LM.G Lastminute.gift

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

What is Lastminute.gift?

Lastminute.gift lets you create beautiful, personalized gift cards for any local business. Our AI analyzes the business to generate a personalized card design, and we deliver a virtual Visa gift card to the recipient.

How does it work?

  1. Search for a local business and select the one you want to gift
  2. Our AI instantly analyzes the business branding, colors, and vibe to create a personalized gift card design
  3. Choose your amount and add the recipient's name along with a personal message
  4. Pay securely and we'll help deliver the gift to your recipient via your text messaging app

Can I send a gift to any business?

Yes! If a business accepts Visa, you can create a gift card for it. Your favorite local coffee shop, hair salon, restaurant — even if they've never offered gift cards before, you can still send one inspired by them.

Do recipients need to download an app?

No. Recipients receive a link via text message, open it in their browser, verify their identity and then after activating their virtual Visa card can manually add it directly to their Apple Pay or Google Pay wallet (single tap add-to-wallet coming soon). No app download required.

Gift Cards & Payments

Is this a real card or just a coupon?

It's a virtual Visa gift card — not a coupon, voucher, or IOU. It works at any merchant worldwide that accepts Visa - online or in-store - though it's designed to be spent at the selected business.

What amounts are available?

Gift card amounts vary based on current availability. Common amounts include $10, $25, $50, $75, $100, $150, $200, and $250.

Are there any fees?

Yes, there is a 10% service fee that helps us maintain secure payment processing and deliver your gift instantly. This is clearly displayed at checkout on top of the gift card amount you pay that is made available on the card.

How long is the gift card valid?

Virtual cards expire 6 months after activation. Once a virtual card is activated, it cannot be canceled, transferred, or refunded. Unused value remaining after expiration is not recoverable.

Can the card be used at other stores?

The card is a virtual Visa gift card, so it can technically be used anywhere Visa is accepted. However, it's intended as a gift for the specific business you selected.

How do I check my card balance?

You can view your remaining balance anytime by opening the gift link you received (found in your iPhone Messages app from the contact who sent you the gift). Your current balance is displayed below either card view near the bottom of the screen.

Sending & Receiving Gifts

How does the recipient get their gift?

After you complete your purchase, the recipient receives a text message with a link to their personalized gift card. They tap the link, verify their identity, activate the card and then can view and add the card to their digital wallet.

Can I pick recipients from my contacts?

Yes! You can select recipients directly from your phone's contact list for a faster experience.

Will I know when my recipient opens the gift?

Yes. You'll receive a real-time, in-app notification when your recipient opens their gift link, so you'll know the moment they see it. You'll also be notified when they view the virtual card after activation, and then later upon their first use of the card.

What if the recipient doesn't receive the text?

Your gifts are sent via your iPhone's Messaging app so make sure your phone is connected and you are able to send other messages. You can also reach us through our support chat or at help@lastminute.gift for help.

Can I send a gift to someone in another country?

Currently, Lastminute.gift supports sending to recipients with US phone numbers. International support is coming soon.

For Gift Recipients

How do I claim my gift card?

Tap the gift link in your text message, verify your identity via SMS one-time password, then activate your card. Your card details will then appear directly in your browser.

How do I add the card to Apple Pay or Google Pay?

  1. Open Apple Wallet or Google Wallet
  2. Tap Add Card (or the + icon)
  3. Choose Credit or Debit Card
  4. Select Enter Card Details Manually
  5. Copy/paste the card number, expiry, and CVV shown on the card details on your card activation page located at your gift card link

How do I check my remaining balance?

Open the gift link from the original text message sent to you at any time. The balance bar shows your initial gift amount, how much has been spent, and your remaining balance.

Security & Privacy

Is my payment information secure?

Absolutely. Payments are processed securely by Stripe, a PCI Level 1 payment processor. We never see or store your credit card number.

How are gift card credentials protected?

Card credentials (card number, CVV, expiry) are stored in a PCI-compliant isolated vault service and displayed via a secure iframe. Sensitive card data never touches our main application. URLs to card data are signed with HMAC and expire automatically.

Why do I need to verify my phone number to see the card?

For both the sender's and recipient's protection, we require a one-time SMS passcode verification before revealing card credentials. This ensures only the intended recipient using the phone number registered to the gift card can view the card details.

What personal data do you collect?

We collect only what's necessary to deliver your gift: phone numbers for delivery and verification, payment information (processed by Stripe, not stored by us), and gift details. See our Privacy Policy for full details.

Refunds & Support

Can I get a refund?

If you cancel a gift card before the recipient activates the card, you can request either a cash refund of the gift card amount (back to your original payment method) or a store credit toward a future purchase. Requests are reviewed and processed within a few business days. Service fees are non-refundable but will not be recharged when using a store credit.

Can I cancel a gift after sending it?

Yes, but only up to a certain point. If the recipient hasn't yet activated the card, you can cancel the gift under My Gifts. After cancelling, you'll have the option to request a cash refund of the gift card amount or store credit for the full purchase amount.

How do I contact support?

Reach us anytime through our support chat or at help@lastminute.gift.