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 Barnes & Noble 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 visit.

Each method requires the same basic information: your gift card number and, in some cases, the PIN on the back of the card. The card number is the long string of digits printed on the front. The PIN is a shorter code on the back, usually near the barcode.

Key Takeaways

  • The Barnes & Noble website balance checker is the fastest option and works 24/7 without waiting on hold.
  • You will need your gift card number and the PIN from the back of the card to check balance online.
  • Customer service can check your balance over the phone at 1-800-843-2665 during business hours.
  • Any Barnes & Noble store location can scan your card and tell you the balance immediately.

Checking balance on the Barnes & Noble website

Go to barnesandnoble.com and look for the gift card balance checker, usually found in the footer or under an account menu. Click on "Check Gift Card Balance" or a similar link. You will be asked to enter your gift card number (the 16 digits on the front) and the PIN (the 4 digits on the back).

After you enter both numbers, the website will display your remaining balance. This method works any time of day and does not require you to speak to anyone. If the website does not show a balance checker link, search the site for "gift card balance" or look under customer service.

Checking balance by phone

Call Barnes & Noble customer service at 1-800-843-2665. Have your gift card number and PIN ready before you call. A representative will ask you to provide these numbers and will then tell you your balance over the phone.

Wait times vary depending on the time of day and how busy the line is. Calling during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening) may result in shorter waits. The phone line is open during standard business hours, though exact hours may vary by season.

Checking balance in a store

Walk into any Barnes & Noble location and ask a staff member to check your gift card balance. They will scan the card at the register and the balance will appear on their screen. This takes less than a minute and requires no phone call or website access.

This method works whether or not you remember your PIN. It is also useful if you want to make a purchase right away, since the staff member can apply the balance to your transaction immediately.

What to do if your balance does not appear

If the website or phone line does not show a balance, the card may not have been activated yet. Some gift cards, especially those purchased in bulk or from third-party sellers, require activation before they can be used. Check the packaging or receipt to see if activation instructions were included.

If the card was purchased recently, it may take a few hours to appear in the system. If you have waited more than 24 hours and still see no balance, contact customer service by phone or visit a store. Bring your receipt if you have it, as it can help staff track down the card.

Protecting your gift card number and PIN

Treat your gift card number and PIN the same way you would treat a credit card number. Do not share them over email or text message. Do not enter them on websites that do not have "https://" in the address bar (the "s" means the connection is secure).

If you lose your gift card or suspect someone has used it without permission, contact Barnes & Noble customer service right away. They can freeze the card and, in some cases, transfer the remaining balance to a new card if you have your receipt or can provide proof of purchase.

Using your balance after you check it

Once you know your balance, you can spend it online at barnesandnoble.com or in any physical store. Online, enter your gift card number at checkout just as you would a credit card. In a store, hand the card to the cashier and they will scan it to apply the balance to your purchase.

If your purchase is more than your gift card balance, you can pay the difference with another payment method. If your purchase is less than your balance, the remaining amount stays on the card for future use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my PIN to check my balance online?

Yes, the Barnes & Noble website balance checker requires both your 16-digit card number and your 4-digit PIN. The PIN is printed on the back of the card near the barcode. If you cannot find your PIN, you can call customer service and they can look it up for you.

How long does it take to check my balance?

Online checking is instant once you enter your card number and PIN. Phone checking usually takes a few minutes, depending on wait times. In-store checking takes less than a minute. The fastest option is the website if you have your card information available.

Can I check my balance if I lost the physical card?

If you have the card number and PIN written down or saved somewhere, you can check your balance online or by phone. If you do not have this information, call customer service at 1-800-843-2665 and provide your receipt or proof of purchase. They may be able to look up the card for you.

What if my gift card shows a zero balance?

A zero balance means the card has been fully spent. If you believe this is an error, contact customer service with your receipt. If the card was used without your permission, report it immediately so they can investigate.

Can I check the balance of a gift card I received as a digital code?

Digital gift cards work the same way as physical cards. You will receive a code instead of a physical card number. Use that code as your card number when checking balance online or by phone. Digital codes are just as secure as physical card numbers.