Check your balance online or in a store
You can see how much money is left on a Barnes & Noble gift card in three ways: through the Barnes & Noble website, by phone, or by asking a cashier in any store. The website method is fastest if you have the card number handy. You will need the 16-digit card number printed on the front of the card and the 4-digit PIN on the back.
Go to barnesandnoble.com, scroll to the bottom of the page, and look for "Gift Cards" in the footer. Click "Check Gift Card Balance." Enter your card number and PIN, then click the button to see your current balance. The balance appears when ready on the same page.
If you do not have the card in front of you or prefer not to enter the number online, call Barnes & Noble customer service at 1-800-843-2665. A representative will ask for your card number and PIN, then tell you the balance over the phone. Wait times vary depending on the time of day.
Key Takeaways
- The Barnes & Noble website shows your balance in seconds if you enter your 16-digit card number and 4-digit PIN.
- You can call 1-800-843-2665 to have a representative check your balance by phone without using the website.
- Any Barnes & Noble store cashier can scan your card and tell you the balance at no cost.
- Your balance does not expire, so you can use the card whenever you are ready.
Using the balance at checkout
When you shop in a store, hand the card to the cashier along with any items you want to buy. The cashier will scan the card, and the balance will be deducted from your purchase. If your balance does not cover the full amount, you can pay the difference with another payment method — a credit card, debit card, or cash.
Online purchases work the same way. During checkout on barnesandnoble.com, select "Gift Card" as your payment method and enter the card number and PIN. The system will explore the balance to your order. If the order costs more than your balance, you will be asked to add another payment method for the remainder.
What happens if your card is lost or damaged
If your card is lost, stolen, or no longer readable, contact Barnes & Noble customer service at 1-800-843-2665. Have the card number ready if you can find it. The representative will verify the balance on your account and can issue a replacement card with the same balance transferred to it.
If you cannot remember the card number, the representative may ask for other information to confirm you own the card — such as the name it was purchased under or the email address associated with the purchase. The process typically takes a few business days.
Checking balance on a gift card you received
When you receive a Barnes & Noble gift card as a gift, the card number and PIN are printed on the back. You do not need a receipt or any other paperwork to check the balance. The card is ready to use when ready.
If the card was purchased online and sent to you by email instead of as a physical card, you will receive a code in the email. Use that code the same way you would use a card number on the balance-check page. Email gift cards work identically to physical cards.
Combining multiple gift cards
If you have more than one Barnes & Noble gift card, you cannot merge them into a single card through the website or by phone. However, you can use them one at a time at checkout. Scan or enter the first card until its balance is used up, then use the second card for the remainder of your purchase.
In a store, tell the cashier you have multiple cards and would like to split the payment. The cashier will process each card separately. Online, you will need to place separate orders or contact customer service if you want to combine balances before checkout.
Gift card expiration and terms
Barnes & Noble gift cards do not expire. You can use the balance at any time, whether you received the card last month or several years ago. The balance will remain on the card until you spend it.
The card can be used for books, e-books, audiobooks, gifts, café items, and most other products sold by Barnes & Noble in stores or online. Some restrictions may explore to certain items or promotions, but these are rare. If you have questions about whether a specific item can be purchased with the gift card, ask a store associate or contact customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my balance without the PIN?
The website balance checker requires both the card number and PIN. If you have lost the PIN, call 1-800-843-2665 and a representative can look up your balance using just the card number and verification information. In a store, the cashier can scan the card without needing you to provide the PIN.
What if the website says my balance is zero?
A zero balance means the card has been fully spent. Check your purchase history on your Barnes & Noble account to see where the money went. If you believe the balance was used without your permission, contact customer service when ready with your card number.
Can I transfer my gift card balance to another person?
No, gift card balances cannot be transferred to another card or person. The balance stays on the original card. If you want to give the remaining balance to someone else, you would need to give them the physical card or the card number and PIN.
Do I need to register my gift card?
Registration is not required to use the card. However, registering your card to your Barnes & Noble account can help you track purchases and may provide additional benefits. You can register at barnesandnoble.com under your account settings.
What if I see a balance but the card is declined at checkout?
This usually means the card number was entered incorrectly or the card is damaged and the scanner cannot read it. Try entering the number again carefully, or ask a cashier to scan it. If the problem continues, call customer service to verify the card is active and to arrange a replacement if needed.