Gift Card Balance & Redemption Guide

Online Balance Check

Most restaurant chains and food service providers offer online balance checking through their websites:

1. Visit the official website of the restaurant or food service
2. Look for "Gift Cards" or "Check Balance" in the main navigation
3. Enter your gift card number and PIN (usually found on the back of physical cards)
4. Submit the form to view your current balance

For digital gift cards, the balance check information is typically included in the email or text message you received with the card details.

Phone Balance Check

Most gift cards include a toll-free number on the back for balance inquiries:

1. Call the customer service number printed on the back of your card
2. Follow the automated prompts for balance inquiries
3. Enter your gift card number and PIN when prompted
4. The automated system will state your current balance

For assistance with complex issues, you can usually request to speak with a customer service representative during this call.

Before Your Visit

1. Check your gift card balance before visiting the restaurant
2. Ensure the card is valid for the specific location you plan to visit
3. Verify that the magnetic stripe or barcode is undamaged
4. Bring a backup payment method in case the balance is insufficient

During Payment

1. Inform your server that you'll be using a gift card before they bring the check
2. Present your gift card when ready to pay
3. The server will process the card through their point-of-sale system
4. For partial payments, specify how much to charge to the gift card
5. Request a receipt showing the remaining balance on your gift card

Most restaurants can split payments between a gift card and another payment method if your bill exceeds the card balance.

Adding Cards to Apps

1. Download the official restaurant app from the App Store or Google Play
2. Create an account or sign in to your existing account
3. Navigate to "Payment Methods," "Wallet," or "Gift Cards" section
4. Select "Add Gift Card" or similar option
5. Enter the gift card number and PIN, or scan the card using your camera
6. The card will be digitally linked to your account

Once added, your gift card appears in your digital wallet within the app, showing the current balance and transaction history.

In-App Ordering

1. Browse menu and add items to your cart
2. Proceed to checkout
3. Select your saved gift card as the payment method
4. The app will automatically apply the available balance
5. Complete your order and receive confirmation
6. The app will update your gift card balance immediately

Expiration Dates

• Gift cards cannot expire for at least 5 years from the date of issuance or from the last date additional money was loaded onto the card
• The expiration date must be clearly disclosed before purchase
• Many restaurant chains have adopted no-expiration policies that exceed federal requirements
• If a card has an expiration date, it must be clearly printed on the card

Fees

• Dormancy, inactivity, or service fees cannot be charged unless:
• The card has been inactive for at least 12 months
• No more than one fee is charged per month
• Fee information is clearly disclosed before purchase
• Most restaurant gift cards do not charge any fees
• Replacement fees for lost or stolen cards may still apply