How to Activate a Gift Card

Co-authored by Amber Crain

Last Updated: October 25, 2022 References

Gift cards are a great option when you don't know what to buy for your family or friends! Many gift cards are activated when they're purchased, so they don't need to be activated by the recipient. However, some do need to be activated by the recipient before they can be used. You can activate a gift card by calling the merchant or accessing the provided URL and inputting the correct activation numbers.

Things You Should Know

Follow the URL on the front of the card and enter the card’s ID number, activation code, or PIN number. If the card was emailed, use that activation code instead.
Buy a gift card in person, choose the amount you want to load onto it, and have the cashier activate it once the purchase is complete.
Activate the gift card by phone instead. Find the activation sticker on the front, call the number provided, and follow automated prompts to complete the process.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using the Provided URL to Activate Your Card

1
Locate the URL by checking the sticker on the front of the card. There’s usually a white sticker or some other indicator prominently displayed on the front of the card if it requires activation. You should see a toll-free number and/or a website link on the sticker that you need to use to activate the card.^{[1]
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- Your card is probably ready to use and doesn’t need activation if you don’t see a sticker or other indicators.
- Check the back of the card for specific instructions if you don’t see an activation sticker.
2
Type the provided URL into your search bar exactly as it appears. Type the URL carefully and double check it before you press “enter.” There are gift card scams out there that prey on people who accidentally type in the wrong URL for activation.

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3
Enter the ID number, activation code, and/or PIN number. Typically, the first number that you enter is the identification number, but the spaces should be labeled accordingly on the web page. The second number that you enter is usually the activation code or PIN that activates the card. The activation code is usually shorter than the identification number.^{[2]
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- If you have trouble working out what numbers to use, contact the customer service department phone number on the back of the card.
- The gift card is ready to use as soon as you activate it!
4
Use the emailed activation code if you received a virtual card or eGift. Virtual gift cards are sent to your email address. The email will provide instructions and any necessary activation codes to complete the process online. Virtual cards may have directions about claiming eGifts rather than activating them.^{[3]
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5
Register your card online or by phone to prevent theft. Some merchants offer gift card registration to protect them from loss or theft. If you are concerned about the safety of your gift card, or if it is of particularly high value, contact the customer service phone number or visit the merchant's website to register it.
- You'll need the identification number, the activation code or PIN, your name, and your address to register the card.^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Buying a Gift Card in Person

1
Pick the gift card that you want to purchase. Some stores have a range of gift cards available to purchase from many different retailers. This is common at supermarkets and department stores. Alternatively, other stores will only sell gift cards that can be used for that particular retailer. This is typical of clothing stores, food outlets, and smaller, local businesses.
- There are often many different designs and patterns available for the same gift card, so look at the full selection before you decide.
2
Choose the amount you want to load onto the card. A gift card is the equivalent of cash that can be used with a particular merchant. There is usually a minimum and maximum amount that can be loaded onto the card, which typically ranges from $10 and up to $500. Decide the amount that you want to be loaded onto the gift card once you have purchased it.^{[5]
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- Many gift cards have the option of you choosing the exact amount to load. However, some gift cards are only sold with set balances such as $25, $50, or $100. In this scenario, pick a gift card with a set balance that is closest to the amount that you want to spend.
3
Purchase the gift card to get it activated. Take the gift card to the cashier and say the amount that you want to load onto the card if it doesn’t have a set amount specified. The cashier will load and activate the gift card as you purchase it.^{[6]
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- If you have any questions about the terms and conditions, or the expiry date of the gift card, ask the cashier.
- If you are concerned about the activation of the gift card, check with the cashier that it is properly activated and ready to use. The cashier may provide you with a receipt confirming that the card has been activated.
4
Keep the gift card and the receipt in a safe place. The receipt will provide proof of purchase and activation of the gift card. Keep the receipt for as long as you have the gift card, just in case it doesn't work as it should.^{[7]
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- The receipt will be useful if you have any problems with the gift card at a later stage.
- It can also be a good idea to give the recipient of the gift card the receipt in case they encounter any problems with the card.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Activating a Gift Card by Phone

1
Locate the activation sticker on the front of the card. If your gift card requires activation, there’s usually a white sticker or some other indicator prominently displayed on the front that says so. These stickers typically provide a toll-free number or a website link that you need to use to activate the card.^{[8]
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- If you don’t see this sticker or something similar on your card, it’s probably ready to use and doesn’t need activation.
- You can also check for specific instructions printed on the back of the card or included with the packaging.
2
Find the ID number, activation code, and/or PIN number. If a card needs to be activated, the ID number and activation code will be on the sticker. Gift cards that need activation may also require you to use a PIN number. Flip the card over and look for a sticker or area that looks similar to scratch-off material on lottery tickets. Pull off the sticker or use a coin to scratch off the material to obtain the PIN number.
- Be careful not to scratch the covering off too roughly, or you might remove the numbers underneath.^{[9]
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- You may need the PIN number to activate the card and check the balance.
- Only some gift cards have PIN numbers. If you don’t see one on your card, don’t get worried!
3
Call the provided phone number to start the activation process. Dial the phone number on the sticker exactly as it appears and wait for instructions. Be sure to have your gift card in front of you so you can input or communicate the information required to complete the activation process.^{[10]
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- The phone number will probably be a toll-free 800 number.
4
Follow the automated prompts or speak with an agent. After you dial the number, you’ll either hear automated instructions or get a live customer service representative on the line. Follow the instructions you're given to correctly provide the activation numbers.^{[11]
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5
Call customer service if you aren’t sure what to do. If you can’t figure out if you need to activate the card or not, call the customer service number located on the back of the card. Follow the prompts until you get a live agent on the line. Then, ask them what you need to do. They can clear the matter up for you quickly!
- Be sure to read the information carefully, since some cards list 2 phone numbers: 1 for live customer service, and 1 for automated service that allows you to check the balance.
6
Use the gift card to make purchases from the correct merchant. Gift cards are either closed-loop or open-loop. Closed-loop gift cards can only be redeemed with a specified retailer. This means that the gift card can only be used to purchase goods at 1 specific company, such as at Walmart, Amazon, or iTunes. Open-loop gift cards can be redeemed by any retailer where the specified payment card processor is accepted. These types of cards are similar to standard, prepaid cards.
- Open-loop gift cards are sold for large payment card processors such as Visa, MasterCard, or American Express.^{[12]
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Community Q&A

Question

How do I find out how much a gift card has on it?

Kaitlyn Wislang

Community Answer

If your card doesn't specify the amount that is loaded on, look at the website for the merchant to see if you can check online. Alternatively, call the customer service team or visit the merchant in-store to get the amount checked.
Question

What should I do if my gift card won't work?

Community Answer

If you have the receipt, you could go back to the store and make an inquiry at the customer service desk. If you don't have the receipt, you could try the customer service desk anyway and try to explain the situation. You could also call the company or location where the gift card is valid (or where it was distributed) to ask what you should do in the event of a dud gift card. They should be able to look it up, see if it's been used, and issue a replacement if not.
Question

How do I make sure a gift receipt was activated if it isn't showing on my store receipt?

Kaitlyn Wislang

Community Answer

Visit the website for the store, as some companies let you check online if the card has been activated or not. Alternatively, return to the store to get the card checked.