How to check your eBay gift card balance
You can see your eBay gift card balance in two ways: through your eBay account online, or by calling eBay customer service. The fastest method is logging into your eBay account, going to your Account settings, and selecting "Gifts cards" or "Coupons and gift cards" — the exact label depends on which version of the site you're using. Your balance appears there immediately.
If you don't have an eBay account yet, you'll need to create one before you can use the card. You can register at eBay.com with an email address and password. Once your account is set up, add the gift card by entering the code on the back of the physical card (or the code from your email if you received a digital gift card). The balance will then show in your account.
If you prefer not to use the website, you can call eBay customer service at 1-866-540-3229. A representative can tell you your balance over the phone. This method takes longer but doesn't require you to navigate the website.
Key Takeaways
- Log into your eBay account and go to Account settings, then select "Gift cards" to see your balance instantly online.
- You must add the gift card code to your account before the balance becomes available — the code is on the back of a physical card or in an email for digital cards.
- If you don't have an eBay account, create one at eBay.com with an email address and password before adding your gift card.
- Calling eBay customer service at 1-866-540-3229 is an alternative way to check your balance if you prefer phone support.
How to redeem your eBay gift card
Once your gift card is added to your account, the balance is automatically available when you make a purchase. You don't need to enter a code at checkout — eBay will use your gift card balance first, then charge any remaining amount to your payment method (credit card, debit card, or PayPal) if the purchase costs more than your balance.
The gift card works on almost everything eBay sells: items from individual sellers, eBay's own inventory, and even some services. The main exceptions are eBay gift cards themselves, shipping labels purchased outside of an auction, and certain fees like final value fees or insertion fees.
What happens if your gift card balance runs out
When your balance reaches zero, you can still shop on eBay — you'll just pay with your regular payment method instead. There's no penalty for using up your gift card, and you can add another one anytime by entering a new code in your Account settings.
eBay gift cards don't expire, so if you have a balance remaining, it will stay in your account indefinitely. You can use it whenever you're ready, even months or years later.
If your gift card code isn't working
If you enter a code and eBay says it's invalid, check that you've typed it exactly as it appears — codes are case-sensitive and include both letters and numbers. Make sure there are no extra spaces before or after the code.
If the code still doesn't work after you've checked it carefully, the card may have been used already, or it may be damaged or defective. Contact the person or retailer who gave you the card — they can verify whether the code was ever redeemed. If the card was purchased from a retailer like Target or Walmart, you may be able to return it there for a replacement.
If you received the gift card directly from eBay (for example, as a promotional offer), contact eBay customer service with your code and they can investigate whether there's a technical issue preventing it from being added to your account.
Using your gift card across devices
Your eBay gift card balance is tied to your account, not to a specific device or browser. Once you've added the code to your account, you can shop on eBay from your phone, tablet, or computer — the balance will be the same everywhere. You can also use the eBay mobile app; your gift card balance will show there too.
If you're logged into multiple eBay accounts, make sure you're using the account where you added the gift card. Each account has its own separate balance.
Protecting your gift card code
If you have a physical eBay gift card, keep the code on the back in a safe place until you add it to your account. Once the code is added, the balance is protected by your eBay account password, so you don't need to worry about the physical card anymore.
If you received a digital gift card by email, treat the code like a password — don't share it with anyone else, and be cautious about clicking links in unsolicited emails claiming to be from eBay. Scammers sometimes send fake gift card emails to steal codes. If you're unsure whether an email is real, go directly to eBay.com and log into your account to check your balance rather than clicking a link in the email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my eBay gift card balance to another person?
No, once you add a gift card code to your eBay account, the balance is locked to that account and cannot be transferred. If you want to give someone else the balance, you would need to give them the code before you add it to your account — but once they add it to their account, you won't be able to use it.
What if I lose my physical gift card before adding the code?
If you have the receipt or original packaging with the code printed on it, you can still add the card to your account. If you've lost the code entirely and can't find it anywhere, contact the retailer or person who gave you the card — they may have a record of the code or be able to issue a replacement.
Does my eBay gift card balance expire?
No, eBay gift cards do not expire. Your balance will remain in your account indefinitely, and you can use it whenever you choose to make a purchase.
Can I use my eBay gift card to pay for shipping?
Yes, if you're buying an item on eBay and the seller offers shipping, your gift card balance will cover the shipping cost as part of the total purchase price. However, if you're buying a shipping label separately outside of an eBay purchase, you cannot use a gift card for that.
What if my purchase is less than my gift card balance?
Your remaining balance stays in your account and is available for your next purchase. There's no way to get the unused balance as cash or a refund — it can only be used for future eBay purchases.