Sally White 
When it comes to gift-giving, gift cards are always a popular and safe choice since they provide the recipient the flexibility to purchase something they really want. Visa gift cards and store-specific gift cards are two of the most popular go-to choices of many, and for good reason—the only downside is that it can be pretty tricky. This article will highlight the pros and cons of each gift card according to certain factors, so if you’re on the fence about which option to choose, this article is guaranteed to help you make the best decision.
Online shopping convenience.
Online shopping is already convenient enough as it is, but with gift cards, it’s made even better. Between Visa gift cards and store-specific gift cards, the former has the advantage because it’s widely accepted at the majority, if not all, online retailers. It’s also tied to a few other factors, such as the following:
Shopping convenience. This can come in pretty handy, especially for people who live far away from their preferred shopping store. Store-specific gift cards, as their name suggests, are limited to the said stores, which can be a hassle if they are located far away, and you need to exert time, effort, and fuel costs just to get there.
Universal acceptance. Moreover, Visa gift cards are also accepted by merchants worldwide, regardless of whether it’s an online shop or a brick-and-mortar store. This makes them the better option compared to their counterpart, especially if you have no idea what kind of purchases the recipient of your gift card will make.
Budget control. When it comes to budget, both cards are controlled by their fixed value. Some Visa gift cards offer the giver the option to load the cards with a specific amount, which in turn allows the recipient to make purchases within that limit. On the other hand, the recipient can also add more funds to it to increase their spending limit.
This is helpful, especially to avoid overspending and so that the recipient can make purchases within a set budget.
Fraud protection. Both cards come with fraud protection, but between them, Visa gift cards are guaranteed to have them. Cards like these usually offer a certain level of protection against unauthorized purchases, which provides both the giver and recipient protection from fraudulent shopping.
Based on these factors, Visa gift cards take the cake but keep in mind that they usually come with fees: activation fees, inactivity fees, and transaction fees, to name a few. These can become added costs and even eat into the card’s value. This is why it’s paramount to first read and understand the terms and conditions before purchasing the card.
How do I choose which one is the right card for the occasion?
As mentioned earlier, the best choice between a Visa gift card and a store-specific gift card lies in the recipient’s preferences. If you already know they have a penchant for shopping in a certain store, then it’s best to just buy them a store-specific gift card. However, for those who have no clue about their recipient’s preferences, it’s best to just get them a Visa gift card since it offers them flexibility on their purchases.
