Can You Buy Gift Cards With a Credit Card?

Yes, most of the time you can.

But some stores may limit gift card purchases, and some credit card issuers may treat certain gift card or prepaid card purchases as “cash-like” transactions, which can mean extra fees and interest right away.

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When Buying a Gift Card With a Credit Card Usually Works

Most retailers will let you buy store gift cards (like a specific grocery store or clothing store gift card) with a credit card.

When It Can Cost More Than You Expect

1) The purchase could be treated like a cash advance

Some issuers may code certain gift card or prepaid card purchases as cash-like, especially for prepaid network cards (Visa/Mastercard-branded) or certain online gift card sellers.

Cash advances and cash-like transactions can have fees and start charging interest immediately.

2) You might pay an activation fee

Some prepaid network “gift cards” come with a fee to activate or buy them.

3) The store might block it

Some stores limit gift card purchases to prevent fraud.

They may ask for ID, reduce how many you can buy, or require debit/cash.

Quick Tips Before You Buy

• If you’re buying a Visa/Mastercard gift card, assume there could be extra fees. Check first.

• If your card issuer treats it as cash-like, pay it off fast. These charges can start interest right away.

• Keep the receipt. Gift cards can have rules and fraud risks.