Check your balance online, by phone, or in store

You can find out how much money is left on a Sephora gift card in three ways: through the Sephora website, by calling their customer service line, or by asking a staff member at any Sephora location. The online method is fastest if you have the card number handy. The phone and in-store options work if you have the physical card with you but prefer not to use a computer.

Sephora does not charge a fee to check your balance, and the process takes less than five minutes no matter which method you choose. You will need the 16-digit card number printed on the front of the gift card for any of these methods.

Key Takeaways

  • The Sephora website balance checker requires only your card number and the card's PIN, which is usually on the back.
  • Calling Sephora customer service at 1-877-SEPHORA (1-877-737-4672) lets you check your balance without logging into an account.
  • Any Sephora store employee can scan your card and tell you the remaining balance in person.
  • Your balance does not expire as long as there is money on the card, but some gift cards may have an expiration date printed on them.

Checking your balance on the Sephora website

Go to sephora.com and look for the "Gift Card Balance" link, usually found in the footer or under an account menu. Click it and enter your 16-digit card number in the first field. The PIN is typically the last four digits on the back of the card, though some cards may have a separate PIN printed elsewhere.

After you enter both numbers, the website will display your current balance immediately. This method works 24 hours a day and does not require you to create a Sephora account. If the website does not recognize your card number, double-check that you entered all 16 digits correctly, including any leading zeros.

Calling Sephora customer service

Dial 1-877-SEPHORA (1-877-737-4672) and follow the automated menu to the gift card balance option. You will be asked to enter your card number using your phone's keypad. The system will then read your balance aloud and give you the option to hear it again or speak to a representative.

Customer service hours are typically Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time, though hours may vary by season. If you call outside these hours, you can still use the automated system to check your balance. Speaking to a live representative takes longer but may be helpful if you have questions about using your card or if the automated system does not recognize your card number.

Checking your balance in a Sephora store

Bring your physical gift card to any Sephora location and ask a staff member to check the balance for you. They will scan the card at the register and can tell you the exact amount remaining. This is the fastest option if you are already shopping or near a store.

Store employees can also answer questions about whether your card has any restrictions or expiration dates. If you are unsure whether your card is a standard Sephora gift card or a card from a partner retailer like Kohl's or JCPenney, the staff member can confirm this and explain how to use it.

Understanding gift card expiration and restrictions

Sephora gift cards do not have an expiration date on the balance itself — the money will stay on the card indefinitely as long as you do not lose it. However, some older gift cards or promotional cards may have an expiration date printed on the front or back. Check your card for any date listed as "Expires" or "Valid Through."

Gift cards purchased from Sephora directly can be used at any Sephora store or on sephora.com. If your card was purchased at a partner retailer like Kohl's, it may only work at that retailer. The balance checker or a store employee can tell you where your specific card can be redeemed.

What to do if your card is not recognized

If the website or phone system does not recognize your card number, first make sure you are entering all 16 digits exactly as they appear on the card, including any zeros at the beginning. Some cards have the number printed in two rows; check that you are reading both rows correctly.

If you still cannot check your balance online or by phone, visit a Sephora store with your physical card. Staff can scan it directly and will know if there is a problem with the card itself, such as damage to the magnetic strip or barcode. If the card is damaged or defective, Sephora can usually issue a replacement card with the same balance.

Using your balance after you check it

Once you know your balance, you can use the card to buy products at any Sephora location or on the website. At a store, hand the card to the cashier during checkout and they will process it like a credit card. Online, enter your card number and PIN at the payment screen, just as you would for checking the balance.

If your purchase is less than your balance, the remaining amount stays on the card for future use. If your purchase is more than your balance, you will need to pay the difference with another payment method. Sephora does not issue cash back for unused balances on gift cards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check my Sephora gift card balance without the PIN?

The website and automated phone system both require a PIN to check your balance. If you do not have the PIN, visit a Sephora store and ask an employee to scan the card for you. They can look up your balance without needing the PIN.

What if my gift card balance is zero?

A card with a zero balance cannot be used for purchases, but you can keep it. Some people save empty gift cards as receipts or records of purchases. If you believe the balance should not be zero, contact Sephora customer service with your card number and they can review your transaction history.

Do Sephora gift cards work at Ulta or other beauty retailers?

No, Sephora gift cards only work at Sephora stores and sephora.com. They cannot be used at Ulta, Ulta Beauty, or other retailers. If you have a gift card from a different retailer, you will need to check the balance through that retailer's website or store.

Can I transfer my balance to another gift card?

Sephora does not allow you to transfer a balance from one gift card to another. Your balance is tied to the card number itself. If your card is lost or damaged, contact Sephora customer service and they may be able to issue a replacement card with your remaining balance.

How long does it take to check my balance online?

The online balance checker is instant — you will see your balance on the screen immediately after entering your card number and PIN. No email confirmation or waiting period is required.