Google Play gift cards allow you to add credit to your Google account to use towards purchases on Google Play for apps, games, books, movies, TV shows, and more. When you receive a Google Play gift card, you’ll find a claim code on the back that can be redeemed to add the value to your account.
Many people want to check the balance of their Google Play gift card before actually redeeming it, just to verify the full value is there. Fortunately, there are a couple easy ways to do this without having to use up the card’s value first.
Check Balance on Google Play Store
The easiest way to check your Google Play gift card balance is directly through the Google Play Store app or website. Here’s how:
- Open the Play Store app on your Android device or visit https://play.google.com on your computer.
- Click on the profile icon in the top right corner.
- Select Payments & subscriptions.
- Under Payment methods, you’ll see Gift cards.
- Click on Gift cards to view your full unused gift card balances.
This will display all of your unused Google Play gift cards and their remaining balances. You can check the balance of a particular gift card here without having to redeem the claim code.
Check Balance by Redeeming Claim Code
You can also check the balance of a Google Play gift card by going through the redemption process without actually completing it. Here’s how:
- In the Play Store app or website, click on the profile icon and select Payments & subscriptions like before.
- Click on Redeem gift code.
- Enter the gift card’s claim code and click Redeem.
- It will display the value that will be applied to your account from this gift card without actually redeeming it yet.
- Click Cancel to stop the redemption process.
Following these steps allows you to view the full value of the Google Play gift card to verify it without having to complete the redemption process right away.
Check Balance by Trying to Make a Purchase
You can also check your Google Play gift card balance by attempting to make a purchase with it:
- Find an app, game, book, movie, etc. you want to buy on the Play Store.
- Go through the purchase process like normal.
- On the payment method page, select Redeem gift code.
- Enter the claim code from your gift card and click Redeem.
- It will apply the gift card balance to the purchase and show you the remaining amount due, if any.
- Cancel the purchase before completing it to avoid redeeming the card.
Following this process will apply the gift card balance to the transaction and display the remaining balance without actually making a purchase.
Third-Party Gift Card Balance Checker Sites
There are also many third-party websites that allow you to check the balance of a gift card by entering its claim code. Some popular options include:
- GiftCardGranny.com
- CardCash.com
- GiftCardSpread.com
- GiftCardBalance.com
To use one of these sites to check your Google Play gift card:
- Go to the gift card balance checker site.
- Enter the gift card number and pin or scratch-off code.
- Select Google Play card as the merchant.
- The site will display the dollar value remaining on the card.
This allows you to verify the balance without redeeming the card. However, take caution when entering gift card details on third-party sites and only use reputable ones for security reasons.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Google Play app/website | – Don’t need claim code – Quickest and easiest way |
– Need Google account |
| Redeem claim code | – Confirm balance before redeeming | – Takes more steps |
| Make test purchase | – Verify exact balance | – Takes the longest |
| Third-party balance sites | – Don’t need Google account – Simple process |
– Security/privacy concerns – Reliability varies |
Ways to Use Google Play Balance
Once you’ve checked your Google Play gift card balance, you may be wondering what you can use it towards. Here are some of the main things you can purchase with Google Play credit:
- Apps: Whether on Android, iOS web, or Chromebook, you can buy apps in the Play Store.
- Games: Purchase coins, gems, and other in-game currency for your favorite mobile games.
- Movies & TV: Buy or rent movies and shows to watch across your devices.
- Books: Expand your digital library with eBooks, comics, audiobooks, and more.
- Music: Subscribe to services like YouTube Music Premium and stream ad-free.
- News: Pay for newspaper and magazine subscriptions right in the Play Store.
Google Play credit can be used for all kinds of entertainment and productivity across Google’s ecosystem. You’ll get the most value if you use an Android device, but iOS users can also put the balance towards apps, movies, books, and more.
Tips for Using Google Play Gift Cards
To make the most of your Google Play gift card balance, keep these tips in mind:
- Redeem gift cards as soon as possible to avoid losing them.
- Spend smaller amounts instead of all at once to avoid buyer’s remorse.
- Wait for sales on apps, movies, books, etc. to maximize savings.
- Set reminders for subscriptions ending to avoid accidental charges.
- Share balance with family by setting up a Google family group.
- Browse the editorial Play Store lists for app/game ideas.
- Use rewards programs like Google Opinion Rewards to earn more credit.
Checking your balance in advance lets you strategize how to best use your Google Play gift card. Shop smart and take advantage of sales so your credit lasts longer. And be sure to redeem it promptly before the card gets lost or expires.
Can Google Play Balances Expire?
Google Play balances do not typically expire. Once redeemed to your Google account, Google Play credit stays there until you use it all up. There are a few exceptions though:
- Gift cards bought from retailers may have printed expiration dates set by the retailer. The credit must be redeemed before that date.
- In some regions, Play balances expire after 2 years of inactivity per local law.
- Promotional credit received through special offers or device trials may have shorter expiration dates.
As long as you redeem gift cards promptly, you shouldn’t have to worry about losing your Play Store credits. It won’t vanish from your account out of the blue. But be aware of any expiry printed on the card itself at the time of purchase.
Can You Transfer Google Play Credit?
Unfortunately, there is no direct way to transfer Google Play account credit from one Google account to another. However, you have a couple options to share value:
- Set up a Google family group to share apps, movies, books, and subscriptions with family members.
- Gift Play credit by buying gift cards for others through the Play Store site.
- On Android, initiate refunds within 2 hours to move credit back to the gift card.
While you can’t directly move credit between Google accounts, sharing it is possible through family groups or regifting store credit. For larger balances, you may want to request a refund and repurchase the card under the desired account.
Getting Google Play Refunds
If you do make any purchases you later regret, Google Play does allow refunds in some cases. Here is Google’s refund policy:
- Apps – Refunds available within 2 hours of purchase.
- Movies & TV – Refunds not available after purchase starts.
- Books – Refunds available within 7 days if less than 10% read.
- Subscriptions – Cancel anytime to avoid next charge.
On Android, refunds get credited back to the original gift card when possible. On other platforms, it goes back to the payment method. Be sure to request refunds quickly if needed to get your Play credit back.
Getting More Google Play Credit
Once you’ve spent all the credit on your Google Play gift card, there are ways to earn more over time, including:
- Google Opinion Rewards: Answer short surveys in the app to earn credit.
- Credit card rewards: Use points from rewards credit cards for Play gift cards.
- Credit card Google offers: Some cards provide statement credits for Play purchases.
- Referral bonuses: Refer friends to certain Google services for Play credit rewards.
- Device offers: Activate new Android devices to receive Play credit bonuses.
It takes a bit more work, but you can rack up additional Play credit through Google’s own programs as well as credit card rewards. Plus you can always add value by purchasing gift cards or topping up your account.
Using Play Credit on Multiple Devices
A great benefit of Google Play credit is that it can be used across multiple devices including:
- Android phones and tablets
- iPhone and iPad
- Chromebooks
- Windows PC and Mac
- Web browser for movies, music, books
Your Play credit is attached to your Google account, so any device signed into that account can use the balance for purchases or subscriptions. Apps will only work on compatible device operating systems of course.
Having access across multiple devices makes it easy to use your Play credit whether at home or on the go. You can start a movie on your phone on the commute home, and finish it on your TV in the evening!
Issues Checking Balance
In most cases, checking your Google Play gift card balance is quick and straightforward. But here are some potential issues to be aware of:
- Expired gift cards can’t be checked or redeemed.
- Error redeeming the claim code can prevent balance checks.
- Using a very old version of the Play Store app may cause problems.
- Issues with your Google account can block access to gift cards.
- Third party balance checker sites may have technical issues.
- Incorrectly scratched or photographed gift card codes won’t work.
Issues are rare if redeeming properly printed gift cards. But expired codes, account problems, and app errors do happen. Contact Google Support if you are unable to check the balance using multiple methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Google Play gift card number lookup tool?
There is no official Google database to look up Play gift cards by number. You need to redeem the claim code or check third party balance checker sites.
Where can I buy Google Play gift cards?
You can buy Play gift cards both digitally and physically at most major retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, grocers, gas stations, etc.
How long do unused Play gift cards last?
Redeemed Play credits don’t expire, but retailer gift cards may expire 2-5 years after purchase if not used. Always check card for printed expiry.
Can you use a Google Play code twice?
No, Google Play claim codes can only be redeemed one time. Trying to reuse a code results in an error message about it already being redeemed.
How do I use a Google Play redemption code?
Go to the Play Store app or website, click on your profile picture, select Payments & subscriptions, choose Redeem gift code, and enter the claim code.
Conclusion
Checking your Google Play gift card balance is easy and important to do before redeeming the card. You can view your balance right in the Play Store app, by going through the redemption flow, or by attempting a purchase. For unredeemed cards, third-party balance checking sites allow you to check the balance safely without using the credit. Take the time to verify your Play gift card balance so you know exactly how much credit is there.
