How to Check Your Gift Card Balance

It can be quite embarrassing to try to make a purchase using a gift card only to find there's no remaining balance. Fortunately, you can easily check your gift card balance before heading out for shopping. To do so, visit the card's website, call the customer support hotline, or stop by the nearest transaction location.

Find the website on the back of the card. Flip the card over and locate the small printed text on the back with a black stripe. Usually, this text will provide instructions for checking the balance, and sometimes, it will also feature a website you can visit.

• Be cautious of fraudulent websites unrelated to the card issuer. Only visit the official company website or the one listed on the back of the card.

Enter the required information on the website. After visiting the website found on the back of your gift card, you will need to fill in the relevant card details in the appropriate fields. These details usually include the card number and other codes such as the expiration date or access code.

• Sometimes you may need to scratch off a sticker or paint on the back of the card to reveal the card number.

Click submit or press Enter. After submitting your information, you will be redirected to a page showing your gift card balance. If nothing happens, return to the previous page and re-enter the information. Double-check to ensure all details are correct before submitting.

• If your details are correct but you still cannot access the balance, the card may have expired or there may be a technical issue. In this case, call the customer service hotline or visit the card issuer's branch.

Call or visit a transaction branch if there is no website on the back of the card. If you cannot find a website on the back of your gift card, it may not be possible to check the balance online. In this case, you will need to use an alternative method to check your gift card balance.

Find the issuer's number on the back of the gift card. Most gift cards have a toll-free customer service number printed on the back (the side with the black stripe). Flip the card over and look for the phone number. Sometimes, there are two phone numbers: one for customer service and another for balance inquiries.

• If you call the customer service number, they will transfer you to the balance inquiry hotline.

Dial the number found on your card. Call the balance inquiry number located on the back of your card. This number may connect you to a customer service representative or an automated answering system.

Use the keypad on your phone to input your details. After calling the helpline, the system will ask you to provide information such as your card number, expiration date, birthdate, or the last four digits of your phone number. The required information may vary depending on the specific type of gift card. Follow the instructions from the automated system or the customer service representative until all requested details are entered.

Wait to hear your balance. Once you've entered all the necessary details, you will be informed of your balance. Make sure to note it down or save it to your mobile device so you can keep track of how much money is available on your gift card.

Visit a nearby store or branch to use your gift card. If the gift card is specifically for a particular company or brand, go to a store within that network. The staff will let you know how much credit is available for you to use from your gift card.

Ask the store staff if they can help check your gift card balance. You can hand your gift card to a customer service representative or a cashier and request them to check the remaining balance. Typically, they can scan the card and provide you with the balance information.

Look at the bottom of the receipt after using your gift card. When you make a purchase with your gift card in-store, you'll receive a receipt or invoice. Most businesses will list the remaining balance on the gift card at the end of the receipt.