Reader Gerald suggested we make a list of where Vanilla Visa gift cards can be used and where not. These cards don’t have the ability to set a zip code, and won’t work for certain payments. It should work for most in-store purchases which don’t typically require inputting a zip code.
We’ll put a few data points below as a conversation starter, and readers can share and discuss in the comments what works and what does not. Use the search bar in the comments to read the various data points that are discussed there.
What works – sample:
- Pay1040.com (U.S. federal tax payment)
- Amazon.com
- Medicare.gov
- National Grid
- PSEG
What does not work – sample:
- ACI payments (U.S. federal tax payment)
- PayUSATax.com (U.S. federal tax payment)
- Geico (and other insurances)
- Gas stations often need a zip code and won’t work with the Vanilla cards
- Reports in the comments of various utility payments not working
I’m curious if Paypal or other electronic wallets accept Vanilla cards. If they do, that would be a roundabout way of using them on various venues. For example, I’d then be able to use PayUSATax.com to make a federal tax payment by using the Paypal payment option instead of paying directly.
