Verizon customers like to give and use gift cards as a way to pay for things. But can you pay your Verizon bill with a Verizon e-gift card? Let’s look at how Verizon gift cards work for paying bills.
What Are Verizon Gift Cards?
A Verizon gift card is a prepaid card that can be used towards purchases with Verizon. The gift cards come in various denominations like $25, $50, $100 etc
Verizon offers both physical and e gift cards. The physical gift cards are plastic cards similar to other retailer gift cards. You can purchase these at Verizon stores or other retailers that sell Verizon cards.
E gift cards are digital gift cards that are delivered via email You can buy Verizon e gift cards directly through the Verizon website or app The recipient gets an email with a claim code they can use to redeem the value,
Both types of cards work the same when paying your Verizon bill. The only difference is that you need to enter the card number for physical cards and the claim code for electronic gift cards.
How Do Verizon Gift Cards Work?
When you purchase a Verizon gift card the value is loaded on the card. Whoever redeems the card can then use that value towards Verizon products and services including
- Paying your Verizon wireless bill
- Buying devices like phones, tablets, smartwatches etc.
- Accessories like phone cases, chargers, headphones
- Adding extra data or upgrading your Verizon plan
- Fios home internet or TV service
- Verizon Visa Card payments
Basically the gift card value can be used almost anywhere you would normally pay Verizon. The cards have no fees or expiration dates so the funds never expire.
Using Verizon Gift Cards for Bill Payment
Now let’s look specifically at using Verizon gift cards to pay your phone, Fios or other Verizon bill.
There are a couple ways to apply gift card funds to your account:
Through Your My Verizon Account
- Go to the My Verizon website or mobile app
- Select “Make a Payment”
- Choose “Pay another amount” and enter the amount you want to pay
- Select “Add/edit payment method”
- Choose “Gift card” and enter the gift card number or claim code
- The gift card balance will then be applied towards your bill
By Phone
You can also pay your bill with a Verizon gift card by calling these numbers:
- #GIFT (#4438) – From your Verizon mobile phone
- 1-800-876-4141 – From any other phone
When prompted, enter the gift card number or claim code to pay your bill.
Things to Know
There are a couple important things to note about using Verizon gift cards for your bill:
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You must have a balance due – Gift cards can only be used if you have an outstanding balance on your account. You cannot prepay or build up credit with a gift card.
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The full value may not be applied – If your gift card balance exceeds the amount due on your bill, only the amount owed will be deducted from the card. The remainder stays on the card for future use.
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Not available for autopay – Gift cards cannot be used as the payment method if you have autopay enabled. You’ll need to make a one time manual payment.
Buying Verizon Gift Cards
Verizon gift cards can be purchased directly from Verizon both online and in stores. You can also find Verizon gift cards at popular retailers like Walmart, Target, Best Buy and more.
Here are some quick tips for buying Verizon gift cards:
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Denominations – Cards are sold in set amounts like $25, $50, $100. Choose the amount you want.
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Digital or physical – Pick either a physical plastic gift card or digital e gift card sent by email.
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Delivery – For e gift cards, ensure you have the correct email address for the recipient.
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Fee – Most retailers don’t charge purchase fees for Verizon gift cards.
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Discounts – Look for gift card sales or promotions to potentially save money.
Once you have the Verizon gift card in hand, you can give it as a gift or use it yourself to pay your Verizon bill.
Verizon Gift Card Scams
Unfortunately gift card scams are common, and Verizon gift cards are no exception. Here are some tips to avoid Verizon gift card scams:
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Ignore gift card demands – No legitimate company will demand payment solely via gift cards. Hang up if requested.
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Purchase only from authorized sellers – Stick to verified stores and websites to avoid fake/used cards.
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Beware third party resales – Don’t buy gift cards from unauthorized resellers like eBay or Craigslist.
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Check the balance – Make sure the gift card balance matches the amount paid at time of purchase.
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Use quickly – Redeem gift card funds ASAP in case the card number was copied.
As long as you buy from reputable sources and redeem cards quickly, Verizon gift cards are generally safe. But always be vigilant about potential scams or fraudulent activity.
The Benefits of Paying with Verizon Gift Cards
Using Verizon gift cards to pay your bill offers several benefits:
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Convenience – Easily make payments without needing cash, checks or trips to the store.
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Flexibility – Use for your wireless bill, Fios, accessories or other Verizon purchases.
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Budgeting – Cards lock in a set amount of spending money for Verizon services.
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Gifts – Gift cards make great birthday, holiday or thank you gifts for Verizon customers.
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Discounts – Take advantage of any gift card promotions or sales.
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No fees – Verizon gift cards have no purchase fees, dormancy fees or expiration dates.
So if you have some Verizon gift cards, either from gifts or your own purchase, be sure to take advantage and put them towards your next Verizon bill for seamless, convenient payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about using Verizon gift cards:
Can I use a Verizon gift card for non-Verizon purchases?
No, Verizon gift cards can only be applied to Verizon products and services. The funds cannot be used at other retailers.
Where can I buy Verizon e gift cards?
You can purchase e gift cards directly through the Verizon website or mobile app. They are delivered to the recipient via email.
How long do Verizon gift cards take to activate?
Both physical and e gift cards are usable immediately after purchase. There is no activation wait period.
Can I reload or add funds to a Verizon gift card?
No, Verizon gift cards cannot be reloaded after purchase. You would need to buy a new gift card.
Can I get cash back if I don’t use all the gift card value?
Unfortunately Verizon gift cards cannot be exchanged for cash. Any unused balance remains on the card for future Verizon purchases.
Conclusion
Verizon gift cards offer a handy way to pay your Verizon wireless, Fios or accessory bill. Both physical and digital e gift cards can be used by entering the details when making a one time manual bill payment. Just be sure you have a balance due on your account.
With no fees, expiration dates or dormancy fees, Verizon gift cards are an excellent payment option. You can purchase cards in set amounts and easily apply the funds to your account as needed, either online, on the app or by phone. So give the gift of Verizon, or use the cards yourself for seamless bill payment.
How do I apply a Verizon Gift Card to my Verizon mobile bill?
Gift cards can be used to pay your Verizon mobile or home bill through your My Verizon account (website or My Verizon app) or by phone. Important: You must have a balance due to be able to add a Verizon Gift Card as a bill payment option. To add a Verizon Gift Card as a payment option for your mobile bill through My Verizon:
- Go to your Payment Options.
- Choose an amount to pay (i.e., pay in full, pay another amount, make a split arrangement) and choose Continue.
- Choose add/edit payment method. Select Gift card and click Add method. Follow the prompts.
When the gift card is added, you can select it as a payment option for your bill. To apply your gift card to your bill by phone call #GIFT (#4438) from your mobile phone or 800-876-4141 from any phone. Learn about using a Verizon Gift Card when you have Auto Pay on your home account.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention! Wed be happy to help find out whats going on with the gift cards you purchased, waldnorm. The good news is that gift cards do not expire, and will not be impacted by inactivity. Please tell us, are you using the app or the website when you encounter the error message after trying to pay with the gift card? Are you signed in to your My Verizon account when attempting the payment?
My Verizon account on the web via a desktop.
I have tried Bill-Payment Options- enter an amount ($100) and then “Add or Edit Payment method.” Gift card is not highlighted followed with an i and then says “gift card payments restricted.”
Ah, thnak you so much, Waldnorm, yes you must have a balance to have this option open: