How do I Check the Balance on a Discount Gift Card?

Have you ever found a gift card in your wallet or drawer and wondered how much money was still on it? You're not alone. Americans currently have about $21 billion in unused gift cards and store credits sitting around, with the average household holding onto roughly $116 in unspent gift cards. More than half of consumers have forgotten about at least one gift card they received. Many of these were bought at a discount or came from special promotions.

If you have a gift card from a friend, purchased one at a lower price, or just found an old one, checking the balance is important. It helps you avoid awkward moments at checkout and ensures you use every cent.

Common Methods to Check Your Gift Card Balance

Depending on the type of gift card you have, several methods are available to check your balance. Each has its advantages and potential limitations.

Online Balance Checks

The most common and usually fastest way to check your gift card balance is through the issuer's website.

For retailer-specific gift cards (like Target, Walmart, or Amazon), the process typically works as follows:

1. Visit the retailer's official website

2. Look for a "Gift Cards" section (often found in the footer or under "Customer Service")

3. Select "Check Balance" or "Gift Card Balance"

4. Enter your card number and PIN or security code

5. Submit to view your current balance

For bank-issued gift cards (such as Visa, Mastercard, or American Express gift cards), the process is similar:

1. Go to the card issuer's website (often printed on the back of the card)

2. Navigate to the gift card section

3. Look for a balance checker tool

4. Enter your card details, including the 16-digit card number, expiration date, and security code

5. Submit to see your balance

Online balance checks work for both standard and plastic discount cards purchased through authorized resellers or discount programs.

Mobile Apps for Balance Checking

Many retailers and gift card issuers now offer dedicated mobile apps that make checking your balance even more convenient.

Popular apps for checking gift card balances include:

• The retailer's official app (Target, Starbucks, Amazon, etc.)

• Multi-card wallet apps like Gyft or Stocard

• Banking apps for bank-issued gift cards

• Gift card marketplace apps like Raise or CardCash

To check your balance using an app:

1. Download the appropriate app from your device's app store

2. Create an account if necessary

3. Add your gift card by entering the card details or scanning the card

4. View your balance directly in the app dashboard

Many apps allow you to store multiple cards and receive notifications when balances are low or expiration dates are approaching, which is particularly helpful for keeping track of discounted gift cards that may have different terms than regular-priced ones.

Phone Balance Inquiries

If you prefer to speak with someone directly or don't have internet access, most gift cards provide a customer service phone number on the back of the card.

When calling to check your balance:

1. Have your gift card ready

2. Call the number provided on the back of the card

3. Follow the automated system prompts or speak with a representative

4. Be prepared to provide the card number, PIN, and possibly other identifying information

5. Write down your balance once confirmed

Phone inquiries can be particularly helpful for older discount gift cards that may not be fully integrated with the issuer's current online systems.

In-Store Balance Checks

Perhaps the most straightforward method, especially if you're already at the store, is to ask a cashier or customer service representative to check your card balance.

For in-store balance checks:

1. Bring your gift card to the store's customer service desk or any checkout counter

2. Ask the associate to check your gift card balance

3. Hand them your card so they can scan it or manually enter the card number

4. They'll tell you the current balance and may provide a receipt showing the amount

This method works well for both standard gift cards and custom discount cards that may have been created for specific promotions or loyalty programs.

Special Considerations for Discount Gift Cards

When using discount gift cards bought below face value, there are extra details to keep in mind. These may come from resale markets, promotions, or employee discount programs. Checking the balance isn’t always straightforward, so it’s important to verify the terms before you spend.

Resold Discount Gift Card Verification

If you purchased a discounted gift card from a resale platform like Raise, CardCash, or GiftCardGranny, you should verify the balance immediately after purchase.

These platforms typically guarantee the card balance for a limited time (often 30-90 days) after purchase. Prompt verification ensures you've received the promised value and can address any discrepancies within the guarantee period.

For resold discount cards:

1. Check the balance immediately upon receiving the card

2. Document the balance and keep records of your purchase

3. Report any discrepancies to the resale platform within their guarantee window

4. Be aware that some resold cards may have been partially used

Corporate Discount Program Cards

Many companies offer plastic discount cards through employee benefit programs or corporate partnerships. These cards often work like standard gift cards but may have special terms or activation requirements.

For corporate discount program cards:

1. Check your employee benefits portal for specific instructions

2. Look for activation requirements before checking the balance

3. Use the regular balance check methods after activation

4. Be aware of special expiration terms that may apply

Limited-Time Promotional Cards

Retailers sometimes issue custom discount cards for specific promotions, holiday sales, or loyalty rewards. These cards may have different balance check procedures or limited-time use windows.

For promotional discount cards:

1. Read all terms printed on the card or accompanying materials

2. Check for specific websites or apps mentioned for balance inquiries

3. Be aware of expiration dates, which are often shorter than standard gift cards

4. Look for usage restrictions that may apply to promotional cards

Troubleshooting Balance Check Problems

Even with the right information, you might encounter issues when trying to check your gift card balance. Here are solutions to common problems.

Card Number Not Recognized

If the system doesn't recognize your card number:

1. Double-check for typing errors

2. Make sure you're using the correct website for the specific card

3. Try removing spaces or dashes if entering the number manually

4. Check if the card requires activation (some cards must be activated before the balance can be checked)

5. For older cards, call customer service directly as the card may use a legacy system

Security Code or PIN Issues

If you're having trouble with the security code or PIN:

1. Look for the code in different locations on the card (front, back, under scratch-off material)

2. Check any accompanying documentation that came with the card

3. Try entering the code with and without any printed symbols

4. For some plastic discount cards, the PIN may have been provided separately via email

5. Contact customer service if you cannot locate or access the security code

Expired or Inactivated Cards

If your balance check indicates the card is expired or not activated:

1. Check the card for an expiration date

2. Look for activation instructions that may have come with the card

3. For custom discount cards, check if there were specific activation steps required

4. Be aware that some states have laws against gift card expiration—you may still be able to use or get a replacement for an "expired" card

5. Contact the issuer's customer service for assistance with reactivation options

Managing Multiple Discount Gift Cards

If you frequently use discount gift cards or have accumulated several over time, staying organized helps ensure you maximize their value.

Digital Tracking Systems

Consider using a digital system to track your cards:

1. Apps like Gyft, CardStar, or Stocard can store and track multiple gift cards

2. Spreadsheet tracking with card numbers, PINs, and balances

3. Password managers with secure notes for card information

4. Digital wallet apps that support gift card integration

Combining Multiple Card Balances

For retailers that allow it, combining balances from multiple discount cards can make them easier to use:

1. Check if the retailer allows balance transfers between cards

2. Ask about combining balances onto a single card in-store

3. Some retailers allow you to use multiple gift cards in a single online transaction

4. Consider using the remaining small balances for partial payments on larger purchases

Converting Low-Balance Cards

When you have cards with small remaining balances:

1. Some exchange services will buy even low-balance gift cards

2. Consider using cards with small balances for online purchases where you can specify the exact amount

3. Some retailers allow you to "cash out" cards below a certain threshold (often $5-10)

4. Combine with cash or credit card payment to use up the full balance

Protecting Your Gift Card Value

Once you've checked your balance, take steps to protect the remaining value on your discount gift cards.

Security Best Practices

To keep your gift card balances secure:

1. Keep digital or physical records of card numbers and PINs separately

2. Never share card details over unsecured channels

3. Be wary of balance check websites that aren't official retailer sites

4. Register your gift card with the retailer when possible

5. Take photos of physical cards as backup in case of loss

Balance Protection Tips

To preserve the value of your discount gift cards:

1. Use calendar reminders for cards with expiration dates

2. Regularly check balances on cards you don't use frequently

3. Be aware of inactivity fees that might apply to some bank-issued gift cards

4. Keep physical cards in a designated place to prevent loss

5. Consider using the full balance in one transaction to avoid forgetting about small remaining amounts

Final Call

Checking the balance on your discount gift cards doesn't have to be complicated. Standard retail gift cards, plastic discount cards from resale markets, and promotional discount cards all hold value. The methods above will help you track your balance and make the most of your funds.

By regularly monitoring your gift card balances and taking steps to organize and protect your cards, you can ensure you're getting the full value from these money-saving tools. Make every swipe, scan, and handout count with DuraCard. Strong, stylish, and built to last because your brand deserves the best. Get started now!