I have seen a fair number of people run into problems trying to use their iTunes gift card to either set up an iTunes account or buy music on the iTunes store. I therefore decided to do some research about this problem.
Yes, you can use an iTunes gift card to set up an iTunes account or buy music on the iTunes store (if you do not have a credit card or do not want to use a credit card). Below is a step-by-step instruction from apple.com on how to do that. Read the rest of this entry »
As a follow-up to the previous post on where to buy a visa gift card in-person, the following institutions sell visa gift cards online. Please note that some of the banks listed only sell visa gift cards to their customers or members.
Where to Buy Visa Gift Cards Online
SunTrust
Phone: (800) 318-0210
DeluxeCard
iCARD
Phone: (636) 536-6897
IDT Gift2go
Phone: (800) 995-3065
GiftCards.com
Phone: (877) 944-3822
Gift Card Lab Read the rest of this entry »
A couple of weeks ago, I posted a piece on the Top 10 most popular gift cards. On top of that list was the Visa Gift Card, which claimed the price as the most popular gift card. In case you are wondering about where one can buy a Visa gift card, look no further. Below are drug stores and supermarkets (grocery stores) that carry the Visa gift card.
Drug Stores
Eckerd’s
Duane Reade
Longs Drugs
Rite Aid
Walgreens
CVS
Bartells
Grocery Stores/Supermarkets Read the rest of this entry »
One of the most asked gift card questions, particularly on Yahoo Answers is whether you can use a Visa or any other bank issued gift card (American Express, Discover, or MasterCard) to shop online. The answer is yes.
However, there are additional steps you have to take to prevent your card from being rejected by the merchant. The problem with using Visa (or any other bank issued) gift card online is that there is no verifiable name and address associated with the card. When buying things online, most merchants want your name and billing address to match the name and address you have on file with your card (credit, debit, or bank gift card) issuer.
Therefore, before you use your Visa or other bank issued gift card, call the merchant/financial institution that issued the card or go to their website and add your name and address to the card. This will ensure that when you use the card online, the name and address you provide to the merchant for billing will match the name and address on file for the card. Once you have registered your card, you can use it online just like you would use a regular credit card.
If your information (name and address) has changed since you registered your Visa gift card, call the card issuer or go online and update your information before you use the card online.
Can I use a prepaid Visa gift card to open an iTunes account or pay for music on iTunes?
No, you cannot use any bank issued gift card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express) to open an iTunes account or pay for music on the iTunes store. To open an iTunes account, you need one of the following: an iTunes gift card, a valid credit card, or a PayPal account. You can however use your prepaid Visa gift card or other bank issued gift card to buy an iTunes gift card from a retail store and use that to purchase music on the iTunes store.
Is a credit card required to purchase music on iTunes?
No, you do not need a credit card to purchase music on iTunes. You can use an iTunes gift card or a PayPal account connected to your bank account.
Can I redeem a US iTunes gift certificate or gift card if I live outside the US?
No, iTunes gift certificates and gift cards are valid for use only in the country in which they were purchased.
Source: Apple.com and Apple Customer Service
Email your gift card questions to editor@giftcardblogger.com and you will get a response within 24 hours. Your question may be featured on this blog.
Curiosity got the best of me today so I decided to find out what the 10 most popular gift cards are. I figured the best way to do this was to see which gift cards feature the most on searches. Since I am biased towards Google and Yahoo, i decided to use a keyword research tool to find out which gift cards are popular on these two sites. It turns out the most popular gift card according to Google and Yahoo Search results is the Visa gift card. The top 10 is made up of the following:
- Visa
- Walmart
- Target
- Home Depot
- American Express
- Lowe’s
- iTunes
- Best Buy
- MasterCard
- Simon Gift Card (Visa)
The result was surprising to me. I was expecting to see more department store and clothing store gift cards. I am not sure why i had that thought. It is interesting that the bank issued gift cards (Visa, American Express, and MasterCard) feature prominently in searches because these cards are laden with fees and have expiration dates. Does this mean people want the convenience of being able to use these cards everywhere and don’t care about the fees or expiration? Let me know what you think. Post your comment below.
Card Details:
- Redeemable Online Only
- Accepted by Merchant Only
Note: iTunes Gift Cards can be redeemed for songs, albums, audiobooks and videos on the iTunes Store. They cannot be used to buy Apple products. The Apple Gift Card may be used to purchase other Apple products outside the iTunes Store. For the Apple Gift Card, click here
To see more Books & Music gift cards, including reviews and ratings, click here

Lexus is offering a free $100 American Express Encompass gift card when you test drive any 2008 Lexus. You must complete a registration online and provide dealer and VIP codes. Offer available while supplies last. Click here
Check out the Free Gift Cards page for the current list of free gift card deals.

The Home Depot is offering up to $500 free Visa gift card with the Purchase of Select GE Appliances. Click here and scroll down to see deal under GE Appliances
Check out the Free Gift Cards page for the current list of free gift card deals.

SunTrust Bank is offering a free $50 Visa gift card you can donate to your own cause when you open a new Personal or Business checking account by March 29, 2008. Click here
Check out the Free Gift Cards page for the current list of free gift card deals.