Check your Starbucks gift card balance online, in the app, or at any store

You can see how much money is left on a Starbucks gift card in three ways: through the Starbucks website, through the Starbucks mobile app, or by asking a barista at any Starbucks location. The website and app methods take about a minute and work from home. The in-store method is instant if you're already there, but requires you to have the physical card or know the card number.

Each method requires your gift card number, which is printed on the front of the card. If you have a digital gift card sent to your email or phone, the number appears in the message or in your Starbucks app account.

Key Takeaways

  • You need the 16-digit card number printed on the front of your physical card or shown in your digital gift card email to check the balance.
  • The Starbucks website and mobile app both show your balance instantly when you enter your card number.
  • A barista can look up your balance at the register if you show them the physical card or tell them the card number.
  • Starbucks gift cards do not expire, so your balance stays available indefinitely.
  • If your card is lost or damaged, Starbucks can replace it if you have the card number or the original receipt.

Using the Starbucks website to check balance

Go to www.starbucks.com and look for the "Gift Cards" section, usually in the top navigation menu. Click on "Check Balance" or a similar link. You will be asked to enter your 16-digit card number and, in some cases, the expiration date or PIN on the back of the card.

The website will display your current balance immediately. You do not need to create an account or log in to check a balance this way, though you can link the card to a Starbucks account if you want to reload it automatically or track purchases.

Using the Starbucks mobile app

Open the Starbucks app on your phone and tap the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines). Look for "Gift Cards" or "Card Balance." You can either scan the physical card with your phone's camera or enter the 16-digit number by hand. The app will show your balance right away.

If you have a digital gift card that was sent to you by email, the card is usually already in your app account. Tap on it to see the balance without entering a number. The app also lets you reload your card with a linked payment method, so you can add money whenever your balance runs low.

Asking a barista in person

Walk into any Starbucks location with your physical gift card and ask the barista to check the balance. They will scan the card at the register or type in the number, and the balance will appear on their screen. This takes less than a minute and requires no account or app.

If you do not have the physical card but remember the 16-digit number, you can give that to the barista instead. They can look it up the same way. This method is useful if you want to check your balance while you are already ordering.

What to do if you lost your gift card

If your card is lost or stolen, contact Starbucks Customer Service with your card number. If you have the original receipt, that helps. Starbucks can freeze the card to prevent someone else from using it and can issue a replacement card with the remaining balance transferred to it.

Without the card number or receipt, Starbucks cannot replace the card or recover the balance. This is why it's a good idea to take a photo of your gift card number and keep it somewhere safe, or link the card to your Starbucks account as soon as you receive it.

Linking your gift card to your Starbucks account

You can add your gift card to your Starbucks account through the app or website. This protects your balance because your account is tied to your email and password, not just the physical card. If the card is lost, you can still access the balance through your account.

Linking also lets you set up auto-reload, which automatically adds money to your card when the balance drops below a certain amount. You choose the amount and payment method. This is convenient if you use Starbucks regularly and do not want to worry about running out of balance.

Gift card expiration and terms

Starbucks gift cards do not expire. Your balance will remain on the card indefinitely, even if you do not use it for years. There are no monthly fees or inactivity charges that reduce your balance over time.

The only exception is if your card is damaged beyond use — for example, if the magnetic strip is worn or the card is physically broken. In that case, contact Starbucks with your card number and they will send you a replacement with the same balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check my balance without the physical card?

Yes. If you have the 16-digit card number, you can check the balance on the Starbucks website, in the app, or by giving the number to a barista. If you linked the card to your Starbucks account, you can also log in to your account and see the balance there.

What if I received a digital gift card by email?

Digital gift cards appear in your Starbucks app automatically if you opened the email on the same device. You can tap on the card to see the balance. If you opened the email on a different device, you can enter the card number manually in the app or on the website to check the balance.

Can I transfer my balance to someone else?

No, Starbucks does not allow you to transfer a balance from one card to another or to another person's account. However, you can use your card to buy items and give those items to someone else, or you can give the physical card itself to another person to use.

What happens if my card number does not work when I check the balance?

Make sure you are entering all 16 digits correctly and that you are using the number on the front of the card, not the back. If the card is damaged or the number is worn off, visit a Starbucks location and ask a barista to scan it. If the card is still not recognized, contact Starbucks Customer Service with your receipt if you have it.

Can I use my gift card balance online or only in stores?

You can use your Starbucks gift card in any company-operated Starbucks store and at most licensed locations like those in grocery stores or airports. You cannot use it on the Starbucks website or app to order for delivery or pickup — only the physical card or a card linked to your app account works for in-app orders.