Starbucks gift cards are an undeniably convenient and popular option for all the coffee lovers out there. Whether it's for purchasing your preferred morning brew or gifting someone who shares your love for coffee, these cards come in handy in numerous ways. However, it's often the case that we tend to lose track of how much balance remains on our Starbucks gift cards, especially for frequent visitors to this coffeehouse chain.

Losing track of your Starbucks gift card balance can sometimes be frustrating, particularly if you're in line eagerly waiting to grab your favorite espresso shot, only to discover that your card has insufficient balance. Luckily, there are several ways to check your current Starbucks gift card balance, and this article will provide a rundown of all those methods.

How to Check Your Starbucks Gift Card Balance

Essentially, there are four ways you can check your Starbucks gift card balance, catered for everyone's preference. Some of these methods are quite straightforward and easy, while others are more involving, but for some people, they are still a better option. Nevertheless, here's how to check your Starbucks gift card balance.

Source: Starbucks

At the Starbucks coffee shop

If you find yourself at a Starbucks coffee shop, the most effortless way to check your current Starbucks gift card balance is to simply talk to a cashier, who will be able to check the balance for you. Simply provide them with your Starbucks gift card so that they can find you in the database, and you'll get that information right away.

Using a Mobile App

Without a doubt, this is one of the two quickest approaches to learning your current Starbucks gift card balance, because you don't need to wait for anyone to tell you - you can check it out yourself using a mobile app. Simply open the Starbucks official app (available on iOS and Android), and log in with your account details. There, you can check your current Starbucks gift card balance - but only if you added it to your account already.

Using a Website

The second most convenient and quickest approach towards checking your current Starbucks gift card balance is by using a dedicated web page on the official Starbucks website, where you can simply type in your card number and security code into the adequate fields, and click on "Check Balance", after which your balance will be revealed right away.

By Calling the Customer Service

Lastly, you can also call Starbucks customer service and ask for your current Starbucks gift card balance there. However, the phone number will be found on the gift card, so make sure to call the number for your location.

How to Activate Starbucks Gift Card?

First of all, you need to meet some prerequisites in order to activate your Starbucks gift card. The first one is to have a balance of at least $5 on it, and the second one is to have an active Starbucks account. Once you meet this, make sure to follow these steps:

1. Head to the official website of Starbucks 
2. Click the "Reload" option at the top
3. Select the amount that you would like to add to your Starbucks gift card, and click on the "Add to card" option.
4. Type in your 16-digit gift card number and click on "Submit", after which your Starbucks gift card will be activated!

In addition, you can also activate your Starbucks gift card by heading to the closest Starbucks in person and presenting your gift card upon the purchase.

FAQs

Can Starbucks gift cards expire?

No, Starbucks gift cards have no expiration date, which means that they can be used as long as there is any balance left on them. However, if they are not used for 12 months, you will have to reactivate them by calling customer service.

What are the benefits of connecting a Starbucks gift card to your account? 

There are several benefits, such as earning rewards on each purchase, paying using the Starbucks card balance, getting a free drink on your birthday, having a discount on Starbucks merchandise, and more.

How to Automatically Reload Starbucks Gift Card?

If you have a Starbucks account, you can set up automatic reloads through the Starbucks app, simply by tapping the face icon in the upper right corner, and proceeding to "Starbucks cards & Payment". There, you need to add the card used as a payment method for automatic reloads, and tap "Turn On" to activate it.