Visa gift cards do not have a standard balance check number - the toll-free number to call is printed on the back of each individual card.
Many Visa gift card issuers also allow you to check your balance online by entering the 16-digit card number and security code.
Some retailers like grocery stores or pharmacies may be able to check your Visa gift card balance at the register, if you bring the physical card with you.
If a Visa gift card is registered, the cardholder can often check the balance by logging into the issuer's website or mobile app.
Visa offers "Virtual Accounts" which are digital-only gift cards that can only be used online - the balance for these can be checked through the issuer's website.
The funds on a Visa gift card do not expire, but the physical card itself may have a "valid through" date after which you'll need to contact customer service to get a replacement.
Visa gift cards cannot be used to get cash back or make ATM withdrawals - the funds can only be spent on purchases.
Some Visa gift cards may have an associated fee to check the balance, especially if you call a live customer service agent.
If a Visa gift card is lost or stolen, the cardholder can often contact the issuer to have the funds transferred to a replacement card.
The available balance on a Visa gift card decreases with each purchase, so it's important to keep track to avoid declined transactions.
Visa gift cards can be used globally anywhere that accepts Visa, not just in the country where the card was purchased.
In some cases, a merchant may place a temporary authorization hold on a Visa gift card balance, reducing the available funds temporarily.
Visa gift cards with a low balance remaining may not be accepted for online purchases that require a minimum order amount.
The security code on the back of a Visa gift card is required to check the balance, as well as make purchases, to prevent unauthorized access.
Visa gift card balances can sometimes be checked at an ATM, though this may incur a fee from the ATM owner.
Personalized Visa gift cards ordered online may take longer to arrive compared to generic cards available at retail locations.
Visa gift cards can be used to make recurring payments, as long as the merchant is able to process the card each billing cycle.
Certain merchants may not accept Visa gift cards for purchases above a certain dollar amount, due to fraud prevention policies.
The funds on a Visa gift card are not FDIC insured, so it's important to use the card or transfer the balance before the issuer goes out of business.
Visa gift cards can potentially be reloaded with additional funds, depending on the specific issuer's policies.