Check your balance online, by phone, or in the app
Subway lets you see how much money is left on your gift card through three main routes: their website, a phone call, or the Subway mobile app. The fastest is usually the app if you have it installed. The website works from any computer or phone browser. The phone line is slowest but requires no technology beyond a phone call.
You will need your gift card number to check the balance any of these ways. The card number is printed on the front or back of the physical card, or you may have received it in an email if someone sent you a digital gift card.
None of these methods charge you a fee. Checking your balance does not spend any money on the card.
Key Takeaways
- The Subway app shows your balance instantly if you add the gift card to your account, and you can also use it to pay at checkout.
- The Subway website balance checker works on any device with internet and asks only for your card number and PIN if one was created.
- Calling Subway customer service at 1-800-SUBWAY-3 (1-800-782-8299) will connect you to a representative who can look up your balance by phone.
- Your balance does not expire as long as there is money on the card, though some gift cards may have an inactivity policy depending on when and where it was purchased.
Using the Subway app to check balance
Download the Subway app on your phone (available for iPhone and Android). Open it and look for an option to add a gift card or payment method. You will enter your gift card number and any PIN associated with the card. Once added, your balance appears in the app and updates after each purchase.
The app also lets you use the gift card to pay at the register without handing over the physical card. The cashier scans a barcode that appears on your phone screen. This is faster than swiping or inserting the card, and your balance updates right away.
If you lose the physical card but have it saved in the app, you can still use it to pay. If you lose access to the app and the physical card, contact Subway customer service with your card number and they may be able to help recover the balance.
Checking balance on the Subway website
Go to the Subway website and look for a "Gift Card Balance" or "Check Balance" link, usually found in the footer or under an account menu. Click it and enter your gift card number. If a PIN was created when the card was purchased or received, enter that as well.
The website will display your remaining balance in dollars and cents. You can check as many times as you want. This method works on any device with internet access, including computers, tablets, and phones.
If you do not remember your PIN, some Subway locations can look it up for you in person if you bring the physical card. You can also call customer service and provide your card number for them to retrieve it.
Calling Subway customer service by phone
Call 1-800-SUBWAY-3, which is 1-800-782-8299. A representative will ask for your gift card number and may ask for the last four digits of the card or a PIN to verify you own it. They will then tell you the balance over the phone.
Wait times vary depending on how busy the line is. Calling during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon on weekdays) is usually faster than calling during lunch or dinner rush. The line is typically open during Subway's business hours, which vary by location and season.
If you are calling from outside the United States, check the Subway website for the international customer service number for your country.
What to do if your balance is zero or very low
If your card has no money left, you cannot use it to pay for food until someone adds more money to it. Only the original purchaser or someone with access to the account can reload the card with additional funds.
If the card was a gift from someone else, contact that person and ask them to add money to it. They can do this through the Subway website, app, or by visiting a Subway location in person. If you do not know who gave it to you or cannot reach them, the balance is lost unless the card is reloaded by its owner.
Some employers or organizations give Subway gift cards as rewards or benefits. If your card came from your workplace, ask your HR or benefits department whether they can reload it or issue a replacement.
Gift card expiration and inactivity policies
Subway gift cards do not have a printed expiration date in most cases. However, some cards may have an inactivity policy, meaning if the card is not used for a certain period (often one to three years, depending on when and where it was purchased), the balance may be frozen or forfeited.
Check the terms that came with your card or contact Subway customer service to learn the specific policy for your card. If your card has been inactive for a long time and you want to use it, call customer service before attempting to spend the balance — they can tell you whether it is still active.
If your card balance was lost due to inactivity, Subway may be able to restore it if you contact them with proof of purchase or the original gift receipt. Policies vary, so it is worth asking.
Troubleshooting: card number not working
If you enter your card number and the system does not recognize it, check that you are typing the number correctly. Card numbers are long and easy to misread. Look at the card again and make sure you have not confused a zero with the letter O, or a one with the letter I.
If the number is correct but still does not work, the card may not have been activated. Some gift cards require activation before they can be used or checked. If someone gave you the card, ask them whether they activated it. If you purchased it yourself, try activating it through the Subway website or app, or visit a Subway location and ask an employee to activate it.
If activation does not solve the problem, contact Subway customer service with your card number and the issue. They can look up the card in their system and tell you whether it is valid, active, and what the balance is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my balance without the physical card?
Yes. If you have the card number (from an email, receipt, or photo), you can check the balance through the website or app without holding the card. You may need a PIN if one was created. If you have the card saved in the Subway app, you can check anytime you have your phone.
What if I lost my gift card?
If you have the card number saved elsewhere (email, receipt, or app), you can still use the balance by checking it and paying through the app or website. If you lost both the card and the number, contact Subway customer service with any proof of purchase or the email address associated with the card, and they may be able to help you recover it.
Does checking my balance use any of the money on the card?
No. Checking your balance is free and does not spend any money. Only actual purchases at Subway deduct from the card.
Why does my balance show differently in the app than on the website?
This usually means a recent purchase has not synced across all platforms yet. Wait a few minutes and check again. If the difference persists, contact Subway customer service to make sure the card is working correctly.
Can someone else check my gift card balance?
Anyone with your card number can check the balance through the website or app. If you want to keep the balance private, do not share your card number. The phone line may require a PIN for verification before revealing the balance to someone calling on your behalf.