Check your card balance instantly
Tips to remember
Generally prohibited usage
- Purchases outside of the United States
- Money transfers (Venmo, CashApp, PayPal, etc.)
- ATM access
- Purchase of gift cards (Excluding Amazon -online only)
- Gambling online or in casinos
- Dating services
- Adult entertainment
- Subscriptions/bill pays
- Online purchases that exceed the available balance on your card
- Pre-authorization charges may be added when using your card at select merchants.
Paying at the pump
Always pay the cashier inside and advise the exact amount you want the card authorized for. If you swipe your card at the pump the merchant will authorize the card for approximately $100 to $200.
Pre-authorization holds on funds generally expire in 4 days and the funds will be again available on your card without further action required.
Restaurants, salons, food delivery services, etc..
The merchant will typically request an authorization for approximately 20% more than the anticipated purchase amount to accommodate a gratuity that may be added to the receipt after the card is swiped. If you request a specific amount to be charged to your card, the additional 20% will still be added.
Example: Your total at a restaurant is $63. Your card will be swiped and an additional 20% charge ($12.60) will be added making your total $75.60.
The transaction will be declined if this amount exceeds the balance on your card.
The transaction will be successful if there are sufficient funds on your card. If a tip is not added to the receipt or paid with another form of payment, the $12.60 will be returned to your card's balance within 5-7 business days.
Pre-authorization holds on funds generally expire in 4 days and the funds will be again available on your card without further action required.
Frequently asked questions
How do I activate my Visa or Mastercard gift card online?
To activate your plastic Visa or Mastercard gift card online, you will need to enter:
- The 16-digit card number printed on the front of your gift card
- The 3-digit security code (CVV code) printed on the back of your card
Click on the "Activate" button and your card will immediately be ready for use.
Activation is not required for Visa or Mastercard Virtual eGifts or store-specific merchant cards. These cards are ready to use once you "claim" the gift by clicking the button in the email you received.
How do I activate my Visa or Mastercard gift card on the phone?
To activate your plastic Visa or Mastercard gift card, you will need:
- The 16-digit card number printed on the front of your gift card
- The 3-digit security code (CVV code) printed on the back of your card
How to activate:
- Call the toll-free number 855-660-6847
- Press option #1 from the menu
- Enter in your 16-digit card number when prompted
- Enter in your 3-digit security code (CVV) when prompted
Why am I unable to activate my card?
There are a few reasons your card may not be recognized when attempting to activate:
- This card was not issued by PerfectGift. Check the back of your card to be sure it's from card. You should see the card logo in the bottom right-hand corner. If you do not see that logo, please look for a website address or phone number and contact the appropriate company.
- You are attempting to activate a virtual Visa or Mastercard. Virtual cards can be activated by clicking the "claim my gift" button" in the email you received. If your card number, CVV code, and expiration date are accessible, the card is active and ready for use.
- Your card has already been activated.
Do my funds ever expire?
Your card is valid for use until the funds have been exhausted or until your card has expired.
The expiration date (month and year) is printed on the front of your card.
If you still have available funds on your card after the card has expired, you may request a new card with your remaining balance.
What is a pre-authorization charge?
When using a prepaid card at a certain type of merchant, an additional charge is often automatically added to your total to ensure sufficient funds are available on your card.
This additional charge will be returned to the card's balance typically within 4 business days if the purchase is successful. The purchase will be declined when the merchant requests an authorization in an amount greater than the available card balance. When using your card for hotels or travel, funds may be held for up to 30 business days.
Pre-authorization charges most often apply when using your card for:
- Restaurants, salons, food delivery services, or other tipping establishments.
- Gas Stations
- Travel Industry (Hotels, car rentals, cruises, etc..)