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How to Claim and Use Visa Gift Cards on Toasty

Written by Toasty | Jun 10, 2025

In the world of corporate rewards and incentives, one option consistently stands out for its flexibility and universal appeal: the Visa gift card. It’s the reward that says, “Thank you, now treat yourself to something you’ll truly love.”

For businesses looking to maximize the impact of their recognition programs, choosing US Visa gift cards ensures that every recipient, whether an employee or a client, receives a reward they can genuinely use and appreciate.

Understanding the full value of these cards, from how to send them effectively to how recipients can easily claim and use them, is key to a successful rewards strategy.

This comprehensive guide will walk through the benefits of using Visa gift cards for corporate rewards, the simple process for sending them through Toasty, and a detailed step-by-step explanation for recipients on how to claim and enjoy their reward.

 

 

Who Is This For?

This guide is designed for both the senders and recipients of corporate rewards:

  • HR Professionals & Business Owners looking to implement a flexible and highly valued employee recognition or incentive program.
  • Sales Leaders & Marketing Professionals aiming to send impactful rewards to clients, prospects, or survey participants that leave a lasting positive impression.
  • Employees, Clients, or Partners who have received a reward through Toasty and want a clear guide on how to claim and use their virtual Visa gift card.
  • Anyone seeking to understand the benefits and best practices of using digital prepaid cards for corporate gifting.

 

 

What is a Virtual Visa Gift Card?

A virtual Visa gift card is a prepaid digital card delivered instantly via email. Unlike a traditional plastic card, it exists entirely online and comes with a unique 16-digit card number, CVV code, and expiration date, ready for immediate use. It functions just like a standard debit card for making purchases.

One of the key advantages of the Visa gift cards offered through Toasty is their simplicity and transparency. There are no activation fees or hidden monthly maintenance fees, so the full face value is available to the recipient. These specific cards are designed for use within the United States, accepted by online merchants and in-store retailers that support mobile wallet payments.

Top Features of the Digital Visa Card Offered by Toasty

The US Digital Visa card is built for secure, flexible use, giving your recipients the ultimate freedom of choice across the United States.

Here are some key features that set it apart:

  • Backed by Visa's Zero Liability Policy & advanced fraud monitoring
  • Seamless mobile wallet integration for Apple Pay and Google Pay
  • Instantly delivered via email, ready for immediate use
  • Secure online portal to view card balance and transaction history
  • Widely accepted online and in-store across the U.S.

Why Companies Love the Toasty Digital Visa

Our Digital Visa isn’t just easy for recipients—it’s designed to make your rewards process seamless and impactful.

  • Ultimate flexibility: Accepted anywhere Visa is in the U.S., perfect for any incentive.
  • No physical inventory: Eliminates lost cards, shipping costs, and plastic waste.
  • Effortless distribution: Send rewards in bulk instantly via our platform or API.
  • Custom branding & messaging: Personalize every reward to reinforce your brand.
  • Comprehensive tracking: A real-time dashboard provides full visibility into delivery, redemption, and spending.
  • No Added Costs: Want to send $50 to an employee? What you send is what you spend. It'll cost you $50, and they'll have access to the full $50. 

 

 

Where to Buy a Visa Virtual Gift Card

Buying a prepaid card is one thing—sending it efficiently and keeping track of it is another. That’s where Toasty makes all the difference.

With Toasty, you can order individual cards for one-off rewards or upload a simple spreadsheet to send rewards in bulk. Each reward is delivered instantly, and our intuitive dashboard lets you manage orders and track delivery all in one place.

Why Toasty?

  • No platform fees – You only pay for the value of the card, nothing more.
  • Instant global delivery – Cards are sent digitally and can be used worldwide (with a few regional restrictions).
  • Custom templates and messaging – Each reward email can be customized with your company’s branding and a message for a truly personalized experience.

Create a free account or book a demo to discover how simple and scalable global gifting can be!

Sign-Up   Book a Demo

 

 

How to Redeem Your Visa Virtual Gift Card

Redeeming a Visa virtual card is simple and straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

1. Click “Redeem Your Gift Card” in your email

This will take you to a landing page with a summary of your reward (shown below). Make sure to copy the Claim Code before moving on to the next step. When ready, click "Checkout" to be taken to the redemption page.

 

2. Enter Your Claim Code

Enter the copied claim code into the challenge token field shown below. If you are on this page but forgot to copy the claim code from the previous page, simply click your browser's back button to return to it. 


3. Access Your Card

Congratulations! Your card is now active and ready to be used!  


Important Information to Keep in Mind

To ensure a smooth experience with the Visa virtual card, keep these key points in mind:

1. Non-reloadable 

Once the balance is used, the card cannot be reloaded and will expire.

2. Balance Limitations

Be sure your total purchase (including tax, fees, and tolerances) does not exceed the available balance to avoid declined transactions.

3. VPN Restrictions

Avoid using a VPN when activating or using your card, as it may trigger fraud detection and block transactions.

4. Country Restrictions

Toasty offers a US Virtual Visa and a Canada Virtual Visa. Each can only be used within its respective country. If you are looking for a truly international prepaid card, our Swype Global Mastercard is worth looking at!

 

 

Using Your Virtual US Visa Gift Cards (Recipient Guide)

Once you've claimed your reward, you'll have a virtual Visa gift card complete with a 16-digit card number, an expiration date, and a 3-digit CVV code. Here’s how to use your Visa gift card for both online and in-store purchases:

For Online Shopping:

This is the most direct way to use your card.

  • When you're at the checkout page of an online store, simply enter the virtual card's details (card number, expiration date, CVV) into the credit/debit card payment fields, just as you would with a regular credit card.
  • Pro Tip: For some sites that require a billing address, simply enter your actual billing address.

For In-Store Shopping:

You can easily use your virtual card for in-person purchases by adding it to a mobile wallet.

  1. Open Your Mobile Wallet App: Go to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay on your smartphone.
  2. Add a New Card: Follow the app's instructions to add a new debit or credit card.
  3. Enter Card Details Manually: Type in the 16-digit card number, expiration date, and CVV from your virtual Visa gift card.
  4. Tap to Pay: Once it's added to your wallet, you can use your phone to "tap and pay" at any register that accepts mobile payments.

 

 

Best Practices for a Great Reward Experience

To ensure the best experience for everyone involved, here are a few final tips:

For Senders:
  • Personalize the Message
    Use the customization options in Toasty to include a specific, personal message explaining why the recipient is being recognized.
  • Send Timely Rewards
    Send the reward as close as possible to the event you're recognizing. Instant delivery makes this easy.
  • Communicate Clearly
    Ensure recipients know a reward is coming so they don't mistake the email for spam.

 

For Recipients:
  • Check Your Balance
    Before making a large purchase, check your card balance. A link to the balance is usually provided with your virtual card details.
  • Inform the Cashier of Split Transactions
    If your purchase total is more than your card balance, let the cashier know you'd like to do a "split transaction." Tell them the exact amount to charge to your Visa gift card, and then you can pay the remaining balance with another payment method.
  • Note the Expiration Date
    Your virtual card will have an expiration date, so be sure to use the funds before then.

 

 

Key Takeaways

  • US Visa gift cards offer unmatched flexibility and choice, making them one of the most effective and appreciated corporate rewards.
  • Sending digital rewards through a platform like Toasty simplifies the entire process for businesses, from purchasing to distribution.
  • The process for recipients to claim their virtual Visa gift card through Toasty is simple, secure, and instant.
  • Virtual Visa gift cards can be used easily for online shopping by entering the card details at checkout.
  • For in-store use, recipients can add their virtual Visa card to a mobile wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
  • Understanding best practices like checking the balance and handling split transactions ensures a smooth user experience.
  • A well-executed rewards strategy using flexible options like Visa gift cards can significantly boost employee and client morale, engagement, and loyalty.

 

 

FAQs

Can I use this card internationally?

No. Toasty offers Visa reward cards in both the US and Canada. Each can only be used in their respective countries. 

Is it a physical or digital card?

It’s entirely digital. Add it to Apple Wallet or Google Pay for in-store purchases.

How do I add it to my mobile wallet?

Manually enter the card number, expiry, and CVV into Apple Wallet / Google Pay. You will be required to enter your email address to receive a verification code.

Is the card reloadable?

No, Visa reward cards are single-load. Once the balance is spent, the card closes.

What currency is the card issued in?

The US virtual Visa is issued in USD. The Canadian virtual Visa is issued in CAD. 

Do virtual Visa cards expire?

They expire either 6 months from issuance or once the balance reaches $0, whichever comes first. Be sure to activate and use your card within that time frame to avoid losing any funds.

Are there any tips for avoiding declined transactions?

Yes—here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your Swype Mastercard works smoothly: