You’ve received a Mastercard gift card, and it’s burning a hole in your pocket. What better place to use it than on Amazon, where you can find just about anything? The process of adding it to your account isn’t quite the same as using a regular credit card, but it’s still straightforward once you know the steps.
Treating Your Gift Card Like a Regular Credit Card
The key to successfully using your Mastercard gift card on Amazon is to treat it exactly like a standard credit card. Amazon’s system doesn’t have a specific “gift card” entry for these types of prepaid cards. Instead, you will add it as a new credit or debit card in your wallet. Make sure you have the card handy, as you’ll need the 16-digit card number, the expiration date, and the CVV security code from the back.
A Simple Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Your Card
First, log in to your Amazon account and hover over “Account & Lists” in the top right corner. Click on “Your Payments.” On this page, click the “Add a payment method” button. A new window will appear where you enter your gift card details. Input the card number, expiration date, and CVV code. You will also need to enter the billing address associated with the gift card. If no specific address is provided with the card, using your own home address is perfectly fine. Click “Save your card” when you’re finished.
Why Registering Your Card First is Essential
Before you even head to Amazon, it’s a good idea to register your Mastercard gift card online. Most of these cards require you to visit the website listed on the back to set up a billing address and a PIN. This registration step is crucial. It helps prevent any potential authorization issues at checkout, ensuring a smooth transaction when you’re ready to make your purchase.
Making a Purchase and Managing Your Balance
When you check out, select your Mastercard gift card as the payment method. It’s important to remember that your gift card likely has a specific amount loaded onto it. If your Amazon cart total is more than your gift card balance, you will need to use a second payment method to cover the difference. Amazon will automatically split the payment, applying the gift card balance first and then charging the remaining amount to your secondary card.
By following these simple steps, you can easily put your Mastercard gift card to good use on Amazon. It’s a convenient way to buy exactly what you want, turning that plastic card into a new favorite item delivered right to your door.
Leave a Reply