website for your issuer. It’s best to know the balance ahead of time so that you can plan your purchases wisely.
You can also use a money order to make payments. Many banks and other financial institutions accept money orders, and they are typically mailed to the recipient. To use a money order, simply fill out the form and add the account number of the bill you want to pay.
A money order is a great option for people who don’t have a bank account or credit card. You can buy one from a local money order company, or you can buy one online. You can even pay a friend or family member using a money order.
If you’re short on cash, you can buy a money order with your gift card and then transfer the value of the money order into your account. This will help you avoid paying fees and interest rates.
Another option is to sell your gift card on an app that will buy it from you and resell it. However, these apps will charge a fee for this service, which can quickly add up to a significant amount.
Some exchange kiosks will also offer to convert your gift card for cash. They’ll also take a small fee, but they’re a decent option for those who don’t need the card anymore.
The downside to this method is that you may lose the card’s value. It’s also likely that the process will take a long time, so this isn’t always the best option for everyone.
Another option is to use your Visa gift card to pay for necessities like groceries or gas. This will reduce your out-of-pocket expenses and allow you to use more of your gift card.
