How do you know how much is on a Zara gift card?

Quick Answers

There are a few ways to check the balance on a Zara gift card:

  • Bring the physical gift card to any Zara store and have an associate scan it at the register to reveal the balance.
  • Call the toll-free number on the back of the gift card (1-866-671-7026 for cards purchased in the U.S.) and follow the automated prompts.
  • Check online by going to zara.com, clicking “Gift Card” at the top right, entering the card number and security code, and selecting “Check Balance.”

Physical Gift Cards

If you have the physical plastic gift card, the easiest way to check the balance is to bring it to any Zara store. Ask a sales associate at the register to scan the barcode on the back of the card, which will automatically bring up the remaining balance in their system. This is the most convenient way to check right before making a purchase in-store.

Zara gift cards have the current balance printed directly on the back of the card. However, this only shows the original loaded amount, not the current balance after any purchases have been made. The printed balance will say something like “Initial amount $50” if it was loaded with a $50 value originally. Only scanning the card at the register will reveal the up-to-date current balance.

Calling the Toll-Free Number

If you don’t have easy access to a physical Zara store, you can call the toll-free customer service number printed on the back of the gift card to check the balance. The number for gift cards purchased in the U.S. is 1-866-671-7026.

When you call this number, an automated system will guide you through prompts to check the balance. It will ask you to enter the 15-digit gift card number printed on the back of the card, along with the 4-digit security code next to it. After entering this information via your phone’s keypad, the system will tell you the exact current dollar amount remaining on the card.

Security Code Location

The security code needed for phone and online balance checks is printed in a separate box next to the gift card number, usually on the lower right corner on the back of the card:

Gift card number Security code
15 digits 4 digits

Checking Balance Online

In addition to calling, you can check a Zara gift card balance online at zara.com. Start by clicking “Gift Card” at the very top right corner of the homepage.

On the gift card page, select “Check Balance” and enter the full 15-digit card number and 4-digit security code into the appropriate boxes. Click “Check” and your current balance will be displayed.

One advantage of checking online is that you can also view your gift card transaction history, including all purchases and amounts spent so far. This can provide more insight into your spending than just the remaining balance.

Registration Not Required

It’s important to note that you do not need to register or set up an account to check a Zara gift card online. Simply enter the card information directly on the balance check page.

However, if you do already have a Zara online account, you can register gift cards you’ve received to make them easier to access and track. You can add multiple gift cards under your account profile.

Pinpointing Expiration Dates

Along with checking the balance, it’s useful to know when your Zara gift card will expire so you can use the full value in time. The expiration date varies based on when and where the gift card was purchased:

  • Zara gift cards purchased in the United States expire 5 years from the purchase date.
  • Cards purchased in Canada expire 3 years after activation.
  • In Europe, gift cards are valid for 3 years from the date of purchase.

The easiest way to identify the exact expiration date is to check online or call customer service, where the date will be provided along with the balance. If you only have the physical card, the terms and expiration date are listed in the fine print on the back.

Using Expired Gift Cards

It’s still possible to redeem expired Zara gift cards in many cases. If you have a card that has passed the printed expiration date, bring it to a store and ask an associate to scan it. If there is still a balance remaining, they may be able to honor it and allow you to make a purchase.

However, Zara does not guarantee that expired cards with balances will be honored. It will be up to the store manager’s discretion, so the ability to use an expired card is not guaranteed. To avoid this uncertainty, try to use gift cards prior to the expiration date.

Lost or Damaged Card Replacement

If your original Zara gift card is lost, stolen or damaged, you can request a replacement by contacting customer service. You will need to provide the gift card number and security code, which should be recorded separately from the card for this reason.

With this information, Zara can look up the balance remaining and issue you a new gift card with the same value. There may be a replacement fee of a few dollars. The new card will have a new card number and security code, while the balance stays the same.

Inactivity Fees

One thing to keep in mind is that Zara gift cards can incur “inactivity fees” if not used after a period of time. The fee is $2 per month starting 16 months after the card was purchased or last used.

So if your card sits unused for over 16 consecutive months, the balance will gradually decrease each month due to assessed fees. Be sure to redeem your Zara gift cards in a timely manner to get the full value – checking the balance periodically helps avoid losing funds to inactivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you check the balance at any Zara store?

Yes, Zara gift card balances can be checked at any Zara retail store location. You are not limited to purchasing at the same store where it was purchased. Any sales associate can scan the card at the register to check the balance.

How do you check the balance without the physical card?

If you don’t have the actual gift card, you can still check the balance by calling the toll-free customer service number or looking up the card information online. You’ll just need the 15-digit card number and 4-digit security code to access the balance remotely.

Why doesn’t scanning my card show the full value?

When you scan a Zara gift card, it reveals the current balance remaining – not the original loaded amount. So if some purchases have already been made with the card, scanning it will show the reduced value after those deductions rather than the full original amount.

Do Zara gift cards expire?

Yes, Zara gift cards have an expiration date, usually 3-5 years from purchase depending on the country. The exact expiration is printed on the card, and the funds may be redeemable for a short time after expiration at the store’s discretion.

Can I register a Zara gift card under my account?

You can register a Zara gift card on your online Zara account profile for easier access, tracking and balance checks. Add the card on the My Gift Cards page after logging into your account. Registration is optional but can be convenient.

What if I lose my gift card?

Contact Zara customer service with the card number and security code, and they can replace a lost or stolen gift card with a new one for a small fee. You’ll get a card loaded with the same remaining balance.

Using Zara Gift Cards In-Store

When you’re ready to use your Zara gift card in-store, keep the following tips in mind:

  • Present the gift card at the register before your purchase is rung up. The cashier will scan the barcode to apply the value.
  • If purchasing in-store, you can use the gift card amount for both merchandise and sales tax.
  • Gift cards must be used for full redemption – change will not be given if the balance exceeds purchase amount.
  • To get change back, add other payment methods to cover only the amount needed.
  • You can combine multiple Zara gift cards toward a single purchase.
  • Treat it as cash – lost or stolen cards cannot be replaced without the number and code.

Using a Zara gift card is easy and convenient when shopping in-store. Associates are accustomed to scanning and applying gift card values at the register. Be sure you know the balance and expiration date to maximize the full value.

Purchasing Online with a Gift Card

Zara gift cards can also be used to pay for online purchases at zara.com. The process works as follows:

  1. Add desired items to your cart and proceed to checkout.
  2. On the payment page, choose the “Gift Card” tab.
  3. Enter the full gift card number and security code into the appropriate fields.
  4. The balance will appear and be applied to your order total.
  5. If needed, pay any remaining amount with another payment method.
  6. Review order and click “Buy Now” to complete purchase.

When paying with multiple gift cards online, you’ll need to enter each one separately. It’s not possible to combine multiples into a single payment online.

The gift card value will be applied to the subtotal first, then any sales tax or shipping charges can be paid separately with another payment method if needed.

One advantage of using Zara gift cards online is that the number and code are entered manually each time. So you don’t need to worry about losing possession of the physical card – just keep the information recorded securely.

Third-Party Gift Card Exchange Websites

In addition to using Zara gift cards directly, you can also sell or exchange unused cards on third-party gift card exchange websites. Popular sites like CardCash, Raise, and GiftCardSpread allow users to buy and sell gift cards at discounted rates.

To exchange or sell a Zara gift card this way, you would:

  1. Visit the gift card exchange platform and select “Sell a Card”.
  2. Enter your Zara gift card information when prompted.
  3. Receive an offer for a percentage of the card’s value.
  4. If satisfied with the offer, complete the sale.
  5. Payment will be issued to your selected payment method.

Exchange sites essentially buy gift cards at a discount and then resell them to other users for use. This provides a way to get some value back even for unused cards with balances. Make sure to compare rates across multiple sites for the best deal.

Pros and Cons

There are some pros and cons to consider when using third-party gift card exchanges:

Pros Cons
  • Recoup some value on unused cards
  • Quick and easy sale process
  • Often better rates than direct retailer exchanges
  • You’ll get less than full balance value
  • No guarantees on reliability of buyer
  • Smaller market for less popular retailers

As with any online marketplace, it pays to be careful and do some due diligence on sellers and buyers. But when used wisely, gift card exchanges can provide reasonable value for unused balances compared to letting cards expire.

Checking Balances in Other Ways

Aside from the main methods outlined already, there are a couple other creative ways you may be able to check a Zara gift card balance if needed:

  • Customer service live chat: Connect with a Zara support rep through live chat on their website and they can assist in checking your balance.
  • Make a small purchase: Buy a low-cost item with the card, either in-store or online. The transaction will reveal whether there are sufficient funds.
  • GiftCards.com: This popular gift card site allows balance checks for some retailers, including Zara.

However, the easiest and most direct ways will be to call customer service or check online or in Zara stores. Live chat and third-party options are more limited and inconsistent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Zara gift card be used internationally?

Yes, Zara gift cards can typically be used at Zara stores worldwide, and for online orders on Zara’s websites serving other countries. The card is not region-locked.

Can I get cash back on a Zara gift card?

No, Zara gift cards cannot be exchanged for cash back. You can only redeem the value for merchandise purchases in Zara stores or online. Any remaining balance stays on the card.

Is there a Zara gift card balance phone number?

Yes, the toll-free number for checking Zara gift card balances over the phone is 1-866-671-7026. This number is specifically for cards sold in the United States.

Do Zara e-gift cards expire?

Yes, Zara e-gift cards purchased online come with the same expiration dates as their physical plastic gift cards. For the U.S., that is a 5 year expiration period.

Can I reload or add funds to a Zara gift card?

Unfortunately, existing Zara gift cards cannot be reloaded with additional funds. You would need to purchase a brand new gift card if you wanted to add more value.

Conclusion

Checking the balance on a Zara gift card is easy through several convenient methods – in store, online, by phone, or even through third parties. Be sure to pay attention to expiration dates and inactivity fees to maximize your full gift card value at Zara. With a little planning, you can easily keep track of and redeem Zara gift cards for their full worth.

Leave a Comment