Gift cards have become extremely popular in Nigeria as a way to pay for goods and services both online and in-store. However, before making a purchase with a gift card, it is important to know the balance remaining on the card. Checking your gift card balance regularly helps avoid the embarrassment and hassle of a declined transaction due to insufficient funds.
In this blog post, we will explore how to check the balance for each of the top 10 most commonly used gift cards in Nigeria. Keep reading to learn the simple steps for checking balances on cards from brands like Amazon, Google Play, iTunes, and more.
The Top 10 Gift Cards in Nigeria
Let’s start by identifying the most prominent gift cards available in Nigeria. Knowing which brands are most widely accepted and utilized is helpful context before delving into the balance checking processes.
The top 10 gift cards in Nigeria are:
- Target Gift Card
Target is a major American retail corporation and operator of general merchandise stores. Target gift cards can be used to purchase almost anything sold at Target stores and on Target.com. They are denominated in set amounts from $10 to $500.
- Google Play Gift Card
Google Play cards allow users to shop on the Google Play online store for apps, games, music, movies, books, and more. The store caters mostly to Android users in Nigeria.
- Amazon Gift Card
Amazon is one of the world’s largest online retailers, selling a vast array of products. Nigerians commonly use Amazon gift cards to shop on Amazon.com and fill up their Amazon accounts.
- Sephora Gift Card
Sephora is a premier beauty retailer known for its selection of makeup, fragrance, skincare, bath, and haircare products. Sephora gift cards are ideal for anyone who enjoys finding new cosmetics and personal care items.
- Steam Gift Card
The Steam digital distribution platform is hugely popular among video game enthusiasts in Nigeria. Steam gift cards load funds directly into users’ Steam Wallet accounts for game purchases and in-game items.
- Nordstrom Gift Card
As a high-end department store, Nordstrom sells clothing, shoes, accessories and home goods. Nordstrom cards are perfect for treating yourself or others to designer fashion and items.
- Visa Gift Card
Visa gift cards function like debit cards and can be used wherever Visa is accepted both locally and globally. Their widespread acceptance makes them very convenient.
- eBay Gift Card
eBay is a leading online marketplace where Nigerians commonly buy and sell a variety of products. eBay gift cards fuel purchases made on the eBay platform.
- iTunes Gift Card
The iTunes Store is the number one place to obtain apps, music, movies, TV shows, books and more for Apple devices. iTunes cards load local currency balances.
- American Express Gift Card
Like Visa cards, American Express gift cards are accepted at merchants displaying the Amex logo. They are less common in Nigeria than some other brands but still hold value.
Now that we’ve covered the most prominent gift cards available, let’s dive into how to check balances for each one.
Checking Target Gift Card Balance
To check the balance on a Target gift card, go to the Target gift card balance lookup page at giftcard.target.com. On this page, you will need to enter:
- The 15-digit card number found on the front of the physical card or provided with an e-gift card purchase. Be sure to include all dashes.
- The 4-digit PIN number located on the back of the card under the magnetic stripe.
Once both are entered, select “Check Balance” from the drop-down menu and click “Check Balance” to view the current funds available. Target will display the balance in real-time.
While on their website, Target also provides options to check gift card balances by phone at 1-800-591-3869 or by visiting any Target store courtesy desk with the physical card.
Checking Google Play Gift Card Balance
To check the balance of a Google Play gift card, open the Google Play Store app on your Android device and sign in to the account attached to the card. Then follow these steps:
- Tap the profile icon in the top right corner
- Select “Payments & Subscriptions”
- Choose “Payment Methods”
- The current Google Play gift card balance will be displayed under “Google Play Balance”
Additionally, Nigerians can check their Google Play card balance through the Google Play website or by contacting Google Play support at 1-855-836-3987.
Checking Amazon Gift Card Balance
Amazon makes it simple to check a gift card balance right from your Amazon account. Sign in on amazon.com and look for the balance on the homepage in the top menu. If it’s not shown there, follow these steps:
- Click the account & lists button
- Select “Your Account”
- Locate the Amazon gift card balance displayed under Payment Options
- Select “Manage your gift card balance” for full details
A balance can also be checked through the Amazon app by tapping “Menu” and finding balance information under “Accounts & Lists.” Another option is to call Amazon customer service at +1 888-280-4331.
Checking Sephora Gift Card Balance
To check the balance on a Sephora gift card, head to sephora.com and enter the gift card number and PIN/security code on the check balance page. Alternatively, the Sephora Store app makes it easy on a mobile device:
- Open the app and tap the menu icon
- Select “Gift Cards”
- Input the 16-digit card number
- Enter the 3-digit PIN/code and tap “Check Balance”
If those options aren’t available, Sephora customer service can also verify balances over the phone at 1-800-887-8643.
Checking Steam Gift Card Balance
Steam users can view their gift card balance directly through their account. Simply log in to steamcommunity.com or open the Steam client:
- Hover your cursor over your account name at the top
- Select “Account Details” from the dropdown
- The current account balance will be visible at the top
The balance is also shown in the client wallet interface and can be checked through the Steam iOS/Android apps after signing in. No additional steps are needed.
Checking Nordstrom Gift Card Balance
Checking the balance of a Nordstrom gift card takes only a moment online at nordstromgiftcard.com. Provide the following on the balance check page:
- 16-digit gift card number
- 3-digit security code on the back
- Select “Check Balance”
The current funds available will load. Nordstrom customer service is also equipped to check balances over the phone at 1-800-664-0638 if the website isn’t working.
Checking Visa Gift Card Balance
Visa gift cards can have their balances checked conveniently on visagiftcard.com. The process involves:
- Entering the 16-digit card number
- Entering the 3-digit CVV security code
- Agreeing to security verification
- Clicking “Check Balance”
The balance loads instantly. In addition, calling the toll-free support line at 1-877-297-4438 allows balances to be checked by phone 24/7 with only the card number required.
Checking eBay Gift Card Balance
To check the balance of an eBay gift card, sign in to your eBay account online or open the eBay app. You’ll find the current available balance displayed prominently at the top of the screen.
If it’s not visible, navigate to “Account” in the top menu and select “Wallet” to view the gift card balance listed under Payment Options. Gift card balances tied to eBay accounts refresh in real-time on their own.
An eBay gift card balance can also be checked through the eBay customer support line at +1 866-540-3229 at any time. Just provide the agent with your eBay username.
Checking iTunes Gift Card Balance
The iTunes & App Store makes checking gift card balances effortless whether using an iOS device or desktop:
- Open the App Store app or visit the iTunes Store website
- Tap your profile icon in the top right
- Select “Account” from the dropdown menu
- Under Payment Options, the current gift card balance displays
If needed, Apple support staff at 1-800-692-7753 can verify balances as well by referencing your Apple ID during a phone call.
Checking American Express Gift Card Balance
As with Visa cards, American Express cards have an online balance checker at americanexpress.com/balance. Just provide:
- The 16-digit card number
- The 3-digit security code/CVV
- Click the “Check Balance” button
For faster phone balance checks with Amex gift cards, contact account services directly at 1-800-528-2122 where a representative has direct access to balances through the card number alone.