How to check your Hotels.com gift card balance online
Hotels.com does not have a dedicated balance-checking tool on its website. Instead, you check your balance by attempting to use the card during the booking process. When you enter the gift card code at checkout, the system shows you how much value remains on it before you complete the purchase.
To do this, go to Hotels.com, search for and select a hotel, then proceed to the payment page. Under payment method, choose "Gift Card" and enter your 16-digit code. The site will display your current balance. You do not have to finish the booking — you can leave the page once you see the amount.
If you have lost your gift card code, contact Hotels.com customer service directly. They can look up the balance using your email address if the card was registered to an account, or they may ask for proof of purchase. Response times vary, but email support typically replies within 24 to 48 hours.
Key Takeaways
- Hotels.com shows your gift card balance only during checkout, not through a separate balance page.
- You will need your 16-digit gift card code to check the balance online.
- If you have lost your code, Hotels.com customer service can look up the balance using your email or proof of purchase.
- The balance does not expire as long as you use the card within the terms of the promotion under which it was issued.
What happens when your balance runs low
If your gift card balance is less than the total hotel cost, you can combine it with another payment method. During checkout, enter your gift card code first, then add a credit card, debit card, or other payment method for the remaining amount. Hotels.com will charge the gift card first, then bill the second payment method for the difference.
Some gift cards issued through promotions have minimum purchase requirements. If your balance is below that minimum, you may not be able to use it on certain bookings. Check the terms that came with your card to see whether a minimum applies.
Gift card expiration and terms
Hotels.com gift cards do not have a set expiration date printed on them. However, the terms of the specific promotion under which the card was issued may include an expiration window. For example, a gift card from a 2024 promotion might expire in 2026, while one from a different promotion might have different dates.
To find the expiration date for your card, check the original email or documentation that came with it. If you cannot find that information, contact Hotels.com support with your gift card code. They can tell you the exact expiration date tied to that card's promotion.
Once a gift card expires, Hotels.com typically does not restore the balance or extend the date. Using the card before the expiration date is your responsibility.
Troubleshooting common balance-check problems
If the balance does not appear when you enter your code, the code may be incorrect. Double-check that you have typed all 16 digits exactly as they appear on the card or in your email. Spaces and hyphens should not be included — enter only the numbers.
If the code is correct but the system says it is invalid, the card may not have been activated yet. Some gift cards require activation before use, either through a link in the email or by calling a phone number provided with the card. Check your original gift card email for activation instructions.
If you see an error message during checkout but the code worked before, your balance may have been used in a previous booking. Log into your Hotels.com account and check your booking history to see whether a charge was applied.
Using your gift card across Hotels.com properties
Hotels.com gift cards work on the main Hotels.com website and mobile app. They do not work on other Expedia Group properties such as Expedia.com, Vrbo, or Travelocity, even though those companies are owned by the same parent company. Your balance is specific to Hotels.com only.
If you have a gift card for a different travel site, you will need to check the balance through that site's own process. Each company manages its gift cards separately.
What to do if your gift card was lost or stolen
If you have lost your physical gift card or your code has been compromised, contact Hotels.com customer service immediately. Provide them with your email address and any proof of purchase you have. They can flag the card and may be able to issue a replacement, though this depends on their policy and whether you can prove you are the original recipient.
If someone else used your card without permission, report it to Hotels.com right away. Keep records of any bookings made with your card that you did not authorize. Hotels.com will investigate, but the speed and outcome of a dispute depend on how quickly you report it and what documentation you can provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my Hotels.com gift card balance without booking a hotel?
You can see your balance during the checkout process without completing a booking. Enter your gift card code at the payment page, note the balance, and then leave. You are not required to finish the purchase.
What if my gift card code does not work?
Check that you have entered all 16 digits correctly with no spaces or hyphens. If the code is correct but still does not work, the card may need activation — look for an activation link in your original gift card email. If activation is not the issue, contact Hotels.com support with your code and proof of purchase.
Can I transfer my Hotels.com gift card balance to someone else?
Hotels.com does not allow balance transfers between accounts or people. The card is tied to the code, and whoever has the code can use it. If you want to give the card to someone, provide them with the 16-digit code directly.
Do Hotels.com gift cards expire?
Expiration depends on the promotion terms under which the card was issued. Check your original gift card email or documentation for the expiration date. Once expired, Hotels.com typically does not restore or extend the balance.
Can I use a Hotels.com gift card with a discount code or promotion?
Yes. You can combine your gift card with Hotels.com promotions and discount codes during checkout. The discount or promotion applies to the total booking price, and your gift card covers part or all of the discounted amount.