Mastercard gift cards are a convenient and versatile way to pay for products and services. However, if you have multiple Mastercard gift cards, using them efficiently—especially on a single purchase—can be a bit tricky. This guide will walk you through the steps to use multiple Mastercard gift cards, helping you make the most of your prepaid funds.
Understanding Mastercard Gift Cards
Mastercard gift cards function similarly to debit cards and can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted. Each card has a fixed balance, and purchases are deducted from the available amount. However, because each card is treated as a standalone payment method, combining them to pay for a single item requires a strategic approach.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Multiple Mastercard Gift Cards
1. Check Your Card Balances
Before you start using your gift cards, verify the remaining balance on each card. You can do this by:
- Visiting the card issuer’s website.
- Calling the customer service number on the back of the card.
- Using an app if the card issuer offers one.
Knowing the exact balances will help you manage payments more effectively.
2. Split Transactions
Many retailers allow you to split payments between two or more payment methods. Here’s how:
- Inform the cashier you’d like to use multiple payment methods.
- Specify the exact amount to be charged to the first gift card.
- Complete the transaction with the remaining balance on another card or an alternative payment method.
For online purchases, check if the retailer allows split payments. If not, consider alternative strategies (discussed below).
3. Consolidate Balances (If Possible)
Some gift card issuers allow you to combine the balances of multiple cards onto one card. Contact the customer service of your Mastercard gift card issuer to inquire about this option.
4. Use Gift Cards to Buy Store Credit
A practical way to combine gift card balances is to use them to purchase a retailer’s gift card or store credit. For example:
- Visit a store or website where you frequently shop.
- Use one or more Mastercard gift cards to purchase a store-branded gift card.
- Use the store gift card for future purchases, avoiding the need to split payments.
5. Use the Cards with Payment Platforms
Payment platforms like PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App often allow you to add Mastercard gift cards as a funding source. Here’s how to do it:
- Link each gift card to your account individually.
- Make purchases using the linked cards until their balances are depleted.
Some platforms even let you combine funds for a single transaction.
6. Pay Off Bills or Subscriptions
If your Mastercard gift cards don’t cover the full amount of a purchase, consider using them to pay smaller bills, subscriptions, or recurring charges. Examples include:
- Streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, etc.)
- Utility bills
- Online marketplaces for partial payments (Amazon allows splitting between gift cards and credit/debit cards).
7. Exchange or Sell Gift Cards
If you’re struggling to use multiple gift cards efficiently, consider selling or exchanging them:
- Use gift card exchange platforms like Raise or CardCash.
- Trade your Mastercard gift cards for cash or store credit.
Keep in mind that these services may charge a fee or offer slightly less than the face value of the card.
Tips for Maximizing Your Mastercard Gift Cards
- Track Expiration Dates: While most Mastercard gift cards do not expire, fees may start deducting from the balance after a certain period. Use the funds promptly to avoid losing value.
- Keep the Cards After Depletion: Some transactions (like refunds) may require the original card used for payment. Retain depleted cards until all transactions are final.
- Verify Purchase Policies: Check the payment policies of online stores or retailers to ensure they accept split payments or partial balances from gift cards.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Declined Transactions
If your transaction is declined, it could be due to insufficient funds, an authorization hold, or incorrect information. Double-check your card balance and ensure you’re entering the correct details.
Retailers Not Accepting Split Payments
If a retailer doesn’t allow split payments, consider using your gift card for a smaller purchase or consolidating funds as mentioned above.
Conclusion
Using multiple Mastercard gift cards may require a bit of planning, but with the right strategies, you can make the most of them. Whether it’s splitting payments, buying store credit, or linking cards to payment platforms, there are plenty of ways to maximize their value. Follow this guide, and you’ll never leave any prepaid funds unused.