So, you found a plastic card tucked into the back of a junk drawer or buried in a wallet you haven't used since last summer. It's got that iconic blue and yellow logo. Maybe it was a housewarming gift. Maybe you returned a Billy bookcase three months ago and they gave you a refund card instead of cash. Now you're wondering if there’s enough on there for a new set of Pojig towels or just a plate of Swedish meatballs. Honestly, figuring out how to IKEA check gift card balance shouldn't feel like assembling a Pax wardrobe without the instructions.
It’s actually pretty straightforward, but there are a few quirks depending on where you live and what kind of card you’re holding.
Most people assume they have to drive all the way to the store just to ask a cashier. You don't. That’s a waste of gas. Whether you have a standard gift card or a "Refund Card," the process is mostly digital these days.
The Quickest Ways to See Your Balance
The most common method is the official online portal. IKEA has a dedicated page for this. You’ll need two things: the 19-digit card number and the 4-digit PIN.
Where is the PIN? It’s usually under a scratch-off coating on the back. If you’ve got a digital e-gift card, the PIN is right there in the email they sent you. If you scratch too hard and ruin the PIN, you’re basically stuck calling their customer support or visiting a "Småland" adjacent service desk. It happens more than you’d think. People get aggressive with those quarters.
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If you aren't a fan of typing long strings of numbers on a phone screen, you can call them. IKEA’s automated balance line is available 24/7. You just follow the prompts. It’s old school, but it works when the website is being buggy—which, let’s be real, happens during big sales like the Midsummer event or Black Friday.
Why Your Balance Might Look Wrong
Sometimes you check the balance and it says zero. Don't panic yet.
There’s a massive difference between a "Gift Card" and a "Promotional Card." IKEA often gives out promotional cards during events—like "spend $1,000, get $100 back." Those cards have expiration dates. Real gift cards bought with cash typically don’t expire in most regions (like the US or Canada), but those promo ones are "use it or lose it." If you’re checking a promo card from two years ago, it’s likely a coaster now.
Another thing: if you just bought the card or just used it, the system might take a few hours to sync. It’s not always instantaneous. If you just did a return at the store and the online tool says $0.00, give it a beat.
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Physical vs. Digital Cards
IKEA sells both. The digital ones are great because they sit in your email, but they’re easy to lose in a cluttered inbox. Pro tip: search your email for "CashStar." That’s the third-party merchant IKEA uses to process their digital gift cards. If you search for "IKEA," you might just get a bunch of marketing newsletters, but "CashStar" usually brings up the actual credit.
Physical cards are sturdier but easier to physically lose. If you lose a physical card and haven't registered it or don't have the receipt, that money is effectively gone. IKEA is pretty strict about that. They treat the card like cash. No card, no couch.
International Limitations
This is the big one that trips people up. IKEA is global, but their gift cards are not. If you bought a gift card in London, you cannot use it in Brooklyn. You can't even check the balance on the US website if the card was issued in the UK or Australia.
Each country’s IKEA website only talks to its own database. If you’re trying to IKEA check gift card balance for a card from another country, you have to go to that specific country's website (e.g., IKEA.ca for Canada, IKEA.es for Spain).
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Spending Your Balance Wisely
Once you know you’ve got, say, $47.50, what do you do with it?
You don't have to spend it all at once. The balance stays on the card. Some people think they have to zero it out in one go, but you can use $5 today and $42 next month. Also, you can combine multiple gift cards on a single online order. Usually, the limit is about 10 cards per transaction, though why anyone would have 10 separate cards is a mystery of its own.
Don't forget the "As-Is" section. It's the holy grail of IKEA shopping. If you have a small balance, you can often find floor models or slightly dinged items there that fit your exact remaining credit.
Security and Scams
A quick warning because it’s 2026 and people are still getting scammed. IKEA will never ask you to pay a utility bill, a tax debt, or a "processing fee" using a gift card. If someone calls you claiming you owe money and they want an IKEA gift card number, hang up.
Only check your balance on the official IKEA website. Avoid third-party "balance checker" sites. Those are often just phishing tools designed to steal your card number and PIN so they can drain the funds before you get to the store.
Actionable Steps to Take Right Now
- Find the PIN: Scratch off the silver strip on the back of your physical card carefully. Use a coin, not a steak knife.
- Visit the official portal: Go to the IKEA website for your specific country. Look for the "Gift Card" link, usually found in the footer of the page.
- Screenshot it: Once the balance pops up, take a screenshot. It’s way easier to refer to a photo in your gallery while you're standing in the middle of a crowded warehouse than it is to try and reload a webpage with bad signal.
- Register the card: If your local IKEA site allows you to add the card to your "IKEA Family" account, do it. It adds a layer of protection and makes it easier to track.
- Check the expiry: If it's a promotional card (from a "Buy This, Get That" deal), look for small print on the back or in the email. Use those first, as they actually expire.
Knowing your balance before you head out helps you plan your project better. Whether it's a full kitchen remodel or just a new plant pot, knowing exactly how much "IKEA money" you have makes the maze-like trek through the showroom a lot more satisfying.