Check your balance online or by phone
Joann Fabrics lets you look up your gift card balance through their website or by calling customer service. You do not need to be in a store or have made a purchase to check. The website method takes about two minutes; the phone method gives you an immediate answer from a person.
To check online, go to joann.com and look for the gift card balance checker, usually found in the footer or under a "Gift Cards" section. You will need to enter your card number and, if the card has one, the PIN printed on the back. The site will show your current balance right away.
To check by phone, call Joann's customer service line at 1-888-739-4120. A representative will ask for your card number and can tell you the balance immediately. This method works even if you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone.
Key Takeaways
- Joann Fabrics gift card balances can be checked on joann.com or by calling 1-888-739-4120 without visiting a store.
- You will need your card number and PIN (if applicable) to check your balance online.
- Phone customer service can tell you your balance immediately and answer questions about card restrictions or expiration.
- Balances do not expire under federal law, though some states have specific rules about when a business can charge inactivity fees.
What information you need to check your balance
Have your gift card in front of you before you start. The card number is the long sequence of digits on the front or back of the card. If there is a PIN, it is usually a four-digit code printed separately on the card or on the receipt you received with the card.
If you have lost the card or cannot read the numbers clearly, call customer service instead of trying online. They can look up the balance using other information, such as the name or email address associated with the card if it was registered.
Registering your card to protect your balance
Joann Fabrics allows you to register your gift card on their website. Registering creates a record tied to your name and email address, which means customer service can look up your balance even if you lose the physical card or the numbers become unreadable.
To register, log into your Joann account on joann.com and add your gift card to your account. You will need the card number and PIN. Once registered, you can also see your balance history and track when you use the card.
Registration does not protect you from fraud if someone else has the card number, but it does make it easier to recover your balance if the card itself is lost or damaged.
Using your balance in-store and online
You can use your Joann gift card to pay for purchases at any Joann Fabrics location or on joann.com. In a store, hand the card to the cashier at checkout. Online, enter the card number and PIN in the payment section when you place your order.
The card will deduct the purchase amount from your balance. If your purchase costs more than your remaining balance, you can pay the difference with another payment method. If your purchase costs less, the remaining balance stays on the card for future use.
Gift card expiration and inactivity fees
Federal law does not allow gift card balances to expire. However, some states permit businesses to charge inactivity fees if the card has not been used for a certain period — usually three to five years. Joann's inactivity fee policy depends on your state and the card's terms.
Check the terms printed on your card or ask customer service about your state's rules. If you have a balance you plan to use, using the card at least once every few years will prevent any inactivity fees from applying.
What to do if your balance seems wrong
If your balance does not match what you expected, first check that you entered the card number and PIN correctly. Small mistakes in typing can return an error or show a different card's balance.
If the balance is still wrong, call customer service at 1-888-739-4120 with your card in hand. They can review your transaction history to see when the card was last used and what amount was charged. If there is a discrepancy, they can investigate and correct it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my balance without the PIN?
Online, you usually need both the card number and PIN. By phone, customer service may be able to look up your balance with just the card number, depending on how the card was issued. Call 1-888-739-4120 to find out.
What if I lost my gift card?
If you registered the card on your Joann account, customer service can look up your balance and may be able to issue a replacement card with the same balance. If the card was not registered, you will need the card number to prove ownership. Call customer service as soon as possible.
Do Joann gift cards expire?
Federal law prohibits expiration dates on gift card balances. However, some states allow inactivity fees after a period of non-use. Check your card's terms or call customer service to learn your state's rules.
Can I use my gift card online and in stores?
Yes. Your Joann gift card works both on joann.com and at physical Joann Fabrics locations. The balance is shared across both, so using it in one place reduces the balance for the other.
What if someone else used my card without permission?
Contact Joann customer service immediately at 1-888-739-4120 to report unauthorized use. They can review the transaction and may be able to reverse charges or issue a replacement card, depending on the circumstances and how quickly you report it.