The Only Safe Ways to Check a Gift Card Balance
There are three legitimate, safe methods to check the remaining balance on a US gift card. In every case, you are interacting directly with the card's issuer — not a third party.
Method 1: Visit the Official Website Printed on the Card
The back of almost every gift card (or its packaging) includes a website address specifically for balance inquiries — for example, "Visit [brandname].com to check your balance." This is the only website you should use. Type the address directly into your browser's address bar — do not click on search results, ads, or links in emails that claim to lead to a balance-check page.
Once on the official site, you will typically be asked to enter the card number and the PIN (a 4-digit code on the back of the card, often under a scratch-off coating). This is the only time you should enter a card number — on the card issuer's own official website.
Method 2: Call the Phone Number on the Back of the Card
Every gift card includes a customer service phone number on the back. Calling this number and following the automated prompts is another safe way to check your balance. Have the card in hand — you will be asked to enter the card number and possibly the PIN using your phone keypad.
Method 3: Ask a Cashier at the Store
For store-specific (closed-loop) gift cards, you can ask a cashier at any location of that retailer to check the balance. The cashier scans your card and the register displays the remaining balance. This requires no website or phone — just a visit to the store.
Method 4: Check Your Receipt After a Purchase
Many retailers print the remaining gift card balance at the bottom of your receipt after each transaction. This is a quick, easy way to track your balance as you spend.
Finding the Official Balance-Check Website
The safest way to find the correct website is to read the back of your card. However, if the card is worn and the text is difficult to read, here is general guidance:
- Store gift cards (closed-loop): Visit the official main website of the retailer (the same site you'd use to shop), then look for a "Gift Cards" section in the footer or help center. Do not use a search engine — type the store's known URL directly.
- Visa/Mastercard prepaid gift cards: These are issued by banks and financial institutions, not by Visa or Mastercard directly. The issuing bank's name and website appear on the card packaging or in the cardholder agreement. Common issuers include Bancorp Bank, Metabank, and similar institutions. The balance-check site will be specific to that issuing bank's card program.
- American Express gift cards: Visit americanexpress.com and look for the gift card balance section.
Balance-Check Scam Websites — How to Recognize Them
One of the most common gift card frauds involves websites that appear to offer a "gift card balance checker." These sites prompt the user to enter a card number and PIN, then either steal the balance directly or sell the card information to criminals who drain it.
Here is how to recognize a fake balance-check site:
Suspicious URL
The web address does not match the brand's official domain. It may contain hyphens, extra words, or unusual extensions like .net, .info, or .co instead of .com.
Multiple Brands Listed
A single site claiming to check balances for dozens of different gift card brands (Amazon, Walmart, Target, iTunes, etc.) is almost certainly fraudulent. Legitimate balance-check sites are brand-specific.
Asks for Both Card Number AND PIN
While legitimate sites do ask for this information, on a fraudulent site this is the data needed to drain your card. Double-check the URL before entering anything.
Appears in Ads
Fraudulent balance-check sites frequently use paid search ads. Legitimate card issuers generally do not pay for ads to reach their own cardholders for balance checks.
No Branding or Poor Design
If the site looks generic, has poor grammar, or does not match the look and feel of the actual brand, leave immediately.
Requests Additional Information
A legitimate balance-check only needs the card number and PIN. If a site asks for your social security number, bank account, or other personal details, it is a scam.
What to Do If You Think Your Balance Was Stolen
If you check your balance through official channels and find that funds are missing unexpectedly — especially if you entered your card information on a third-party site — act quickly:
- Contact the card issuer immediately using the phone number on the back of the card. Report that you believe your card information was compromised.
- Ask if the card can be frozen or replaced. Some issuers can cancel a compromised card and transfer the remaining balance to a new card, especially if the card was registered.
- File a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. This helps authorities track gift card fraud patterns and may assist in any recovery efforts.
- Contact your state's consumer protection office for additional guidance on local resources.
Tips for Keeping Track of Your Balance
- Check your balance before shopping so you know exactly how much you have to spend.
- Save your receipts — the remaining balance is often printed after each transaction.
- Register your card with the issuer. This gives you access to your transaction history and makes the card easier to replace if lost.
- For digital gift cards, store them in a secure digital wallet or app rather than in plain text in email, where they can be accessed if your email is compromised.
- Write the card number on a piece of paper and store it separately from the card itself, so you have it if the card is damaged or lost.