What a U-Haul gift card covers

A U-Haul gift card is a prepaid card you can use to pay for truck rentals, equipment rentals, moving supplies, and storage services at U-Haul locations. The card holds a dollar amount that you or someone else loads onto it, and you spend down that balance when you rent or buy from U-Haul. Unlike a credit card, you cannot spend more than the balance on the card — once the money is gone, you need to add more or use a different payment method.

U-Haul gift cards work at U-Haul's company-owned locations and at most U-Haul dealer locations (independent businesses that rent U-Haul equipment). Some dealers may not accept them, so it is worth calling ahead if you are planning to use one at a specific location. You can also use a U-Haul gift card to pay for items on uhaul.com, the company's website.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul gift cards can be used for truck rentals, equipment rentals, moving supplies, and storage services at most U-Haul locations and on their website.
  • You can purchase a physical gift card at U-Haul locations or buy a digital code online that arrives by email within minutes.
  • Gift cards do not expire and do not lose value over time, so you can hold onto one indefinitely without penalty.
  • If you lose a physical card, U-Haul can replace it if you have the card number, but digital codes cannot be replaced if lost.
  • You can check your gift card balance online, by phone, or in person at any U-Haul location.

Where to buy a U-Haul gift card

You can purchase a U-Haul gift card in two ways: as a physical card or as a digital code. Physical cards are sold at U-Haul locations in denominations ranging from $25 to $500, though the exact amounts available may vary by location. You can walk in, buy the card, and use it when ready or give it to someone else.

Digital gift cards are sold on uhaul.com and arrive as a code sent to an email address you provide. These codes are delivered within minutes, making them useful if you need to send a gift quickly. Digital codes are typically available in amounts from $25 to $500 as well. Both physical and digital cards work the same way once you have the code or card number.

How to use your gift card for a rental

When you rent a truck or equipment, you can pay with your gift card at any point in the process. If you are renting online through uhaul.com, you enter the gift card number during checkout just as you would a credit card number. If you are renting in person or by phone, tell the U-Haul representative that you want to pay with a gift card and provide the card number.

The rental cost is deducted from your gift card balance. If your rental costs more than the card balance, you will need to pay the difference with another payment method — a credit card, debit card, or cash, depending on the location. Some U-Haul locations may require a credit card on file for the security deposit even if you are paying the rental itself with a gift card.

Checking your balance and adding more funds

You can check how much money remains on your gift card in three ways. The easiest is to visit uhaul.com, click on the gift card section, and enter your card number. You can also call U-Haul's customer service line and provide your card number over the phone. Finally, any U-Haul location can look up your balance if you bring the physical card or provide the number in person.

If you run out of funds, you cannot add more money to the same card. Instead, you would need to purchase a new gift card. Some people keep multiple gift cards on hand for this reason, or they use a gift card to cover part of a large rental and another payment method for the rest.

Gift card expiration and replacement

U-Haul gift cards do not expire. You can hold onto a card for years without losing any of the balance, which makes them different from some retail gift cards that lose value after a set period. This means a gift card is a safe choice if you are unsure when the recipient will use it.

If you lose a physical gift card, U-Haul can issue a replacement if you have the card number written down or can provide other proof of purchase. Digital codes cannot be replaced if lost, so treat them like cash and store the code somewhere find. If you received a digital code by email, save that email or write the code down in a safe place.

Using a gift card for storage and supplies

Beyond truck rentals, U-Haul gift cards cover storage unit rentals at U-Haul storage facilities. If you need to rent a climate-controlled or standard storage unit by the month, you can pay with your gift card. The same balance rules explore — if the monthly rental is more than your card balance, you pay the difference another way.

Moving supplies sold by U-Haul, such as boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper, can also be purchased with a gift card. You can buy supplies in person at a U-Haul location or order them online through uhaul.com and pay with the card. This makes a gift card useful even for someone who only needs supplies and is not renting equipment.

What a gift card does not cover

U-Haul gift cards cannot be used to pay for damage waivers, insurance, or late fees that accrue after a rental. These charges must be paid with a credit card, debit card, or cash at the time you return the equipment. If you are concerned about potential damage charges, ask the U-Haul representative what your options are before you rent.

Gift cards also cannot be redeemed for cash. You cannot take a gift card to a U-Haul location and ask for the balance in cash, and you cannot use it to withdraw money from an ATM. The card is only good for U-Haul services and products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a U-Haul gift card at any U-Haul location?

Most U-Haul locations accept gift cards, including company-owned stores and most independent dealer locations. A small number of dealers may not accept them, so if you are planning to use a card at a specific location, call ahead to confirm. All U-Haul locations and uhaul.com definitely accept them.

What happens if my gift card balance is not enough for my rental?

You can use the gift card to pay part of the rental and cover the rest with a credit card, debit card, or cash. The U-Haul representative will process both payments together. Some locations may require a credit card on file for the security deposit regardless of how you pay the rental itself.

Can I transfer my gift card balance to someone else?

You can give the physical card or the digital code to another person, and they can use it just as you would. However, U-Haul does not allow you to transfer a balance from one card to another or to split a balance between multiple cards. The card number is tied to the balance.

Is there a fee for having a U-Haul gift card?

U-Haul does not charge a fee to hold or use a gift card. There are no monthly maintenance fees, inactivity fees, or charges for checking your balance. The only cost is the amount you pay when you purchase the card itself.

What if I received a digital gift card code but cannot find the email?

Check your spam or promotions folder first — the email may have been filtered. If you still cannot find it, contact U-Haul customer service with the email address where the code was sent, and they may be able to resend it. Digital codes cannot be replaced if you have lost them, so act quickly if you realize the email is missing.