How I Can Check My Gift Card Balance?
A gift card is a prepaid stored-value card that can be used as an alternative to cash at specified merchants or establishments. Gift cards have become increasingly popular gifts and made up an estimated $200 billion market in the United States in 2023. They provide the recipient the flexibility to purchase whatever they want from the associated retailer or restaurant.
It’s important to check the balance on gift cards for a few key reasons:
- To avoid disappointment at the register if the balance is lower than you thought
- To track spending and budget remaining amounts on the card
- To check for unauthorized transactions or errors
- To see if there is money still left you can spend
Knowing how much is left allows you to best utilize the gift card and determine when it may need to be refilled. This article will explore the various ways to easily check a gift card balance.
Check the Gift Card Itself
Many gift cards have a website, phone number, or instructions printed right on them for checking the balance (Giftcards.com). Flip over the gift card and look for a toll-free customer service number, web address, or instructions for checking the balance. For example, most restaurant gift cards have an 800-number on the back that connects you to an automated system to check your balance. Many retailers like Amazon and Walmart provide website URLs on their gift cards specifically for balance lookups. Even if the card doesn’t have a pre-printed way to check, the customer service number on the back of the card should be able to assist you.
Before tossing out gift card packaging, always check inside the greeting card or sleeve for a balance lookup number as well. If your gift card is electronic or virtual (just a card number), you may need to log into the merchant’s website for a balance check.
One advantage of checking a gift card balance directly is you don’t have to worry about third party usage fees that some balance checker websites charge. As long as you have the physical card in hand, checking the balance is free and simple by following the provided instructions.
Go Online
Most major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Starbucks, and many more have online portals for checking gift card balances (Top eCommerce & Shopping Websites Ranking in January 2023; Top 500 Database). Simply go to the retailer’s website and look for a “Gift Card Balance” link, which is usually at the bottom of the page or under a “Customer Service” tab. Enter the gift card number and security code (if applicable) to instantly check the balance online.
Some websites may require you to create an account first before allowing balance checks. Make sure to have the gift card with you so you can enter any required details. Online portals are the fastest and most convenient way to check a balance 24/7 without having to call or visit a store.
Call the Toll-Free Number
There is usually a toll-free customer service number printed on the back of the gift card or included in the gift card packaging that you can call to check the balance. The toll-free number connects you directly to the gift card issuer’s customer service team.
When you call the number, you will be prompted to enter the gift card number and security PIN. You may also be asked for identifying details like the purchaser’s name. Once verified, the automated system or customer service agent can provide you with the current balance.
Calling in is one of the quickest and easiest ways to check a gift card balance. It also gives you the opportunity to speak with a customer service representative if you have any other questions or issues with the card. The downside is you may be put on hold if call volumes are high.
According to posts on Reddit, average wait times for gift card balance calls can range from 5-15 minutes depending on the company. Companies like Visa and InComm tend to have higher call volumes. Calling outside of peak hours can reduce your wait.
Overall, the toll-free number is the best option if you need an immediate balance check or have an urgent issue to discuss with customer service. Just be prepared for some potential wait times.
Visit the Store
One of the easiest ways to check the balance on a gift card is to bring the physical card to the store where it was purchased. Most major retailers like Walmart, Target, Amazon, and more have systems in place to look up gift card balances in store.
To check your balance, simply bring the gift card to the customer service desk or checkout counter. Ask the cashier or customer service representative to check the balance for you. They will either swipe the card through their system or enter the card number manually to pull up the current balance.
In most cases, the staff can print out a receipt showing the gift card’s remaining balance as well. This can be useful to have a physical record of the balance at that time in case you need to refer back to it later.
The process typically only takes a few minutes and there are generally no fees or charges associated with checking a gift card balance in person. As long as you have the physical gift card, you can check the balance at any time, even if the card was purchased someone else.
Checking your balance at the store is usually the quickest and easiest way to get an up-to-date reading on how much money remains on your gift card. It avoids the hassle of calling customer service or trying to check online.
Check Your Purchase History
If you registered the gift card when you purchased it, you may be able to check the balance by logging into your account on the retailer’s website. Many major retailers like Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Target allow you to create an online account associated with the gift card. When you log in, you can see the card’s balance as well as your full history of purchases and reloads.
To check your balance this way, go to the retailer’s website and look for an option to log in or access your account. You will need the gift card number and any other details like the access code on the back of the card. Once logged in, you should see your gift card balance readily available, often displayed at the top of the website upon login.
Checking online is convenient if you frequently reload and use the same retailer’s gift card. Just be sure to register the card when you initially purchase it so the balance can be linked to your account.
Use Third-Party Websites
Some websites aggregate balance info from various merchants. These third-party sites allow you to enter a gift card number to check the balance. Examples include CardCash, Raise, and GiftCardGranny.
The advantage of using these sites is you can check gift card balances from many different retailers in one place. However, be aware that some charge fees to check balances or exchange cards. Make sure to read the terms and conditions before using any third-party gift card website.
According to a 2022 consumer report from Consumer Reports, some of the most reputable third-party gift card balance sites include Raise, CardCash, and GiftCardGranny. These sites have been vetted for security and ease of use.
Beware Fees
When checking the balance on a gift card, watch out for fees that may be charged. Some methods of checking a balance, especially through third-party websites, may charge a small fee to look up and display the balance. According to GiftCards.com, various fees can be charged against a gift card’s balance, but most only apply to bank-issued gift cards such as Visa or Mastercard.
To avoid fees, your best options are to check the gift card or packaging itself, go to the retailer’s website, or call the toll-free number listed on the back of the card. The retailer who issued the gift card is unlikely to charge you a fee for simply checking the balance. However, third-party balance check websites may charge $1-$5 per card checked. While convenient, use these services sparingly to avoid racking up fees.
Keep the Receipt
It’s important to keep the paper gift card receipt or e-receipt, as it may contain crucial information needed to check the balance. The receipt will have the gift card number printed on it. This number will be required if you need to contact the merchant about the card. The receipt may also show the initial loaded amount or remaining balance if it was checked at the time of purchase. Additionally, some retailers require the receipt for returns, exchanges or balance checks on gift cards. The receipt also proves ownership if the card is lost or stolen.
According to experts, gift card receipts should be held onto for at least 6 months after purchase or until the card is fully used. This provides time to resolve any issues that may come up. Some advise holding onto the receipt until the card expires in case you need to request a replacement.
The best practice is to file away gift card receipts with other financial documents or scan them for digital safekeeping. With the receipt on hand, the balance can easily be checked or other gift card issues resolved if the need arises.
Frequently Check Balances
It’s a good idea to check your gift card balance regularly, especially if it’s close to expiring or the remaining balance is low. Many gift cards expire within 6-24 months and the money left on them is forfeited if not used in time. According to Gift Card Statistics, 6% of gift cards are never used, resulting in billions of dollars in lost value each year.
For gift cards that are nearing expiration or have less than $10-20 left, try to check the balance every month or before you plan to use it. This way, you can avoid an unpleasant surprise at the register and have time to either use up the balance or add funds before it expires. Setting calendar reminders on your phone can help remember to routinely check.
Gift cards with a lot of money left on them or longer expiration dates only need occasional balance checks every few months. However, keeping a general eye on the balance helps ensure the card hasn’t been lost, stolen or accidentally spent without realizing it.
