How to Buy a Gift Card with a Credit Card?

Credit cards are America’s way to buying literally everything they need. From day-to-day purchases to the most important purchases of their lives, everything transaction is mostly conducted on a credit card.

In America, the usage of credit cards is so much that over 800 million credit cards are currently in circulation in the United States with the average American holds 3.9 credit cards in their wallet. So, today we are going to talk about can you buy a gift card with a credit card. 

Gift cards are prepaid cards that can be used to purchase items from specific stores. Having them can help you budget and make sure that your expenses are taken care of.  

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In today’s article, we will further explore: 

• Can you buy gift cards with a credit card? 
• Why use a credit card to buy gift cards? 
• Where can you buy gift cards with a credit card? 
• What types of gift cards can you buy with a credit card? 

So, let’s begin without further ado. 

Is it Possible to Buy Gift Cards with a Credit Card? 

Yep, you can you buy a gift card with a credit card. It’s usually as easy as grabbing milk at the store. But (and there’s always a “but,” right?), sometimes it gets tricky, especially with those Visa gift cards. 

Where you shop (online vs. Target run) and the type of card matters. It makes total sense to wonder if you can just grab a gift card with your trusty credit card. After all, it’s how we buy pretty much everything else these days! 

Let’s chat about how it works in real life. 

Why Use a Credit Card to Buy Gift Cards? 

Honestly? It just makes sense most of the time: 

Convenience is King: Swiping your card at CVS or clicking “buy” online is way faster than hunting for cash. Especially when you need that digital e-gift card now because your Aunt’s birthday Zoom call starts in 10 minutes.  

Digital Life: How e-gift card work is perfect for our busy lives. Buy it online, it zips straight to their email or phone – no worrying about losing the plastic card in your junk drawer. Great for friends or family far away, too. (Though, if you do lose a physical card, knowing how to trace a gift card or report a lost gift card is key!). 

Last-Minute Lifesaver: Forgot a teacher appreciation gift? Need a quick wedding present? A gift card bought with your credit card is often the easiest save. 

Where Can You Buy Gift Cards with a Credit Card? 

Good news, you’ve got options, depending on whether you’re scrolling in your PJs or doing a Target run: 

Physical Stores 

Places like Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, Best Buy, you know the drill. They usually have those big gift card racks right by the checkout. Swipe your credit card just like you would for anything else. Easy peasy for store cards (Target card at Target, Starbucks card, etc.). 

Heads up: Rules for buying Visa or Mastercard gift cards here can be strict, more on that below. 

Online & Apps 

Straight from the Source: Need an Amazon card? Just hop on Amazon.com. Starbucks card? Starbucks.com. Super straightforward. 

Gift Card Hubs: Sites like SendCredit.com, GiftCards.com, or Raise are like one-stop shops for tons of different gift cards you can buy with a credit card. Pick physical (mailed) or digital (emailed/texted instantly). They’re good at security, so make sure your credit card billing info matches up. 

Gas Stations & Grocery Stores: Often yes, especially for their own branded cards or popular retailers. Great spot if you’re already filling up or grabbing groceries. 

What Types of Gift Cards Can You Buy with a Credit Card? 

The list is huge! Pretty much any gift cards you can buy with a credit card fall into these buckets: 

• Store or Restaurant Cards: Amazon, Target, Sephora, Apple, Starbucks, Olive Garden, Netflix, Home Depot, you name it. This is the easiest and most rewarding way to use your credit card. Rarely any issues. 

• General “Spend Anywhere” Cards: Visa, Mastercard, Amex gift cards. Possible, but remember the cash advance headache potential discussed above. Use trusted online sources like Send Credit if you go this route. 

• Digital (E-Gift Cards) vs. Physical: Both are easy buys online with a credit card. Physical cards are common in stores. E-gift cards are instant lifesavers. 

Limits? Usually, yes. Cards often have min ($5-$10) and max ($500-$1000) loads. Stores might also limit how many you can buy at once to prevent scams. 

Can You Buy a Visa Gift Card with a Credit Card? 

Alright, let’s tackle the elephant in the room. Can you buy a Visa gift card with a credit card? But here’s where your credit card company might throw a curveball: 

• The “Cash Advance” Surprise: Many banks see buying a Visa, Mastercard, or Amex prepaid gift card (basically like cash) as a cash advance. It’s not like buying a sweater. 
• Fees: Cash advances usually come with a nasty fee – like 5% of the amount or $10, whichever is more. 
• Interest Starts Now: No grace period. Interest piles up immediately at a higher rate than your normal purchases. 
• Bye-Bye Rewards: You probably won’t earn those sweet points or cash back on this buy. 
• Store Drama: Some physical stores just won’t let you buy these prepaid cards with a credit card. According to them, there is too much fraud risk. Online spots like SendCredit.com are often smoother for this, as they handle it differently. 

So, the real answer to “can you buy a Visa gift card with a credit card?” Is to proceed with caution. Always check your credit card’s fine print on cash advances and the store’s policy. Sometimes using your debit card is just simpler and cheaper for these. 

Things to Watch Out for When Buying Gift Cards with Credit Cards 

Keep these in mind to keep it smooth: 

Your Credit Card’s Fine Print: That cash advance policy? Crucial, especially for Visa/Mastercard buys. A quick call to your bank can save you cash. (The invention of gift cards was genius, but the rules? Not always simple). 

Store Rules Rule: Don’t assume! Some stores limit how many gift cards you can buy with a credit card, the dollar amount, or block certain types entirely. Just ask or look for a sign. 

Scams Suck: Only buy from places you trust – big stores, official brand websites, legit marketplaces (Send Credit, etc.). Skip random sellers on Facebook Marketplace. Check cards for scratches or tampering before buying. If something seems too good to be true (like free gift cards), it probably is. 

Lost Cards & Refunds: If a gift card gets lost or stolen, contact the gift card company fast. Your credit card company usually can’t help recover the funds. Know how to trace a gift card or check its balance online beforehand. Refunds on gift card purchases can be tricky too. 

Fees Happen: Prepaid Visa/Mastercards often have an upfront fee ($3-$7). Some even charge if you don’t use them fast enough. Factor that in! Also, if gifting internationally, double-check if gift cards work internationally for that brand. 

Stacking Cards: You usually can’t get gift card using a gift card at most regular stores. Save that gift card balance for shopping! 

Tips to Maximize Your Gift Card Purchase 

A few quick tips to get the most out of your money: 

1. Rewards Power: Got a card that gives extra cash back at supermarkets or drugstores? Use it there to buy gift cards and double dip. 

2. Cashback Apps: Stack deals! Use apps like Rakuten or Capital One Shopping while buying gift cards online to earn extra cash back on top of your credit card rewards. 

3. Look for Deals: Sometimes marketplaces sell gift cards for slightly less than face value. 

Final Thoughts 

So, can you buy a gift card with a credit card? Absolutely yes. Is it a good idea? Most of the time yes but be smart about it. 

The Good: Super convenient, great for earning rewards (especially on store cards!), perfect for digital gifts, safer than cash. 

The Not-So-Good: Potential cash advance fees/interest on Visa/Mastercard cards bought certain ways, store limits, gotta watch for scams, some fees apply. 

For store-specific cards? Go for it! It’s usually a no-brainer and a rewards win. For those “spend anywhere” Visa/Mastercard cards? Tread carefully. Buy wisely, earn those perks, and gift with ease!