How to Check Sephora Gift Card Balance: A Complete Guide

Getting a Sephora gift card as a present is always exciting, but before you head to the store or start browsing online, it's smart to know exactly how much you have to spend. Whether you received a physical card, an eGift Card, or a store merchandise credit, learning how to check Sephora gift card balance correctly can save you from awkward checkout moments and help you plan your beauty haul better.

In this guide, we'll walk through every method available to check Sephora gift card balance, explain the differences between the types of cards Sephora offers, and share a few practical tips based on real customer experience so you don't run into common issues.

Understanding Your Sephora Gift Card Types First

Before you check Sephora gift card balance, it helps to know what kind of card you're actually holding, because the process can vary slightly depending on the format.

Sephora currently offers three types of cards:

• Physical Gift Cards – These are the traditional plastic cards you get in-store or by mail. They come with a 16-digit gift card number and an 8-digit PIN, both usually hidden under a scratch-off panel on the back.

• eGift Cards – These are digital versions sent by email or through the app, also carrying a 16-digit number and 8-digit PIN, but with no physical card to hold.

• Store Merchandise Credits – These are typically issued when you return an item without a receipt. They only have a 16-digit number and no PIN at all.

Knowing which type you have matters because the Sephora gift card balance check process is slightly different for merchandise credits compared to actual gift cards or eGift Cards.

A lot of people skip this step and just assume their card covers the full purchase. But gift card balances can be confusing, especially if the card has been partially used before, or if it was a gift and you're not sure of the original amount loaded onto it. Doing a quick Sephora gift card balance check ahead of time helps you:

• Avoid declined payments at checkout

• Plan your purchase amount so you don't need a backup payment method unexpectedly

• Confirm the card is active and hasn't already been used

• Catch any errors early, in case the balance looks off

It only takes a couple of minutes, and it removes any guesswork from your shopping trip.

Method 1: Check Sephora Gift Card Balance Online Through Your Account

If you have a Sephora.com or Sephora.ca account, this is one of the easiest ways to check Sephora gift card balance.

Here's how it works:

1. Sign in to your Sephora account on the website.

2. Head over to your Account Information page.

3. Look for the Payments & Credits section.

4. Enter your 16-digit gift card number along with the 8-digit PIN.

5. Click "Check" and your current balance will show up instantly.

This method works well if you're already logged into your account and shopping online, since you can check Sephora gift card balance and then apply it directly to your cart in the same session.

Method 2: Check Sephora Gift Card Balance on the App

If you prefer using your phone, the Sephora app has a built-in option to check Sephora gift card balance without needing to sign into the full website. You can also add your gift card to your mobile wallet through the app, which is handy if you tend to forget physical cards at home. This is a convenient option for anyone who does most of their Sephora shopping on mobile.

Method 3: Check Sephora Gift Card Balance by Phone

Not everyone wants to log into an account just to check a balance, and that's completely understandable. Sephora offers a dedicated phone line for this exact purpose.

Simply call 1-888-860-7897, and a representative can check Sephora gift card balance or eGift Card balance for you directly. Keep your card number and PIN handy before calling, since you'll need to provide these details to verify the card.

This method is especially useful if:

• You don't have internet access at the moment

• You're not comfortable entering card details online

• You just want a quick verbal confirmation before heading to the store

Method 4: Check Sephora Gift Card Balance In-Store

If you have the physical card, a printed eGift Card, or the eGift Card pulled up on your phone, you can simply walk into any Sephora store in the US or Canada and ask a Beauty Advisor to check Sephora gift card balance for you. This is often the fastest option if you're already at the mall or planning to shop in person anyway, since there's no need to log in or dial a number — just hand over your card at the counter.

Unlike regular gift cards and eGift Cards, store merchandise credits work a bit differently. If you want to check a merchandise credit balance, it can only be done in person at a Sephora store. There's no online or phone option for merchandise credits, so if you're holding one of these, plan on visiting a store to confirm how much is left before making a purchase. 

This is one point worth repeating because it genuinely matters for your safety. Never use third-party websites that claim to check Sephora gift card balance for you. These sites are almost always scams designed to steal your gift card number and PIN, and once that information is compromised, your balance can be drained without your knowledge.

Sephora has been clear about this: only use their official website, app, phone number, or in-store service to check Sephora gift card balance. If a random site pops up in a search asking you to enter your card details, close it immediately. Sephora is not responsible for any losses that happen through unauthorized third-party platforms, so protecting your own card details is entirely on you.

Something a lot of shoppers don't realize is that your Sephora gift card balance is technically considered an estimate. In most cases, the balance updates immediately after a purchase, but occasionally there can be a slight delay before the new balance reflects accurately. If you check your balance right after a purchase and it looks slightly off, don't panic — give it a little time and check again, or confirm with customer service if the discrepancy continues. 

Once you've confirmed how much is on your card, redeeming it is simple. Sephora Gift Cards, eGift Cards, and merchandise credits can be used for merchandise purchases in Sephora stores, on Sephora.com, Sephora.ca, and the Sephora app. Merchandise credits can additionally be used at Sephora at Kohl's stores. Physical gift cards and eGift Cards, however, don't work at Sephora at Kohl's locations.

If your order total is higher than your gift card balance, you'll need another payment method — like a debit or credit card — to cover the difference. If your order total is lower than the balance, the remaining amount simply stays on the card for your next purchase. One thing to note: currently, gift cards can't be combined with Klarna or Afterpay at checkout, so keep that in mind if you're planning a larger purchase.

To summarize, here are all the ways you can check Sephora gift card balance:

1. Online through your Sephora.com or Sephora.ca account under Payments & Credits

2. On the Sephora app, with the option to add your card to your mobile wallet

3. By phone, calling 1-888-860-7897

4. In-store, by showing your card to a Beauty Advisor

And remember, store merchandise credits can only be checked in person at a store.

Final Thoughts

Knowing exactly how to check Sephora gift card balance before you shop makes the whole experience smoother, whether you're treating yourself or using a gift someone gave you. With four official ways to check your balance — online, through the app, by phone, or in-store — there's an option that fits however you prefer to shop. Just make sure to stick to Sephora's official channels, since third-party balance checkers put your card information at serious risk.

Next time you're wondering how much is left on your card, you'll know exactly where to look, and you can shop with confidence knowing your Sephora gift card balance check was done safely and accurately.

How do I check Sephora gift card balance without an account?

You don't need an account to check Sephora gift card balance. You can call 1-888-860-7897 and provide your card number and PIN, use the Sephora app, or ask a Beauty Advisor at any Sephora store to check it for you in person.

Can I check Sephora gift card balance for an eGift Card the same way?

Yes, eGift Cards use the same 16-digit number and 8-digit PIN format as physical gift cards, so all four official methods work the same way to check Sephora gift card balance for an eGift Card.

Why does my Sephora gift card balance check show an outdated amount after a purchase?

Your balance is treated as an estimate. It usually updates right away, but occasionally there's a short delay before the correct amount reflects. Wait a bit and check again if this happens.

Is it safe to check Sephora gift card balance on third-party websites?

No. Only use Sephora's official website, app, phone number, or in-store service. Third-party balance checkers are often scams that can steal your card details and drain your balance.

Can I check the balance of a Sephora store merchandise credit online?

No, merchandise credit balances can only be checked in person at a Sephora store, unlike regular gift cards and eGift Cards which offer online, app, and phone options.

Do Sephora gift cards expire, so does my balance ever run out on its own?

No, Sephora gift cards, eGift Cards, and store merchandise credits have no expiration date, and no fees are ever charged against the unused balance. So whenever you check Sephora gift card balance, you can be confident the amount will still be there whenever you're ready to use it.

What if I lost my gift card but still want to check Sephora gift card balance?

Unfortunately, Sephora gift cards cannot be replaced if lost, stolen, altered, or destroyed. This is exactly why it's a good idea to check Sephora gift card balance and note down your card number and PIN somewhere safe as soon as you receive it, so you have a record even if the physical card is misplaced.

Can I use my Sephora gift card balance to buy another gift card?

No, you cannot use a Sephora Gift Card, eGift Card, or eGift Certificate to purchase gift cards or eGift Cards. So even after you check Sephora gift card balance, that amount can only go toward actual merchandise, not toward buying more gift cards.

Can I check Sephora gift card balance if I bought it in Canada but I'm shopping in the US?

Yes, you can still check Sephora gift card balance the same way regardless of where it was purchased. Keep in mind, though, that the daily exchange rate will determine the value of Canadian cards used in the US, and vice versa, so the amount may look slightly different depending on current rates.

Can I check Sephora gift card balance for a card bought from an authorized retailer?

Yes, as long as the gift card was purchased through Sephora stores, Sephora.com, Sephora.ca, the Sephora app, or an authorized retailer, you can check Sephora gift card balance using any of the official methods, since Sephora only honors cards bought through these approved channels.

How often should I check Sephora gift card balance if I'm using it for multiple purchases?

It's a good habit to check Sephora gift card balance before every purchase if you're spreading it across multiple orders, since any leftover balance stays on the card for future use. Checking beforehand ensures you always know exactly how much remains and won't be caught off guard at checkout.

Does checking Sephora gift card balance too often reduce the amount on the card?

No, simply checking your balance through official methods does not deduct anything from your card. You can check Sephora gift card balance as many times as you like without it affecting the actual amount available to spend.