Ever found a plastic card at the bottom of a junk drawer and wondered if it was a ticket to a free pair of sneakers or just a piece of trash? We’ve all been there. Digging through a wallet only to find a Kohl's card with a mystery balance is a classic "first-world problem," but honestly, it’s annoying. You don't want to be that person at the checkout line—with five people behind you—realizing your card only has three cents on it.
The good news? You can check Kohl's gift card amount in about thirty seconds if you have the right numbers. But there are a few quirks about their system, especially regarding "Merchandise Credits" versus standard gift cards, that trip people up.
The Fastest Ways to See Your Balance
Let's talk speed. If you’re sitting on your couch, the website is your best bet. You just head over to the Kohl’s official gift card page. You'll need two things: the 16-digit card number and the 4-digit PIN.
Where is the PIN? It’s usually hidden under a silver scratch-off coating on the back. If you have an e-gift card, the PIN is right there in the email they sent you.
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Checking by Phone (The "Old School" Way)
Sometimes the website is glitchy or you’re driving. You can call their automated line at 800-935-6457. It's a robot, so you don't have to worry about small talk. Just punch in the numbers when prompted. If you need a real human for some reason—maybe the card is damaged—try 866-887-8884.
The In-Store Shuffle
If you’re already at the mall, any cashier can scan it. You can also head to the Customer Service desk, which is usually tucked away in the back of the store near the "hidden" entrance. They can tell you the exact amount in seconds.
Wait, I Don't Have a PIN?
This is a huge pain point. Older Kohl's gift cards or specific types of merchandise credits (the ones they give you when you return something without a receipt) sometimes don't have a PIN.
Here is the deal: You cannot check these online. If your card lacks a PIN, the website will just spit out an error message. It's frustrating. To use these online or even check the balance, you basically have to go to a physical store. A manager or associate can often swap a non-PIN card for a new one that actually works with the website, but you’ve got to make the trip.
Kohl’s Cash vs. Gift Cards: Don’t Mix Them Up
People get these confused constantly. A gift card is like cash—it never expires. Kohl’s Cash is a different beast entirely.
- Gift Cards: Valid forever. No fees. Use them whenever.
- Kohl’s Cash: These are those green coupons you earn during "earn periods." They have very strict expiration dates.
If you try to check Kohl's gift card amount using a Kohl's Cash number in the gift card slot on the website, it won't work. Make sure you're looking at the right piece of plastic (or paper).
Pro Tip: Use the Kohl’s Wallet
If you’re a frequent shopper, stop carrying the cards. The Kohl’s App has a "Wallet" feature. You can scan your physical gift cards into the app.
It does two things:
- It saves the balance so you don't have to keep checking it.
- It lets you pay at the register by just showing your phone.
It’s way more convenient than carrying a stack of "Merchandise Credits" from those jeans you returned three months ago. Plus, it automatically applies any Rewards points you've earned, which is a nice little bonus.
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What to Do If Your Balance is Zero (And You Know It Shouldn't Be)
Scams happen. If you check your balance and it’s empty, but you know you haven't used it, check the back for signs of tampering. Some thieves scratch off the PIN in stores, record the numbers, and then wait for someone to buy and activate the card.
If this happened, you need your receipt. Without the original purchase receipt, Kohl’s is unfortunately pretty limited in what they can do. If you have it, call their corporate customer service immediately.
Actionable Steps to Take Right Now
Grab that card and look at the back. If there is a silver strip, scratch it off gently with a penny. Don't use a knife; you might scratch off the numbers themselves (I've done it, it's a mess).
Navigate to the Kohl's "Check My Balance" page or open the app. If the card has no PIN, put it in your car's glove box right now so you remember to bring it next time you're near a store. If it does have a balance, take a photo of the back. If you lose the card, having that photo of the numbers might just save your money.