Check your balance online or by phone

Build-A-Bear Workshop lets you look up your gift card balance through their website or by calling customer service. You do not need to make a purchase or create an account to check — you only need the card number and, on some cards, a PIN.

The fastest method is the online balance checker on the Build-A-Bear website. Enter your card number in the designated field, and the balance appears immediately. If your card has a PIN (usually printed on the back), you may need to enter that as well.

If you prefer to speak with someone, call Build-A-Bear customer service. A representative can look up your balance by card number and tell you the exact amount available. This is also the route to take if your card is damaged or you cannot read the number clearly.

Key Takeaways

  • You can check your Build-A-Bear gift card balance online at buildabear.com or by calling customer service without creating an account.
  • The online balance checker requires only your card number; some cards also ask for a PIN printed on the back.
  • Balance checks are instant online and take a few minutes by phone.
  • Your balance does not expire, but it is tied to the specific card number, so keep the card or write down the number.
  • If your card is lost or stolen, contact Build-A-Bear immediately — they may be able to freeze the balance or issue a replacement.

Where to find your card number

The card number is printed on the front of your physical gift card, usually in a row of digits below the Build-A-Bear logo. If you received a digital gift card by email, the number will be in the email message itself, often formatted as a code you can copy and paste.

Write down or screenshot your card number and keep it somewhere safe. If you lose the physical card but have the number recorded, you can still check your balance and use it for purchases online or in stores.

Using your balance in stores and online

When you shop in a Build-A-Bear store, tell the cashier you are paying with a gift card and provide the card number. They will swipe or scan the card, and the purchase amount will be deducted from your balance. If your balance does not cover the full purchase, you can pay the difference with another payment method.

Online purchases work the same way. During checkout on buildabear.com, select gift card as your payment method and enter the card number. The system will show your available balance and deduct the purchase amount automatically.

Build-A-Bear does not charge fees for holding or using gift cards, and your balance does not expire. You can use the card for partial purchases over time until the balance reaches zero.

What to do if your card is lost or damaged

If your physical card is lost or stolen, contact Build-A-Bear customer service as soon as possible. Provide your card number if you have it recorded. The company may be able to freeze the balance to prevent unauthorized use or issue a replacement card with the same balance transferred to it.

If your card is damaged and the number is no longer readable, customer service can look up your account by other details (such as the purchase date or the name on the receipt) and provide a replacement. Bring your receipt if you have it, as this speeds up the process.

Checking balance on digital gift cards

Digital gift cards sent by email work the same way as physical cards for balance checking. The card number in your email can be entered on the Build-A-Bear website balance checker or given to customer service over the phone.

Keep the email containing your digital gift card code. If you need to reference the number later, you can search your email inbox or check your email provider's archive. Some people forward the email to themselves or save it in a notes app as a backup.

Understanding your balance after a purchase

After you make a purchase, your balance updates immediately if you used the card in a store or online. The new balance reflects the amount remaining after the transaction. If you bought something for $25 and had a $50 balance, your new balance would be $25.

If a purchase was declined or cancelled, the amount is returned to your card within one to three business days. You can check your updated balance using the same online or phone methods described above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my Build-A-Bear gift card balance expire?

No. Your balance does not expire and can be used at any time. However, the card itself may wear out or become unreadable over many years, so it is wise to record the card number separately.

Can I transfer my balance to another card?

Build-A-Bear does not allow you to transfer a balance between cards yourself. If your card is damaged or lost, contact customer service and they can issue a replacement card with your balance moved to it.

What if I see a purchase on my balance that I did not make?

Contact Build-A-Bear customer service immediately with details of the unauthorized purchase. Provide your card number and the transaction date if you have it. The company will investigate and may reverse the charge or issue a replacement card.

Can I check my balance without the PIN?

On most Build-A-Bear cards, you can check your balance online using only the card number. Some older or specialty cards may require a PIN. If you cannot find your PIN, call customer service and they can look up your balance by card number alone.

Is there a fee to check my balance?

No. Checking your balance online or by phone is free. Build-A-Bear does not charge fees for balance inquiries, card replacement, or holding a balance on your card.