Activate Your Gift Card Online, In Person, or By Phone

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Get your gift card all ready to go before you head out on your big shopping spree

Co-authored by Dev Murphy, MA

Last Updated: November 8, 2024 Fact Checked

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Whether you’ve received a gift card from someone for your special day or you’re thinking of getting one for someone else, it can be tricky to know if the card is automatically activated, or if you need to take steps yourself to activate it. Some gift cards are activated by the cashier when you buy them, while others are activated online or over the phone. Keep reading to get the skinny on how to set up your gift card so there’s nothing standing in between you (or your loved one) and shopping bliss.

Things You Should Know

Follow the URL on the front of the card and enter the card’s ID number, activation code, or PIN. If the card was emailed, use that activation code instead.
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.
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.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Online

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1
Locate the URL printed on the card. If your card requires activation before making purchases, there will be a website printed on the front or back of the card, either directly onto the card or onto a sticker.^{[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.
- There may also be a toll-free phone number on your card. If you wish, you can call the number instead of going to the website.
- Check the back of the card for specific instructions if you don’t see an activation sticker.
- If you have a virtual gift card or eGift, check your email for instructions on how to activate your card.
2
Type the provided URL into your search bar exactly as it appears. Input the URL carefully and press “enter.” You’ll arrive at the gift card activation page, and be one step closer to activating your gift card!
- Double check the link before you press “enter.” There are gift card scams out there that prey on people who accidentally type in the wrong URL for activation.^{[2]
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Enter the required information into the website. In order to activate your gift card, the website will likely ask you to confirm the card’s ID number or activation code. You may or may not be asked to input information about yourself, such as your zipcode.^{[3]
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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
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’re 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:

In Person

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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.^{[5]
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- There are often many different designs and patterns available for the same gift card, so look at the full selection before you decide.
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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.^{[6]
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- Many businesses let you choose the exact amount to load. However, some gift cards are only sold with set balances such as $25, $50, or $100.
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Activate the card by purchasing it. 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.^{[7]
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- If you’re 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.
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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.^{[8]
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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:

By Phone

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1
Find the activation information on your card. If a card needs to be activated, the ID number and activation code will be on the card, as well as a website and toll-free phone number via which you can activate the card. Gift cards that need activation may also require you to use a PIN. 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.
- If you don’t see this sticker or something similar on your card, it’s probably ready to use and doesn’t need activation.
- 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 to activate the card and check the balance.
- Only some gift cards have PIN. If you don’t see one on your card, don’t get worried!
2
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’re prepared to 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.
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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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- If you speak to a live agent, you’ll be asked to say your activation numbers out loud. If you’re directed to an automated voice messaging system, you may have the option of saying your numbers or of inputting them using your keypad.
4
Call customer service if you run into trouble. If you can’t figure out if you need to activate the card or not, or if you have any difficulty inputting your information over the phone, 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.

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Is there a gift card that doesn't require me to expose my social security number to theft?

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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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Some gift cards require you to confirm your identity with your social security number, but many don't! There are definitely options.

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I bought a wrong gift card and I never used it. Can I return it for another one?

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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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Many stores allow you to make returns within a certain timeframe—often 30 to 90s days. While some stores may not accept gift card returns (even if they're not used), some will with a receipt. Check the back of your card for terms and conditions, and call the store where you bought the card to confirm that they'll take it back. If the store won't take it back, see if any of your friends or family will buy the card off you; maybe one of them likes to shop at that store!

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Why can't I pay bills with my card? The website is not working.

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Some companies don't accept gift cards, unfortunately. Many gas and electric companies only accept debit and credit cards or bank accounts. If you're not sure if the bills you're trying to pay are payable with gift cards, try calling the company directly to ask.

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Tips

Gift cards are either closed-loop or open-loop. Closed-loop gift cards can only be redeemed with a specified retailer, whereas open-loop gift cards can be redeemed by any retailer where the specified payment card processor is accepted. Open-loop gift cards are sold for large payment card processors such as Visa, MasterCard, or American Express.^{[12]
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