How to Check Your Balance

Method 1: Phone - Call the customer service number printed on the back of your card. Have your card number ready.

Method 2: Online - Visit the card issuer's website and enter your card details in the balance checker tool.

Method 3: At Point of Sale - Ask the cashier to check your balance before completing a purchase.

Important: Never share your card PIN or full card number with anyone except authorized representatives.

Making Purchases with Your Card

In-Store Purchases:

• Present the card at checkout like a regular payment card
• Inform the cashier you're paying with a gift card
• Enter your PIN if required
• Keep your receipt for records

Online Purchases:

• Select gift card or debit card as payment method
• Enter card number and security code
• Verify billing address requirements
• Complete purchase and save confirmation

Managing Multiple Cards

Organization Tips: Keep all cards in a secure wallet or holder, label cards with remaining balances, take photos of card numbers (stored securely), track purchases and balances in a spreadsheet.

Combining Cards: Some merchants allow multiple gift cards per transaction - always ask first. Online retailers may have different policies. Consider using lower balance cards first to consolidate funds.

Card Won't Activate

Solutions to Try:

1. Verify you're following correct activation process for your card type
2. Check if card was properly scanned/activated at time of purchase
3. Wait 24 hours and try again (some cards have activation delays)
4. Contact customer service with receipt and card information
5. Return to purchase location if card was never activated

Balance Is Incorrect

Steps to Resolve:

1. Review all transactions made with the card carefully
2. Check for any maintenance or inactivity fees
3. Verify the card was fully activated with correct amount
4. Contact customer service with receipt showing original balance
5. Request transaction history to identify discrepancies
6. File a formal dispute if unauthorized charges found

Card Declined at Purchase

Common Causes and Solutions:

• Insufficient Balance: Check balance before purchase, use exact amount or less
• Card Not Activated: Verify activation status, complete activation if needed
• Expired Card: Check expiration date, contact issuer for replacement options
• Merchant Restriction: Verify merchant accepts your card type
• Technical Issue: Try different payment terminal or method

Lost or Stolen Card

Immediate Action Required:

1. Contact card issuer immediately (phone number on packaging or website)
2. Provide proof of purchase (receipt with card number if possible)
3. Request card freeze or cancellation
4. Ask about replacement card policy
5. File police report if stolen
6. Monitor account for unauthorized transactions

Prevention: Keep card numbers recorded separately, take photo of cards securely stored, register cards for protection when available.

Damaged Card

What to Do: Contact issuer with card details and receipt, describe damage (magnetic strip, chip, number illegibility), request replacement if card is unusable, ask about transfer of remaining balance, keep damaged card until replacement confirmed.

Understanding Expiration Dates

Many modern gift cards do not expire, but policies vary. Check card packaging or terms for: expiration date (if any), funds expiration vs. card expiration, grace periods for balance recovery, state laws that may protect your balance.

Fees to Be Aware Of

Common Fees: Inactivity fees (after 12+ months of no use), monthly maintenance fees (varies by issuer), replacement card fees, international transaction fees, balance inquiry fees (rare).

How to Avoid: Use card regularly, read all terms before purchase, register card for fee notifications, check balance online (usually free).