If you receive a Visa gift card or a Mastercard gift card, then you have to activate the card before the card works. However, if you purchase the gift card directly from Mastercardgiftcard.com then in most cases the card is ready for use immediately. If required then you can also activate your Gift Card and check the balance at https://balance.mastercardgiftcard.com. You can also call the toll-free number listed on the back of your card and activate the card.
Key Takeaways
- When you buy a gift card at the store, it is mandatory to activate the gift card before you can use it
- In most case, if you buy the gift card online then you will need to activate the card before you can use it
- Usually, bank-issued gift cards that arrive in the mail need to be activated
- In order to activate the gift card, you will need to have the gift card account number and the card verification number (CVN) from the card
- You can’t ship a Mastercard gift card to PO Boxes, APO or FPO addresses, or international addresses
What Is Gift Card Activation?
For many people, gift card activation is a bit confusing because we use the word “activation” differently depending on where we are buying the gift card. That being said, gift card activation is simple. When you buy a gift card at the store, you take the gift card to the cash register and ask the cashier to load money onto the card. Here, the cashier will take the card, activate the card, and then load the dollar amount requested by you. If you buy the gift card online then you will need to activate the card before you can use it. The gift card you have ordered online is valid and the balance purchased is on the card but you can’t use the card unless you activate the card. The whole gift card activation process is a security measure.
Why Gift Card Activation Is Required?
To make things simple you can consider a gift card as a bank account. When you open a bank account, the bank will give you an account number, and a debit card that allows you to spend the money in that account. Gift cards work similarly; when you buy a gift card, the issuer creates a temporary account to hold your funds for late use. Therefore, you have to activate the card so the temporary account can be set up and prepared to receive withdrawal transactions, additional deposits, etc. If you don’t activate the gift card, then the payment transaction will be declined because the card is not activated. Usually, bank-issued gift cards that arrive in the mail need to be activated.
How To Activate A Gift Card?
Activating a gift card is very simple. Usually, Visa® gift cards, Mastercard® gift cards, Discover® gift cards, and other bank gift cards come with activation instructions. These instructions include a link to a website address or a telephone number to call. For example, if you purchase gift cards from Giftcards.com, then the card will be delivered with an instruction sheet and a shorter set of instructions on a sticker across the front of the gift card. In order to activate the gift card, you will need to have the gift card account number and the card verification number (CVN) from the card. The gift card account number is typically 16-digits and embossed on the front of the gift card and the CVV is typically printed on the back of the card.
How To Activate Mastercard Gift Card Online
Activating the Mastercard gift card online is a simple process. Follow the below steps –
1. First, open a browser on your computer and visit https://www.giftcardgranny.com/activate/
2. When the full-page loads, enter the 16-digit card number in the box provided
3. Then enter the 3-digit security code (CVV) in the next box
4. Finally, click on the “Activate your gift card” button to complete the process
FAQs About How Do I Activate A Mastercard Gift Card
Where Can I Ship A Gift Card To?
You can ship a Mastercard gift card to one address, which can be different from the billing address. However, you can’t ship the card to PO Boxes, APO or FPO addresses, or international addresses. Moreover, Mastercard Gift Card can’t be shipped to Hawaii or Vermont.
Where Can I Buy A Mastercard Gift Card?
You can buy Mastercard Gift Cards online at MastercardGiftCard.com. You can also buy these gift cards at participating retail locations. Some key places where you can find/buy Mastercard gift cards are –
| Super Markets | Drug Stores | Retail Stores/Gas Station |
| AlbertsonsBashasBig Y FoodsBi-LoFood 4 LessFood LionFoodscoGiant FoodsGiant EagleH-E-BKing KullenKing SoopersKrogerMartinsParkway MarketPathmarkPrice ChopperRoundysSafewaySav-A-CenterStater BrothersStop & ShopWalmartWegmansWinn Dixie | BartellsCVSDuane ReadeLongs DrugsRite AidWalgreens | Chevron TexacoCircle KDollar GeneralOffice DepotOffice MaxStaplesSuper Dollar7-ElevenTree Top Kids |
Does MastercardGiftCard.com Sell eGift Cards?
Yes, MastercardGiftCard.com sells eGift cards for email delivery. While buying a Mastercard Gift card, you have to select ‘email’ as a delivery type on your choice of card and follow the steps to purchase.
Are Mastercard Gift Cards Automatically Activated?
Usually, Mastercard gift cards are automatically activated when purchased but if your card is not activated then you can easily activate the card by calling the customer service number on the back of the card.
How Do You Use A Mastercard Debit Gift Card?
You can use the Mastercard debit gift card as a payment method where Mastercard is accepted. While making the payment make sure you press the gift card button. Moreover, if you are making an online purchase then you should also choose “Gift card” as the payment method.
References:
1. https://www.giftcards.com/gcgf/how-to-activate-giftcards
2. https://www.giftcardgranny.com/activate/
Last Updated on October 28, 2022 by Magalie D.
Magalie D. is a Diploma holder in Public Administration & Management from McGill University of Canada. She shares management tips here in MGTBlog when she has nothing to do and gets some free time after working in a multinational company at Toronto.
