Sending a Visa gift card by email or text message is a thoughtful way to share a gift that's quick, convenient and versatile. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, a holiday or just want to surprise someone, this guide will walk you step-by-step through the process, ensuring your gift is sent with ease and joy. Remove the worry about confusing shipping times or lost mail as your gift will be delivered directly to the recipient's inbox or phone, ready to be used whenever they choose, in mere moments.
According to a recent BHN/NAPCO study, the popularity of digital gift cards continues to grow and now makes up around 40% of all gift card sales. eGift cards have even been the most requested gift for 16 consecutive years and counting. Visa especially has seen demand for their digital gift cards steadily increase for the following reasons:
- Instant Delivery: Perfect for last minute gifts, send in mere seconds via email or text message
- Customizable: Include a personal message, photo or choose a themed animation
- Widely Accepted: Can be used online and at thousands and thousands of retailers accepting contactless Visa payments
- Secure: Digital gift cards are easier to keep track of and maintain than their physical counterparts
- Eco-friendly: No plastic, packaging or shipping byproducts in the manufacturing or delivery of digital gift cards
9 Steps to Send a Visa Gift Card Electronically
Step 1: Select Your Visa eGift
Only digital Visa gift cards can be sent electronically. Giftcards.com offers two different digital options:
- Visa Virtual Account: Only redeemable online in which the balance of the Virtual Account must cover the entire transaction amount
- Visa eGift Card: Redeemable for merchandise and services online and everywhere contactless Visa debit cards are accepted within the U.S.
Step 2: Choose the Amount
Decide on the amount you want to load onto the card. Prepaid Visa gift cards offer flexibility, allowing you to choose an amount that fits your budget and the occasion. Whether it's a small token of gratitude or a more generous gift, the choice is yours.
Step 3: Customize Your eGift
Add a personal touch by including a heartfelt message up to 350 characters. This is your chance to express your thoughts and make the gift even more special. A few kind words can make a world of difference and show the recipient how much you care. Be sure to keep it clean as your order may be denied if this field contains inappropriate content.
Additional personalization options include attaching a special photo from your library, social media account or meaningful online image, or choosing a custom Giftcards.com video animation that captures your sentiment.
Step 4: Choose Delivery Method
Decide whether you want to send the gift card via email or text message. Both options are convenient and allow the recipient to receive their gift promptly.
Step 5: Enter the Recipient's Information
- For Email: Provide the recipient's email address. Double-check this information to ensure the gift card is sent to the correct person and at a current email address that will be checked. This email will contain all the necessary details for the recipient to access and use their gift card.
- For Text Message: Enter the recipient's mobile phone number. Make sure the number is correct, as this is where the gift card will be sent.
Please note when adding in the recipient’s name, it is advisable to use the recipient’s legal (or preferred) first and last name rather than a nickname. As a security measure, some online shopping carts will decline an egift card if the name on the card does not match the user’s name on the retail website's checkout system.
Step 6: Select the Delivery Date
Choose when you'd like the gift card to be delivered. You have the option to send it immediately or schedule it for a future date. This flexibility allows you to plan ahead for special occasions or surprise someone unexpectedly with a last-minute gift.
Step 7: Proceed to Checkout
Once you've reviewed all the details of your gift order, proceed to checkout. Giftcards.com offers a variety of payment methods, including credit/debit cards, PayPal, Google Pay and Pay Later with Zip. Please note the order will include a $5.95 additional purchase fee that is charged by all retailers of virtual Visa gift cards, including Giftcards.com.
Step 8: Receive Confirmation
After completing your purchase, you'll receive a confirmation email. This email will serve as your receipt and provide you with peace of mind that your gift is on its way.
Step 9: Recipient Receives the Gift Card
- For Email: The recipient will receive an email with instructions on how to redeem their Visa gift card. This email will guide them through the process of activating and using their card, ensuring they can enjoy their gift without any hassle.
- For Text Message: The recipient will receive a text message with a link to redeem their Visa gift card. This link will provide all the necessary instructions for activating and using the card.
Visa Gift Email Delivery Tips
Follow these tips to ensure a smooth and successful gifting experience:
- If you do not hear from the recipient after the Visa egift card has been emailed, you might want to check in. The recipient may need to look in a SPAM folder or junk folder in their inbox to locate the gift.
- After delivery, encourage the recipient to activate and register the egift. This is an important step because it adds a name and address to the gift card which will facilitate its use, especially with more secure ecommerce shopping experiences where providing a zip code is required.
- Some virtual Visa gift cards are compatible with the likes of Google Wallet and Apple Wallet so if your recipient is tech savvy, suggest they add their gift card to their digital wallet of choice for easy storage and use.
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