What Is a Venmo Gift Card and Are There Fees?

Digital payments have reshaped the way we send, receive, and manage money. Platforms like Venmo make it easier than ever to split bills, pay friends, or shop online—but what about using gift cards with Venmo? Can you buy a Venmo Gift Card, and if so, are there fees?

As more businesses and individuals turn toward digital rewards and prepaid alternatives, understanding how Venmo fits into the modern gifting landscape is key. In this guide, we’ll explore what a Venmo Gift Card is (and isn’t), how to use it, what fees you should watch for, and how flexible alternatives—like the Toasty Choice Card—can simplify digital gifting for your team or customers.

Understanding the Venmo Gift Card

Let’s start with the basics—does Venmo actually have a gift card?

While there isn’t a direct Venmo-branded gift card available for purchase in stores, you can use prepaid cards and digital payment cards that link to your Venmo account. These function similarly, allowing you to send or receive funds digitally while maintaining the flexibility of a prepaid balance.

Essentially, when people refer to a “Venmo Gift Card,” they usually mean one of two things:

1. A prepaid digital card that can be loaded into Venmo, like a Visa or Mastercard gift card.
2. A digital transfer of money via Venmo, sent as a gift for birthdays, holidays, or rewards.

How Venmo Gift Cards Work

Prepaid Cards as Venmo-Compatible Alternatives

Since Venmo doesn’t issue its own physical or digital gift cards, the most common approach is to use a prepaid Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card. These cards can be added to Venmo as a funding source for transactions.

This approach is particularly popular for:

• Employee incentives
  
• Customer promotions
  
• Cash-equivalent rewards programs
  

Prepaid Cards as Venmo-Compatible Alternatives

If you’re sending funds directly via Venmo, the process is simple:

1. Open the Venmo app.
2. Choose your recipient.
3. Enter the amount and add a personalized message.
4. Send instantly.
   
   

It’s fast and personal—but not ideal for corporate gifting or mass rewards due to tracking and reporting limitations.

Are There Fees for Venmo Gift Cards or Transfers?

Venmo itself doesn’t charge fees for basic account transfers between users when you use your Venmo balance or linked bank account. However, fees can apply in certain scenarios:

1. Using a Credit Card

Venmo charges a 3% fee when you send money using a credit card instead of your balance or bank.

2. Instant Transfers

If you need to transfer Venmo funds to your bank instantly, there’s a 1.75% fee (minimum $0.25, maximum $25).

3. Buying Prepaid Gift Cards

Depending on where you purchase your prepaid card (online or in-store), there may be activation or load fees.

4. Business Transactions

For merchants using Venmo to accept payments, standard processing fees apply (usually around 1.9% + $0.10 per transaction).

So while Venmo itself is often fee-free for personal use, gift card and prepaid options can add small costs, especially for bulk or business purchases.

Venmo Gift Cards vs. Digital Prepaid Alternatives

While Venmo works well for peer-to-peer transfers, it lacks features that businesses or HR teams need for structured reward programs:

• No bulk sending capabilities.
• No branding or personalization for recipients.
• Limited global accessibility (Venmo is U.S.-only).
• No delivery tracking or redemption reports.
  
  

That’s why many organizations turn to digital prepaid alternatives like the Toasty Choice Card, which offer the same digital convenience with far greater control, flexibility, and reach.

The Toasty Choice Card: A Better Digital Gifting Solution

If you love the simplicity of Venmo but need something scalable, trackable, and brandable, the Toasty Choice Card is the ultimate solution.

It combines everything people enjoy about digital payments—speed, ease, and flexibility—with features designed for business use.

Here’s Why It Stands Out:

1. Multi-Brand Flexibility

Recipients can redeem their Toasty Choice Card across hundreds of popular global and local brands, including retailers, restaurants, and yes—even fuel or Visa-equivalent options.

2. No Hidden Fees

Unlike traditional prepaid cards or instant transfer services, Toasty operates on a zero-fee model—what you send is what your employees or customers receive.

3. Global Delivery

Perfect for distributed teams or international clients, Toasty supports digital rewards in 90+ countries.

4. Secure, Trackable, and Customizable

Each card delivery is encrypted, trackable, and can include your company’s logo and personalized message—making recognition feel genuine and professional.

Why Digital Gift Cards Are the Future of Rewards

The shift toward digital and prepaid alternative rewards isn’t just a trend—it’s a transformation in how businesses recognize people.

Instant Gratification

Digital delivery means employees and customers get their rewards immediately. No waiting, no shipping.

Scalability

From startups to global enterprises, digital platforms like Toasty Card make it easy to send thousands of rewards with just a few clicks.

Customization

Add branding, personal notes, and themes—something Venmo simply doesn’t offer in a corporate setting.

Data and Insights

Track redemption rates, delivery success, and ROI. Every card tells a story about engagement.

Venmo Gift Card Alternatives for Businesses

If you’re managing employee or customer rewards at scale, here’s a comparison of common options:

In short, Venmo is great for casual, individual gifting. But for HR, marketing, or customer success teams managing larger programs, a dedicated digital gifting platform like Toasty delivers more value and reliability.

Are Digital Prepaid Cards Safe?

Yes, as long as they’re sent through secure, verified platforms. Toasty Card, for example, uses encrypted delivery links and real-time tracking, ensuring cards reach the right person safely.

Unlike physical cards that can be lost or stolen, digital cards stay secure in the recipient’s inbox until redeemed.

The Bottom Line: Should You Use a Venmo Gift Card?

A Venmo Gift Card isn’t an official product—but prepaid cards that work with Venmo can serve a similar purpose.

For personal gifting between friends and family, Venmo is quick, easy, and cost-effective.
For corporate use, though, its limitations around scalability, customization, and international reach make it less practical.

If you want the speed of Venmo combined with business-grade flexibility, the Toasty Choice Card offers the best of both worlds—a digital, prepaid alternative that’s secure, trackable, and global.

Conclusion: Simplify Digital Rewards with Toasty

In 2025, digital payments are the norm—and so is digital gifting. While Venmo is great for quick money transfers, businesses need tools built for recognition, not just transactions.

With the Toasty Choice Card, you can send digital rewards worldwide, track delivery in real time, and eliminate hidden fees—all while giving recipients the freedom to choose their favorite brands.

🎁 Ready to modernize your rewards program?

Sign-Up   Book a Demo

FAQs

Does Venmo offer its own gift card?

No, Venmo doesn’t currently sell branded gift cards. However, you can use prepaid cards that work with Venmo.

Can I use a Visa or Mastercard gift card on Venmo?

Yes—Venmo supports many prepaid Visa, Mastercard, and American Express cards.

Are there fees for Venmo gift cards?

While Venmo transfers are often fee-free, prepaid cards can have activation fees.

What’s the best digital alternative to a Venmo Gift Card?

The Toasty Choice Card, which offers flexible, fee-free, multi-brand digital gifting options.

Can I send Venmo gifts internationally?

No—Venmo is U.S.-only. For international recipients, use Toasty Card, available in 90+ countries.

Is the Toasty Choice Card safe?

Yes—it uses encrypted delivery links and real-time tracking to ensure secure gifting.

Can I automate digital gift sending?

Yes—with Toasty, you can schedule automated campaigns for birthdays, milestones, and achievements.