Trying to decide between a MyGift prepaid Visa/Mastercard and a Target gift card (MyBalanceNow)?
Let’s compare these two side-by-side so you can choose the best one for your needs in 2025.
🧾 Basic Comparison
| Feature | MyGift | MyBalanceNow (Target) |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | MetaBank / Pathward | Target Corp. |
| Card Type | Prepaid Visa / Mastercard | Store-specific gift card |
| Use Online | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (Target.com only) |
| Use In-Store | ✅ Yes (anywhere Visa/Mastercard accepted) | ✅ Only at Target |
| Reloadable | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Balance Check | Website / Phone | MyBalanceNow.com |
| Activation Needed | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (auto-activated) |
| Customizable | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (with messages or designs) |
🌐 Where Can You Use Them?
- MyGift: Works anywhere in the U.S. that accepts Visa/Mastercard
- MyBalanceNow: Only usable at Target stores and on Target.com
🛒 Best For:
| Scenario | Pick |
|---|---|
| Gifting for general use | MyGift |
| Shopping only at Target | MyBalanceNow |
| Online services (e.g., Uber, Amazon) | MyGift |
| Buying household items from Target | MyBalanceNow |
💵 Fees & Expiration
- MyGift:
- Activation required
- Inactivity fee after 12 months
- Expires in 5 years
- MyBalanceNow:
- No fees
- No expiration
✅ Winner for fee transparency: MyBalanceNow
🛡️ Security & Support
| Category | MyGift | MyBalanceNow |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Support | 1-877-322-4710 | 1-800-698-4952 |
| Balance via Phone | ✅ | ❌ (only online) |
| Can be replaced if lost | ✅ With fees | ✅ Sometimes |
| 2FA or ZIP Protection | ✅ ZIP code (online use) | ❌ No extra security |
⚖️ Final Verdict
| Want This | Choose |
|---|---|
| Flexible use (online + in-store) | MyGift |
| Gift card only for Target | MyBalanceNow |
| Easy replacement and no fees | MyBalanceNow |
| Online shopping & subscriptions | MyGift |
🔗 Related Guides
- 💳 Check MyGift Balance
- 🛠 MyGift Activation Guide
- 🔍 What Is MyBalanceNow? ← (external)
❓ FAQs
Can I use MyBalanceNow anywhere other than Target? No — it only works at Target stores and Target.com. Which one is more secure? MyGift supports ZIP code matching, which helps prevent declines online. Do either of these cards work internationally? No — both are restricted to U.S. merchants only.
⚠️ Disclaimer
We are not affiliated with GiftCardMall, Target, MyBalanceNow, or any financial institution.
This is an independent review based on publicly available information.