How to Get a Lost Gift Card Back (or Replaced)

Losing a gift card can feel like watching free money vanish. Whether you misplaced it, accidentally threw it away, or never even opened the envelope, there may still be a way to get it back—or get it replaced. But it depends on what info you can provide. Below, we'll walk you through everything you can do to recover a lost or missing gift card.

Step 1: Try to Find the Card Number

Without the card number, replacing a gift card is nearly impossible. Start by checking:

• The activation receipt: Often contains the full or partial card number.
• The original purchase receipt: Gives proof of purchase, date, time, and amount.
• Your email: Especially if it was an eGift or purchased online.
• Bank statements: Look for the charge from when the card was bought.
• Used transaction history: If the card was partially used, the merchant might retrieve it.
• Ask the gift giver: They may still have the email, receipt, or store info.

Step 2: Contact the Card Issuer or Merchant

Once you have as much info as possible, contact the merchant or brand that issued the card.

• Ask if the card was used. If not, they may cancel and replace it.
• If used, request the redemption date and location—you may have used it already.
• If bought at a third-party retailer, you might need to contact both the retailer and the card issuer.

Step 3: Check If It Was a Digital Card

If your card was emailed or texted, search your inbox (or the sender's inbox) for keywords like "gift card," "Visa," or the merchant name.

• Check for filters or spam folders.
• If it came from a third-party site like GiftCards.com, log in and see if it's recoverable.

Step 4: Try the Original Purchase Method

If the gift card was bought via:

• Retail store: Bring in the receipt and payment method.
• Online: Look in your account or order history.
• Credit card: Match the transaction to the day and amount—it may help prove it.

Some merchants will reissue the card if you can prove it was paid for and never redeemed.

What to Do If You Still Can't Find It

Unfortunately, if you can't locate the card number or provide purchase proof, most merchants won't be able to help.

Gift cards are typically treated like cash, which means there's no recovery option unless:

• It was registered at the time of activation.
• You have the activation code or receipt.
• The merchant offers a goodwill reissue.

How to Prevent This in the Future

Next time, take these precautions:

• Photograph the card front and back right after receiving it.
• Write down the card number and store it safely.
• Register the card online, if possible.
• Keep the activation and purchase receipts.
• Use a gift card balance tracker app to monitor your cards in one place.