You can check your Amazon gift card balance by entering the serial number on Amazon's website or in the mobile app

The serial number on the back of a physical Amazon gift card is the fastest way to look up what money remains on it. You do not need to have an Amazon account to check the balance — the number itself is enough. Amazon's balance checker works whether the card was purchased at a store, received as a gift, or bought online.

The serial number is a 16-digit code printed on the back of the card, usually below a scratch-off panel. If you have already scratched off the panel to reveal the code, you can use it immediately. If the panel is still intact, you will need to scratch it off first to see the digits.

Key Takeaways

  • The serial number is a 16-digit code on the back of the physical card, hidden under a scratch-off panel.
  • You can check the balance on Amazon.com/balance without logging into an account.
  • The balance checker works on both desktop and mobile browsers, and also in the Amazon app.
  • If you have already added the card to an Amazon account, you can also check the balance in your account settings under "Gift Cards".
  • The balance does not expire as long as the card itself has not been damaged or reported lost.

How to check the balance on Amazon's website

Go to amazon.com/balance in any web browser. This page is designed specifically for checking gift card balances and does not require you to sign in. Enter the 16-digit serial number from the back of your card in the text field, then click "Check Balance".

Amazon will display the current balance immediately. The page also shows the date the card was registered and whether any balance remains. If the card has a zero balance, the page will say so clearly. Bookmark this page if you plan to check multiple cards or want to verify the balance again later.

Checking the balance in your Amazon account

If you have already added the gift card to your Amazon account, you can see the balance without entering the serial number again. Sign into your Amazon account, then go to "Account" in the top right corner and select "Your Account". Scroll down to "Gift Cards" and click on it.

Your account will show the total balance across all gift cards linked to that account. If you have multiple cards, the page lists each one separately with its individual balance. This method is faster if you check your balance often, because you do not have to type the serial number each time.

What to do if the serial number is damaged or unreadable

If the scratch-off panel is damaged, worn, or the digits are smudged or faded, you may not be able to read the full serial number. Try using a bright light or magnifying glass to see the digits more clearly. Sometimes the number is printed in a second location on the card, usually on the front or side.

If you still cannot read the number, contact Amazon Customer Service through your Amazon account or by phone. Have the physical card in front of you when you contact them. Amazon can look up the balance using other information on the card, such as the card number printed on the front or the purchase date and amount. This process takes longer than using the serial number, but it works if the back of the card is unreadable.

Why the serial number matters more than the card number

The serial number on the back is the unique identifier for that specific gift card's balance. The card number printed on the front is for payment processing and is different from the serial number. When you check your balance, Amazon uses the serial number to look up exactly how much money is left on that card.

This is why the serial number is hidden under a scratch-off panel — it protects the card from being used by someone else before you activate it. Once you scratch it off, keep the card in a safe place, just as you would a credit card or cash. If someone else has the serial number, they can check the balance and potentially use the card.

Checking the balance on the Amazon mobile app

Open the Amazon app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Select "Account" and then scroll down to find "Gift Cards". Tap on it to see your linked gift card balances.

If the card is not yet linked to your account, you can still check the balance by going to amazon.com/balance in your mobile browser. The mobile website works the same way as the desktop version — enter the serial number and the balance appears instantly. You do not need to download anything or create an account.

How long gift card balances stay active

Amazon gift card balances do not expire. Once you have checked the balance and confirmed the card has money on it, that balance will remain available for as long as you own the card. You can use it immediately or wait months or years to spend it.

The only exception is if the physical card itself is damaged beyond use, lost, or reported to Amazon as stolen. If that happens, contact Amazon Customer Service with proof of purchase or the original receipt. Amazon may be able to transfer the balance to a new card or add it directly to your account, depending on the circumstances and how long ago the card was purchased.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an Amazon account to check my gift card balance?

No. You can check the balance at amazon.com/balance using only the serial number, without signing in or creating an account. If you already have an account and have added the card to it, you can also check the balance by signing in, but it is not required.

What if I lost the physical card but still have the serial number written down?

You can still check the balance and use the card online by entering the serial number at amazon.com/balance or during checkout. If you want to use the card in a physical Amazon store or need a replacement card, contact Amazon Customer Service with the serial number and proof of purchase.

Can someone else check my gift card balance if they have the serial number?

Yes. Anyone with the 16-digit serial number can check the balance at amazon.com/balance. This is why the serial number is protected under a scratch-off panel on new cards. Treat the serial number like you would a credit card number — keep it private and do not share it with people you do not trust.

Why does the balance checker say my card has zero balance?

The card may have been fully spent, or the serial number may have been entered incorrectly. Double-check that you typed all 16 digits correctly, including any that are hard to read. If the number is correct and the balance is still zero, the card was likely used up. Contact Amazon Customer Service if you believe the balance should be higher.

Can I check the balance of a digital gift card the same way?

Digital gift cards sent by email do not have a serial number on the back of a physical card. Instead, the claim code is sent to your email address. You can check the balance by signing into your Amazon account and going to "Gift Cards" in your account settings, or by using the claim code during checkout.