Last January, I purchased for my sister two $100 gift cards as she said she might want to replace her phone or get a smart watch. It turned out her wireless service was AT and T and not Verizon and she did not want to change, so I wrote her a check and she gave me the two cards yesterday. I then tried to put them in as credit for my account for future bills (I sometimes pay more in the past), but it wouldnt show up as voluntary payment method and when I tried to pay ahead as a bill I got the message “gift card payments restricted.” How can I get reimbursed for purchasing these two gift cards (which I did through the my verizon and had mailed to me?)
Ah, thnak you so much, Waldnorm, yes you must have a balance to have this option open:
Have you ever gotten a Verizon gift card and wondered “can I just apply this to my monthly bill?” The good news is – yes you absolutely can! But there’s some important things you need to know first to avoid the frustration many Verizon customers experience when trying to redeem these cards.
I recently went through this process myself and discovered some crucial details that Verizon doesn’t make super obvious Let’s dive in so you can successfully use those gift cards toward your bill payments!
What You Need to Know First About Verizon Gift Cards
Before you try to apply your gift card here are some key facts
- You must have a balance due on your account to add a Verizon gift card as a payment option
- Gift cards don’t expire (phew!)
- Card balances aren’t affected by inactivity
- Gift cards can be used for both mobile and home bills
That first point is SUPER important! Many customers get confused because they try to apply gift cards when they have a zero balance, and the system simply won’t allow it.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply Your Verizon Gift Card to Your Bill
I’ll walk you through exactly how to use your gift card to pay your Verizon bill. There are two main methods:
Method 1: Using My Verizon Website or App
- Wait until you have a balance due on your account
- Log into your My Verizon account (app or website)
- Go to “Payment Options”
- Choose an amount to pay (full balance or partial payment)
- Click “Continue”
- Select “add/edit payment method”
- Choose “Gift card” and click “Add method”
- Follow the prompts to enter your gift card information
- Once added, select it as your payment option
- Complete the transaction
Method 2: Applying Gift Card by Phone
If the online method is giving you trouble, you can also:
- Call #GIFT (#4438) from your Verizon mobile phone
- OR call 800-876-4141 from any phone
- Follow the automated prompts to apply your gift card
Common Issues When Using Verizon Gift Cards for Bill Payment
Many customers encounter challenges when trying to use their gift cards. Here are some common problems and solutions:
“Gift Card Payments Restricted” Error
If you see this message when trying to select the gift card payment option, it’s almost certainly because you don’t currently have a balance due. Unlike credit cards, you can’t “pre-pay” or add credit to your account using gift cards.
Solution: Wait until your next bill generates and you have an actual balance due before attempting to use the gift card.
Can’t Find Gift Card Option
Sometimes the gift card payment option isn’t prominently displayed or might appear grayed out.
Solution: Look for a small “i” icon next to payment methods. If you click that, it might explain why gift card is restricted. Ensure you’re signed in to your account and have a balance due.
Partial Gift Card Amounts
What if your gift card is worth more than your bill?
Solution: You can apply the gift card and any remaining balance will stay on the card for future use on your next bill (when there’s a balance due again).
Real Customer Experience with Verizon Gift Cards
A recent customer named Norman shared his experience on the Verizon Community Forums. He had purchased two $100 Verizon gift cards for his sister, but it turned out she used AT&T and didn’t want to switch carriers. When he got the cards back and tried to use them on his own account, he encountered the “gift card payments restricted” message.
The solution from Verizon support confirmed what we’ve learned: you must have a balance due to use a gift card. Since Norman had recently paid his bill, he had to wait until his next billing cycle when he had a new balance due to use the gift cards.
Tips for Successfully Using Verizon Gift Cards
Based on my experience and research into customer issues, here are some helpful tips:
- Timing matters: Try to use your gift card right after your bill generates but before your autopay kicks in (if applicable)
- Check card balance: Before attempting to use the card, verify its balance by calling the number on the back
- Keep your gift cards: Even after using part of the balance, save the card for future payments
- Multiple cards: You can use multiple gift cards for a single payment if needed
What Else Can You Use Verizon Gift Cards For?
While paying your bill is the most common use, Verizon gift cards can also be used for:
- Purchasing new devices in Verizon stores
- Buying accessories at Verizon locations
- Paying for device upgrades
- Adding to your device payment plan
However, most customers find bill payment to be the most convenient use since we all have those monthly charges anyway!
Important Notes for AutoPay Users
If you’re enrolled in AutoPay, there’s an extra wrinkle to be aware of:
- You need to apply your gift card before your scheduled AutoPay date
- The AutoPay amount will automatically adjust to deduct whatever amount you paid with the gift card
- If you pay your full balance with gift cards, AutoPay won’t process that month
What to Do If Your Gift Card Isn’t Working
If you’ve followed all the steps but still can’t get your gift card to apply to your bill, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Verify the card is activated: Sometimes gift cards need to be activated before use
- Check for damage: Make sure the card numbers are legible and the card isn’t damaged
- Contact Verizon support: Call 800-922-0204 or chat with support through the My Verizon app
- Try a different device: Sometimes switching from app to website or vice versa can help
Final Thoughts on Using Verizon Gift Cards for Bill Payments
Verizon gift cards are a great way to pay your bill, but remember that timing is everything! The key takeaway is that you must have a balance due on your account to use them – this is the number one reason customers get confused.
I’ve personally found that the easiest approach is to wait until my bill generates, then immediately apply the gift card before my usual payment method kicks in. This way, I can be sure I’m getting the full value of my gift cards.
Have you used Verizon gift cards for your bill payments? What was your experience like? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
FAQs About Using Verizon Gift Cards for Bill Payments
Can I use my Verizon gift card if I don’t have a balance due?
No, you must have a current balance due to apply a gift card to your account. This is a strict requirement in Verizon’s system.
Do Verizon gift cards expire?
No, Verizon gift cards do not expire and are not impacted by inactivity.
Can I use a Verizon gift card for partial payment?
Yes! You can use your gift card to pay part of your bill and use another payment method for the remainder.
What if my gift card amount is more than my bill?
If your gift card exceeds your bill amount, the remaining balance stays on the card for future use.
Can I use my Verizon gift card in a Verizon store?
Absolutely! Verizon gift cards can be used in-store for devices, accessories, or bill payments.
How do I check my Verizon gift card balance?
You can check your balance by calling the number printed on the back of the card.
Can I combine multiple gift cards?
Yes, you can use multiple gift cards to pay a single bill.
Will using a gift card affect my AutoPay discount?
No, using a gift card for partial payment won’t affect your AutoPay discount as long as some portion is still paid through AutoPay.
How do I apply a Verizon Gift Card to my Verizon mobile bill?
Gift cards can be used to pay your Verizon mobile or home bill through your My Verizon account (website or My Verizon app) or by phone. Important: You must have a balance due to be able to add a Verizon Gift Card as a bill payment option. To add a Verizon Gift Card as a payment option for your mobile bill through My Verizon:
- Go to your Payment Options.
- Choose an amount to pay (i.e., pay in full, pay another amount, make a split arrangement) and choose Continue.
- Choose add/edit payment method. Select Gift card and click Add method. Follow the prompts.
When the gift card is added, you can select it as a payment option for your bill. To apply your gift card to your bill by phone call #GIFT (#4438) from your mobile phone or 800-876-4141 from any phone. Learn about using a Verizon Gift Card when you have Auto Pay on your home account.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention! Wed be happy to help find out whats going on with the gift cards you purchased, waldnorm. 
The good news is that gift cards do not expire, and will not be impacted by inactivity. Please tell us, are you using the app or the website when you encounter the error message after trying to pay with the gift card? Are you signed in to your My Verizon account when attempting the payment?
My Verizon account on the web via a desktop.
I have tried Bill-Payment Options- enter an amount ($100) and then “Add or Edit Payment method.” Gift card is not highlighted followed with an i and then says “gift card payments restricted.”
Thank you for those additional details, Waldnorm. Have you had an opportunity to confirm the balance through the back of the card?
I purchased these two cards myself. Each should have $100 on the card. But thats not the issue why that appeared. I never even had an opportunity to put in numbers for the gift card, etc., I just could not select gift card as an option. I tried to put this in as credit for future payments or to pay ahead. Should I wait until I receive my next bill and then try again? I never had to do that before when I paid ahead with my credit card beforehand.
Ah, thnak you so much, Waldnorm, yes you must have a balance to have this option open:
