Bed Bath & Beyond gift cards no longer work at physical stores, but you may still have a balance to use
Bed Bath & Beyond closed all its stores in 2023. If you hold a gift card from before the closure, the card itself is no longer accepted in any retail location. However, your balance may still have value depending on when the card was issued and what happened to any remaining funds.
The company's bankruptcy process determined how leftover balances would be handled. Some cardholders received refunds or store credit during the liquidation period. Others found their balances forfeited. Whether your card still holds value depends on the specific circumstances of the bankruptcy and when you last checked the balance.
Key Takeaways
- Bed Bath & Beyond closed all stores in 2023, and gift cards are no longer redeemable at any physical location.
- Some gift card balances were refunded or converted to store credit during the bankruptcy process, while others were forfeited.
- You can check your card's status by visiting the Bed Bath & Beyond website or contacting their customer service line directly.
- If your balance was forfeited, you may still have a claim through the bankruptcy process depending on your state's unclaimed property laws.
How to check your remaining balance online
Visit the official Bed Bath & Beyond website and look for the gift card balance checker tool. You will need your card number and, in most cases, the PIN on the back of the card. Enter both pieces of information into the balance lookup page to see your current balance.
If the tool shows a zero balance or tells you the card is invalid, this usually means the balance was forfeited during the bankruptcy process. Keep your card and the balance information for your records, as you may need it if you file a claim through your state's unclaimed property division.
What happened to gift card balances during the closure
When Bed Bath & Beyond filed for bankruptcy in 2023, the company had millions of dollars in outstanding gift card balances. The bankruptcy trustee had to decide how to handle these funds. Some balances were refunded to cardholders who submitted claims during a specific window. Others were converted into store credit that could only be used during the liquidation sales at closing stores.
If you did not submit a claim or use your balance during the liquidation period, the remaining funds were typically held or forfeited according to the bankruptcy plan. The exact outcome depended on the state where you lived and the terms of the bankruptcy settlement.
Unclaimed property claims for forfeited balances
If your gift card balance was forfeited, you may still recover it through your state's unclaimed property program. Each state maintains a database of unclaimed funds, including gift card balances that companies were required to turn over. You can search for your name on your state's unclaimed property website, usually run by the state treasurer or comptroller's office.
To file a claim, you will typically need to provide proof of the gift card and documentation showing the balance. Your original receipt, a photo of the card, or your bank statement showing the purchase can serve as proof. The process varies by state, but most allow you to file online or by mail. Processing times range from a few weeks to several months.
Contacting Bed Bath & Beyond customer service
You can reach Bed Bath & Beyond's customer service team through their website contact form or by phone. Have your gift card number ready when you contact them. Customer service can confirm whether your balance was refunded, forfeited, or converted during the closure process.
Response times may be slower than they were when the company operated stores, since the customer service team is now handling only inquiries related to the closure and bankruptcy. Email inquiries typically receive responses within one to two weeks. Phone lines may have longer wait times during peak hours.
State-by-state differences in gift card protection
Some states have stronger gift card protection laws than others. States like California, New York, and Illinois have laws that require companies to honor gift card balances for extended periods or turn them over to the state as unclaimed property. Other states have fewer protections, which means balances may be forfeited more quickly.
If you lived in a state with strong gift card protections when you purchased your Bed Bath & Beyond card, you have a better chance of recovering a forfeited balance through the unclaimed property system. Check your state's specific laws by searching "[your state] gift card laws" or contacting your state attorney general's office.
What to do if you still have a balance
If your balance check shows you still have money on your card, the next step depends on what options remain. Some Bed Bath & Beyond gift cards were converted to online store credit that could be used on a limited basis during the final liquidation phase. Check the balance tool or contact customer service to learn whether your card can still be redeemed and through what method.
If redemption is still possible, act quickly, as the window for using converted balances may close. If no redemption option exists, document your balance and card number, then file a claim through your state's unclaimed property program. Keep copies of all documentation you submit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Bed Bath & Beyond gift card at other stores?
No. Bed Bath & Beyond gift cards were never accepted at other retailers and are not transferable. Since all Bed Bath & Beyond stores have closed, the cards cannot be used anywhere for purchases. Your only option is to check whether your balance qualifies for a refund or unclaimed property claim.
How long do I have to claim a forfeited gift card balance?
This depends on your state's unclaimed property laws. Most states hold unclaimed funds indefinitely, meaning you can file a claim years after the balance was forfeited. However, it is better to file sooner rather than later, as documentation becomes harder to locate over time. Check your state's unclaimed property website for specific deadlines.
What if I lost my gift card but remember the balance?
You will need the card number to check the balance or file a claim. If you have your original receipt from when you purchased the card, that receipt should show the card number. Contact Bed Bath & Beyond customer service with your receipt information, and they may be able to help you locate the card number or verify your balance.
Will I get interest on a refunded gift card balance?
No. Refunds and unclaimed property claims typically return only the original balance, not any interest. The bankruptcy process and state unclaimed property laws do not provide interest payments on recovered gift card funds.
Do I need to pay taxes on a recovered gift card balance?
Recovered gift card balances are generally not taxable income, since they represent your own money being returned to you. However, tax situations vary. If you have questions about whether a specific recovery affects your taxes, consult a tax professional or contact the IRS directly.