What a gift card balance is and why it matters

Your gift card balance is the dollar amount remaining on a card you can spend at a retailer or restaurant. When you use the card to buy something, the balance goes down by that amount. If you lose track of how much is left, you might try to pay with a card that does not have enough money on it — and your purchase will be declined at checkout.

Knowing your balance before you shop saves you from that awkward moment and helps you plan what you can actually afford to buy. It also matters if you are trying to use up a card before it expires, or if you received multiple cards and want to know which ones still have value.

Key Takeaways

  • Most retailers let you check your balance online, by phone, or in-store using the card number and PIN.
  • Some gift cards expire or lose value over time, so checking the card's terms before you use it matters.
  • If a card has a low balance left, you can often combine it with another payment method at checkout.
  • Lost or stolen cards may be replaceable if you have the original receipt or card number.

How to check your balance online

Most major retailers have a gift card balance checker on their website. Look for a link that says "Check Gift Card Balance" or "Card Balance" — it is usually in the footer or under a Help or Customer Service section. You will need to enter the card number (the long number on the front) and sometimes a PIN (usually on the back).

Some retailers also let you check balance through their mobile app. Open the app, go to the account or menu section, and look for gift card options. If you have an account with the retailer, you may be able to add the card to your account so the balance shows automatically each time you log in.

Checking balance by phone or in-store

If you do not want to use the website, call the retailer's customer service number — it is usually on the back of the card or on the receipt. Have your card number and PIN ready. A representative can tell you the balance in less than a minute.

You can also walk into any store location and ask an employee to check the balance for you. They can swipe or scan the card at the register and read the balance off the screen. This is useful if you are already shopping and want to know how much you have left to spend.

Understanding expiration dates and fees

Gift card rules vary by state and retailer. Some cards never expire, while others expire after a set number of years — often five to ten years from the date of purchase or last use. A few retailers charge inactivity fees if you do not use the card for a long period, though many states have banned this practice.

Before you use a card, check the fine print on the back or look up the retailer's gift card policy online. If a card is close to expiring and you have not used it, contact the retailer to ask about renewal or replacement options. Some will extend the expiration date if you ask.

What to do if your balance is too low

If your card has only a few dollars left, you have several options. You can use it to pay part of a purchase and cover the rest with another payment method — most retailers let you split payment between a gift card and a credit card, debit card, or cash. At checkout, tell the cashier you want to use the gift card first, and they will process it separately from your other payment.

You can also save the card and combine it with other low-balance cards on future shopping trips. Some people keep a drawer of nearly-empty cards and use them all together to cover one purchase. Online, you can usually add multiple payment methods to your cart, so you can use the gift card first and then charge the remainder to a credit card.

If your card is lost, stolen, or not working

If you lose a gift card or it stops working, contact the retailer right away. Have the card number and PIN ready if you have them. If you have the original receipt, bring that too — it may have the card number printed on it. Some retailers can replace a lost card if you can prove you bought it, though they may charge a small fee or require you to wait a few business days.

If the card is not working but you have not lost it, the magnetic strip or chip may be damaged. Try checking the balance online first to confirm the card still has money on it. If the balance is there but the card will not scan in-store, ask the cashier to manually enter the card number, or contact the retailer to request a replacement card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my gift card balance to another card?

Most retailers do not allow direct transfers between cards. However, some will issue you a new card with the same balance if your original card is damaged or lost. Contact the retailer's customer service to ask about this option.

What happens to my balance if I do not use the card for a long time?

This depends on the retailer and your state's laws. Some cards expire after five to ten years. Others never expire but may charge inactivity fees after a year or two of no use — though many states have banned these fees. Check your card's terms or call the retailer to find out.

Can I use a gift card if the balance is less than the item I want to buy?

Yes. You can pay with the gift card first, and the cashier will charge the remaining amount to another payment method. Online, you can add the gift card as one payment method and a credit or debit card as a second one.

Is there a way to combine two gift cards into one?

Most retailers do not combine balances from separate cards. Your best option is to use both cards on the same shopping trip — pay with one card first, then use the other to cover the rest of the purchase.