How to Check a Gift Card Balance — A Simple Guide
Whether you need to check a balance online, by phone or at a store, the process is almost always the same. This guide walks through it from start to finish so you do not need to look anywhere else for the steps. We do not check balances ourselves; the issuer is the only party that can.
Step 1: Find out who issued the card
Turn the card over. The issuer's name, website and a customer service phone number are normally printed on the back, often near the fine print. Cards sold at multi-brand gift card stores, such as GiftCardMall, are usually branded Visa or Mastercard prepaid cards, so the back of the card tells you which bank or program manager runs it. Store-brand cards usually name the store.
Step 2: Have the details ready
Keep the card in your hand. You will usually need the card number, and sometimes a PIN under a scratch-off strip or a security code on the back. Prepaid cards may also ask for an expiry date. Enter these only on the issuer's own site or give them to the issuer's own phone line, never to a third party.
Step 3: Use the issuer's official channel
There are three common routes. Go to the website printed on the card by typing it into your browser yourself and look for a balance or card-activity page. Or call the phone number on the back and follow the automated prompts. Or, for store cards, ask a cashier to scan it. Some issuers let you register the card online to see a balance and recent transactions.
Step 4: Write the balance down
Note the balance, the date and any expiry or fee information. If the number looks wrong, see gift card not working? common reasons and what to do.
Stay safe
- Beware of search ads or sites that look like the issuer's. Check that the address matches the one on your card.
- An issuer will never ask you to pay to see a balance.
- Do not send card numbers by email or text to anyone who contacts you first.
If you cannot find the issuer
Check the original packaging or receipt, or ask whoever gave you the card where it was bought. The seller can usually tell you the issuer.
The Gift Insider, LLC is an independent gift retailer. We do not check gift card balances and are not affiliated with any card issuer.