Gift cards are prepaid cards that can be used as an alternative to cash while paying for goods or services at particular stores. These cards can be issued in both physical and digital formats. Many people buy gift cards for themselves or to give a loved one on special occasions, such as their birthday or anniversary. You can use the card until it has a positive balance or reaches its expiration date.

How to check your gift card balance?
The process for checking a gift card’s balance can vary depending on the retailer that issued the card. Here are some common ways to check your balance:

Visit the store’s website
Most retailers allow you to check your gift card balance online. Visit the issuer’s website, look for a section on gift cards, and then follow the prompts. You will likely be asked to enter the gift card number and PIN.

Call customer service
Some stores have phone numbers you can call to check your balance. The numbers are usually printed on the back of the card. If you cannot find them, visit the store’s website and look for their customer service number. Once you connect with the store’s representative, they will ask for your card details and tell you the balance over the phone.

Check in-store
You can also check your gift card balance at the store from where the gift card was purchased. Look for a customer service desk or ask a sales associate for assistance. In-store is perhaps the safest method of checking your balance.

Use a mobile app
Some retailers have mobile apps that allow you to check your gift card balance. So, browse the app store on your phone to find the application of the issuer.

Tracking your gift card balance is essential, so you don’t overspend or run out of funds while shopping. Experts recommend checking your balance before a big purchase and using the entire amount to avoid any sum being left unnoticed.

Where to purchase gift cards?
Many retail stores and brands issue gift cards to attract customers and entice them to shop more. Below are some popular places to buy gift cards and how to check their balance:

Sephora
This brand has a variety of gift cards that can be redeemed at Sephora stores and specific other brand outlets. To check your Sephora gift card balance, visit their website’s “Gift Cards” section and enter your card number and PIN in the fields provided at the bottom of the page. Alternatively, you can call Sephora’s customer service.

Dunkin’
You can get a gift card from this company to save money on your favorite baked treats. To check the balance on your Dunkin’ card, call customer service or head to the “Dunkin’ Card” section on their website and enter your card number and PIN in the provided fields. The website is easy to navigate, and you can check your balance, add value, and manage multiple cards all in one place.

The Home Depot
This is an excellent place to sign up for a gift card if you often shop for appliances, tools, and furniture. You can purchase a card by clicking “Gift Cards” at the top of the store’s website. The page that opens also has menus to check your balance, reload your card, and buy corporate gift cards.

Retailers may change their methods of checking card balances over time, so it’s always best to verify with the specific store for the most up-to-date information. Besides the above, you can visit websites like Giftcards.com and eGifter that sell gift cards of different brands in one place.