I remember the first time I heard the term, Visa gift card, and I thought it was a Visa debit card. I paid my uncle a visit, and we were about to leave the house and get some groceries. He instructed me to go to his room and get his Visa gift card. I went to his room and picked up his Visa debit card instead.
The story is more interesting because my uncle never checked what I was holding until we reached the mini-mart. We had picked all we wanted, and it was time to pay. He requested his gift card, but I presented him with the debit card instead.
Although he was able to pay with his Visa debit card, I felt so embarrassed. My uncle and the store attendant laughed so hard, which made me so sad. After that event, I had to check the difference.
I remember the exact words I searched, and that’s the heading here: Visa gift card and Visa debit card: what is the difference between both cards? Follow closely as I help you identify the distinct features of both cards.
Visa Gift Card
A Visa gift card is one of the most popular gift cards. Like an Amazon gift card, it is accepted in most retail stores. A Visa gift card is always preloaded with a fixed amount of money, which the holder can use to get their desired items.
A Visa gift card is not linked to a bank account, though it can be used for both online and in-store purchases. Also, there may be a token of $2.95 or $5.95 as activation fees. However, you don’t have to worry about any additional payment, such as a monthly charge.
As the name implies, a Visa gift card is gifted to people on their special occasions. The holder can choose to use it to shop or exchange it for cash. If you are in Nigeria, Ridima is the best place to get the highest gift card rates.
Visa Debit Card
A Visa Debit card is issued by a bank or financial institution. It is linked to a traditional bank account and allows the owner direct access to their funds. Due to its wide acceptance, most Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), physical and online stores, and locations accept Visa debit cards for payment.
You can also add your Visa Debit card to mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay, and other types of contactless payment. It makes the shopping experience seamless. Note that you cannot get a Visa debit card anywhere else except your local bank.
Comparing Visa Gift Card with Visa Debit Card
The truth is that you can use both your Visa Gift Card and Visa Debit Card to make payments. Also, you can argue that both cards belong to the same mother-body, Visa. However, a gift card does not function like a debit card.
Here are the major differences between a Visa Gift Card and a Visa Debit Card;
By Function;
- Gift cards are not reloadable, while debit cards are.
- Gift cards cannot be used for cash withdrawal, but debit cards can be.
- Gift cards can be good presents, while debit cards are not good gift options.
- Gift cards may require activation fees, but debit cards do not.
- Gift cards do not attract monthly maintenance charges, while debit cards come with maintenance fees.
- You can combine multiple Visa gift cards to perform a transaction, which is impossible with their debit card counterparts.
Read more: How to Combine Visa Gift Card
By Structure;
There are several physical attributes that can help you determine the difference between a Visa gift card and a Visa debit card. They include;
- Card details
Both cards have different card information. See details below;
- A Visa gift card: card name, expiration date, and maybe the recipient’s name (for specific gift cards).
- A Visa debit card: The recipient’s name, expiration date, card number, and CVV (security code).
- Branding and Logos
Both cards will have the Visa icon. However, a debit card will also have an icon showing the bank (card issuer). It may also have other logos from other brands.
How to Purchase A Visa Gift Card Online
Ridima provides the easiest process for purchasing a Visa gift card. In a few steps, you can begin;
- Register and set up your account profile.
- Verify your BVN for added security.
- Add your bank account details for easy fund withdrawal.
- Click TRADE GIFT CARDS and select BUY GIFT CARDS.
- Search for VISA gift card.
- Specify the currency and card type (Physical card, Ecode, Receipt, etc.).
- Enter card details: sub-category, value, and amount.
- Review the payout in Naira and proceed.
- Confirm the transaction and receive instant cash in your account wallet for withdrawal or card equivalent.
If you want a physical card, you can walk into any retail store, such as Walmart or Target. Supermarkets and convenience stores can also be good sources.
Conclusion
By now, you should be able to state the difference between a Visa gift card and a Visa debit card. Much more than the difference in functionalities, you can use the card structure to tell the difference. Learn more about gift cards and how they work on Ridima.
