Barnes & Noble Gift Cards are a popular way to give the gift of reading and more. Whether you’ve received one or are considering purchasing one, it’s important to understand the terms and conditions that govern their use. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about your Barnes & Noble Gift Card, from checking your balance to understanding usage restrictions.
Where Can You Use Your Barnes & Noble Gift Card?
Barnes & Noble Gift Cards offer broad usability across various locations. You can use them at:
- Any Barnes & Noble store nationwide.
- Online at BN.com.
- Barnes & Noble College bookstores.
- Bookstar locations.
- B. Dalton Bookseller locations.
This extensive network ensures that your gift card is convenient to use, whether you prefer shopping in-store or online.
Checking Your Barnes & Noble Gift Card Balance and Expiration
One of the first things gift card holders want to know is their remaining balance. Barnes & Noble makes it easy to check your gift card balance.
How to Check Your Balance:
- Online: Unfortunately, as of the last update, Barnes & Noble does not offer an online balance check directly on their website.
- Phone: The most direct way to check your balance is to call their toll-free number: 1-800-295-3029.
It’s also reassuring to know that Barnes & Noble Gift Cards do not have expiration dates and no maintenance or dormancy fees will be deducted from your balance. This means you can hold onto your gift card and use it whenever you’re ready without worrying about losing value.
What Happens if Your Gift Card is Lost or Stolen?
It’s wise to treat your gift card like cash. However, Barnes & Noble offers a degree of protection if your card is lost or stolen.
Lost or Stolen Gift Cards:
- Barnes & Noble is not responsible for unauthorized use if a gift card is lost or stolen.
- Replacement is possible but only under specific conditions.
- To get a replacement, you must provide satisfactory proof of purchase and the original Gift Card number.
- Report lost or stolen cards by calling 1-800-THE-BOOK.
It’s highly recommended to record your Gift Card number and PIN in a secure place as soon as you receive it. This information is crucial for balance checks and potential replacement if the physical card is lost.
Reloading Your Gift Card and Balance Limits
Barnes & Noble Gift Cards are reloadable, offering continued use beyond the initial value.
Reloading and Balance Limits:
- Gift Cards can be reloaded with additional funds.
- The maximum initial load and/or reload amount in any 24-hour period is $2,000 in aggregate.
- No Gift Card can have an active balance exceeding $2,000 at any time.
These limits are in place for security and regulatory compliance.
Using Gift Cards for Memberships and Digital Content
Barnes & Noble Gift Cards can be used for more than just books and physical items.
Purchasing Memberships and NOOK Content:
- Gift Cards can be used to purchase annual Barnes & Noble Memberships. Note that continuous billing memberships require a separate credit card.
- You can use Gift Cards to buy NOOK Books and single issues of NOOK Newspapers and Magazines.
- However, Gift Cards cannot be used for subscriptions to NOOK Newspapers or Magazines.
Redeeming Gift Cards for NOOK Content Online:
- Save your Gift Card to your account: Go to “My Account” on BN.com and click “Manage Gift Cards for eBooks.”
- Save a default credit card: This is required even if your Gift Card balance covers the entire purchase.
- Gift Card balance is used first: When purchasing NOOK content, any saved Gift Card balance will be automatically applied first.
- Remaining balance charged to credit card: If the Gift Card doesn’t cover the full amount, your default credit card will be charged for the rest.
These steps ensure a smooth transaction when using gift cards for digital purchases.
Promotional Gift Cards and Other Considerations
Barnes & Noble sometimes issues promotional gift cards, rewards, or credits.
Promotional Cards:
- These may have different terms than standard Gift Cards.
- They may have expiration dates or delayed activation dates.
- Additional restrictions or exemptions may apply, as detailed on the promotional card or accompanying materials.
Always check the specific terms of any promotional card you receive.
Other Important Points to Note:
- No Cash Redemption (Except Where Required by Law): Gift Cards are not redeemable for cash, except as mandated by law.
- Additional Payment Required for Purchases Exceeding Card Value: If your purchase total exceeds your gift card balance, you’ll need to pay the difference with another payment method.
- Online Gift Card Purchases Delivered Separately: Gift cards bought online are shipped separately from other merchandise.
- Order Security Review: Barnes & Noble reserves the right to review orders for security purposes, which may cause delays.
- Gift Card System Inoperability: In rare cases, the gift card system may be temporarily down, affecting balance inquiries and gift card usage. Barnes & Noble is not liable for service interruptions or issues with purchased goods.
- Restrictions on Redemption Amounts: Barnes & Noble reserves the right to limit the redemption of more than $1,000 in gift card balances by one person within a 30-day period.
- Gift Card Issuer: Barnes & Noble Marketing Services LLC (MSL) is the issuer and sole obligor of the Gift Cards, not Barnes & Noble itself.
- Terms and Conditions Subject to Change: MSL reserves the right to change the Gift Card program terms at any time.
B. Dalton Gift Cards and Barnes & Noble.com Gift Certificates
It’s also important to know about older gift cards and certificates.
Legacy Gift Cards:
- B. Dalton gift cards are still redeemable at Barnes & Noble stores, B. Dalton Bookseller stores, and online at BN.com.
- Barnes & Noble.com gift certificates are only usable online at BN.com, unlike standard Gift Cards.
- To check the balance of B. Dalton gift cards or Barnes & Noble.com gift certificates, call 1-800-THE-BOOK.
Understanding these older forms of gift currency can be helpful if you or someone you know still possesses them.
Conclusion: Managing Your Barnes & Noble Gift Card Balance
Barnes & Noble Gift Cards are a versatile and convenient way to enjoy books, eBooks, and more. Knowing the terms and conditions, especially how to check your Barnes & Noble gift card balance by calling 1-800-295-3029, ensures a smooth and informed experience. Keep your gift card information secure, understand the usage guidelines, and enjoy the world of reading that Barnes & Noble offers. Remember to treat your gift card like cash and record your card details for safekeeping. Happy reading!
