{"id":272,"date":"2021-04-02T13:28:43","date_gmt":"2021-04-02T18:28:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/purchasing-payables\/?post_type=p2presources&p=272"},"modified":"2026-09-03T14:28:31","modified_gmt":"2026-09-03T19:28:31","slug":"id-like-to-buy-gift-cards","status":"publish","type":"p2presources","link":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/purchasing-payables\/p2presources\/id-like-to-buy-gift-cards\/","title":{"rendered":"Purchasing Gift Cards or Prepaid VISA cards"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Gift Cards or Prepaid VISA cards are considered cash by the IRS. Gift Cards, including electronic gift cards, or Prepaid VISA cards should only be issued to Research Subjects<\/a> or as prizes to incent participation in UWM events\/surveys\/workshops<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UW System policy Policy 330 – Prizes, Awards and Gifts<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gift Cards or Prepaid VISA cards may be purchased on the Pcard provided preapproval<\/strong> is obtained from the school, college or division business office by utilizing the Spend Authorization with the business purpose of Gift Cards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Spend Authorization and Disbursement Log must be submitted with the expense report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gift Cards or Prepaid VISA cards purchased with the Pcard are limited to increments of $50 or less. Submit requests for Gift Card greater than $50 each through ShopUW+.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: Employees ARE NOT to purchase any Gift Cards or prepaid VISA cards using a T-Card or Personal Funds, and seeking reimbursement after the fact will be denied.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There is no contracted or preferred provider of gift cards – departments may chose any provider that meets the programmatic needs. Similarly, Prepaid VISA cards may be obtained from any provider, including the State’s financial services provider, US Bank. Departments should ensure they understand any limits, fees, or declining balance considerations when purchasing gift cards or prepaid VISA cards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gift Card Recipient Log Form<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gift Cards (Spend Auth Only)
A spend authorization requesting authorization to purchase gift cards is required\u00a0for all campuses.<\/strong>\u00a0
– Gift Card Recipient Log\u00a0Forms and Publications.\u00a0<\/a>
\u00a0

\u00a0The spend authorization must include:
\u00a0– Purpose of the gift card purchase
\u00a0– Explain how the distribution of gift cards will benefit the University
\u00a0– Vendor name
\u00a0– Quantity of cards requested
\u00a0– Dollar amount of each card<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Determine Business Purpose & Documentation in Spend Authorizations<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Gift Cards or Prepaid VISA cards are considered cash by the IRS. 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