Check your balance online, by phone, or in a store
You can find out how much money is left on a Barnes & Noble gift card in three ways: through the Barnes & Noble website, by calling their customer service line, or by asking a staff member at any store location. The website method is fastest if you have the card number handy. The phone option works if you prefer speaking to someone. In-store checking takes a few minutes but requires a trip.
Each method requires the same basic information: your gift card number and, for online and phone checks, the card's PIN (the last four digits printed on the back of the card). You do not need to create an account or log in to check a balance — the card itself is enough.
Key Takeaways
- The Barnes & Noble website balance checker is the fastest option and works 24/7 without waiting on hold.
- You will need the full 16-digit card number and the four-digit PIN from the back of the card to check online or by phone.
- Calling customer service at 1-800-843-2665 works during business hours if you do not want to use the website.
- Any Barnes & Noble store can check your balance in person, and staff can also help if your card is damaged or the numbers are worn.
- Gift card balances do not expire, but the card itself may wear out over time with heavy use.
Checking balance on the Barnes & Noble website
Go to the Barnes & Noble gift card balance page at bn.com/giftcardbalance. Enter your 16-digit card number in the first field. Then enter the four-digit PIN from the back of your card in the second field. Click "Check Balance" and the page will display your remaining balance immediately.
This method works at any time of day and does not require you to create a login or account. The balance updates instantly after any purchase you make with the card. If you see an error message saying the card number or PIN is invalid, double-check that you entered both correctly — the numbers are small on some cards and easy to misread.
Checking balance by phone
Call Barnes & Noble customer service at 1-800-843-2665. A representative will ask for your gift card number and PIN, then tell you the balance. This option works during business hours, which vary by season but are typically 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time most days. Wait times are usually short, but you may be on hold during peak shopping periods.
The phone method is useful if you do not have internet access or if the website is not working. It is also the best option if your card is damaged and the numbers are hard to read — the representative can sometimes help you locate the card information or discuss alternatives.
Checking balance in a Barnes & Noble store
Walk into any Barnes & Noble location and ask a staff member to check your gift card balance. They can scan the card or enter the number manually and will tell you the balance on the spot. This takes only a minute or two and does not require you to have the PIN memorized.
In-store checking is helpful if you want to use the card right away and want to know exactly how much you can spend. Staff can also replace a card if it is damaged, cracked, or if the numbers have worn away — they will transfer the remaining balance to a new card at no cost.
What to do if you cannot find your card number or PIN
If your card is lost or the numbers are too worn to read, call customer service at 1-800-843-2665 or visit a store in person. Bring any documentation you have — a receipt from the purchase, an email confirmation, or the original gift card packaging. Barnes & Noble can sometimes look up the card using this information and tell you the balance.
If you received the card as a gift and do not have the original packaging or receipt, the store or phone line may not be able to locate it without the card number itself. In that case, ask the person who gave you the card whether they have the receipt or confirmation email — retailers often keep records tied to the original purchase.
Understanding gift card expiration and fees
Barnes & Noble gift cards do not expire and have no monthly or inactivity fees. Your balance will remain on the card indefinitely, even if you do not use it for years. However, the physical card itself can wear out — the magnetic stripe can stop working, the numbers can fade, or the card can crack or bend.
If your card stops working but you know the balance, call customer service or visit a store and ask for a replacement. Barnes & Noble will transfer your remaining balance to a new card at no charge. This is different from the card expiring — the money is still yours, but the card itself needs to be replaced.
Using your balance after you check it
Once you know your balance, you can use the card online at bn.com, in any physical store, or through the Barnes & Noble app. Online purchases require you to enter the full card number and expiration date at checkout. In-store purchases work like any other payment card — the cashier will swipe or scan it.
If your balance is less than the total cost of your purchase, you can combine the gift card with another payment method (credit card, debit card, or another gift card). The gift card will be charged first up to its remaining balance, and the difference will be charged to your other payment method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Barnes & Noble gift cards expire?
No, the balance on a Barnes & Noble gift card never expires and there are no fees for not using it. The money stays on the card indefinitely. The physical card itself may wear out over time, but the balance can be transferred to a replacement card for free.
Can I check my balance without the PIN?
Online and by phone, you need both the card number and the four-digit PIN. In a store, staff can check your balance with just the card itself — they do not need the PIN. If you lost the PIN, visiting a store is your fastest option.
What if the website says my card number is invalid?
Double-check that you entered all 16 digits correctly and that the PIN is the four-digit number on the back of the card, not the expiration date. If you are still getting an error, call customer service at 1-800-843-2665 or visit a store to have them check it manually.
Can I transfer my gift card balance to another card?
You cannot transfer a balance between two different gift cards yourself. However, if your card is damaged or lost, Barnes & Noble will transfer the remaining balance to a new card for free. Call customer service or visit a store to request this.
Is there a fee to check my gift card balance?
No, checking your balance is free through any method — the website, phone, or in-store. There are also no fees for holding the card or letting the balance sit unused.