Check your Mastercard gift card balance online or by phone
The fastest way to check a Mastercard gift card balance is through the card issuer's website. Most Mastercard gift cards come with a website address printed on the back of the card or on the packaging. You log in with your card number and the card's PIN or security code, and your balance appears immediately.
If you don't have access to a computer or prefer to speak with someone, you can call the customer service number on the back of your card. A representative will ask for your card number and security code, then read your balance to you over the phone. This method takes a few minutes but requires no internet connection.
Some Mastercard gift cards also let you check your balance at any ATM by inserting the card, though not all ATMs support this feature. You can also ask a cashier at a store to swipe the card during checkout — many registers will display your remaining balance on the receipt after a transaction, though this only works if you actually make a purchase.
Key Takeaways
- The card issuer's website is the quickest way to check your balance and requires only your card number and security code.
- Calling the customer service number on the back of your card gives you your balance over the phone without needing internet.
- Your balance appears on a receipt after you make a purchase at a store, but this method only works if you spend money.
- Some ATMs allow balance checks by inserting the card, though this feature is not available everywhere.
- Write down your balance after checking it, since you may not remember the exact amount when you shop.
Why the issuer's website is usually the best option
The issuer's website is the most reliable method because it shows your current balance instantly and does not require you to spend money or visit a physical location. You can check as many times as you want without any cost or penalty. Most sites also let you set up alerts if your balance drops below a certain amount, which helps you remember to use the card before it expires.
The website address is printed on the back of your Mastercard gift card, usually near the customer service phone number. If you have lost the card but remember which bank or company issued it, you can search for that issuer's name plus "gift card balance" to find the login page. You will need your full card number and the three-digit security code on the back.
What to do if you cannot access the website
If the website is down or you do not have internet, calling the customer service number on your card is your next best option. The call is free, and representatives can tell you your balance, recent transactions, and the card's expiration date. They can also help if you have forgotten your PIN or need to report the card lost or stolen.
Keep in mind that customer service lines may have wait times, especially during evenings and weekends. If you are in a hurry, visiting a store and asking the cashier to check your balance during a small purchase is faster than calling, though it does cost you a small amount of money.
Understanding what your balance means
Your Mastercard gift card balance is the amount of money remaining on the card that you can spend. If your balance is $50, you can make purchases up to $50 before the card declines. Once your balance reaches zero, the card cannot be used unless it is reloaded — and most gift cards cannot be reloaded by the person holding them.
The balance does not include pending transactions. If you swiped your card at a gas pump or restaurant and have not yet been charged, that amount may not show as deducted from your balance immediately. It can take one to three business days for a pending charge to post, at which point your balance will drop.
Some Mastercard gift cards charge a monthly fee if they are not used within a certain period, or if the balance falls below a minimum amount. Check your card's terms to see whether fees apply. If fees are being charged, your balance will decrease even if you are not making purchases.
How to find your card number and security code if you need them
Your Mastercard gift card number is the 16-digit number printed on the front of the card. The security code is the three-digit number on the back, usually printed to the right of the signature strip. Both numbers are required to check your balance online or over the phone.
If your card is damaged and the numbers are hard to read, you can still call customer service. Have the card in front of you and read the numbers aloud as clearly as you can. If the card is too worn to read at all, contact the issuer and explain the situation — they may be able to look up your account using other information like your name and the card's expiration date.
What happens when your balance runs out
Once your Mastercard gift card balance reaches zero, the card stops working. You cannot use it to make purchases, and you cannot check a balance on an empty card at most retailers. The card itself does not expire immediately — it may remain valid until the printed expiration date — but it has no value.
Most gift card issuers do not refund the remaining balance or allow you to transfer money to another card. If you have a small balance left (like $1.50) and cannot think of a way to spend it, contact customer service to ask whether they offer any options. Some issuers will donate small remaining balances to charity on your behalf, though this is not may provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my Mastercard gift card balance without the card number?
No, you will need your full 16-digit card number to check your balance online or by phone. If you have lost the card, you cannot retrieve the number from the issuer's website or customer service line for security reasons. If you have the original packaging or receipt from when the card was purchased, the number may be printed there.
Why does my balance not match what I thought I had?
Pending transactions may not have posted yet, so your available balance is lower than expected. Fees charged by the issuer can also reduce your balance without a purchase. Check your recent transaction history on the website to see what charges have posted in the last few days.
Is it safe to check my balance on a public computer?
It is safer to check your balance on a computer you own or trust. If you must use a public computer, log out completely when finished and do not save your card number. Avoid checking your balance on public WiFi networks, as they are less secure than your home internet.
What should I do if my card balance is wrong?
Contact customer service using the number on the back of your card. Explain the discrepancy and provide details about recent purchases. The issuer can review your transaction history and correct errors, though this may take several business days.
Can I use my Mastercard gift card after the expiration date?
No, Mastercard gift cards cannot be used after the expiration date printed on the front. If your card is expiring soon and you have a remaining balance, use it before the expiration date. Some issuers offer the option to request a replacement card, but this varies by issuer.