How to check your BN gift card balance

You can check your BN gift card balance in three ways: online through the BN website, by phone, or in person at a BN store. The online method is fastest — go to the BN gift card balance page, enter your card number and PIN (found on the back of your card), and your balance appears instantly. If you don't have your PIN, you can look it up by entering your card number and the last four digits of the phone number associated with the card when it was purchased.

By phone, call BN customer service at the number on the back of your gift card. A representative will ask for your card number and can tell you the balance over the phone. In-store balance checks take a few minutes — staff can swipe your card at the register to pull up the exact amount remaining.

Keep your card number and PIN in a safe place. If you lose the card itself, you can still check the balance and, in some cases, transfer remaining funds to a new card if you contact BN with proof of purchase.

Key Takeaways

  • The fastest way to check your balance is the BN website, where you enter your card number and PIN and see the amount instantly.
  • If you don't have your PIN, you can retrieve it using your card number and the phone number on file from when the card was purchased.
  • BN customer service by phone and in-store staff can also check your balance, though these methods take longer.
  • Your balance does not expire as long as the card remains active, but inactivity for an extended period may trigger account closure depending on your state's gift card laws.

What happens to your balance over time

Your BN gift card balance remains on the card until you spend it. Unlike some retailers, BN does not charge monthly maintenance fees or deduct money for inactivity. However, your state's gift card laws may require BN to hold the balance for a set number of years before the funds are considered abandoned property.

If your card has not been used for several years, BN may close the account and transfer the balance to your state's unclaimed property program. You can still recover that money by contacting your state's treasurer or comptroller office, but the process takes longer than simply using the card. Check your state's unclaimed property website if you believe your balance has been transferred.

Using your balance at checkout

When you make a purchase, tell the cashier you want to pay with your BN gift card. They will swipe or scan the card, and the purchase amount will be deducted from your balance. If your purchase costs more than your remaining balance, you can pay the difference with another payment method — credit card, debit card, or cash.

Your receipt will show the amount charged to the gift card and your new remaining balance. Keep the receipt in case you need to dispute a charge or verify the transaction later.

What to do if your balance seems wrong

If your balance does not match what you expected, first check your recent receipts to confirm what you have spent. Purchases can take a day or two to appear on some systems, so a recent transaction might not show up immediately when you check online.

If you still believe the balance is incorrect, contact BN customer service with your card number, the date you last used the card, and the amount you believe should be on it. They can review your transaction history and correct errors. Keep your receipts as proof of purchases in case you need to dispute a charge.

Replacing a lost or damaged gift card

If your BN gift card is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact BN customer service as soon as possible. You will need your card number and the phone number associated with the card when it was purchased. BN can freeze the card to prevent unauthorized use and, in most cases, issue a replacement card with the same balance transferred to it.

If you don't have the original card number, bring your proof of purchase (receipt or email confirmation) to a BN store. Staff can look up the card in their system and help you recover the balance or issue a replacement. The process usually takes a few business days.

Gift card balance and returns or exchanges

If you return an item you bought with your BN gift card, the refund is credited back to the same card. The balance will increase by the refund amount, and you can use it for future purchases. If you exchanged an item for a different one, the difference is handled the same way — if the new item costs less, the difference goes back to your card; if it costs more, you pay the difference at checkout.

Keep your receipt from the original purchase. Most returns and exchanges must happen within 30 days, and staff will need the receipt to process the refund back to your card.

Transferring or gifting your balance

BN does not allow you to transfer your gift card balance to another person's card or to split a balance between multiple cards through their system. However, you can spend your balance on items and give those items as gifts, or you can give the physical card itself to someone else — they can use it at any BN location or online.

If you want to give someone a specific dollar amount, the simplest approach is to use your balance to purchase a new BN gift card in their name, then give them that card. This creates a fresh card with the amount you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my BN gift card balance expire?

No, BN gift cards do not have an expiration date. However, if your card remains unused for several years, your state's unclaimed property laws may require BN to transfer the balance to the state. You can still recover it, but you will need to contact your state's treasurer office.

Can I check my balance without the PIN?

Yes. On the BN website, enter your card number and the last four digits of the phone number on file from when the card was purchased. This retrieves your PIN so you can check your balance. You can also call customer service or visit a store.

What if I used my gift card online — how long does the balance update?

Online purchases typically update your balance within 24 hours. If you made a purchase and the balance has not changed after a full day, contact BN customer service with your order number and receipt.

Can I use my BN gift card balance online and in stores?

Yes. Your balance works at any BN location — physical stores and the BN website. The balance is the same across both, so if you spend $20 online, your in-store balance decreases by $20.

What happens if my gift card is damaged but still has a balance?

Contact BN customer service with your card number. They can verify your balance and issue a replacement card with the same amount. You do not lose money if the physical card is damaged.