Knowing your gift card’s balance is essential before using it to purchase. It tells you if the card has sufficient money to buy the product, preventing last-minute confusion and disappointment. However, you need to use the correct method for checking your balance. Visiting an illegitimate website and entering your information can cause you to lose your balance, rendering your card worthless. This article covers three ways to check your gift card balance instantly and safely.
What’s a gift card?
Gift cards are a kind of prepaid debit card that you can use to purchase goods or services from specific merchants or retailers. They can be used as an alternative to cash, making them a popular gift choice. Gift cards are typically issued by popular department stores and restaurants and are available in different denominations. Some cards also offer you the flexibility to purchase items from multiple retailers.
How to check your gift card balance?
Many people find checking their gift card balance a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be so. There are multiple ways to check your card balance instantly, so you can always know exactly how much money you have left to spend. Here are some of the most convenient and reliable ways to check your gift card balance:
Online
Checking your gift card balance online is quick and easy. You must visit the card issuer’s website and enter the card number and PIN code. You will see your balance immediately in most cases. The process differs for each card, so read the instructions carefully. Once you’re done, you can continue shopping or transfer the funds to another gift card.
By phone
Checking your gift card balance by phone is another popular method. To check your balance by phone, simply call the number on the back of the card. If you cannot locate the number on the card, visit the issuer’s website and look for their customer service numbers. Once you call in, the customer service representative will ask you for the card number and possibly the security code printed on the back. After they verify your information, they will tell you your balance.
In store
The in-store method can be inconvenient and time-consuming, but it’s a reliable way to check your card balance. You must visit the restaurant, supermarket, department store, or another place that issued the gift card. On presenting the card to a cashier, they can quickly tell you the remaining balance by entering your details into their system. Some stores may even have an automated kiosk where you can check your balance without assistance.
Which are the popular places to buy gift cards?
As mentioned, many restaurants, retail chains, and department stores offer gift cards. But several websites also sell gift cards of different brands. Here are a few popular places to buy gift cards:
Giftcards.com
This website sells gift cards from a variety of retailers like Macy’s, Lowe’s, and Sephora. You can shop for gift cards by brand or filter your search to look for the best cards to save on categories like travel, dining, and gaming, It’s easy to purchase cards online, and they offer a high level of satisfaction.
Visa
Visa offers physical and digital gift cards you can use at stores worldwide. Essentially, these cards are accepted everywhere Visa is accepted. You can also personalize your gift card with a message or photo. Further, Visa cards come with various benefits, including zero liability protection.
The Home Depot
The Home Depot sells physical and digital gift cards that you can use at their stores and online. They also offer special occasion gift cards for birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries.
Besides buying gift cards for yourself, you can give them to someone as a present on their birthday, anniversary, or any other occasion to show them you care. But how do you pick the perfect gift card for someone else? One tip is to learn about the person’s favorite store or restaurant and purchase a gift card from there. If you don’t know their favorite store or restaurant, think about their interests. If they’re into music, get them a gift card for an online music streaming service. But don’t forget to check the card’s expiration date.
