Can I Use A Lowe’S Gift Card To Bill Pay?

Lowe’s is one of the most popular home improvement retailers, offering a wide selection of tools, appliances, lumber, flooring, paint, and more. Many customers take advantage of Lowe’s financing options, like the Lowe’s Advantage Card, to make large purchases. This inevitably leads to the question – can I use a Lowe’s gift card to pay my Lowe’s credit card bill?

The Short Answer

The short answer is no, you cannot directly use a Lowe’s gift card as a method of payment for your Lowe’s credit card bill. Gift cards can only be redeemed for merchandise and services within Lowe’s stores and Lowescom However, with some creativity, you may be able to use the value of a Lowe’s gift card towards paying down your credit card balance.

Ways To Use A Lowe’s Gift Card

While you can’t simply enter a gift card number when paying your bill online or over the phone, there are a couple workarounds.

Purchase A Money Order

Take your gift card to the customer service desk at Lowe’s and purchase a money order, using funds available on the gift card. Make the money order out to “Lowe’s Credit Card” and mail it with your payment slip. Lowe’s charges a small fee for money orders, usually around $1.50.

Buy & Resell Merchandise

Use the gift card to buy popular Lowe’s products, like tools or small appliances, then resell them for cash Take the cash and use it to make an online, phone, or mail payment to your credit card. Shop clearance items to maximize profit. This takes more time and effort but gets you cash to put towards your bill

Exchange For A Visa Gift Card

Lowe’s can exchange a store gift card for a general use Visa gift card at customer service. There is typically a $3-$5 fee. Then, use the Visa card number to pay your bill online, by phone, or through any processor. The extra fees allow you to convert the Lowe’s-only gift card into a payment method.

Get Cash Back On Purchases

When checking out with a gift card, get cash back if the balance exceeds your purchase total. For example, buy a $50 item with a $75 gift card, and get $25 cash back to put towards your credit card payment.

Policies On Bill Pay With Gift Cards

While the above workarounds give you options, Lowe’s does have official policies on paying credit accounts with gift cards:

• Lowe’s gift cards cannot be used as direct payment for any credit card bill. This includes over the phone, online, by mail, or in person.

• Gift card numbers are not accepted on the automated credit card payment phone line or online portal.

• Money orders purchased with a gift card are allowed for mailed bill payments.

• Exchanging a Lowe’s gift card for a Visa or Mastercard gift card is allowed but incurs fees.

• Getting cash back when exceeding a gift card’s balance is permitted at checkout.

Tips For Using Lowe’s Gift Cards

Even though you can’t directly pay your credit card with a Lowe’s gift card, they can still provide great savings:

• Use gift cards for big, expensive purchases to take advantage of promotional financing.

• Save gift cards for large projects like kitchen remodels rather than small purchases.

• Buy discounted Lowe’s gift cards to maximize savings on big ticket items.

• Stack gift cards with other coupons, sales, and your Lowe’s card’s 5% discount for huge savings.

• Re-gift unused gift card balances to friends/family planning Lowe’s purchases.

• Buy Lowe’s gift cards for yourself as protection against future price increases.

Beware Of Gift Card Payment Scams

While the above methods allow you to carefully use Lowe’s gift cards for bill payments, beware of shady requests to pay bills with gift cards:

• No legitimate business or government agency will insist on gift card payments. This includes the IRS, FBI, police, utility companies, etc.

• If someone requests or demands payment specifically with gift cards, it is always a scam.

• Never read gift card numbers or pins over the phone to someone requesting payment.

• Ignore offers for free payoffs or debt relief in exchange for paying with gift cards. These are scams.

• Legitimate creditors will never force or limit you to just one payment method, like gift cards.

Stay vigilant and never fall for pressure tactics to pay any bill or debt solely with gift cards. Only use secure mainstream payment methods, like linked bank accounts, debit/credit cards, checks, or money orders.

While Lowe’s doesn’t allow direct bill payment with gift cards, some creative methods let you redeem gift card value towards your credit card balance. But watch out for shady requests to pay bills solely with gift cards – these are always scams. Stick to secure payment methods for all financial obligations and enjoy Lowe’s gift cards for their intended purpose – saving money on your home improvement projects!