How to activate a Mastercard Gift Card

You’ve received a thoughtful gift card from a loved one but now you need to figure out how to activate it. Before your first use, you have to register your Mastercard gift card so it’s ready to be spent on your favorite brands.

Luckily for you, activating a Mastercard gift card is easy. Once you’ve chosen the perfect gift card from our selection, read our handy guide to figure out how to activate, register, and use your Mastercard gift card.

Mastercard gift card activation

Every Mastercard gift card comes with instructions on how to activate it. These instructions will tell you that you can activate your Mastercard gift card in one of two ways:

1. By calling (833)-263-4157
2. By registering it on https://www.prepaidgiftbalance.com/.

Whichever method you choose, you will need to provide the account number and the card verification number (CVN) to complete your Mastercard gift card activation. The account number is a 16-digit number that is embossed on the front of the card, while the CVN can usually be found on the back of the card.

Once you have entered these details either online or over the phone, your gift card balance should be available to you and your Mastercard gift card is ready to go.

How to register a Mastercard gift card

It’s not compulsory to register your Mastercard gift card but it’s a good idea to do so.

Firstly, if your gift card was given to you as a present by somebody else, registering your Mastercard gift card means you can update the name and address associated with the gift card from the purchaser’s details to your own. This makes it easier when it comes to using your Mastercard gift card online, as many online retailers will require these details to match the shipping information as an anti-fraud measure.

Secondly, when you register your Mastercard gift card you make life easier for yourself if your card ever gets stolen or lost. In case you ever find yourself in this position, you can simply log in to your gift card account and check the balance, whether it’s been used and where, and even order a replacement card.

If you don’t register your Mastercard gift card, the only way you can get a replacement is if you remember the 16-digit account number, expiry date, and CVN.

How to use a Mastercard gift card

Now that you’ve activated and registered your Mastercard gift card, it’s time to put it to good use. The beauty of a Mastercard gift card is that you can use it at multiple different retailers on whatever you want – from dining out or a new outfit to fueling your car or the weekly groceries.

To use it somewhere in-store, simply hand it to the cashier when you go to pay. They’ll scan the card and deduct whatever the value of the card is from the cost of your shopping.

To use your Mastercard gift card online, you’ll need to input the gift card number at checkout. There is usually a separate section during the payment stage where you can input gift cards or vouchers.

Type in the number and this will also deduct the value of the card from the cost of your purchases. Then, you can proceed to checkout or input another payment type if your gift card doesn’t cover the full cost of your shopping.

You can also use your Mastercard gift card to purchase a money order from the Kroger Family of Stores.

FAQs

How to redeem a Mastercard gift card?

Once your gift card has been activated, you can redeem it simply by using it as your preferred payment option. The card will already have a monetary balance loaded, so you can simply input the details online or hand it to the cashier in-store.

How long does it take for a Mastercard gift card to activate?

Activating a Mastercard gift card is instant. As soon as the card has been loaded and activated either online or over the phone, you can use the card immediately.

Do Mastercard gift cards work online?

Yes, they do. Mastercard gift cards are widely accepted at several retailers nationwide – both in-store and online. Check with the individual retailer for more specific information.