Check your balance online or in a store

You can look up a Barnes & Noble gift card balance through the company's website, by phone, or by visiting a store in person. The online method is fastest — you enter your card number and PIN on the Barnes & Noble gift card page, and your balance appears immediately. If you don't have the PIN, you can call customer service at 1-800-843-2665 and provide your card number to a representative, though wait times vary.

In-store balance checks take seconds. Walk into any Barnes & Noble location, hand the card to a cashier, and they'll scan it and tell you the amount. This works even if you don't make a purchase. Some people prefer this method because they get a printed receipt showing the balance, which is useful if you plan to spend the card soon.

The website method requires you to know or have the card's PIN. The PIN is usually printed on the back of the physical card, below the card number. If the card is a digital gift card sent by email, the PIN was included in that email. If you've lost both the card and the email, the phone number above is your best option.

Key Takeaways

  • The Barnes & Noble website shows your balance instantly if you have the card number and PIN.
  • Calling 1-800-843-2665 lets you check your balance without the PIN, though you'll need to speak to a representative.
  • Any Barnes & Noble store will scan your card and tell you the balance at no cost.
  • Digital gift cards sent by email include the PIN in that email message.
  • Physical cards have the PIN printed on the back below the card number.

What to do if you can't find your PIN

If you have the physical card but can't locate the PIN, look on the back of the card first. The PIN is a four-digit number printed below the 16-digit card number. If the card is worn or the numbers are faded, hold it under bright light or try a magnifying glass.

If the PIN is genuinely unreadable or you received a digital card and deleted the email, call Barnes & Noble customer service at 1-800-843-2665. Have your card number ready. The representative can verify you as the card owner and either read the PIN to you or check your balance directly. This process usually takes a few minutes.

Using your balance to make a purchase

Once you know your balance, you can spend it online at barnesandnoble.com or in any physical store. Online, add items to your cart, go to checkout, and select "Gift Card" as your payment method. Enter the card number and PIN, and the system will apply the balance to your order. If your purchase is larger than the card balance, you'll be asked to pay the difference with another payment method.

In a store, hand the card to the cashier along with your items. They'll scan the card and process the payment the same way. If you're buying something that costs more than the card balance, you can pay the remainder with a credit card, debit card, or another gift card.

What happens to unused balances

Barnes & Noble gift cards do not expire. You can use the card at any time in the future, even if years pass. There are no monthly fees or inactivity charges that reduce the balance over time. The amount on the card stays the same until you spend it.

This means you can check your balance now, set the card aside, and come back to it whenever you're ready to shop. The balance will be exactly what it was when you checked it.

Replacing a lost or damaged card

If your physical card is lost or damaged, call 1-800-843-2665 with your card number. Barnes & Noble can issue a replacement card with the same balance transferred to it. You'll need to provide the original card number and may be asked to verify your identity. The replacement card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

If you received a digital gift card by email and no longer have access to that email account, contact customer service with the card number. They can help you recover access or issue a replacement in a different format.

Checking balance on a gift card you received

If someone gave you a Barnes & Noble gift card and you want to know how much is on it before you shop, use any of the three methods above. You don't need to be the original purchaser — the card works for anyone who has the card number and PIN. If the card came in a gift package without the PIN visible, check the back of the card or ask the person who gave it to you.

For digital gift cards, the sender should have included the PIN in the email they sent you. If you received the card as a forwarded email or screenshot, make sure you have the full message with all the details. If part of it is missing, ask the sender to resend the original email from Barnes & Noble.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Barnes & Noble gift cards expire?

No. Barnes & Noble gift cards have no expiration date. You can use the card immediately or wait years to spend it, and the balance will remain the same. There are no fees that reduce the balance over time.

Can I check my balance without the PIN?

Yes. Call 1-800-843-2665 and provide your card number to a representative, or visit a Barnes & Noble store and ask a cashier to scan the card. Both methods work without the PIN. The website requires the PIN.

What if my balance is zero?

If the card shows a zero balance, it has been fully spent. You can still use the card as a payment method in-store or online, but it won't cover any of the purchase. You'll need to pay with another payment method for the full amount.

Can I transfer my balance to another gift card?

No. Barnes & Noble does not transfer balances between cards. Your balance is tied to the card number. If your card is lost or damaged, call customer service to request a replacement card, and they will transfer the balance to the new card for you.

Can I use a Barnes & Noble gift card at other stores?

No. Barnes & Noble gift cards work only at Barnes & Noble locations and on barnesandnoble.com. They cannot be used at other retailers or bookstores.