Gift cards and prepaid credit cards are commonly used in the United States. Gift cards and prepaid credit cards are given as gifts since they are often the easiest gifts to give. Depending on the type of gift card or prepaid credit card you have, you can reload your card at any time by adding funds online, in person or over the phone. If you want to check the balance on your card before you reload it, you can do so online, over the phone or in person. Some gift card and/or prepaid credit card companies allow you to check the balance of your card using all three methods; others make only one or two methods available.
Call the number on the back of your card to inquire about the balance. Listen to the automated message and press the buttons corresponding to checking your balance. Enter the 16-digit card number on the front of the card and the card code on the back.
Go to the website listed on the back of your card. Locate the option that allows you to check the balance of your card and follow the instructions provided; typically this includes entering the card number and security code on the back of the card.
Go to the retail location of your card and ask a cashier to run a balance inquiry for you. For example, if your reload card is from Best Buy, you can ask any Best Buy associate to check the balance; if your card is from Nordstrom, go to any Nordstrom store to check your balance.
