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How to Check Your Gift Card Balance Online

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Paxful Team
Paxful Team

Originally published on October 30, 2020 and updated on December 4, 2024


Receiving a gift card during the holidays can be a delightful surprise, allowing recipients to choose exactly what they want. Whether for a favorite store, a popular online retailer, or even a prepaid Visa or Mastercard, gift cards are a convenient and thoughtful way to show you care.

However, checking the gift card balance is important to ensure a smooth and hassle-free checkout experience before diving into the shopping spree. Some gift cards are reloadable, while others are not, so checking the card’s balance can help determine whether it has already been used.

Scroll below to learn how to check the balance of the most popular gift cards today.


Key takeaways

  • You can check the gift card balance of  Apple, Visa, Walmart, Google Play, Vanilla, Amazon, eBay, Starbucks, Sephora, Ulta, Home Depot, Disney, Nike, Best Buy, and Kohl’s through their respective websites, apps, or support hotlines. This ensures their usability for crypto trading or purchases.
  • When trading gift cards on Paxful, ensure clear visibility of the card and receipt, carefully read offer terms, and verify the balance before releasing Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies.
  • Protect yourself from potential losses by verifying that the gift card is loaded, unused, and legitimate before completing any trade on Paxful. Bookmark this guide for easy reference to balance-checking procedures.

How do I check my gift card balance?

Whether you’re just starting to plan or already trading, here are some of the highly used gift card brands on Paxful and how you can quickly check their balance online.

1. Apple Gift Card

Apple Gift Cards can be used to buy everything Apple. You can quickly redeem or add money to your Apple Account Balance in just a few taps. Here’s how:

  1. On your web browser, go to the Apple Gift Card page.
  2. At the top right corner of the page, click Check Balance
  3. Sign in to your Apple ID.
  4. Enter your gift card PIN and click Check Balance. Your PIN is on the back of the insert in the lower portion of the physical gift card. For email gift cards, it is right below the Redeem Now button.

And you’re done! That’s how to check your Apple Gift Card balance quickly. You can also access the balance of your other gift cards by clicking on the Check another gift card option at the bottom of your balance.

2. Visa Gift Card

Another popular gift card brand for you to check out is Visa. You can use it anywhere Visa cards are accepted, even online. On Paxful, you can use it to buy or sell crypto, too. Here’s how to check a Visa Gift Card balance in three easy steps.

  1. Find the card issuer’s website on the back of your card. Visa Gift Card issuers include Visa Vanilla Gift Cards, Giftcards.com, Gift Card Mall, Commerce Bank, Walmart, and Navy Federal.
  2. Go to the website and enter your card’s 16-digit number, expiration date, and 3-digit security code (CVV).
  3. Click Check Balance and wait for your gift card balance to appear.

You can also try calling the gift card issuer to check your balance quickly. The toll-free number is usually on the back of your card.

3. Walmart Gift Card

There are three easy ways to check your Walmart Gift Card balance. You can visit a nearby Walmart store or call their toll-free number (1-888-537-5503) to provide your gift card information. The third and most convenient option you have is to check your Walmart Gift Card balance online without signing in or creating an account.On your browser, go to walmart.com/account/giftcards/balance. This will redirect you to the Gift Card Balance page, where you must enter your 16-digit gift card number and 4-digit PIN.

Once you’re done, click Get card balance and wait for the gift card value to appear.

4. Google Play Gift Card

Google Play Gift Cards are used to buy Google’s products, such as apps, games, music, books, and more. You can use this non-reloadable gift card at different physical and online stores in the countries on this list. You can check your Google Play Gift Card balance online by following the steps below:

  1. Open the Google Play app on your phone or tablet.
  2. Click the profile icon at the top right side of the screen.
  3. On the pop-up window, click Payments and Subscriptions.
  4. Click Redeem gift code, enter your 20-digit gift card code, and tap Redeem.
  5. Once redeemed, go to Payment Methods to check your balance.

If you’re using a PC, go to play.google.com/store, sign in to your account, and follow the steps above. To access your Google Play Gift Card’s balance without redeeming it, call Google Play Support at 1-855-466-4438.

5. Vanilla Gift Card

This is one of the most popular gift card brands today. The funds in this gift card never expire, making it ideal for all occasions and your trading needs. Like other gift cards, you can contact the card issuer by calling the toll-free number on the back of your card. To check your gift card balance online, go to balance.vanillagift.com.

You’ll be asked to enter your 16-digit card number, month and year of expiration, and 3-digit CVV there. Once you’re done, click Sign In and wait for your available balance to appear. You can review your previous transactions by scrolling down the page.

6. Amazon Gift Card

Amazon Gift Card is one of the most highly traded gift card brands on Paxful. It can buy almost anything on Amazon, including a Prime membership. If you’re selling Amazon Gift Cards on Paxful, here’s how to quickly check your gift card’s balance.

  1. Log in to your Amazon account.
  2. On the top right side of the page, click Account & Lists and tap Gift Cards.
  3. You’ll be redirected to your Gift Card Balance page. Click Redeem a Gift Card beside the Reload Your Balance button.
  4. Enter your 14 to 15-digit Amazon Gift Card claim code. If you have a plastic card, peel off or scratch the protective coating on the back of your card to reveal the code. For printed claim codes bought in stores, you can find your Amazon Gift Card claim code on the paper receipt given to you at checkout.
  5. Once done, click Apply to your balance, and your updated gift card balance will appear.

Note that the entire gift card amount will be added to your balance, so be sure to check how much funds you have left on your account before redeeming a gift card.

7. eBay Gift Card

eBay also offers a quick and easy way to check your eBay Gift Card balance. All you have to do is visit their Gift Card Balance Checker at ebay.com/gft/balance, enter your 13-digit redemption code, click Check balance, and wait for your gift card balance to appear. You can also call eBay Support at 866-540-3229.

8. Starbucks Gift Card

Starbucks Gift Cards can purchase beverages, food, and merchandise at Starbucks locations. You can check your Starbucks Gift Card balance online:

  • Here is how to check your balance online:
    1. Visit starbucks.com/card.
    2. Log in to your Starbucks account.
    3. Enter your gift card number and security code.
    4. Your balance will be displayed on the screen.

9. Sephora Gift Card

Sephora Gift Cards are perfect for purchasing beauty products and accessories. You can check your Sephora Gift Card balance online or in-store:

  • Online:
    1. Go to sephora.com/giftcards.
    2. Scroll to the “Check Balance” section.
    3. Enter your card number and PIN.
    4. Click “Check” to see your balance.

10. Ulta Gift Card

Ulta Beauty Gift Cards can be used for cosmetics, skincare, and more. To check your balance:

  1. Go to ulta.com/giftcards.
  2. Enter your gift card number and PIN.
  3. Click “Check Balance” to view your card’s remaining balance.

11. Home Depot Gift Card

Home Depot Gift Cards are ideal for purchasing tools, appliances, and home improvement products. Check your balance online:

  1. Visit homedepot.com/giftcards.
  2. Scroll to the “Check Balance” section.
  3. Enter your gift card number and PIN.
  4. Click “Check Balance.”

12. Disney Gift Card

Disney Gift Cards can be used for park tickets, merchandise, and dining. Check your balance online this way:

  1. Visit disneygiftcard.com.
  2. Log in or register for an account.
  3. Enter your gift card number and security code.
  4. Click “Check Balance.”

13. Nike Gift Card

Nike Gift Cards are great for sportswear and footwear purchases. Check your balance online this way:

  1. Go to https://www.nike.com/orders/gift-card-lookup 
  2. Enter your gift card number and PIN.
  3. Click “Check Balance.”

14. Best Buy Gift Card

Best Buy Gift Cards are ideal for electronics, appliances, and more. You can check your balance online or in-store:

  1. Visit https://www.bestbuy.com/gift-card-balance 
  2. Click “Check Your Balance.”
  3. Enter your card number and PIN.
  4. Click “Check Balance.”

15. Kohl’s Gift Card

Kohl’s Gift Cards are perfect for apparel, home goods, and more. Check your balance online using the following procedure:

  1. Visit kohls.com/giftbalance.
  2. Enter your gift card number and PIN.
  3. Click “Check Balance.”

Trade your unused gift card for crypto.

Did you know that gift cards, like the ones we’ve enumerated above, can be exchanged for cryptocurrencies on Paxful? Whether it’s an Amazon gift card, a prepaid Visa, or a card from your favorite retail store, these can all be traded for Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, or USDC.

By trading your unused gift card for crypto, you’re reclaiming its value and using an asset that would otherwise be sitting on a shelf. Cryptocurrencies offer flexibility, allowing you to save, invest, or use them for transactions worldwide. Here’s how you can do it step by step:

Steps to exchange gift cards for crypto on Paxful

  1. Sign up for a Paxful account
  2. Choose the cryptocurrency you want
    • On the main menu, click Marketplace, then Buy, and select the cryptocurrency you’d like to receive in exchange for your gift card. Options include Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT), and USD Coin (USDC).
  3. Select gift cards as the payment method.
    • In the Payment Methods field in the sidebar, type the name of the gift card you want to trade away and click Find Offers. Paxful supports a variety of gift cards, including those from major retailers and payment providers.
  4. Pick a trade partner
    • From the list, choose a trade partner with a good reputation, high positive feedback, and fair rates. You can see these stats by clicking the name of the Paxful user.
  5. Read the terms
    • Click the  Buy button next to the user’s offer to read the requirements. Your trade partner may ask for a photo of the gift card and/or proof of purchase if you decide to transact with them.
  6. Start the trade
    • If the terms are fair, click Buy now to start the trade and open up a chat box to communicate with your trade partner.
  7. Upload the gift card details.
    • Follow your trade partner’s instructions but only disclose the gift card details only when they tell you to. Mark the transaction as Paid after sending the gift card details.
  8. Wait for verification
    • Your trade partner will verify and claim the gift card’s balance and validity. If you’re worried about your gift card being stolen, you’re in good hands. Your trade partner’s crypto is held in escrow at this point to ensure they fulfill their end of the bargain.
  9. Receive your cryptocurrency
    • Once your trade partner claims the gift card, your cryptocurrency will be released from escrow into your Paxful account. The transaction is complete, and the crypto is now yours to save, trade, or spend.

Things to take note of when trading gift cards on Paxful

1. Ensure card and receipt visibility

If you’re trading away gift cards, ensure the picture on the card is visible and legible; otherwise, your potential trade partners will reject it. Many Paxful users also prefer gift cards bought with cash, so it’s best to prepare a picture of the receipt. Some also request a picture of the packaging.

2. Read offer terms carefully

Read the offer terms carefully before starting the trade and uploading your gift card details. Also, don’t forget to click the Paid button after uploading all the gift card details requested by your trade partner. This will keep the trade from expiring and prevent theft of your gift card details.

You can also read our articles on maximizing your profits and how to start an online business using gift cards. Ready to start your gift card trading journey? Go to your Paxful account now to get started!


Important Note: Paxful does not provide investment, tax, or legal advice, and you are solely responsible for determining whether any financial transaction strategy or related transaction is appropriate for you based on your personal investment objectives, economic circumstances, and risk tolerance. Paxful may provide information that includes but is not limited to blog posts, articles, podcasts, tutorials, and videos. The information contained therein does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other advice, and you should not treat any of the content as such. Paxful does not recommend that any digital asset should be bought, earned, sold, lent out, or held by you, and will not be held responsible for the decisions you make to buy, sell, trade, lend, or hold digital assets based on the information provided by us.


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Paxful Team

Paxful Team

Paxful is a marketplace where people can buy and sell cryptocurrencies directly with each other. You can get digital money instantly and pay with debit, credit, cash, and any currency.

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