Visa Gift Card bought at store

Question

i just bought a visa gift card at CVS pharmacy. do i need to call someone or go to some website to activate it??

Answer 1

You don't have to activate it to use it. However, if you plan to use it online, then you need to register it with the gift card issuer.

The problem with using Visa (or any other bank issued) gift card online is that there is no verifiable name and address associated with the card. When buying things online, most merchants want your name and billing address to match the name and address you have on file with your card (credit, debit, or bank gift card) issuer.

Therefore, before you use your Visa or other bank issued gift card, call the merchant/financial institution that issued the card or go to their website and add your name and address to the card. This will ensure that when you use the card online, the name and address you provide to the merchant for billing will match the name and address on file for the card. Once you have registered your card, you can use it online just like you would use a regular credit card.