Gift cards have become a popular gift-giving option in recent years. According to the National Retail Federation, total gift card spending reached an estimated $160 billion in the United States in 2019. With so many gift cards in circulation, knowing how to check the balance on a card is an important skill.
Why Should I Check My Gift Card Balance?
There are a few key reasons you may want to check the remaining balance on your gift card:
- To avoid overspending – If you know the exact balance ahead of time, you can avoid awkward moments at the register when the cashier tells you there are insufficient funds on the card.
- To use up the full value – Checking the balance lets you know how much is left so you can plan purchases to use up the full gift card amount.
- To watch for unauthorized use – Keeping tabs on the balance enables you to spot any suspicious reductions in value that could indicate someone is using your card without permission.
- For budgeting purposes – Knowing the balance helps you factor the gift card into your overall budget and spending plans.
Ways to Check Balance
There are several different ways you can go about checking the balance on a gift card. Here are some of the most common options:
Check the Gift Card Packaging
When you first receive a new gift card, the easiest way to find the balance is to look at the gift card packaging or accompanying materials. Most retailers will print the total value of the gift card on the outside of the packaging, on a sticker or label affixed to the physical gift card, or on a receipt or activation slip inside the packaging.
Call the Toll-Free Number
Most major gift card retailers provide a toll-free customer service number you can call to check the card balance. The back of the gift card will have the number printed on it. When you call, you simply enter the gift card number and PIN if required, and an automated system will tell you the current balance. Some providers may require other information like the ZIP code associated with the card or the original purchase date.
Check Online
Instead of calling, you may be able to check the balance on the retailer’s website. Look for a “Check Balance” link or “Gift Card Balance” section. You’ll need to enter the card number and PIN. Some sites may also ask for personal information like a ZIP code or the security code from the back of the card. This online option allows you to check the balance any time of day without waiting on hold.
Check at the Store
You can always take the gift card back to the issuing retailer and have them check the balance on the spot. Most stores can quickly look up gift card balances at the customer service desk or checkout counter with a few quick keystrokes. They’ll likely need to see the physical card to enter the numbers. This works for any gift card brand, from major chains to small boutiques.
Check Your Monthly Statement
If you used a credit or debit card to purchase a gift card, the starting balance of the gift card will typically be printed on your monthly billing statement. While this won’t tell you the current balance, it will give you a handy reference point to know how much has likely been spent down. This works best for newer gift cards where not much activity has occurred.
Use a Gift Card Balance Checker
Some third-party websites and apps offer the ability to check balances for many top gift card brands in one place. Popular options include GiftCardSpread, GiftCardGranny, and CardPool. You simply select the brand, enter the card number and PIN, and the site looks up the balance. This aggregator model saves you from having to visit dozens of different retailer websites.
Tips for Checking Balance
Follow these tips to make the balance-checking process quick and easy:
- Look for the toll-free number – Finding the customer service line on the gift card will allow you to call for balances 24/7.
- Know the fees – Some gift cards charge fees for balance inquiries, so be sure to look out for those.
- Set reminders – Make a note on your calendar to check the balance periodically to avoid any surprises.
- Document balances – Keep a written log of previous balances for reference.
- Register the card – Registering a gift card on the retailer’s website makes it easier to access balance information.
- Ask about expirations – Find out if your card has an expiration date that could impact the balance.
Managing Multiple Gift Cards
If you have several gift cards to various retailers, it can be challenging to remember all the different balances. Here are some tips for managing multiple gift cards:
- Store cards together – Keep all gift cards in one place so they’re easy to find when needed.
- Take a photo – Use your phone to take pictures of the front and back of each gift card to reference later.
- Log key details – Record the card number, retailer, original value, and expiration for each card in a notebook or spreadsheet.
- Consolidate balances – Consider exchanging multiple cards for one larger value card at a gift card exchange service.
- Buy multi-store cards – Opt for gift cards that can be used at a variety of retailers, like American Express or Visa gift cards.
- Use card apps – Apps like Gyft allow you to store and track many gift cards in one place.
Troubleshooting Balance Issues
If you encounter any problems checking the balance on a gift card, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Call the retailer – Speaking to customer service can clarify issues with incorrect balances, expired cards, and other problems.
- Review transactions – The retailer may be able to provide a transaction history showing how the balance was reduced.
- Check for fees – Fees can periodically lower balances, so check the fee policy for your card.
- Visit the store – The store’s point-of-sale system may provide more up-to-date balance information than a website or phone system.
- Allow time to update – Sometimes balances take 24 hours to update, so try checking again the next day.
- Request a replacement – If a card is damaged or unusable, you may be able to get a replacement card with the remaining funds.
Using Up Small Balances
When your gift card balance starts getting low, you may be wondering how you can deplete a small remaining balance. Here are some tips:
- Purchase a discounted item – Look for a sale or promotional item that matches your small balance.
- Buy a gift card – Exchange your small balance for another gift card at full value.
- Get a store credit – Ask for the remaining funds as an in-store credit to spend later.
- Donate to charity – Some retailers can apply small balances as a donation during checkout.
- Spend at self-checkout – Opt for self-checkout so you can keep trying different items until the balance is zero.
- Make a return – Return an item previously purchased on the card to add funds back onto the balance.
Why Gift Card Balances Decline
There are a variety of reasons why the balance on your gift card may be lower than you expect. Here are some of the most common causes of declining gift card balances:
- Purchases – The most obvious reason is that purchases have been made, reducing the funds on the card.
- Fees – Many gift cards charge fees like purchase fees, inactivity fees, or balance inquiry fees.
- Returns – Returns credit funds back to the gift card, increasing the balance.
- Expired cards – For gift cards with expiration dates, the balance may revert to zero after the expiration.
- Lost cards – If you lose your gift card, someone else could find it and spend down the balance.
- Fraud – Unfortunately, stolen card numbers can lead to fraudulent charges that use up the funds.
Being aware of these common reasons for balance fluctuations can help you understand changes you see in the gift card balance.
Extending the Life of Gift Cards
If you want to make your gift card last as long as possible, try these tips:
- Avoid fees – Fees can rapidly deplete balances, so understand the card’s fee policy.
- Use quickly – Try to use within the first year before fees or expirations apply.
- Spend small amounts – Draw down the balance slowly with many small purchases.
- Re-gift remainders – Transfer leftovers to someone else via gift receipt exchange.
- Exchange for longer card – See if the retailer can exchange for a card with a longer expiration.
- Register the card – This can provide fee waivers and protection if the card is lost or stolen.
Keeping close tabs on the gift card balance enables you to proactively take steps to avoid unnecessary balance reductions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there usually a fee to check my balance?
In most cases, you can check your balance for free. However, some gift cards do charge a small fee, such as $1, to check your balance either online, by phone, or in person. Be sure to look for any fees listed in the terms and conditions.
Can I get a replacement card if mine expired?
Typically you cannot get a replacement or extend a gift card after it has expired. Some retailers may make exceptions and issue a new card if you contact their customer service. But in most cases, unused funds are forfeited after the printed expiration date.
How long do I have to use a gift card?
Gift card expiration periods vary widely, from a few months to multiple years. Some states require gift cards to be valid for 5+ years. Be sure to check your card’s terms for the expiration policy. Purchasing cards with longer terms can help maximize the available time to use the funds.
Are there security risks to checking balances online?
There can be some security risks associated with checking your balance online if the retailer’s website is not secure. To be safe, only check your balance on the official retailer’s site, never enter your information on a third party site, and look for the “https” in the URL indicating encryption is used.
Conclusion
Keeping track of gift card balances is an important way to ensure you maximize the value and avoid any unpleasant surprises at the register. Checking your balance is usually quick and easy using one of the methods outlined above, like calling customer service or logging into the retailer’s website. Set reminders on your calendar to check in periodically, especially as major holidays and birthdays approach. With a small amount of proactive balance tracking, you can spend down the full gift card amount and get the most out of these popular gift items.