The address verification system used by some online merchants may require a ZIP code when a prepaid gift card is used for payment. This is a security measure intended to confirm the cardholder’s identity and reduce fraudulent transactions. For a Vanilla gift card, if a ZIP code is requested during an online transaction, individuals should use their own billing address ZIP code. Alternatively, registering the card online, if the option is provided, and associating it with a specific ZIP code may resolve the address verification issue.
The necessity for address verification stems from the desire to prevent unauthorized use of gift cards. By requiring a ZIP code, merchants can cross-reference the entered information with the card’s registration details or the user’s billing address, adding a layer of security to the transaction. This practice has evolved alongside increasing online fraud rates and is aimed at protecting both the consumer and the merchant from financial loss. The ability to successfully use a gift card online often depends on adhering to these security protocols.
