Check your balance online, by phone, or in store

Barnes & Noble lets you see your gift card balance in three ways: through their website, by calling customer service, or by asking a staff member in any store. The online method is fastest and works any time of day. You will need the card number and, usually, the PIN on the back of the card.

If you have a physical card, the 16-digit number is printed on the front. The PIN is a 4-digit code on the back, below the magnetic stripe. Digital gift cards sent by email contain both numbers in the message or in your Barnes & Noble account.

The balance you see is what remains to spend on books, gifts, café items, and most other merchandise in stores or online. Some restrictions apply — gift cards cannot be used to purchase other gift cards, and they do not earn rewards points even if you are a member of the Barnes & Noble loyalty program.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit bn.com/giftcardbalance, enter your card number and PIN, and your balance appears instantly.
  • Call 1-800-843-2665 during business hours and provide your card number to a representative who will tell you the balance.
  • Any Barnes & Noble store can look up your balance at the register if you bring the physical card or have the card number ready.
  • Your balance does not expire, so you can use the card whenever you choose.

Using the Barnes & Noble website to check balance

Go to bn.com and look for the "Gift Card Balance" link, usually found in the footer or under the account menu. Click it and you will land on a page with two fields: one for the card number and one for the PIN.

Type the 16-digit number from the front of your card into the first field. Then enter the 4-digit PIN from the back. Click "Check Balance" and the system will display how much money remains on the card. This method works for both physical and digital gift cards.

If the website does not recognize your card number or PIN, double-check that you have entered both correctly — spaces and dashes do not matter, but numbers must match exactly. If you still cannot access the balance, call customer service or visit a store.

Calling Barnes & Noble customer service

Phone support is available at 1-800-843-2665. A representative will ask for your gift card number and can tell you the balance over the phone. This method works even if you do not have internet access or if the website is temporarily unavailable.

Customer service hours vary, but the line is typically open during standard business hours, seven days a week. Wait times are usually shortest in early morning or mid-afternoon on weekdays. You do not need the PIN to check balance by phone — the card number alone is enough.

Checking balance in a Barnes & Noble store

Walk into any Barnes & Noble location and ask a staff member at the register to look up your balance. Bring the physical card if you have it, or be ready to provide the 16-digit card number from memory or from an email confirmation.

The register system will display your balance instantly. This is also a good time to ask staff about any restrictions on your card or to clarify what types of purchases the card covers. Store staff can also help if your card was damaged or if you believe there has been an error.

What happens if your card balance is zero

Once a gift card reaches zero balance, it cannot be reloaded or reused. Barnes & Noble does not allow you to add money to an existing card. If you still have the physical card, you can keep it as a keepsake, but it will not work for purchases.

If someone gave you a card with zero balance, contact the person who purchased it — they may have made a mistake, or the card may have been used without your knowledge. If you believe the card was used fraudulently, call customer service and provide the card number and details of when you received it.

Gift card expiration and state law

Barnes & Noble gift cards do not expire. You can use the card five years, ten years, or longer after you receive it — the balance will remain valid as long as the card exists. This is true in all states, though some states have specific laws about how long retailers must honor gift cards.

If you lose the card, contact Barnes & Noble with your card number and proof of purchase (such as a receipt or email confirmation). They may be able to issue a replacement, though policies vary and replacement is not always may provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check my balance without the PIN?

Online and in-store checks require both the card number and PIN. Phone support only needs the card number. If you have lost the PIN, call 1-800-843-2665 and a representative can help you verify your identity and provide the balance.

What if the balance shown online does not match what I spent?

Check that you entered the correct card number and PIN. If the numbers are right but the balance seems wrong, there may be a pending transaction that has not yet cleared. Wait 24 hours and check again. If the discrepancy remains, call customer service with details of your recent purchases.

Can I use my gift card online and in stores?

Yes. Barnes & Noble gift cards work on bn.com and in physical stores. When you shop online, enter the card number and PIN at checkout just as you would a credit card. In stores, hand the card to the cashier or provide the number if you are using a digital card.

What if I received a digital gift card but cannot find the email?

Log into your Barnes & Noble account on bn.com. Digital gift cards are often stored in your account under "Gift Cards" or "My Account." If you do not have an account, create one using the email address where the gift card was sent. The card details should appear once you log in.

Do I lose my balance if I do not use the card for a long time?

No. Your balance never expires, no matter how long you wait to use it. You can hold onto the card indefinitely and spend it whenever you choose.