PayGarden Gift Card Not Working - Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Last updated: September 11, 2025
Table of Contents

💳 About PayGarden

PayGarden allows you to use retail gift cards to pay for TorGuard VPN services. However, not all gift cards are accepted. This guide will help you troubleshoot common issues and find alternative payment methods.

Quick Troubleshooting Checklist

✅ Before You Contact Support

Accepted vs Rejected Gift Cards

✅ ACCEPTED Cards

  • Store-Brand Gift Cards:
  • Target Gift Cards
  • Walmart Gift Cards
  • Best Buy Gift Cards
  • Amazon Gift Cards
  • Home Depot Gift Cards
  • Starbucks Cards
  • And many more retail brands

✓ Must be USA-purchased

✓ Must have sufficient balance

❌ REJECTED Cards

  • Prepaid Credit Cards:
  • Visa Gift Cards
  • Mastercard Gift Cards
  • American Express Gift Cards
  • Discover Gift Cards
  • Also Rejected:
  • International gift cards
  • Marketplace-bought cards
  • Cards with insufficient balance

✗ Even with Visa/MC logo

✗ No prepaid credit cards

Common Error Reasons & Solutions

🚫 Error: "Card Not Accepted"

Reason: You're trying to use a Visa/Mastercard prepaid card

Solution: PayGarden only accepts store-brand gift cards. Look for cards specific to retailers like Target, Walmart, or Amazon - NOT general-purpose Visa/Mastercard gift cards.

🌍 Error: "Region Not Supported"

Reason: Your gift card was purchased outside the USA

Solution: Currently, PayGarden only accepts USA-purchased gift cards. International cards are not supported. Consider using cryptocurrency or other payment methods.

🔢 Error: "Invalid PIN"

Reason: Incomplete or incorrect PIN entry

Solution:
  • Check if your card has a scratch-off area hiding the PIN
  • Ensure you're entering all digits (some PINs are longer)
  • Try without spaces or dashes
  • Some cards use the CVV as the PIN

🏪 Error: "Marketplace Card"

Reason: Card was purchased from a gift card reseller

Solution: PayGarden cannot accept cards from:
  • Cardpool.com
  • Raise.com
  • GiftCardGranny.com
  • Other gift card marketplaces
Only cards purchased directly from retailers are accepted.

💰 Error: "Insufficient Balance"

Reason: Card balance too low or doesn't cover commission

Solution:
  • Minimum $10 USD required for most brands
  • Account for PayGarden's commission rates
  • Check exact balance at retailer's website
  • Consider combining multiple cards

🏷️ Error: "Brand Not Supported"

Reason: Your gift card brand isn't in PayGarden's network

Solution: Visit paygarden.com/brands for the current list of supported brands. New brands are added regularly.

PayGarden Commission Rates

⚠️ Important: Commission Information

PayGarden charges commission on gift card conversions. This means:

  • A $50 gift card may only provide $35-45 in credit
  • Commission rates vary by brand (typically 10-30%)
  • Popular brands often have lower commission rates
  • Always check the conversion rate before confirming

Minimum Balance Requirements

💵 Gift Card Minimums

Card Type Minimum Balance Typical Commission
Most Retail Brands $10 USD 15-25%
Popular Brands (Target, Walmart) $10 USD 10-20%
Restaurant Cards $25 USD 20-30%
Specialty Stores $10-25 USD 15-30%

Troubleshooting Flowchart

🔍 Step-by-Step Diagnosis

Check Card Type

Is it a store-specific gift card (Target, Walmart, etc.) or a Visa/Mastercard prepaid card?

  • ✅ Store-specific → Continue to Step 2
  • ❌ Visa/Mastercard → Use different payment method

Verify Purchase Location

Was the card purchased in the USA from an authorized retailer?

  • ✅ USA retailer → Continue to Step 3
  • ❌ International or marketplace → Use different card

Check Balance

Does your card have at least $10 USD balance?

  • ✅ $10+ balance → Continue to Step 4
  • ❌ Less than $10 → Add funds or use different card

Verify Brand Support

Check if your brand is listed at paygarden.com/brands

  • ✅ Brand supported → Continue to Step 5
  • ❌ Not supported → Try alternative payment

Enter Complete Information

Have you entered the full card number and PIN correctly?

  • ✅ All info correct → Should work! Contact support if not
  • ❌ Missing info → Check for scratch-off PIN area

Popular Supported Brands

Target
Walmart
Amazon
Best Buy
Home Depot
Starbucks
iTunes
GameStop
Whole Foods
CVS
Walgreens
And 100+ more

View All Supported Brands

Alternative Payment Methods

💳 Can't Use PayGarden? Try These:

Cryptocurrency

Accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and 70+ other cryptocurrencies. Anonymous and instant.

💳

Credit/Debit Cards

Standard payment via Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover.

📱

PayPal

Quick and secure payment through your PayPal account.

🏦

Wire Transfer

For bulk purchases or business accounts.

💵

Cash by Mail

Anonymous payment option - contact support for details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use multiple gift cards for one purchase? +

Yes, you can combine multiple gift cards to reach the required amount. Add them one at a time during checkout.

Why does PayGarden charge commission? +

PayGarden converts gift cards to cash value, which involves processing fees and market rates. Commission covers these costs and varies by brand popularity and demand.

Can I get a refund on a PayGarden payment? +

PayGarden transactions are final once processed. However, TorGuard offers a 7-day money-back guarantee on VPN services - contact support for assistance.

My card worked before but not now - why? +

PayGarden occasionally updates supported brands and requirements. A previously accepted card type might no longer be supported, or minimum balance requirements may have changed.

Tips for Success

💡 Pro Tips

  • Buy directly from retailers - Never use gift card marketplaces
  • Check balance first - Ensure you have enough including commission
  • Keep cards secure - Treat gift cards like cash
  • Use popular brands - They typically have lower commission rates
  • Consider crypto - Often faster and more private than gift cards

Still Having Issues?

If you've checked everything above and your gift card still isn't working:

  1. Take a screenshot of the error message
  2. Note your gift card brand and approximate balance
  3. Contact TorGuard support with these details
Contact Support

Include gift card type and error details for fastest resolution

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