Check your Applebee's gift card balance online or by phone
You can look up your Applebee's gift card balance through the Applebee's website, by calling their customer service line, or by asking a server at any Applebee's location. The online method is fastest — you enter your card number and PIN, and the balance appears when ready. Phone and in-person checks take a few minutes but require no internet access.
Applebee's does not charge a fee to check your balance. The card itself may have an inactivity fee if the balance sits unused for a long period, but checking the balance does not trigger any charges.
Key Takeaways
- Visit www.applebees.com and use the gift card balance checker tool with your card number and PIN to see your balance online.
- Call Applebee's customer service at 1-866-340-6784 to have a representative look up your balance over the phone.
- Ask any Applebee's server or cashier to scan or manually check your card balance while you are at a restaurant.
- Applebee's gift cards may have inactivity fees after 12 months without use, so check your balance periodically if you are not using the card regularly.
Using the Applebee's website balance checker
Go to the Applebee's website and look for the gift card section, usually found in the main menu or footer. Click on "Check Gift Card Balance" or a similar link. You will be asked to enter your 16-digit card number and your four-digit PIN.
The PIN is typically the last four digits of your card number, but if your card came with a separate PIN, use that instead. After you enter both pieces of information, the current balance displays on your screen. You can check as many times as you want without affecting your balance.
Calling Applebee's customer service for balance information
Applebee's customer service can look up your balance by phone. Call 1-866-340-6784 during business hours. Have your gift card number and PIN ready before you call, as the representative will ask for both.
Wait times vary depending on how busy the line is. If you reach an automated system first, follow the prompts to speak with a representative or to use the automated balance checker. Some Applebee's locations also have their own local phone numbers, which may have shorter wait times.
Checking your balance in person at an Applebee's restaurant
Walk up to the host stand, cashier, or any server and ask them to check your gift card balance. They can scan the card using their register system or manually enter the card number to pull up the balance. This takes about one to two minutes.
You do not need to make a purchase or have a reservation to ask for a balance check. Applebee's staff can perform this service at any time the restaurant is open, whether you are dining in, picking up food, or just stopping by the counter.
Understanding inactivity fees and card expiration
Applebee's gift cards do not expire, but they may have an inactivity fee. If your card has no activity for 12 consecutive months, Applebee's may charge a monthly fee of $2.50 to $5.00, depending on your state's laws. The fee is deducted from your card balance each month until the balance reaches zero.
Some states prohibit inactivity fees entirely, so the fee structure depends on where the card was purchased or where you live. Check your gift card terms or call customer service to confirm whether your card is subject to inactivity fees. Using your card at least once per year prevents these fees from being charged.
What to do if your card is lost or damaged
If your Applebee's gift card is lost or stolen, contact customer service when ready at 1-866-340-6784. Have your card number ready if possible. Applebee's can freeze the card to prevent unauthorized use and may be able to transfer the remaining balance to a replacement card, though policies vary.
If your card is physically damaged but still readable, you can use it as normal. If the card is too damaged to scan or read, bring it to any Applebee's location and ask the staff to help you transfer the balance to a new card. You may need to provide proof of purchase or the original receipt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Applebee's gift cards expire?
Applebee's gift cards do not have an expiration date, but they may be subject to inactivity fees if unused for 12 months. The fee varies by state but typically ranges from $2.50 to $5.00 per month. Using your card at least once per year prevents these charges.
Can I check my balance without my PIN?
Online balance checks require both your card number and PIN. However, you can call customer service or visit a restaurant in person to check your balance without a PIN — the staff can look it up using just your card number.
What if the balance checker says my card is invalid?
An invalid card message usually means the card number or PIN was entered incorrectly. Double-check both numbers and try again. If the problem continues, call customer service at 1-866-340-6784 or visit a restaurant to have staff verify the card information.
Can I transfer my balance to someone else's card?
Applebee's does not allow direct balance transfers between cards. However, you can use your card to purchase a new gift card for someone else, which effectively moves the balance to their card. Alternatively, you can spend the balance and give the person cash or another gift card.