Check your balance online or in a store

You can find your Barnes & Noble gift card balance three ways: on the Barnes & Noble website, through the Barnes & Noble mobile app, or by asking a cashier in any store. The website and app methods take about a minute and work from home. The in-store method is when ready if you happen to be shopping.

You do not need to create an account or log in to check your balance online. Barnes & Noble lets you look it up as a guest using just your card number and PIN.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit bn.com/giftcardbalance, enter your 16-digit card number and 4-digit PIN, and your balance appears when ready.
  • The Barnes & Noble app has a gift card balance checker in the menu — search for "check balance" if you cannot find it.
  • Any Barnes & Noble store cashier can scan your card and tell you the balance while you wait.
  • Your PIN is printed on the back of the physical card; if you have a digital gift card, the PIN was sent to you by email.
  • Balance checks are free and do not reduce your card value.

Using the Barnes & Noble website

Go to bn.com/giftcardbalance in any web browser. You will see a form with two fields: one for your card number and one for your PIN.

Your card number is the 16 digits printed on the front of your physical gift card. Your PIN is the 4-digit number printed on the back, usually near the bottom. Type both into the form and click the button to check balance. The page will display your remaining balance in dollars and cents.

If you received a digital gift card by email, the email included both your card number and PIN. You can use those same numbers on the website.

Checking balance in the mobile app

Open the Barnes & Noble app on your phone or tablet. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Look for an option labeled "Gift Card Balance" or "Check Gift Card Balance" — the exact wording varies by app version.

Tap that option and enter your 16-digit card number and 4-digit PIN, just as you would on the website. Your balance will display on the screen. You can check as many times as you want without affecting your card.

If you cannot find the gift card balance option in your app, try using the search function at the top of the app and search for "check balance." This usually brings up the tool directly.

Asking a cashier in store

Bring your physical gift card to any Barnes & Noble location. Hand it to a cashier and ask them to check the balance. They will scan the card or enter the number manually, and the register will display your balance. This takes less than a minute and requires no PIN.

You do not need to make a purchase. Cashiers check gift card balances for customers all the time as a routine service.

What to do if you cannot find your PIN

If you have a physical card and cannot locate the PIN on the back, contact Barnes & Noble customer service. You can reach them by phone, email, or through the website. Have your card number ready when you contact them.

If you received a digital gift card and lost the email with your PIN, check your email spam or trash folder first. If you still cannot find it, contact Barnes & Noble with the email address associated with the gift card, and they can resend the PIN to you.

Understanding your balance and expiration

Your balance is the dollar amount remaining on your card. When you make a purchase at Barnes & Noble, the amount is deducted from your balance. You can use your card until the balance reaches zero.

Barnes & Noble gift cards do not expire. You can use your card months or years after you receive it, and the balance will not decrease on its own. The only way your balance goes down is when you spend it.

If your card was damaged or lost, contact Barnes & Noble with your card number. They may be able to transfer your balance to a replacement card, though policies vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an account to check my balance?

No. You can check your balance as a guest on bn.com/giftcardbalance using only your card number and PIN. You do not need to create or log into an account.

What if the website says my card number is invalid?

Double-check that you entered all 16 digits correctly and that your PIN is the 4-digit number on the back of the card, not a longer code. If you are still having trouble, contact Barnes & Noble customer service with your card number.

Can I check my balance if I have a digital gift card?

Yes. Digital gift cards have a card number and PIN just like physical cards. Use those numbers on bn.com/giftcardbalance or in the app. The PIN was included in the email when you received the card.

Will checking my balance multiple times affect my card?

No. Checking your balance does not reduce the amount on your card or cause any fees. You can check as often as you want.

What happens if my balance is zero?

Once your balance reaches zero, you cannot use the card to make purchases. If you received the card as a gift and believe there should be a balance, contact the person who gave it to you or reach out to Barnes & Noble customer service.