Venmo is a unique payment app that connects people just like a social media platform. You can not only connect with your friends through the app but also send and receive gift cards from them. If you have just received a gift card, you must know how to add it to Venmo to avail of its amazing benefits on different e-commerce websites. But how can you add a gift card to Venmo?
Whether you have a Visa card or a Mastercard card, you can easily add it to your Venmo account. If you’ve already added a debit card to Venmo, follow the same steps to link a card to your Venmo account.
You can add Discover and American Express cards to your Venmo account besides Visa and Mastercard. To use the card for purchases, it must have enough funds. If it doesn’t, you can always transfer money to it from your Venmo account or vice versa. Read now to learn how to add cards to Venmo and use it to buy your favorite items.
Gift Cards on Venmo
Venmo works with multiple card companies, including Visa, American Express, MasterCard, and Discover. So, you can add any of these cards to your Venmo account and enjoy different discounts on participating retail stores.
Once you successfully add your Visa card to Venmo, you can transfer money between both. For instance, you can reload your Venmo Balance with the card. Similarly, you can add funds to your card from your account balance.
Once you have sufficient balance, you can use it to purchase at any store you want. You can also scan your Venmo account’s QR code at the retail store that accepts it. You can also withdraw money from your Visa gift card when linked to your Venmo.
How to Add Gift Card to Venmo
You can add cards to Venmo from the app installed on your mobile and the website on your computer. Remember, gift cards work the same as debit or credit cards. So, if you’ve previously added your debit card to your Venmo account, you can easily link a gift card.
Follow the below steps to add a gift card to Venmo:
Step 1: Launch the Venmo App
You can download it on your iPhone from the App Store or Android phone from Google Play Store. Once done, launch the app and wait for the homepage to load. You can also visit Venmo’s official website on your computer.
Step 2: Log in To Your ID
Enter your Venmo credentials (email ID and password) in the app and log in to your account.
Step 3: Open the Menu
On the next screen, tap on the three horizontal lines or hamburger icon on the top-left corner of your screen.
Step 4: Choose Settings
Look for “Settings” in the menu. Tap on it to proceed.
Step 5: Select Payment Methods
The Settings menu will display multiple options. Look underneath the “Preferences” section and choose “Payment Methods” to move forward.
Step 6: Tap “Add Bank or Card”
Now, tap “Add Bank or Card” on the next screen and wait for some time. Another menu will appear. Choose “Card.”
Step 7: Enter the Card Details
You will now be asked to add a gift card to Venmo by entering the details about your card. Make sure you’re entering the correct information. You can also avoid the chances of error by scanning the gift card from your phone’s camera.
Step 8: Hit the Add Button
Finally, press the Add button and allow Venmo to process the information. The gift card will then be added to your Venmo account, allowing you to purchase at your favorite retail store.
How To Transfer Money From a Gift Card To Your Venmo Account
Once you link your gift card to the Venmo account, you can now transfer money between both accounts. Typically, these transactions require 3 to 5 days to become successful, so you must wait a few days to reload them. Here is how you can transfer money from a gift card to your Venmo account:
- Start by opening the Venmo app on your phone and tapping the Profile or “Me” icon. It will look like the person with the “dollar” sign.
- On the next screen, tap on “Manage Balance,” present next to your Venmo Balance.
- Now, type in the amount you want to transfer to your Venmo account. Next, select the gift card you just added to your account to initiate the transfer.
- Venmo will now allow you to change the date of arrival for the funds to your account. Once done, tap “Add Now” to complete the process.
Congrats, you have now transferred money to your Venmo account from your gift card.
How To Transfer Money From Your Venmo Account To the Gift Card
Once you add a gift card to Venmo, you can transfer money to and from your gift card and Venmo account. But first, you must verify your card on Venmo. It’s better to perform this process on the Venmo app on your mobile as it’s way more convenient.
Follow the below steps to reload your gift card from your Venmo account:
- First, download the Venmo app on your device and launch it.
- Log in to your account and navigate the “Me” tab by tapping the profile icon.
- Now, hit the “Add or Transfer” button.
- Tap on the money you want to add to your gift card from the Venmo account.
- Pick the gift card you wish to transfer money to.
- Choose “Instant” to transfer the funds to your gift card in just a few seconds. However, a certain fee will apply to this payment mode. To avoid it, you can choose the “1-3 business days” to transfer the money without any charges.
- Finally, select “Transfer,” and you’re good to go!
Why Should You a Add Gift Card to Venmo?
Now that you know how to add a gift card to Venmo and transfer money to and from both accounts, the question is: “Why do you have to do this in the first place?” What benefits will you get by adding your gift card to your Venmo account? Well, first off, you will have a good financial backup.
Here are some other reasons you should add a gift card to Venmo:
Zero Restrictions
Once your Venmo account is linked with your gift card, you can use it to buy anything, unlike a standard debit card. There is no additional fee as well. What is more, you can use your card virtually too! You can also transfer money to your gift card from your Venmo account or vice versa.
When using a gift card, you don’t need to maintain a good credit history as you do with a bank account or debit card. There are also no limits on your spending. Just recharge your gift card whenever you’re about to run out of funds.
A Strong Financial Backup
If your gift card is prepaid, you’ll have a solid financial backup to help you in all emergencies. Just charge the card often so that you won’t run out of cash. You can transfer money from your Venmo account to top up your gift card. In case your Venmo Balance runs low, you can recharge it from your linked bank account or debit card. Then, transfer that money to your gift card, and you’re good to go.
Want to pay for any goods or services on Venmo but don’t have a sufficient balance in your account? Simply transfer the funds from your gift card to Venmo and pay for the goods or services immediately. When you add a gift card to Venmo, you also include a lot of flexibility in how you spend your money!
Recharge Your Card Through Your Friends
Venmo allows users to send and receive payments with just a few taps. You simply have to enter the amount in the app and hit the “Request” button to ask someone for the payment. Once you receive money in your Venmo account, you can keep it as your balance or use it to pay for items in-store.
You can also refill your gift card with your friends’ money. In fact, they can also send you a “gift” on Venmo, especially to reload your gift card. That’s very convenient when you’re about to run out of cash during shopping.
However, instant transfers may charge you a specific fee for the transfer, but it takes only a few seconds to refill the card. You can also opt for the standard option if the payment isn’t urgent, as it takes three to five days for the money to reach your gift card.
Adding a gift card to your Venmo account brings a lot of financial convenience to your shopping experience.
Transfer Funds to Your Bank Account
Another advantage of adding a gift card to your Venmo account is that you can even transfer the funds to your linked bank account. Simply add the gift card using the steps we’ve outlined above, then go the the “Transfer Money” option and select “Transfer to Bank”. From there you can simply create the transfer and move all or part of the funds as you wish.
Wrap Up
You can add a gift card to Venmo just like a standard debit card. Open the app’s settings, choose “Payment Methods,” select “Add bank or card,” and enter the card details. Then, tap “Add” and wait for Venmo to process the information. After verification, your gift card will be added to your account.
You can quickly transfer money from your gift card to your Venmo account and vice versa in case one runs out of funds. This way, you will always have a financial backup. Besides Visa, Venmo supports Mastercard, Discover, and American Express gift cards.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©rafapress/Shutterstock.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Venmo accept gift cards?
Venmo accepts all sorts of credit, debit, and prepaid gift cards from American Express, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. However, Venmo requires you to register these cards under your name if you plan to add them to your account.
How do I transfer money from my gift card to Venmo?
You can transfer money from your gift card to Venmo after linking it to your account. The process is the same as transferring money to and from your bank account. Just tap the “Me” tab and choose “Manage Balance.” Then, type the amount, select the gift card, and tap “Add Now.”
What gift cards work with Venmo?
Venmo is compatible with Visa, American Express, Mastercard, and Discover gift cards. You must register your card with your name before linking it to your Venmo account. Once done, add the card to your Venmo account and let the platform verify your identity.
How do I use a gift on Venmo?
You can send and receive gifts from your friends on Venmo, often called gift-wrapped transactions, without additional cost. Just tap “Pay or Request” on your app’s homepage, enter the information about the recipient on the next screen, and tap “Pay.” The payment will be sent instantly!
How do I convert Visa gift cards to cash on Venmo?
You can convert your Visa gift cards to cash on Venmo by adding them to your account. Once linked, you can transfer money from your gift card to your bank account. Once the funds reach your bank account, you can withdraw them instantly. The good thing is that it doesn’t come with any fee!
Why is my gift card not working on Venmo?
Your gift card may not work with Venmo for many reasons. Sometimes, Venmo may decline your transactions because of insufficient funds, or it could flag your card as fraud. You can contact Venmo Support to confirm your identity to get the approval.
