Check your balance online, by phone, or in a store
Barnes & Noble lets you see how much money is left on a gift card through three methods: their website, a customer service phone line, or any physical store location. You do not need to create an account or log in to check the balance. The fastest route is usually the website if you have the card number handy.
Each method takes a few minutes and gives you the exact remaining balance right away. The balance you see is current — it updates as soon as a purchase posts to the card.
Key Takeaways
- Visit bn.com/giftcardbalance and enter your 16-digit card number and 4-digit PIN to see your balance when ready online.
- Call Barnes & Noble customer service at 1-800-843-2665 and have your card number and PIN ready; a representative will tell you the balance over the phone.
- Walk into any Barnes & Noble store and ask a staff member to scan your card at the register to display the balance on their screen.
- The balance shown is always current and reflects any purchases made that day, so you can check multiple times without delay.
Using the Barnes & Noble website to check balance
Go to bn.com/giftcardbalance in any web browser. You will see a form with two fields: one for the 16-digit card number and one for the 4-digit PIN. The card number runs across the front of the physical card. The PIN is a separate four-digit code, usually printed on the back of the card near the magnetic strip or under a scratch-off panel.
Enter both numbers and select the button to check balance. The page will display the remaining dollar amount. You can check as many times as you want without affecting the balance or the card itself.
If you do not see a PIN on your card, the card may not have one — some older or promotional gift cards do not require a PIN. Try entering the card number alone, or contact customer service for help.
Calling customer service by phone
Call 1-800-843-2665 during business hours. A representative will ask for your 16-digit card number and 4-digit PIN. Have the physical card in front of you so you can read the numbers accurately.
The representative will look up the balance and tell you the exact amount remaining. This method works if you prefer not to use the website or if you have questions about the card at the same time. Wait times vary depending on call volume, so calling during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening) may be faster.
Checking balance in a physical store
Walk up to any Barnes & Noble register with your gift card. Tell a staff member you want to check the balance. They will scan the card at the register, and the balance will appear on their screen. They can tell you the amount out loud, and some stores will print a receipt showing the balance if you ask.
This method is useful if you are already in a store or prefer to speak with someone in person. It takes less than a minute. You do not need to make a purchase to check the balance.
What to do if you cannot find your PIN
The PIN is printed on the back of most Barnes & Noble gift cards, often under a scratch-off panel or near the magnetic strip. Look carefully at the back and sides of the card before assuming there is no PIN.
If you have scratched off the panel and cannot read the numbers, or if the card is old and the PIN is faded, call 1-800-843-2665 with the card number. A representative can look up your account and tell you the balance without requiring the PIN, though they may ask security questions to confirm you own the card.
Checking a gift card you received as a present
If someone gave you a Barnes & Noble gift card and you do not know the PIN, look on the back of the card first. If there is no visible PIN or you cannot read it, you have two options: call customer service with the card number, or visit a store and ask staff to scan it.
When you call or visit, have the card in front of you. Customer service may ask questions to confirm the card belongs to you, such as the purchase date or the store where it was bought. This is a security step to prevent unauthorized balance checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my balance without the PIN?
You can check balance in a store or by phone without the PIN — staff can look it up using just the card number. Online, the website requires both the card number and PIN. If you do not have the PIN, call 1-800-843-2665 or visit a store.
Does checking my balance use up any money on the card?
No. Checking the balance does not deduct any amount from the card. You can check as many times as you want without affecting the remaining funds.
What if the balance shows zero but I have not used the card?
A zero balance usually means the card expired or was never activated. Barnes & Noble gift cards do not expire, but some promotional cards have set up requirements. Call 1-800-843-2665 with the card number to find out why the balance is zero.
Can I check the balance on someone else's gift card?
Online, anyone with the card number and PIN can check the balance. In a store or by phone, staff may ask questions to confirm you own the card, especially if you cannot provide the PIN. This protects cardholders from unauthorized checks.
How long does it take for a purchase to show up in my balance?
Purchases usually show up in your balance within minutes of the transaction. If you made a purchase today and the balance has not updated, wait a few hours and check again. If it still has not changed after 24 hours, contact customer service.