Looking to buy a prepaid Visa® gift card and stuck between MyGift (GiftCardMall) and Vanilla Visa?
Both are popular — but they’re not the same.
Here’s a full side-by-side comparison to help you choose the best one in 2025.
🆚 Overview Table – MyGift vs. Vanilla
| Feature | MyGift (GiftCardMall) | Vanilla Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Website | giftcardmall.com/mygift | vanillagift.com |
| ZIP Code Registration | ✅ Required | ❌ Not possible |
| Usable Online | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Often fails |
| Fees | Monthly after 12 months | Monthly after 12 months |
| Refunds | Slow but possible | Very limited |
| Amazon Compatibility | ✅ Works | ❌ Often declines |
| PayPal Support | ✅ Works | ⚠️ Inconsistent |
| Activation Issues | Low | Very common |
| App Support | ❌ | ✅ Vanilla App available |
| Customer Support | Weak | Very Weak |
✅ Why MyGift Wins for Online Use
If you plan to use your card online, MyGift is clearly better.
Why?
- You can register your ZIP code, which is required for AVS (Address Verification)
- It works on Amazon, PayPal, and more
- Fewer declines and better merchant compatibility
⚠️ Why Vanilla Often Fails
- No ZIP registration = most online payments decline
- Very poor support
- App exists but doesn’t solve main problems
- Reports of balances disappearing or being unusable
💳 Where Each Card Works Best
| Card | Best Use |
|---|---|
| MyGift | Amazon, Uber, Starbucks, eBay |
| Vanilla | In-store purchases, low-risk merchants |
🧠 User Experiences
Thousands of users on Reddit, YouTube, and Twitter report:
- ✅ MyGift cards work when used correctly
- ❌ Vanilla cards decline even with full balance
- 🧾 Refunds and support from Vanilla = nightmare
🛍️ Best Place to Buy
- MyGift: GiftCardMall.com, Safeway, CVS
- Vanilla: Walgreens, Walmart, Amazon (not recommended)
❓ FAQ
Can I use Vanilla online? Sometimes, but usually fails due to no ZIP code registration. Which card works best on Amazon? MyGift — just reload your Amazon balance with exact value. Can I transfer balance from Vanilla to MyGift? No. But you can buy Amazon gift card with Vanilla and use it indirectly.
🔗 Related Posts
✅ Final Verdict
If you want a reliable gift card for online purchases in 2025, go with MyGift (GiftCardMall).
Vanilla Visa may be more common in stores, but it often fails online — causing frustration and wasted balances.
🎯 For eCommerce, apps, and flexibility — MyGift wins.