Check your balance online, by phone, or in store

You can find out how much money is left on a Barnes & Noble gift card in three ways: through the Barnes & Noble website, by calling their customer service line, or by asking a staff member at any Barnes & Noble store. The online method is fastest if you have the card number handy. The phone and in-store options work if you don't have access to a computer or prefer to speak with someone directly.

Barnes & Noble does not charge a fee to check your balance, and the process takes just a few minutes no matter which method you choose. Your balance will be exact and current — it updates immediately after each purchase.

Key Takeaways

  • The Barnes & Noble website lets you check your balance by entering your card number and PIN without creating an account.
  • You can call 1-800-843-2665 to speak with a representative who will look up your balance over the phone.
  • Any Barnes & Noble store location can scan your card and tell you the remaining balance at the register.
  • Your balance is the same whether you check online, by phone, or in store — it updates instantly after you spend money.
  • Gift cards do not expire, so you can use your balance whenever you are ready.

Checking balance on the Barnes & Noble website

Go to barnesandnoble.com and look for the "Gift Cards" section, usually found in the footer or top navigation menu. Select "Check Gift Card Balance" or a similar link. You will be asked to enter the 16-digit card number printed on the front of your gift card and the 4-digit PIN printed on the back.

After you enter both numbers, the website will display your current balance immediately. You do not need to log into a Barnes & Noble account or provide any personal information beyond the card details. If the card number or PIN is incorrect, the site will ask you to try again.

Checking balance by phone

Call 1-800-843-2665 during business hours. A customer service representative will ask for your gift card number and PIN, then tell you your balance. This method works whether you are calling from the United States or from outside the country, though international calling rates may apply if you are calling from abroad.

Phone lines are typically open seven days a week, though hours vary by season. If you reach an automated system first, listen for the option to check a gift card balance — you may be able to complete this without speaking to a person. If you need to speak with someone and the line is busy, you can ask to be called back rather than waiting on hold.

Checking balance in a Barnes & Noble store

Walk into any Barnes & Noble location and ask a staff member at the register to scan your gift card. They will see your balance on their register screen and tell you the amount. This takes less than a minute and requires no paperwork or account information.

You can check your balance as many times as you want without making a purchase. If you are planning to buy something, the staff member can also tell you whether your balance covers the items you want to purchase, including tax.

What happens if you lose your card or it stops working

If your gift card is lost or stolen, contact Barnes & Noble customer service at 1-800-843-2665 as soon as possible. Have your card number ready if you can find it (it may appear on your receipt or email confirmation). The company can freeze the card to prevent unauthorized use, though they cannot transfer the balance to a new physical card.

If your card stops working at the register, the staff member can try scanning it again or entering the number manually. If it still does not work, ask them to call customer service while you are in the store — they can often resolve the issue immediately. Magnetic stripe damage or wear is the most common reason a card stops reading, and customer service can investigate whether the balance is still accessible.

Using your balance and tracking purchases

When you make a purchase at Barnes & Noble, in store or online, the amount is deducted from your gift card balance automatically. If your balance is less than the total purchase price, you can pay the difference with another payment method — a credit card, debit card, or another gift card.

You can check your balance again at any time after a purchase to confirm the new amount. Barnes & Noble does not send automatic balance notifications by email or text, so checking manually is the only way to track how much you have left.

Gift card expiration and terms

Barnes & Noble gift cards do not expire. You can use your balance whenever you want, whether that is tomorrow or years from now. The balance will remain on the card as long as the card itself is not damaged beyond use.

If your card is physically damaged but you still have the card number and PIN, you can still use your balance online or by phone. If you have lost both the card and the number, contact customer service with any proof of purchase (such as an email receipt or the original gift receipt) and they can attempt to locate your card in their system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check my balance without the PIN?

No. Both the 16-digit card number and the 4-digit PIN are required to check your balance online or by phone. In a store, staff can scan the card directly without needing the PIN. If you have lost the PIN, you can still visit a store or contact customer service for help.

Does checking my balance use up any of the money on the card?

No. Checking your balance does not cost anything and does not reduce the amount on your card. You can check as many times as you want without any charge or penalty.

What if the website says my card number is invalid?

Double-check that you entered all 16 digits correctly and that the PIN is the 4-digit number on the back of the card, not a longer security code. If you are still having trouble, call 1-800-843-2665 or visit a store and ask staff to scan the card to verify it is working.

Can I check the balance on someone else's gift card?

Yes, if you have the card number and PIN. The website and phone line do not verify who is checking the balance — they only verify the card details. In a store, staff will scan whatever card you hand them without asking questions.

What should I do if my balance seems wrong?

Check your balance using a different method — if you checked online, try calling or visiting a store. If all three methods show the same balance, that is your current balance. If they differ, contact customer service at 1-800-843-2665 with details of your recent purchases and they can investigate.