Check your balance online or in the store
Stop & Shop lets you see your gift card balance three ways: on their website, through their mobile app, or by asking a cashier in any store. The website and app are fastest if you have your card number handy. You'll need the 16-digit card number printed on the front of the card and the PIN or security code on the back.
If you don't have the card in front of you, you can still look up the balance if you registered the card to your Stop & Shop account when you received it. A registered card ties to your email address, so you can recover the number through your account login. Unregistered cards require the physical card number to check.
Asking a cashier works if you're already in the store, though it may take a few minutes during busy hours. The cashier scans the card and tells you the balance on the register screen. This method doesn't require you to remember any numbers.
Key Takeaways
- Stop & Shop's website and mobile app show your balance instantly if you enter the 16-digit card number and back-of-card security code.
- Registering your gift card to your Stop & Shop account lets you look up the balance using just your email and password, even if you don't have the card nearby.
- Any Stop & Shop cashier can scan your card and tell you the balance in person at no cost.
- The balance does not expire as long as there is money on the card, but some states require Stop & Shop to notify you if the card goes unused for a set period.
Using the Stop & Shop website
Go to stopandshop.com and look for the gift card balance link, usually found in the footer or under a "Gift Cards" menu. Click it and enter your 16-digit card number and the three- or four-digit security code from the back of the card. The balance appears immediately.
If you registered the card to your Stop & Shop account, you can also log in with your email and password, then navigate to your account settings or gift card section. This route is faster if you check your balance often, because you won't have to type the card number each time.
Using the Stop & Shop mobile app
Download the Stop & Shop app on iOS or Android and tap the gift card or balance section. Enter your card number and security code the same way you would on the website. The app stores your card information if you choose, so future balance checks take just a tap.
The app also sends notifications if you set it up, so you can get alerts when your balance runs low or when digital coupons are available. This is optional, but it helps you remember to use the card before the balance sits unused for months.
What happens if you lose the card number
If you no longer have the physical card and didn't register it to your account, you cannot check the balance online. Contact Stop & Shop customer service by phone or through their website contact form. Have your receipt from when you bought or received the card, if you still have it — this helps them locate the card in their system.
Stop & Shop may ask for the original purchase method (cash, credit card, or gift) and the approximate date. If they can find the card in their records, they can tell you the balance and may be able to issue a replacement card with the remaining funds transferred to it. This process usually takes a few business days.
Understanding expiration and inactivity policies
Stop & Shop gift cards do not expire as long as there is money on them. However, some states have laws requiring retailers to report unused gift card balances to the state after a certain period of inactivity — typically three to five years. This does not mean you lose the money; it means Stop & Shop must turn it over to your state's unclaimed property program if you don't use it.
You can still recover the funds from your state's unclaimed property office, but the process is slower than using the card directly. To avoid this, use your card at least once every few years, even if it's a small purchase. Checking your balance counts as activity on some cards, so logging in to verify the amount may reset the inactivity clock.
Using your balance at checkout
Present the physical card to the cashier at any Stop & Shop location, or provide the card number if you're ordering online or through the app. The cashier or system deducts the purchase amount from your balance. If your purchase is more than the card balance, you'll need to pay the difference with another payment method.
If your purchase is less than the balance, the remaining amount stays on the card for future use. You can split a payment between a gift card and another payment method at any Stop & Shop register.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my balance without the physical card?
Yes, if you registered the card to your Stop & Shop account. Log in with your email and password, and the balance appears in your account. If you didn't register it and don't have the card, contact Stop & Shop customer service with your receipt or purchase details.
Does my balance expire?
No, the balance does not expire as long as money remains on the card. However, if you don't use the card for several years, your state may require Stop & Shop to report it as unclaimed property. You can still recover it, but through your state's unclaimed property office instead of directly from Stop & Shop.
What if the website or app shows a different balance than the store?
This is rare but can happen if a recent purchase hasn't processed yet. Wait a few hours and check again. If the discrepancy persists, contact Stop & Shop customer service with your card number and the two different amounts you saw.
Can I transfer my balance to another gift card?
Stop & Shop does not transfer balances between cards directly. If your card is lost or damaged, contact customer service and they can issue a replacement card with the balance moved to it. You cannot combine multiple gift cards into one.
Is there a fee to check my balance?
No. Checking your balance online, through the app, or at a register is free. Stop & Shop does not charge for balance inquiries or for using the card itself.