In the United States alone, over $397.7 billion is spent on gift cards in a year, which is way higher than the GDP of some third-world countries. Shocking, isn’t it? Gift cards have become very popular and powerful.

Here’s the million-dollar question: Can you buy a gift card online using your credit card? Absolutely! And using a credit card makes it easier, faster, and more profitable.

I remember forgetting my cousin’s birthday. I woke up the next day and felt bad for not celebrating with him. I had to visit a store online quickly, grabbed a gift card using my credit card, and delivered it to his inbox in under five minutes. I customized the email and made it look like I apologized for forgetting his birthday. Guess what, it was his best birthday gift that year. He was super excited, and that left me relieved. I even earned some cash back on the transaction.

Before we begin exploring how to buy gift cards with credit cards, let’s discuss gift cards and their types.

Types of Gift Cards You Can Buy with a Credit Card

Buy gift cards online with credit cards

Before jumping to purchase gift cards using your credit card, try to understand the type of gift card you can buy with a credit card:

1. Retail Gift Cards

Specific stores issue these categories of cards, and they are often called merchant gift cards. They are designed for use only at the issuing retailer. These include Amazon gift card, Steam gift card, Apple gift card, etc. A key benefit of retail cards is that they typically do not come with activation or service fees.

2. Prepaid Network Gift Cards

This is a unique kind of card formerly backed by some major payment networks like Visa or Mastercard. Unlike retail cards, they can be used almost anywhere these networks are accepted, giving them broader flexibility. However, they usually include a purchase fee, which can range from $2.95 to $5.95 at the time of buying.

Retail and prepaid network cards are available as physical or digital cards, giving you options based on your preference or the recipient’s needs.

Why Purchase Gift Cards With a Credit Card?

If you’re considering buying a gift card for birthdays, surprises, holidays, or to give a loved one a special treat, using a credit card is a smart way to go about it. It makes the process easy, flexible, and highly rewarding. Here’s why: 

1. Convenience

You can buy a gift card with your credit card from the comfort of your home and skip the hassle of queuing in a physical store or traveling a long distance to buy a gift card. With your smartphone or computer, you can buy any gift card online without stopping by an ATM to get cash or visiting a store.

Whether you’re in bed, on your lunch break, or relaxing at home in your pajamas, you can grab these gift cards with a few clicks using your smart gadget.

2. Discounts

You can earn some discounts using certain credit cards. You can earn discounts or perks when you buy gift cards. For example, if you have a Target RedCard, you can get 5% off on gift cards that work at theme parks, restaurants, or major retail stores. It might seem like a small percentage, but as you buy, it adds up. Imagine how much you can amass when you purchase multiple cards.

3. Reward Opportunity 

Credit cards allow users to earn rewards when they make a purchase. This is one of the amazing benefits of using a credit card. However, a couple of credit cards have yet to include gift card purchases in their rewards scheme, but many do. Depending on the card you use and the associated rules, you can earn cash back, airline miles, or reward points every time you buy a gift card.

You can redeem these rewards later for statement credits, free flights, accommodation/hotel reservations, or even more gift cards. It’s like getting paid a tiny bonus for expenses you already planned to do.

4. Split Cost

Gift cards can become really expensive during holiday periods, because of the rush. Many people worldwide buy simultaneously for travel, hotel reservations, restaurant arrangements, etc.

Credit card companies allow you to split the cost over time, and you can pay by installment. This brings flexibility and helps to make your budgeting a lot easier; that way, you don’t have to spend all your money at once in one transaction.

Important Tip: Spreading out the cost can be favourable in the short term, but it can become overwhelming and burdensome when the balance is carried over for too long. Ensure you pay off your statement in full by the due date. That way, you’ll avoid interest charges and keep your holiday spending hassle-free.

Where to Buy Gift Cards With a Credit Card 

1. Amazon

Amazon is a good place to buy gift cards with a credit card, and they don’t just offer users a library of their unique gift cards, but also offer third-party retailer cards. Amazon allows various credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. They also provide customers with convenient instant email delivery or physical card options.

2. Target Store

You can buy gift cards from Target using a credit card. They sell Target cards and various third-party options like Google Play, Starbucks, and Xbox. You can effectively process credit card payments, even with the Target REDcard, and expect swift delivery for both digital and physical gift cards

3. Walmart

Walmart is a top e-commerce brand offering digital and plastic gift card services. You can expect to buy Walmart’s unique cards and cards from popular brands like Netflix, Uber, and Steam. Users can securely pay for their cards using Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover and choose between home delivery or email delivery for select cards.

4. PayPal Digital Gifts

PayPal Digital Gifts allows users to send digital gift cards for brands like Uber, PlayStation, and Apple. You must link your credit card to your PayPal account and complete your purchase within seconds. The cards are sent to the recipient’s email or inbox in a timely manner.

5. BestBuy

Best Buy offers gift cards for its electronics store and gaming, streaming, and entertainment brands. Users can purchase these cards using credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Depending on your delivery preference, eGift cards and physical versions are available.

How to Buy a Gift Card with a Credit Card

Buying a gift card with a credit card is fast and straightforward. The following steps will guide you to purchase gift cards with a credit card:

Step 1: Choose the Type of Gift Card

Decide whether you want a store-specific card (like Amazon or Walmart) or a general-purpose card (like Visa or Mastercard).

Step 2: Pick a Platform

Go to a trusted store or website like Amazon, Walmart, Target, or GiftCards.com.

Step 3: Select the Card

Choose the brand, set the amount, and add the card to your cart.

Step 4: Proceed to Checkout

Click “checkout” and enter your billing details.

Step 5: Pay with Credit Card

Enter your credit card number, expiration date, and CVV. Make sure your billing address matches your card info.

Step 6: Confirm & Complete

Review your order and submit payment. You’ll receive the card via email or mail, depending on your choice.

Tip: Avoid buying prepaid Visa/Mastercard gift cards unless you’ve confirmed that your bank will not treat them as cash advances.

Drawbacks to Keep in Mind Before Using a Credit Card to Buy Gift Cards

Buying gift cards with a credit card might seem like a smart move, but there are a few things you should think about before you go for it. I’ve learned some of these hard, so trust me—these details matter.

1. Not all credit cards give rewards for gift card purchases

This one surprised me. I once used my Citi Double Cash Card to buy a gift card, expecting to earn my usual 2% cash back—but I got nothing. Some credit cards don’t give you rewards when you buy gift cards. If that’s important to you, check your card’s terms before you buy.

2. Gift cards might not count toward your welcome bonus

If you just got a new credit card with a big sign-up bonus, don’t assume gift card purchases will help you reach the spending requirement. Some cards, like the American Express Gold Card, don’t count gift cards toward that bonus. I remember getting excited about hitting my spending goal early, only to discover that $300 in gift cards didn’t count.

3. Watch out for cash advance fees

Here’s where it gets expensive. Some credit cards (especially ones tied to specific stores) treat gift card purchases like cash advances. That means higher fees and sky-high interest rates. For example, the Sephora Visa Credit Card charges you $10 or 3%, whichever is more, just for buying the card, and then slaps you with a 32.99% APR. That’s money you could’ve spent on actual gifts.

4. You could end up paying more in interest

Unless you immediately pay off your full balance, the interest on your purchase can build up fast. As of August 2023, the average credit card interest rate was 22.17%, and that’s for regular purchases. If your card treats gift cards like a cash advance, the interest kicks in immediately, with no waiting period. So even if you pay off the full balance later, you’ve already racked up charges.

I once let a small balance carry over from a holiday shopping spree—and by the time I cleared it, I’d paid nearly $50 extra in interest. It was a wake-up call.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Gift Cards with Credit Cards

Can I use any credit card to buy gift cards online?

Yes. Most gift card exchange platforms accept major cards—Visa, Mastercard, and sometimes American Express.

Is it safe to buy gift cards online with a credit card?

It’s definitely safe to patronize a globally recognized, secure, and reliable website. 

Can you purchase a Visa gift card using a credit card?

Yes, but charges will apply. Some stores treat it as a cash advance, which may trigger extra charges. Always ask first.

Can you buy a gift card from Walmart with a credit card?

Yes. Like regular shopping, Walmart allows in-store and online gift card purchases using credit cards.

Are there extra fees when using a credit card?

Some platforms add processing fees. Ensure you use a reliable and transparent platform, so you don’t get surprises.

Can you buy a prepaid card with a credit card?

Yes, at select gas stations and supermarkets. But be cautious—some card issuers consider this a cash advance, which means extra fees and no rewards.

Conclusion

Buying gift cards online with a credit card offers ease, security, and speed —it also allows you to be smart with your purchase. You get the joy of gifting, the satisfaction of rewards, and the ease of instant delivery. Whether shopping from home, sending love abroad, or accumulating travel miles, this is a money-smart move.

And if you’re still wondering where to start? Prestmit is the best place to buy gift cards online securely, swiftly, and with zero fuss. Don’t just buy a gift; buy a gift that gives back.

Last updated on August 7, 2025