I can't figure out what's up with this $50 vanilla VISA gift card.

[LloydLynx]

I think I got this thing for Christmas like a year ago and it expires many years into the future. Over that time, I think I used it to buy some computer part, a music album, and had a few dollars left on it. I've tried every official website to check the balance and they're all erroring out. I tried to buy a $1.29 item on ebay tonight and it also errors out. I'm pretty sure this thing has a few dollars left on it and every website is treating it like it doesn't exist. Anyone know what's up with it? Should I just shred and toss it and not bother?

 

Edit: I'm in the USA

[tikker]

It seems they allow you to check the balance: https://usa.visa.com/support/consumer/gift-card-balance.html

Nvm, missed that you mentioned balance check sites error out.

 

Maybe you spent more than you thought? Have you tried to get in touch with support of either VISA or the store you're trying to buy from?

[12345678]

some websites don't accept vanilla cards because of previous scams

 

or maybe the vanilla card had some sort of policy that gets money after a while that you dodn't use it, check their tos

[8tg]

Try using the phone number on the back, they deactivate online purchases after a little while and you’ll need to reenter your zip code and such 

[adarw]

ive had a gift as a visa, what happens is after each year they take a bit of money. : (

[Skiiwee29]

With Gift Cards actually what happens is there is a time limit to spend them. Expiration date on the card means nothing. If you do not spend it within the timeline specified in the terms and conditions fine print, the money is then considered abandoned and it goes to the state government.