If you‘re looking for a convenient and flexible gift idea, you may be considering purchasing a Visa or Mastercard gift card. These gift cards can be used almost anywhere and allow the recipient to choose their own perfect gift. Many people head to their local Lowe‘s home improvement store to make everyday purchases – but you may be wondering, does Lowe‘s sell Visa and Mastercard gift cards?
The short answer is yes, Lowe‘s does sell these popular gift cards at most of its stores nationwide. However, there are a few important things to know before making your purchase. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about buying Visa and Mastercard gift cards at Lowe‘s, including denominations, activation fees, where to find them in-store, and much more. Let‘s dive in!
Where to Find Visa & Mastercard Gift Cards at Lowe‘s
While you can purchase a wide variety of items on Lowes.com, Visa and Mastercard gift cards are only sold in physical Lowe‘s store locations. According to numerous reports from Lowe‘s shoppers, these gift cards are typically stocked in end cap displays, which are the shelves found at the end of each aisle. Most stores place the gift card displays close to the checkout area and front of the store.
The gift card section is usually organized first by type of gift card (store cards, Visa/Mastercard, etc.), then by specific retailer, and finally by denomination. This makes it easy to locate the specific gift card you‘re looking for. If you have trouble finding the gift card display, don‘t hesitate to ask a Lowe‘s employee for assistance. They‘ll be happy to point you in the right direction.
Visa & Mastercard Gift Card Denominations & Fees
Once you find the gift card display, you‘ll need to choose the denomination or amount to put on the gift card. At Lowe‘s, Visa and Mastercard gift cards are available in preset amounts ranging from $20 up to $500. This allows you to choose an amount that fits your budget and gift-giving needs.
However, it‘s important to note that in addition to the dollar value you put on the gift card, you‘ll also be charged an activation fee at the time of purchase. This is a one-time fee that ranges between $3 and $9. The higher the gift card amount, the higher the activation fee. For example, a $100 Visa gift card will have a higher activation fee than a $25 one.
These activation fees are charged by the gift card issuer (Visa or Mastercard), not by Lowe‘s itself. Stores like Lowe‘s have no control over these fees. Essentially, the activation fee covers the cost for Visa or Mastercard to produce the cards and make them ready for use. While it may seem like an annoying extra charge, it‘s standard practice for these types of prepaid gift cards at any retailer.
How to Purchase Visa & Mastercard Gift Cards at Lowe‘s
Purchasing a Visa or Mastercard gift card at Lowe‘s is a simple process. First, choose the gift card design and denomination you want. Then take the gift card to any regular checkout lane or the customer service desk. At the time of payment, the cashier will let you know the total cost, which will include the gift card amount plus the activation fee.
You can pay for your gift card with cash, credit card, debit card, or Lowe‘s credit card. However, you cannot purchase a Visa or Mastercard gift card using a Lowe‘s gift card. This is a common policy that most retailers have. Gift cards can only be used to purchase goods and services, not other gift cards.
One other thing to keep in mind is that you may be asked to show a photo ID when purchasing a gift card at Lowe‘s, especially for higher denominations. This is a security precaution to prevent fraud and money laundering. It‘s a good idea to have your driver‘s license or other government-issued ID ready when checking out.
Using Visa & Mastercard Gift Cards
Once you‘ve purchased your Visa or Mastercard gift card at Lowe‘s, you can use it at any merchant that accepts those types of credit cards. This includes millions of stores, restaurants, gas stations, online shops, and more. The main benefit of these gift cards is that they allow the recipient to choose their own gift from almost anywhere, rather than being limited to one specific store.
However, there are a few limitations to keep in mind. Some Visa and Mastercard gift cards cannot be used at ATMs to withdraw cash. Additionally, some online merchants may not accept gift cards as payment, although this is uncommon. It‘s always a good idea to check with the specific merchant to confirm their gift card policies.
To use a Visa or Mastercard gift card, simply swipe it at the payment terminal like you would a regular credit card. The purchase amount will be deducted from the gift card balance. It‘s important to keep track of the remaining balance, as most of these gift cards cannot be reloaded with additional funds once the balance reaches zero.
If you need to check the balance on your gift card, you can usually do so by calling the toll-free number or visiting the website printed on the back of the card. There, you‘ll be able to view your balance and transaction history. If your gift card is ever lost or stolen, contact the issuer immediately. Some Visa and Mastercard gift cards offer certain protections or the ability to get a replacement card.
Other Gift Card Options at Lowe‘s
In addition to Visa and Mastercard gift cards, Lowe‘s also sells a wide variety of other gift cards for specific retailers and restaurants. In fact, most Lowe‘s stores carry over 100 different gift card brands! Whether you‘re looking for an Amazon gift card, an Applebee‘s gift card, or a Nike gift card, chances are you can find it at your local Lowe‘s.
Some of the most popular gift cards sold at Lowe‘s include:
- Amazon
- Apple Store
- iTunes
- Google Play
- Netflix
- Hulu
- Starbucks
- Target
- Walmart
- Best Buy
- Home Depot
- Kohl‘s
- Macy‘s
- Dick‘s Sporting Goods
- Sephora
- Ulta Beauty
- Olive Garden
- Outback Steakhouse
- Chili‘s
- Domino‘s
- Subway
- Dunkin‘ Donuts
Just like with Visa and Mastercard gift cards, retailer-specific gift cards at Lowe‘s are available in various denominations. However, they usually do not charge any additional activation fees. The main difference is that these gift cards can only be used at that specific retailer, not anywhere else.
If you don‘t see the specific gift card you‘re looking for on the display rack, it‘s a good idea to ask a Lowe‘s employee if they have it in stock. Some less common gift card brands may be kept behind the customer service counter. You can also contact your local Lowe‘s store in advance to ask about the availability of certain gift cards.
Conclusion
In summary, Lowe‘s is a convenient one-stop-shop for not only home improvement needs, but also for purchasing gift cards. Most Lowe‘s stores sell Visa and Mastercard gift cards in denominations between $20 and $500, although you‘ll need to pay an additional activation fee of up to $9.99. These versatile gift cards can be used at millions of merchants worldwide. Lowe‘s also carries over 100 other store-specific gift card brands.
Before making a special trip, it‘s always wise to contact your local Lowe‘s to double check the availability of a particular gift card. And remember to have your ID ready at checkout, just in case.
Whether you‘re looking to buy a gift for a difficult-to-shop-for friend or simply want to give someone the freedom to choose their own gift, you really can‘t go wrong with a Visa or Mastercard gift card from Lowe‘s. While you‘re there picking up lightbulbs or DIY supplies, why not grab a gift card and cross one more item off your to-do list? Happy shopping!
