how to check how much money is on a gift card

You can usually check how much money is on a gift card in three main ways: online, by phone, or in-store, using the official details printed directly on the card.

Main ways to check

• Look at the back of the card for a website and follow the “Check balance” link, then enter the card number, security code (CVV or PIN), and sometimes expiry date.

• Call the toll‑free number printed on the back of the card, follow the automated prompts, and type in the card number and security code to hear the remaining balance.

• Go to the store the card is for (for example, Walmart or a specific retailer), ask at customer service or the checkout, and they can scan the card and tell you the balance.

Step‑by‑step for common cards

• Visa / Mastercard gift cards
  • Find the official issuer website printed on the back (or a trusted provider like a bank or branded gift site), then enter the 16‑digit number and CVV to see your balance and sometimes recent transactions.

* If you cannot get online, call the toll‑free number on the back, choose the balance option, and enter the same numbers when prompted.

• Store‑branded cards (Walmart, Ulta, etc.)
  • Use the retailer’s own “Check gift card balance” page, which usually asks for the card number and a PIN revealed by scratching a silver strip.

* You can also have them scan the card at checkout or customer service to show the remaining value before you buy anything.

If you bought it second‑hand

• Ask the seller to check the balance in front of you using the official website or a store terminal so you can see the result yourself.

• Avoid third‑party balance‑check sites unless you are sure they are legitimate; stick to the brand’s own site or a well‑known, reputable gift‑card platform.

Safety tips

• Always type the exact URL printed on the card or follow links from the retailer’s official site, and double‑check that the address matches before entering card numbers.

• Be cautious with websites that are not clearly tied to the card brand or that ask for extra personal data, as some fake “balance checker” sites exist to steal card details.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.