Check your balance online through Apple's website
The fastest way to see how much money is on your Apple Gift Card is to visit apple.com/giftcard and use the balance checker tool. You'll need the 16-digit code on the back of your physical card or the code from your email if you received a digital card. Enter the code and your email address, and the site will show your remaining balance instantly.
This method works whether your card is brand new or you've already spent part of it. The balance updates in real time, so you'll see the exact amount available to spend on apps, music, books, iCloud storage, or anything else in the Apple ecosystem.
Key Takeaways
- Visit apple.com/giftcard and enter your 16-digit card code to see your balance immediately online.
- You can also check your balance in the App Store, iTunes, or Apple Books by signing in with your Apple ID.
- If you've already added the card to your Apple account, your balance appears automatically in your account settings under payment methods.
- Keep your card code private — anyone with that code can spend your balance, so don't share it in emails or texts.
Check your balance in the App Store or iTunes
If you've already redeemed your Apple Gift Card to your Apple ID, you don't need the card code anymore. Open the App Store, iTunes, or Apple Books on any device where you're signed in, then look for your account menu. On iPhone or iPad, tap your profile picture in the top right corner. On a Mac, click your name in the sidebar. Your available balance will be listed under your account information.
This is the easiest method if you use Apple services regularly, because you can check your balance while you're already browsing what you want to buy. The balance shown here is the same one you'd see on the website — it's just pulled from your account instead of requiring the card code.
Redeem the card to your account first
When you first get an Apple Gift Card, the money isn't automatically in your account. You have to redeem the code first. Open the App Store, iTunes, or Apple Books, go to your account settings, and select "Redeem Gift Card or Code." Enter the 16-digit code from the back of your card or from your email. Once you tap "Redeem," the balance is added to your Apple ID and you can start spending it right away.
After you redeem it, the card code becomes inactive — you won't need it again. Your balance is now tied to your Apple ID, so as long as you're signed in on any device, you can see and spend it. If you lose track of the physical card after redeeming, that's fine. The money is safe in your account.
What happens if you can't find your card code
If you have a physical card and can't read the code on the back, try cleaning the card with a soft cloth. The code is printed or embossed, and dust or wear can make it hard to read. If the card is damaged and the code is still illegible, you'll need to contact Apple Support with proof of purchase (like a receipt from where you bought it). They can sometimes help recover the code, but this process takes longer than checking it yourself.
If you received a digital card by email and can't find the message, check your spam or promotions folder. The email usually comes from an Apple address and contains the code in the body of the message. If you still can't locate it, the person who sent it to you may have a copy of the confirmation email.
Why your balance might be lower than expected
If you check your balance and it's less than you thought, the most common reason is that you've already made purchases on that Apple ID. Every time you buy an app, song, book, or subscription renewal, it comes out of your gift card balance first — before any other payment method. Check your purchase history in your account settings to see what was charged.
Another possibility is that you redeemed multiple gift cards to the same account and forgot about one of them. Your account balance combines all the cards you've added, so if someone else also redeemed a card to your account, that would reduce the total available. You can see all your transactions and balance history in your account settings under "Payment & Billing."
Keep your card code secure
Treat your Apple Gift Card code the same way you'd treat cash or a credit card number. Don't share it in emails, text messages, or social media. If someone has your code, they can redeem it to their own account and spend the balance. There's no way to transfer the money back once that happens.
If you're buying a gift card for someone else, deliver the code in person or through a secure method. If you suspect your code has been compromised before you redeemed it, contact Apple Support right away with your receipt. They may be able to issue you a replacement, but this depends on how you purchased the card and whether you can prove you bought it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my balance without the card code?
Yes, if you've already redeemed the card to your Apple ID. Sign into the App Store, iTunes, or Apple Books and look at your account settings — your balance will be listed there. You only need the code if you haven't redeemed it yet or if you're checking the balance on a card you haven't added to your account.
Does my balance expire?
Apple Gift Card balances don't expire. Once you redeem the code to your Apple ID, the money stays in your account until you spend it. There's no time limit, so you can use it whenever you want.
What if the website says my code is invalid?
Make sure you're entering the code exactly as it appears — it's 16 digits and should be on the back of the card or in your email. If you've already redeemed this code to an Apple ID, it won't work again. If the code is genuinely invalid and you have a receipt, contact Apple Support with proof of purchase.
Can I check my balance on someone else's device?
Yes, if you use the website at apple.com/giftcard and enter your card code. You can also sign into your Apple ID on another device and check your balance through the App Store or iTunes. Just remember to sign out when you're done if it's not your device.