How to Fix Vanilla Gift Card Error When Checking Balance

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Plus, we go over some Vanilla gift card FAQs

Co-authored by Hannah Dillon Reviewed by Luigi Oppido

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 Fact Checked

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Error When Checking Balance

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Vanilla Gift Cards and Apple Wallet

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FAQ

Are you getting an "A System Error Has Occurred" error when trying to view your Vanilla gift card balance? This is a frustrating issue to encounter, especially when you really need to know how much is left on your Vanilla card. In this article we go over some ways to fix this issue, plus some frequently asked questions and info on Vanilla gift cards and Apple Wallet.

Ways to Fix Vanilla Gift Card Errors

Try a different browser (like Microsoft Edge or Safari).
Use your mobile browser instead of the one on your computer.
Try viewing the page in Incognito Mode.
Make sure you typed the card number correctly.
Call customer service for further help or to unlock your card.

Section 1 of 3:

Error When Checking Balance

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If you're using Chrome or Firefox, try viewing your Vanilla gift card balance in Microsoft Edge or Safari. Sometimes websites are not formatted to work with browsers other than Edge or Safari, so using any other browser can lead to issues and errors (such as the "a system error has occurred" error).
Many users have stated that they were able to view their Vanilla gift card balance when looking it up on their phone's mobile browser instead of on their computer.^{[1]
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Research source} Simply go to balance.vanillagift.com on your phone and enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV of your Vanilla gift card to view the balance.

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In a similar vein to the first two suggestions, other users have stated that viewing the Vanilla gift card balance website in Incognito Mode caused the website to work and not throw an error code.
If your Vanilla gift card number wasn't typed correctly, the website won't be able to look it up and give you your balance. Check the number you typed to make sure it matches exactly with the number on the card. Make sure to check the expiration date and CVV as well.
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Call customer service. If nothing else works, the final step to fixing Vanilla gift card issues is to call customer service and request assistance. Sometimes the "a system error has occurred" message comes up because there's an issue that only the customer service team can fix.
- Make sure you have the card number handy when you call customer service.
- Be prepared to call multiple times. Some users have stated they had to call more than once to get ahold of someone who could fix their problem.^{[2]
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Section 2 of 3:

Vanilla Gift Cards and Apple Wallet

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You cannot add Vanilla gift cards to Apple Wallet. Only specific gift cards can be added to Apple Wallet (check out the full list here). Unfortunately, Vanilla gift cards are not included. You will have to either carry your Vanilla gift card with you to make a purchase with the physical card, or type the gift card number in manually if you're buying online.
- The list of cards you can add to Apple Wallet are as follows: credit cards, debit cards, Apple Cash, ID cards, transit cards, boarding passes, certain electronic keys, tickets, vaccination cards, loyalty cards, and some very specific gift cards.^{[3]
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Section 3 of 3:

FAQ

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What do I do if the balance on my Vanilla gift card is wrong? Go to the reporting page on Vanilla's gift card site, then click Incorrect Balance. Follow the on-screen instructions to submit your case. A Vanilla gift card support specialist should reach out to you shortly.^{[4]
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How do I get a replacement Vanilla gift card? To replace your Vanilla gift card, call the customer service number on the back of the card, then state you'd like to replace your card. Follow the phone instructions to get a replacement.^{[5]
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What do I do if there's an unauthorized charge on my Vanilla gift card? Go to the reporting page on Vanilla's gift card site, then click Unauthorized Transaction. Follow the on-screen instructions to submit your case. A Vanilla gift card support specialist should reach out to you shortly.^{[6]
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Why isn't my Vanilla gift card working on a specific site? First, make sure the card has a balance and you're typing in the card number correctly. Then, make sure the website you're trying to use the gift card on accepts gift cards or prepaid cards. Some websites will only accept credit cards or debit cards as payment methods.