Free Guide to Checking Gift Card Balances

Understanding Gift Card Balances and Why They Matter

Gift cards have become one of the most popular gifts in the United States. According to the National Retail Federation, Americans spent over $27 billion on gift cards in 2022, with an average of 51% of consumers receiving at least one gift card during the holiday season. Despite their popularity, many people struggle to keep track of their gift card balances, leading to unused cards sitting in drawers and pockets.

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A gift card balance is the amount of money remaining on a card that you can spend at a retailer or restaurant. When you make a purchase using a gift card, the balance decreases by the amount of your transaction. Understanding your current balance is important for several reasons. First, it helps you plan purchases and know how much you have to spend. Second, it prevents you from being surprised at checkout when your card doesn't have enough funds. Third, tracking balances helps ensure you use your gift cards before they expire or lose value.

Gift card balances can be affected by several factors. Some cards lose value over time if the issuer charges inactivity fees. Others may have expiration dates after which they become worthless. In 2010, the Federal Reserve Board reported that the average unclaimed gift card balance per person was around $100. More recent data suggests this number has grown as digital gift giving has expanded.

The methods for checking balances have evolved significantly. While calling customer service was once the primary option, today you can check most gift card balances online, through mobile apps, or in person at store locations. This guide will walk you through the various ways to check your gift card balance, depending on which type of card you have and what information is available to you.

Practical takeaway: Create a simple list or spreadsheet of all gift cards you own, including the retailer, approximate balance, and expiration date. Update this list after each use to maintain awareness of your available funds.

Checking Balances Online Through Retailer Websites

The most convenient method for checking gift card balances is through the retailer's official website. Nearly every major store—from Target and Walmart to Amazon and Best Buy—offers an online balance checker. This method requires nothing more than access to the internet and your gift card number.

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To check your balance online, follow these general steps. First, visit the official website of the retailer that issued your gift card. Look for a link labeled "Check Gift Card Balance," "Gift Card Balance," or "Manage Your Card." These links are typically found in the customer service section or footer of the website. Click on this link, and you will usually be directed to a balance checker page. Enter your gift card number, which is typically a 15 to 19-digit code printed on the front or back of the card. Some retailers may also ask for the card's PIN number or expiration date for security purposes. Once you enter this information, the website will display your remaining balance instantly.

Different retailers organize their balance checkers differently. Target's balance checker can be found under the "Gift Cards" section of their website. Walmart's tool is located in the customer service area. Amazon allows you to check the balance of Amazon-branded gift cards and store gift cards through your account page. Best Buy places their tool prominently on the homepage. Checking these sites is free and does not require you to create an account, though some retailers may offer additional features if you log in.

Security considerations are important when checking balances online. Always make sure you are on the official retailer website by typing the web address directly into your browser or using a verified link. Never click on links from emails or text messages claiming to offer balance checking services, as these may be fraudulent. Official retailer websites use encrypted connections, which you can verify by looking for a padlock icon in the address bar and "https" at the beginning of the URL.

Online balance checkers also provide other useful information beyond just your remaining balance. Many display your recent transactions, helping you understand exactly how much you have spent. Some retailers show the original card value and the date you checked the balance. This information can help you decide whether to use the card soon or save it for later.

Practical takeaway: Bookmark your favorite retailers' gift card balance pages in your web browser for quick access. Set a monthly reminder to check all your gift cards online so you never lose track of them.

Using Retailer Mobile Apps and Digital Wallet Options

Many retailers have developed mobile applications that include gift card balance checking features. These apps often provide the fastest and most convenient way to check your balance, especially if you already use the retailer's app for shopping or other purposes. According to Statista, mobile commerce represented approximately 60% of all e-commerce purchases in 2023, reflecting how central apps have become to shopping habits.

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To check your balance through a mobile app, first download the official app from your device's app store—either Apple's App Store for iPhones or Google Play for Android devices. Once installed and opened, look for a section labeled "Gift Cards," "Wallet," "My Cards," or "Account." Some apps place this information in the main menu, while others hide it within account settings. You will typically need to either enter your gift card number or have the ability to add your card to the app. Many apps allow you to take a photo of your gift card to automatically capture the card number, which is faster and reduces typing errors.

Digital wallet services offer another method for checking and managing gift card balances. Services like Apple Wallet, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay allow you to store gift card information digitally. When you add a gift card to these wallets, they often automatically track your balance when you make purchases through the app. This eliminates the need to manually check your balance because the system keeps it updated for you. Some retailers partner with these digital wallet services to provide seamless integration.

Apps provide advantages beyond simple balance checking. Most allow you to set reminders for cards with upcoming expiration dates. Some provide personalized recommendations based on your balance, suggesting products you could purchase with your remaining funds. Many apps also display transaction history, showing exactly when and where you last used your card and for how much. This feature is particularly useful if you use multiple cards and want to understand your spending patterns.

One consideration with mobile apps is that they require device storage space and you must remember login credentials if the app requires authentication. However, most retailers save your gift card information once you add it, so checking your balance after the first setup takes just a few taps. The convenience factor makes mobile apps a popular choice for frequent shoppers.

Practical takeaway: Add your most-used gift cards to your phone's default digital wallet (Apple Wallet, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay) so you can check your balance and pay with a single tap at checkout.

Checking Balances In Person and Over the Phone

While online and mobile methods have become dominant, traditional in-person and phone-based balance checking remain valuable options, particularly for people without consistent internet access or those who prefer speaking with a representative.

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To check your balance in person, visit any physical location of the retailer that issued your gift card. Go to the customer service desk or registers and ask an employee to check your balance for you. Simply hand them your gift card, and they will typically scan it using their point-of-sale system, which displays your remaining balance. This process usually takes less than a minute and requires no preparation on your part beyond having the card with you. This method is particularly useful if you are already shopping at the location, as you can check your balance and immediately use it for your purchases.

Phone-based balance checking is another option for most major retailers. The customer service number is typically printed on the back of your gift card, on your receipt if you received a digital code via email, or on the retailer's website. When you call, a representative will ask for your gift card number and may request additional information such as your ZIP code or the card's expiration date for security purposes. They will then provide your balance verbally. This method can take longer than online checking, as you may encounter wait times during busy periods, but it remains a reliable option for those who prefer not to use digital methods.

Phone and in-person methods offer particular advantages for damaged cards. If your gift card has become scratched, bent, or faded to the point where you cannot read the number clearly, a representative can often still look it up using their system. They may also be able to help if you have lost your card but remember specific details about it, such as the approximate purchase date or the value. Some retailers will replace lost or damaged cards if you can provide enough information to verify ownership.