Gift Card Not Working? Common Reasons and What to Do
A card that fails at the register or online is stressful, but the cause is usually simple. Work through the reasons below, then contact the issuer, since only they can see what is happening on the account.
Common causes
The card was never activated
Cards are activated at purchase. If the cashier missed it, the card holds nothing. Take it back with your receipt.
The card has expired or has fees
Some cards expire or lose value to monthly fees after a period. Read the back for terms.
Online versus in-store limits
Some cards work only in stores, some only online, and some prepaid cards need a billing address registered first.
Pending transactions
A recent purchase or a hotel or fuel hold can reserve funds, so the available balance is lower than expected for a few days.
Only part of the balance is left
If the price is higher than the balance, the sale is declined unless you ask the cashier to split payment, or choose a different payment for the remainder online.
Typing or scanning errors
Re-enter the card number and PIN slowly. Worn magnetic strips and scratched barcodes can fail to read.
What to do next
- Check the balance through the issuer's official channel; see how to check a gift card balance.
- Call the number on the back and ask about activation, expiry, holds and fees.
- Keep your receipt and the card until it is resolved.
- If it was a gift, ask the giver where it was bought.
The Gift Insider, LLC is an independent gift retailer. We do not check gift card balances and are not affiliated with any card issuer.