Gift cards have become a popular gift item over the past several years. According to the National Retail Federation, total gift card spending reached $160 billion in the United States in 2019. Gift cards provide the recipient the flexibility to purchase whatever they want from a particular store or restaurant. When you purchase a gift card, it will come with a personal identification number (PIN) that allows the user to access the funds on the card. But where exactly is the PIN located? Here’s a quick overview on where to find the PIN on different types of gift cards.
The PIN on physical gift cards
For physical plastic gift cards, the PIN can usually be found in one of two places:
On the back of the gift card
Many physical gift cards have the PIN printed directly on the back of the card. This PIN is covered by a scratch-off panel that the recipient will need to scratch off to reveal the code. The PIN is typically printed above where the magnetic strip is located and will be labeled clearly as the PIN number. Make sure to scratch off the covering carefully using a coin so you can clearly read the PIN digits.
On a separate PIN slip
Some physical gift cards do not have the PIN printed directly on the card itself. Instead, they come with a separate PIN slip or voucher that contains the code. This slip is usually found inside the gift card packaging. It may be attached to the back of the gift card or just loose inside the packaging. The PIN will be printed clearly on the slip. Make sure not to accidentally throw away the PIN slip with the gift card packaging.
You may need to provide the cashier with both the physical gift card and the separate PIN slip when making a purchase with this type of card.
The PIN on digital gift cards
Digital gift cards purchased online will not come with a physical card or PIN slip. Instead, the gift card PIN will be provided to you digitally in one of the following ways:
In the gift card email
For many digital gift cards purchased online, the gift card PIN will be included right in the email containing the gift card. Look for a section labeled “Gift Card PIN” or “Redemption Code.” This section will contain the full PIN needed to redeem the gift card. Some retailers make you click a button to reveal the PIN, while others show the PIN directly in the email text.
On the retailer’s website
Some retailers do not include the actual PIN in the gift card email. Instead, the email will contain instructions to visit the retailer’s website to retrieve the PIN. There will usually be a link to the PIN redemption page where you can input the gift card number or order number to display the PIN on the screen. You can then write this PIN down or save it on your device.
In a separate PIN email
For an added layer of security, some retailers will send the gift card PIN in a separate follow-up email after the gift card email. This separate PIN email will contain just the redemption code without any other gift card details. Make sure to save this email as well so you have the PIN code handy when needed.
Tips for keeping track of the PIN
Once you locate the PIN, make sure you keep the number in a safe place so it does not get lost or forgotten:
- Take a photo of the PIN on physical cards in case it gets scratched off
- Print out the PIN email or webpage for digital cards
- Save the PIN in your notes app or write it down in another secure location
- Avoid storing the PIN in your email inbox alone as it may get buried
Knowing where to access your gift card PIN is important for utilizing the card. With physical cards, focus on the back of the card and packaging. For digital cards, check the gift card email and retailer website carefully. Store the PIN securely once located so you can easily access it when needed to enjoy the full value of the gift card.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I can’t locate the gift card PIN?
If you can’t find a gift card PIN, first retrace your steps and check the packaging again carefully for any PIN slips you may have overlooked. For digital cards, reread the gift card email multiple times to ensure you didn’t miss seeing the PIN displayed. You can also contact the retailer’s customer service for assistance. Most can look up your order details and provide the PIN if needed.
Do all gift cards have PINs?
The vast majority of gift cards have a PIN associated with them. However, there are some gift cards, especially from smaller retailers, that may not have PINs. These cards can be used for purchases without needing to input a code. But most major retailers and restaurants do utilize PIN codes for gift cards.
Should I keep a copy of the gift card receipt?
Keeping the gift card receipt or order confirmation email is recommended when possible. While you don’t need the receipt to redeem the gift card, it can come in handy for other reasons. It provides proof of purchase if you need to verify the card balance or submit a claim. The receipt also contains the complete gift card number which can help in replacing a lost card.
Can I move the funds from one gift card to another?
Most retailers do not allow you to move money from one gift card to a different branded gift card due to financial regulations. However, some retailers like Starbucks and Amazon do let you consolidate multiple cards by transferring balances. You may be able to exchange an unwanted gift card for a different branded card through an exchange site, although often at a discounted rate.
What happens if I lose my physical gift card or PIN slip?
If you lose your physical gift card, unfortunately the money is generally lost for good. You should contact the retailer immediately to see if they can refund the card balance. Make sure to keep the PIN slip in a secure place separate from your card to avoid losing both. For lost digital gift card PINs, you may be able to have the retailer email you the PIN again after verifying your identity.
Conclusion
Knowing where to find a gift card PIN is key to utilizing the card effectively. For physical cards, focus your search on the back of the card itself and the gift card packaging. Digital PINs will be displayed in the gift card email or on the retailer’s website. Store the PIN in a safe place once located. With a little searching in the right spots, you can easily uncover the PIN and put your gift card funds to good use.
Gift Card Type | Where to Find the PIN |
---|---|
Physical Card with PIN on Back | Scratch-off panel on back of card |
Physical Card with Separate PIN Slip | Small slip included in gift card packaging |
Digital Card in Email | Look for “Gift Card PIN” section in email |
Digital Card on Website | PIN redemption page on retailer’s website |
Digital Card in Separate Email | Dedicated PIN email from retailer |
PIN Security Tips
- Take photo of PIN on physical gift cards
- Print out PIN emails/webpages for digital cards
- Store PIN in secure app or document
- Avoid keeping only in email inbox