Check Your Starbucks Gift Card Balance In 4 Simple Steps

Checking your Starbucks gift card balance is easier than you think. All you have to do is log in to the app or website, enter your card details, and there you go. Here’s How To Check Your Starbucks Gift Card Balance [And Solve Any Error Instantly]

— Complete Guide

Jump To Methods

Scenario 1

You know how to check your Starbucks gift card balance online, and just want to be redirected to the page.

Yes, I Know How To Do This

Scenario 2

You don’t have any idea about how to check your Starbucks gift card balance online. Here’s what to do. Read the story (that will hit home) and skip to your answer through the quick links. We have covered every single question you might have regarding the Starbucks gift card balance.

Read the story
Sound Familiar?

Did you ever have to go through this? 👇

You’re at the nearest Starbucks outlet to your office, getting your favorite Java Chip Frappuccino (or whatever you love). Now, as you’re taking out your customized Starbucks gift card to the barista, she welcomes you with a big welcoming smile on her face. But wait
the device starts beeping.

The barista’s beautiful smile slowly fades away. And she says, “Your gift card doesn’t have enough balance, Sir”. The looong queue of busy people behind you starts wondering why you’re taking so long. It naturally builds pressure on you (and internally pisses the barista off).

So, you just get a drink (you never had before) in a state of confusion and embarrassment, pay for it in cash, and get the hell outta there. Damn! Your plan to treat yourself during the lunch break is ruined.

You can feel what it feels like, don’t you? We’ve all been there, mate.

But guess what? You can save yourself from such humiliation by just keeping a check on your Starbucks gift card balance. And you can simply do it through your phone, browser, calling their customer service, or even checking up on a physical outlet (if you’re nearby).

Don’t let such minor carelessness impact your AURA.

4 Methods

How To Check Your Starbucks Gift Card Balance [4 Methods]

Depending on your unique situation, you can use any of the methods to check your Starbucks gift card balance. All of them work. But if you’ve got the app, internet, and a few moments (and not an intimidating long queue of people waiting behind you), checking the gift card’s balance through the Starbucks app is the fastest & most convenient option.

01

Check Through The App: The Fastest

If you have or haven’t got the Starbucks app, simply follow these 4 easy steps to check your Starbucks gift card balance online without guesswork.

  • Download the app (if you haven’t): Visit this mobile page by Starbucks, scan the QR code, and download it on your device. It’s available for both iOS & Android devices. 
  • Sign in to your account: As a regular Starbucks customer, you must have created your account. Just sign in with your details in the app.
  • Check your balance: Log in, and you’ll see “Gift” either at the bottom or the top of the screen (depending on whether you’re using iOS or Android). Tap on that. 
  • Add the card: If you already have your card attached, you’ll be able to see the balance, right there. If not, tap on “Got A Gift Card? Add It Here” and then add your security code. Then, simply tap on “Add Card”. And you’re all set!

PRO TIP: Keep the Starbucks app on your phone; you can check your gift card balance in just a few taps on your device. Thank us later :))

02

Check Through The Website: The Second Fastest

Whether it’s an iPad, Android, or iPhone, you will see the same interface and follow the same steps given below to check your Starbucks gift card balance. And yes, you don’t have to create an account or sign up. Here’s what you have to follow:

  • Visit the Gift Card Page: When you open this Starbucks gift card page, the page loads within a few seconds. You scroll down slowly and stop where it says “Received a Gift Card?” with a light green background. 
  • Check Balance: It has got two buttons, i.e., “Add or reload” and “Check Balance”. You have to click/tap on “Check Balance”. 
  • Add The Details: It will ask you to add your 16-digit card number (which is displayed on the card) and the security code of your gift card. Proofread the number after adding to make sure you’re not adding incorrect numbers. 
  • Know The Balance: Once you have added the required details in both placeholders, just tap/click on “Check Balance”. And it will show you your current balance in the card.

PRO TIP: Despite trying again and again, if it’s giving you any type of error. Just contact the customer service of Starbucks and get your issue resolved. The toll-free number is mentioned on the back of your card.

03

Check Through Calling: Best When You Don’t Have Internet Access

If you don’t have an internet connection, you can simply call Starbucks customer service and know the remaining balance in your Starbucks gift card.

  • Get The Number: Of course, depending on your country and exact location, the number varies. If you have a physical gift card, there’s a toll-free customer service number mentioned on the back. And if you don’t have a card, call on this number: (1-800-STARBUCS) 1-800-782-7282. Here is the complete step-by-step guide to contacting the customer service of Starbucks.
  • Ring The Phone & Know the Balance: Just call `em, they’ll probably ask for your card number and security code. It won’t take more than a few minutes or maybe seconds for them to tell you your current balance of Starbucks gift cards.
04

Check Through Visiting The Physical Outlet: If You’re Nearby

If you’re standing in the Starbucks outlet rn, and you wanna check your balance the easy way. Here’s what to do:

  • Go, The Barista: She’ll ask for your card. Give it to her. She’ll scan the card.
  • Know The Balance: Within a few seconds, from the scanning machine, she’ll inform you about your Starbucks gift card balance.
No Security Code

How To Check Starbucks Gift Card Balance WITHOUT Security Code?

It’s absolutely normal if your card is too old and you can’t see the security code. Or you don’t remember your security code. Don’t panic. Since the online method to check Starbucks gift cards REQUIRES the security code, you can’t use that. But there are 4 ways you can check your Starbucks gift card balance even if you don’t have the security.

In-Store

The barista has the card machine. You don’t need to worry if your security code is unreadable. She’ll tell you the balance you have in your card. Simple.

Calling Customer Service

If you’re not near a physical store and don’t even have the app, it’s okay. Call the customer service at this number: 1-800-782-7282. Tell them you have lost your security code. They’ll verify the card with just the card number with the system and update you with the current balance in your card. Easy peasy.

The App

If you have the app in your device and are logged in, you can quickly check the balance with just one tap, since the security code is already there.

eGift Card Email

If you have an eGift card, just log in to your email. Search for the original email you received when you bought the card. The card number and security code is mentioned in that. Voila! You got the security code.

Now, no matter if you have a physical card or an eGift card, your security code issue will be resolved by using one of these methods. You can read a complete guide on the Starbucks gift card security code.

Damaged Card

How To Read A Damaged or Unreadable Starbucks Gift Card Number?

Most people keep the card in their wallet, so it’s absolutely normal if the card number is hard to read after some time. It just fades away or maybe you scratched the card too hard. Whatever the case, here’s how you can get through this situation:

đŸ“·

Scan the barcode

Every gift card has a barcode. And its purpose is: customers can easily find the card number if the one physically present on the card gets damaged for some reason. Just scan the barcode through the Starbucks app, and it will automatically pull the card number.

💡

Try different lightning

This might sound stupidly simple, but it CAN work, sometimes. Get in the sun, switch on more lights of the room or even check with your mobile’s torch really close to the card. Maybe you can get the number.

🛒

Check where you bought it

If you bought it online, i.e., Amazon, Target, Walmart, or Starbucks, go back to your order history. Sometimes, the card number is displayed in the order details by the retailer.

☎

Call The Support (The Last Option)

If none of the above worked for you, you need to ring the Starbucks customer service (1-800-782-7282) and show them the proof of your order (receipt). They’ll probably help you out in this matter.

Now, no matter if you have a physical card or an eGift card, your security code issue will be resolved by using one of these methods.

🎯 LIFESAVER TIP: The day you receive the Starbucks gift card in your hand, download the app on your device and register the card. So later on, even if you have lost the security code or card number, you can always balance the card with just one tap. You’re welcome 😎.

Lost or Stolen

What To Do If Your Starbucks Gift Card Is Stolen or Lost?

Starbucks is good at taking care of its customers. When you report that your card is lost or stolen by someone, they just freeze the card and transfer your funds to the new card.

You can do this by simply: logging into your app, >>> report the card as stolen or lost, >>> transfer your funds to a new card, >>> order the replacement card.

But wait


⚠ What if my card was NOT registered?

Ah, now you’re in trouble. But don’t worry. Take your purchase receipt to the nearest physical store or call up the customer service, and they will help you with this.

But if your funds are already spent before you contact them, and the card was not registered. That money is 99% gone. So, it’s non-negotiable to register your card the day you receive it. It only takes 5 minutes to download the app and register the card. If you have lost your card, here is how you can buy a new Starbucks Gift Card.

Reload

How To Reload Your Starbucks Gift Card?

There are a couple of ways you can reload your Starbucks gift card. And not only your card, but you can give a reload to someone else and light up their day. You can reload a minimum of $10 and a maximum of $500 in a Starbucks gift card. Let’s look at the methods now.

Method

Accepted Payments

Best For 

How-To

đŸ“± Starbucks App (Fastest)

Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Amex

Frequent customers who need to reload every now & then

Select your card → Click “Reload” → pick amount → add payment method → done. 

🌐 Website

Visa, Mastercard, Amex, PayPal, Apple Pay, Discover

Those who don’t prefer keeping the app in their phone

Go to Starbucks Card Page → Sign in → Tap on “Reload” → add the payment methods → done.

đŸȘ In-Store

Cash, Credit Card, Debit Card

People who prefer to pay in cash

This is the only method that accepts cash. All you have to do is ask the barista, and she’ll reload it. 

🔄 Auto-reload

Any saved method

Frequent visitors who hate running out mid-order

Go to app/website → reload page → set auto-reload → set a trigger ($10 – $500) → it will top up automatically as soon as the balance hits the trigger. 

🎁 Reloading someone else’s card

Visa, Mastercard, PayPal

Gifting someone a top-up without getting a new card. It, indeed, is a thoughtful gift. 

Enter their card number online or in the app. Add the amount you wanna reload, paid, done.

PRO TIP: If you’re a Rewards program member, reloading through the Starbucks app with any payment method linked earns you stars (2 stars for each dollar spent). And once you hit 25 stars, you can get a drink from Starbucks, using your stars as currency.

Buy A Card

Where to Buy A Starbucks Gift Card or eGift Card?

As you already know, Starbucks offers both physical and eGift cards for its customers. And the process to get `em is super simple.

For Physical Cards

You can get it from any Starbucks outlet, famous retailer brands (Target, Amazon, Walmart), or the  Starbucks gift page. With customized, cute, inspiring, and heartwarming designs, it’s a perfect and light-hearted gift to acknowledge someone, such as your employees, a friend, your spouse, or anyone in your life who deserves it.

For eGift Cards

You can buy and send the eGift cards via the app, website, or even via email. And the bonus part is: you can get a customized design with a message and get it delivered instantly.

Common Problems

Top 5 Common Starbucks Gift Card Problems & How To Fix `Em

Frustrated over seeing the same error over and over again? Don’t worry, mate. First off, calm down. Take a deep breath. Ahhhh
haaaa, feeling relaxed? Good. Now, listen. Just like any service or product in the world, there are a few repetitively reported issues by the Starbucks gift card users like yourself. So, today we’re going to address these issues with simple fixes once and for all.

Ready?

❌

The Infamous: “Card Not Found” or “Invalid Card Error”

Reason: Most likely, it’s just a typo in the number. Or if you recently purchased the card, the card may not be activated yet. The physical cards need to be activated in the register by the cashier to work at all.

Here’s how to fix this:

  • Add the card number again and make sure every digit is the same as on the card. Plus, there aren’t any spaces between each digit. 
  • Try adding the card through the website if it doesn’t work. Try adding it to the app. Sometimes, one doesn’t work while the other does. 
  • Make sure your card is activated in the cashier register. Get it done by going physically to the outlet or contacting the customer service online.
🔒

Same Old: “Security Code Not Working”

Reason: The security code of a Starbucks gift card is an 8-digit number. So, either you’re missing a number, reading it wrong (yeah, that happens too), or you’ve just lost the security code on your card because of scratching it too hard.

Here’s how to fix this:

  • Add the security code with ultra-focus, double-checking each digit with a keen eye. And if it works, that’s great. If not, then keep reading. 
  • If the security code on your card is unreadable for some reason, here’s your solution.
💰

Balance Lower Than Expected: Ughhh, Not Agaaaain

Reason: You reloaded your card last night, and WHAT??? The card shows a low balance. It may be an unrecognized transaction.

Here’s how to fix this:

  • Go to your Starbucks app or online portal, and check the latest transactions. 
  • If you see any transactions you didn’t make or don’t recognize, you should contact support.

And the support can only help if your card is registered. That’s why, we’re emphasizing on this over and over again: Get Your Card Registered The Day You Receive It

đŸš«

Card Declining Despite Having a Balance: Even More Frustrating

Reason: There could be two reasons. Either you’re trying to use your card on a Target-operated Starbucks outlet (it doesn’t work there). Or maybe your card balance is slightly less than required for your order, and there’s no backup payment method attached to your account.

Here’s how to fix this:

  • For the first reason, it might surprise you, but you can’t really do anything about this. 
  • Add another payment method to your card. Or if you can’t do it on the stop, just ask the barista to charge the remaining amount as cash.
📬

eGift Card Never Arrived: That Hurts 🙁

Reason: Most probably, the email landed in your spam folder. But if that’s not the case, check if you entered the right email address. Sometimes, we misspell the address in a hurry.

Here’s how to fix this:

  • Check your email spam and junk folders. There are high chances that you’ll see the email. 
  • If your email address was entered incorrectly, you can simply contact the customer service and show your order number (mentioned on the checkout page). They’ll resend it.
Stars Balance

How To Check Your Starbucks Stars Balance?

Before we show how you can do it, let this be clear. Star balance is not the same as gift card balance.

Gift card balance 💳

Refers to the cash in your card left to spend.

Star balance ⭐

Refers to the loyalty points (if you’re in the Reward Program), but you can’t spend them as cash. Just exchange those to get a drink, food, or whatever from Starbucks. It’s like a reward from Starbucks to be their loyal customers.

Now, you see the difference. So, here’s how you can check your Stars balance.

đŸ“±

The App

The moment you open the app, you can literally see it without tapping anywhere. Your Star score is right in front of you. Here is how to redeem the Starbucks birthday rewards.

🌐

The Website

If you use the website more, sign in to your Starbucks account, and you can see the Starbucks balance in your profile dashboard. Again, you don’t even have to click anywhere.

No need to mention it, but still here it is. You can also ask the barista to check your Star balance while getting your order.

Key Takeaways

5 Key Takeaways For Starbucks Gift Card Balance

By now, we’re 100% sure, you know more about checking a Starbucks gift card balance than (frankly) anybody around you. And to sum it up for ya, here are the top key takeaways for ya as a Starbucks gift card user.

01

Register your card

You have already read it twice. But we’re gonna say it again. The day you receive your Starbucks gift card, register it on the app or website. So, even if you lose the security code or credit card number, you can check your Starbucks gift card balance online without any worries.

02

Barcode is your backup

In case you haven’t registered the card yet, but you’ve got the app. The barcode at the back of your card will give you the card details when you scan it.

03

Stars expire after 6 months of inactivity

If you haven’t used the card for 6 months, you’ll lose the star rewards for your gift purchases. It’s just how it works.

04

In-store is the universal fallback

If you haven’t registered the card, don’t have the app, can’t contact the customer service, going to the nearest Starbucks outlet is your ultimate solution.

05

Auto-reload exists

Tired of running out of gift card balance while you’re in the order queue? Use the under-explored auto-reload feature in the app, and you never have to worry about it again.

☕

You’re Now an Expert

Go enjoy that Java Chip Frappuccino — with full confidence.

Corporate Use

Why Should We Use Starbucks Gift Cards For Business & Corporate Rewards?

As a leader in your business or company, you can use customized Starbucks bulk cards to acknowledge your employees, team, clients, or onboarding staff.

How is it different from a regular Starbucks gift card balance?

Hmmm, a valid question. It’s not just buying a bunch of cards in bulk, but it’s more like a specific program designed for corporate use by businesses.

The key differentiator is that you can get your business branding on the cards, place bulk orders, get a discount for a specified volume of orders you touch, and you get to send hundreds of eGift cards at once to your employees. Read this complete guide about all kinds of Starbucks Giftcard Rewards.

📝 Keep in mind: If you’re giving your employees the gift cards in the US, it may count as taxable income depending on the volume and frequency.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

The barcode, which is located at the back of your gift card, can be scanned through the Starbucks app, and it will pull the card details (if it has become unreadable now). Or you can scan the same barcode on the scanning machine in the Starbucks physical store, and you can simply pay for your order like this.

There are a bunch of ways to earn a free Starbucks drink or snack (which is not a traditional Starbucks gift card). Starbucks reward programs, birthday rewards (you get a free drink on your birthday), exploring the Starbucks app offers tab and your credit card rewards are the most popular ones to enjoy free drinks, offered by Starbucks.

Once you reload your Starbucks gift card, it will update in the app or website dashboard almost instantly. However, if you’re thinking about in-stores it might take a few minutes to appear.

Since the database of customer gift cards can’t be accessed other than official Starbucks, there aren’t any third-party tools to check on Starbucks gift card balance. You can only check it by the official app, website or reaching out to the customer service.

If your card is still showing zero balance while you just received and got the balance loaded, it means your card is not registered. You gotta take it to the store and get it registered right away.