Nintendo eShop cards are a great way to add funds to your Nintendo eShop account to purchase digital games, downloadable content (DLC), and subscriptions for your Nintendo Switch or Nintendo 3DS family systems. Once you redeem an eShop card, the funds are added to your account’s wallet balance which you can then use to make purchases in the Nintendo eShop. But how do you check your current eShop card balance? Here are a few quick ways to check your remaining eShop funds:
- Check on your Nintendo Switch under your account profile
- Check on the Nintendo eShop by viewing your account profile
- Check online by logging into your Nintendo Account
Keep reading below for more detailed steps on how to view your Nintendo eShop card balance on your Switch, in the eShop app, and online through your Nintendo Account.
Check your eShop card balance on your Nintendo Switch
It’s easy to view your remaining eShop funds directly on your Nintendo Switch console:
- From your Switch home screen, select your user profile icon in the top left
- Select “Profile” to view your user details
- Scroll down to the “Nintendo eShop Account Information” section
- Your balance will be listed under “Balance”
This will display your current eShop balance including any funds added from eShop cards, credit cards, or other payment sources.
Step-by-step guide
Follow these steps to check your balance on your Switch:
- Go to your user profile – From the Home Menu, select your user icon in the top left corner of the screen. This will pull up your user details and profile options.
- Open your profile page – Scroll down and select “Profile” to open your Profile page.
- Scroll to eShop Account section – On your Profile page, scroll down to the “Nintendo eShop Account Information” section.
- View eShop balance – Under “Balance” it will show your current eShop funds available. This is your total balance including any funds added from eShop cards.
Checking your balance this way allows you to quickly view your eShop funds directly on your Switch console before making any purchases in the eShop.
Other Switch profile details
While viewing your profile, you can also see other account details like:
- Your Nintendo Account username
- Account email/birthdate
- Play time tracking
So your profile is a useful place to check up on your eShop balance as well as other account info.
Check your balance in the Nintendo eShop
In addition to checking on your Switch, you can also view your exact eShop card balance right in the Nintendo eShop application.
Steps to view in eShop app
- Launch eShop app – From your Switch’s Home Menu, launch the Nintendo eShop application.
- Access your account – At the top of the screen, go to your account icon and select “View Account Information”.
- Go to balance – Select “Balance” to see your current eShop funds available.
This displays your up-to-date eShop balance so you know exactly how much you have to spend before adding more funds.
Other eShop account details
When viewing your account in the eShop, you can also see:
- Purchase history
- Wishlist
- Redemption codes
- Linked accounts
Checking your balance through the eShop gives you quick access to your other account details in one place.
Check online through your Nintendo Account
You can also view your Nintendo eShop balance online by logging into your Nintendo Account. This allows you to check your funds on any device.
Steps to check online
- Go to account.nintendo.com – In your web browser, go to the Nintendo Account website at account.nintendo.com.
- Sign in – If not already signed in, click Sign In and enter your Nintendo Account login details.
- Click eShop balance – From the menu go to Shop Menu > View eShop Balance.
- View balance – You will now see your current eShop funds available.
You can use the Nintendo Account website and mobile app to check your balance on your phone, computer or any internet-connected device.
Other online account options
When you access your Nintendo Account online, you can also:
- View purchase history
- Redeem eShop codes
- Manage payment methods
- Change account settings
Accessing your account online gives you the most options for managing your eShop funds and settings.
Frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some common questions about checking your Nintendo eShop card balance:
Why can’t I view my balance on my Switch/eShop?
If you’re having trouble viewing your balance, make sure:
- You’re signed in to the correct Nintendo Account
- Your console has an internet connection
- You’ve redeemed your eShop card – new funds can take up to 24 hours to appear in your balance
If you still can’t see your balance, contact Nintendo Customer Support for troubleshooting help.
Do funds expire?
Nintendo eShop funds do not expire as long as you maintain an active Nintendo Account. Your balance will remain in your account until you choose to spend it.
Can I transfer funds between accounts?
Unfortunately, you cannot transfer Nintendo eShop funds between two different Nintendo Accounts. Funds are only usable on the account that redeemed the eShop card.
How do I add funds without a card?
If you don’t have an eShop card, you can add funds by:
- Purchasing an eShop card at your local retailer
- Linking a credit/debit card to your account
- Using a Nintendo eShop gift card
eShop cards allow you to add set dollar amounts to your balance without needing a credit card.
Adding funds through Nintendo eShop cards
Nintendo eShop cards are the quick and easy way to add money directly to your own Nintendo Account balance. Here’s a closer look at how eShop cards work:
Where to buy cards
Nintendo eShop cards are available at many major retailers where you typically find gift cards, including:
- GameStop
- Best Buy
- Walmart
- Target
- Amazon
The most common amounts are $10, $20, $35 and $50, but other denominations are available. Nintendo also offers email delivery for eShop cards.
Redeeming your eShop card
To add your eShop card funds to your Nintendo Account:
- Select the eShop icon on your Switch or visit eShop online
- Select “Add Funds” and choose “Redeem a Nintendo eShop Card”
- Scratch off the sticker on the back of your card to reveal the code
- Enter the 16-digit Nintendo eShop Card PIN
Once redeemed, the funds will be automatically added to your account’s balance.
Benefits of eShop cards
Nintendo eShop cards offer several advantages:
- No credit card required – eShop cards provide prepaid funds without needing a linked credit/debit card.
- Easy to purchase – Find eShop cards at most retailers that sell gift cards.
- Kid-friendly – The set dollar amounts are ideal gifts for kids and teens.
- Immediate funds – Cards add money to your account as soon as they are redeemed.
eShop cards make it quick and convenient to add money to your Nintendo account without the need for a credit card.
Other eShop payment methods
In addition to Nintendo eShop prepaid cards, you can also add funds through these payment options:
Credit/Debit Card
You can directly link a credit or debit card like Visa or Mastercard to your Nintendo Account. This allows you to add custom funds amounts as needed for eShop purchases.
To use a card:
- Sign in to your Nintendo Account online or in-app
- Under payment options, select “Link a Credit/Debit Card”
- Enter your card details and billing address
- You can now select your linked card as a payment method
Using a stored card is the quickest way to add custom amounts, but requires you to provide your card information.
Nintendo eShop Gift Cards
Nintendo also offers eShop gift cards with custom amounts. These work just like eShop prepaid cards, but allow you to gift money in any dollar increments.
You can purchase eShop gift cards on Nintendo’s website and view a full eShop gift card guide here.
Nintendo Switch Online membership
A Nintendo Switch Online membership includes complementary monthly eShop funds based on the type of membership:
- Individual (1 user): $3.99 monthly
- Family (8 users): $7.99 monthly
These complementary funds are automatically added to your balance each month if your membership is active.
Using your eShop funds
Once you’ve added money through Nintendo eShop cards, you can use your balance to purchase digital content in the Nintendo eShop, including:
Nintendo Switch eShop purchases
- Full digital games
- Downloadable content (DLC)
- Expansion packs
- Nintendo Switch Online membership
- Digital subscriptions
Any eShop balance can be used towards games, subscriptions or other digital content.
Nintendo 3DS eShop purchases
- Digital games and apps
- Virtual Console classic games
- Themes and customizable home menus
- DLC add-ons
Your balance carries over to the 3DS eShop as well, allowing you to use funds between Nintendo systems.
When making a purchase, you can apply your eShop card balance by selecting it at checkout. Any remaining amount will be charged to a linked credit/debit card if you have one stored in your account.
Saving with eShop cards
Nintendo eShop cards can help you save money in the eShop through:
Discounted eShop cards
Many third-party sellers offer discounted Nintendo eShop cards as a way to save money on eShop funds:
- eBay frequently has discounted eShop card deals from reputable sellers.
- CDKeys.com offers eShop cards for up to 20% off face value.
- Raise has discounted gift cards with cash back offers when you sign up.
Finding deals on eShop cards lets you stretch your eShop dollars further. Make sure to buy from authorized sellers for guaranteed valid cards.
Bonus eShop points promotions
For special sales or promotions, Nintendo may offer bonus eShop points when you add funds with a card:
- During the holiday season, Nintendo has offered up to $10 in bonus eShop credit.
- Limited promotions may offer 5-10% extra when you add $50 or $100.
- Check the eShop or Nintendo website for any current bonus point offers.
Bonus points give you free extra funds to spend in addition to your eShop card balance.
My Nintendo rewards program
Linking your Nintendo Account to a My Nintendo account lets you earn points from eShop purchases. You can redeem points for exclusive discounts on select eShop games.
Don’t let your eShop funds expire!
As long as you maintain an active Nintendo Account, your Nintendo eShop funds will never expire. However, it’s still a good idea to use up your card balance in a timely manner:
- If your card gets lost or stolen, the funds could potentially be used by someone else.
- Unused funds won’t earn interest over time like money in a bank account.
- New eShop deals and games are added continuously, so put your balance to good use!
Check your eShop card balance regularly and aim to redeem your funds towards new games and DLC you’re excited about. An unused eShop balance isn’t doing you any good just sitting there!
Ready to check your balance?
Now that you know how to view your Nintendo eShop balance, you can easily keep tabs on your available funds:
- Check any time on your Switch profile.
- View in the eShop app under your account.
- Sign in online to your Nintendo Account.
Monitoring your balance lets you track eShop cards you’ve redeemed and plan the best ways to use your funds. With so many great digital games and DLC add-ons to spend it on, that eShop money won’t last long!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for eShop cards to be activated?
After redeeming an eShop card, the funds are usually added to your Nintendo Account within a few minutes. It may take up to 24 hours maximum for the balance to appear.
Where can I buy Nintendo eShop cards?
You can buy eShop cards both digitally and physically at most major retailers that sell gift cards, including video game stores, big box stores, grocery stores, and online retailers.
Do Nintendo eShop cards expire?
Nintendo eShop cards do not expire. The funds will remain in your account indefinitely as long as your Nintendo Account remains active.
Can you use eShop cards for physical games?
No, Nintendo eShop cards can only be redeemed for digital content in the Nintendo eShop. They cannot be used for physical games or accessories.
What happens if I lose my eShop card?
If you lose an eShop card before activating it, unfortunately the funds are likely lost for good. Nintendo cannot assist with replacement if an unused eShop card is lost or stolen before redeeming it. So be sure to securely store and redeem cards once purchased.
Can I check my eShop balance on my phone?
Yes, you can check your Nintendo eShop balance by signing into your Nintendo Account on the web or mobile app. This allows you to view your funds from any internet-connected smartphone, tablet, or computer.
How do I add funds without an eShop card?
Aside from eShop cards, you can add funds by linking a credit/debit card to your Nintendo Account or redeeming a Nintendo eShop gift card code. Nintendo Switch Online members also get complementary eShop funds each month with an active membership.
