eGift Cards
Kroger
November 26, 2020
5 minute read
A Mastercard or Visa gift card can be a great gift idea for the friend, family member or colleague who’s tricky to buy for. That way, they can choose where to spend the gift card, from their favorite restaurant to their local store.
We look at the benefits, similarities and differences between the two types of gift cards in this guide.
Buying Mastercard gift cards
Price range: $25-$100
A Mastercard gift card is like a regular debit or credit card. You can use it to make purchases anywhere in the US where Mastercard debit cards are accepted.
Unlike a standard card, you can give a Mastercard gift card to anyone. They’re a great idea for a friend or relative who has lots of interests or you don’t know very well, as they can choose where to redeem it.
Why buy a Mastercard gift card
- Great alternative to cash – as it can be redeemed in most places in the US, a Mastercard gift card can be a safer choice than carrying cash.
- Choose where to spend it – your recipient can spend your gift card anywhere, so there’s no worry that it’ll get left unused or unwanted.
- Use it to pay your bills – you can use a Mastercard gift card yourself to make everyday purchases or pay your bills.
Things to remember
- While your balance won’t expire, the card can. If yours is about to expire, you’ll need a replacement card.
- If your card is lost or stolen, you’ll need to order a replacement, but it can cost as little as $5.95.
- On top of the gift card balance, you’ll also pay an initial purchase fee of $3.95.
Who’s it for
You can use a Mastercard gift card for almost any situation, the most common ways include:
- As a gift – give your recipient the freedom and flexibility to choose where and when to spend their gift card.
- For yourself – a Mastercard gift card can help you budget, as you can only spend what’s preloaded onto the card.
- Instead of a bank account – if you or a loved one doesn’t have a bank account, it’s a great way to avoid carrying cash everywhere you go.
Buying through the Kroger Family of Stores
Buy a Mastercard gift card through your local Kroger Family of Stores to get:
- In-store support
- Choice of locations
- Fuel points to your Shopper’s Card
Buying Visa gift cards
Price range: $25-$100
A Visa gift card is a type of prepaid card you can spend anywhere a Visa debit card is accepted, across the US.
They can be used as a gift when you’re not sure what to buy someone. Or you can purchase one for yourself as an alternative to cash or to help you budget.
Why buy a Visa gift card
- Convenient spending – Visa is widely accepted across the US, so there’s no limit to where you or a loved one can spend a gift card.
- Practical payments – a Visa gift card can also be used to pay bills, groceries or medicine, so your recipient can use it where it’s needed most.
- Easy budgeting – use a gift card yourself to limit your spending by only topping it up with the amount you’re willing to spend.
Things to remember
- Apply for a replacement card if yours has expired, is lost or stolen and keep your funds.
- It costs just $5.95 to activate your card. You’ll pay this again if the card is unused for 12 months.
- You’ll also need to pay an initial purchase fee for $3.95.
Who’s it for
Anyone living in the US can use a Visa gift card. This makes them great gifts for:
- Birthdays – whether it’s a relative or friend, there’s always at least one person who is impossible to buy for.
- Children – a Visa gift card could teach your child how to spend responsibly, ready for when they have their own debit or credit card.
- Yourself – use it as an alternative to cash or a bank account, or simply to help you budget.
Buying through the Kroger Family of Stores
Whether it’s a gift or for yourself, purchase a Visa gift card at your local Kroger Family of Stores for:
- In-store support
- Multiple locations
- Fuel points added to your Shopper’s Card
Which is better?
Both cards work the same and can be redeemed at most major retailers. When you buy from us, you’ll also have the same activation and replacement fees. So, which one you go for depends on yours or the recipients personal preferences.
If you’re still unsure how they work or want more support on choosing the right gift card, talk to our trained associates at your nearest Kroger Family of Stores. Find your local store.
Looking for something else?
If you’re looking for something more specific, we have more than 200 gift cards on our site. Browse top retailers and restaurants with the full gift card range.
