Why is My GameStop Gift Card Not Working?

Gift cards from GameStop are one of the most celebrated things among gamers since they enable these users to buy games, consoles and merchandise items from GameStop retail outlets or its online site.   

But it may be troublesome and grating for someone to encounter a problem in which a gift card has failed to work.   

Should your GameStop gift card fail to work, be it a minor glitch or an inherent flaw within the card itself, knowing about such occurrences and troubleshooting thoughts may help one save time and enable problem-solving in a much more effective manner. 

Therefore, this article aims to give you essential information about these gift cards, such as: 

• What are GameStop Gift cards, and how are they used? 

• Common issues that may cause GameStop gift cards not to work. 

• Troubleshooting steps to resolve issues with the gift card. 

Intriguing. Isn’t it? 

Let’s delve deeper into it.  

GameStop Gift Cards: Where and How to Use Them 

GameStop gift card is a pre-paid gift card that enables the users to purchase anything relative to video games and accessories online or in a GameStop store.  

Aside from that, shoppers can now also utilize their gift cards on the official GameStop website as well as at ThinkGeek.

It’s worth noting that they can presently be utilized in stores operated by GameStop in your region, as well as in some stores that have been combined with GameStop-branded stores, like EB Games, EBX, and Planet X.   

To use a GameStop gift card, simply enter the card number along with its PIN number on an online checkout page or present it at any GameStop retail window.

Common Issues for GameStop Gift Card Not Working 

Several reasons may cause your GameStop gift card to decline. Let’s take a more closer look at each: 

1. Inactive Gift Card 

Failure to activate the gift card at the time of purchase is one of the common problems. Gift cards are usually activated when purchased at the store or ordered online. Prior to delivery, the card wasn’t completely activated following an online transaction.  

Errors may arise during the activation process; if a card is inactive, it will be rejected at the checkout process.  

Other reasons could include an issue occurring during the transaction or the card being bought online but improperly activated prior to delivery.

2. Insufficient Balance 

Another common complaint surrounding gift cards is related to their insufficient balance to cover one’s buyout. This could happen if the card were only partially used, or if it was purchased with a lesser balance than was needed.  

Even if you feel confident that you have enough remaining funds on the card, keep in mind to verify the actual amount left especially when making large purchases.  

3. Technical Issues 

Technical glitches tend to get in the way of your gift card working, whether you try to use it online or in-store. Just like vanilla gift card errors, the technical problems could be attributed to the GameStop.com website, GameStop’s mobile app, or conflict with the point-of-sale system in its physical stores.  

For instance, if the website has gone down or the payment gateway processing gift cards is not functioning properly.  

 Browser issues like cache or old cookies could also hinder your online transactions.   

4. Expired Card 

Although GameStop gift cards typically do not expire, a few exceptions exist, namely, with the promotional or special edition cards.  

 You won’t be able to use it after the expiration date listed.  

 Hence, it’s good to check if your gift card has special conditions attached to it before buying items so as not to run into any surprises later. 

5. Incorrect Card Information 

Entering incorrect information is a common mistake that can prevent your gift card from working. When purchasing online, you must correctly enter the card number and PIN.

Even a tiny error, such as mistyping a digit or missing a character, can cause the card to be rejected.  

Moreover, some cards may have a card number and a PIN hidden under a scratch-off strip, so make sure you’re entering the correct details. 

Troubleshooting Guide for GameStop Gift Card Not Working 

If your GameStop gift card isn’t working, you can take several troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue. Follow these steps to identify and fix the problem. 

1. Check Activation Status 

The first step is to check if your gift card has been activated. To do this: 

1. Visit the GameStop website. 

2. Navigate to the Balance Inquiry page. 

3. Enter the card number and PIN (usually found on the back of the card). 

If the card is inactive, the website will notify you, and you’ll need to contact the store where it was purchased or GameStop customer service to activate it. 

2. Check the Balance 

Before making a purchase, it’s crucial to check the balance on your gift card to ensure it’s sufficient to cover the cost. Here’s how you can check the balance: 

1. Online: Visit the GameStop website and use the balance checker tool. Enter your card number and PIN. 

2. In-store: Visit any GameStop store and ask a cashier to check your balance. They can scan the card and provide you with the remaining balance. 

3. By Phone: Call GameStop customer support at 1-800-883-8895 and follow the prompts to check your balance. 

Knowing your balance can help you avoid any surprises during checkout. 

3. Consider Using an Alternative Payment Method 

If you encounter an issue with your gift card during checkout, try using an alternative payment method to determine if the problem is with the card or the retailer.

  For instance, if your gift card doesn’t work online, try using a credit card or PayPal. If the transaction goes through, the issue likely lies with the gift card.  

This step helps you isolate the problem and can provide insight into whether the issue is card-specific or a broader technical problem with GameStop’s payment systems. 

4. Clear Browser Cache 

Technical issues, particularly online, can often be resolved by clearing your browser’s cache and cookies.  

Here’s how to do it: 

1. Google Chrome: 

• Click on the three dots in the upper-right corner. 

• Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data. 

• Select Cookies, other site data, and Cached images and files, then click Clear Data. 

2. Mozilla Firefox: 

• Click on the three lines in the upper-right corner. 

• Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data. 

• Click Clear Data. 

3. Safari: 

• Click on Safari in the top menu, then select Preferences. 

• Go to the Privacy tab and click Manage Website Data. 

• Select Remove All. 

Clearing your cache can resolve issues related to outdated data that might be causing problems with your transaction. 

5. Double-check the Card Information 

Ensuring that the card information you’re entering is correct is essential. Here are a few tips: 

• Card Number: Make sure you’re entering all digits correctly, including any leading zeros. 

• PIN: Some cards have a scratch-off panel covering the PIN. Ensure the entire PIN is revealed and entered correctly. 

• Case Sensitivity: Use the correct uppercase or lowercase letters if the card or PIN is case-sensitive. 

Double-checking the information before submitting it can help avoid unnecessary errors. 

6. Contact GameStop Customer Support 

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, your last resort is to contact GameStop customer support. They can assist with card activation issues, balance discrepancies, and other technical problems.  

The Bottom Line 

GameStop gift cards are a convenient way to purchase games, consoles, and accessories, but like any payment method, they can encounter issues.  

Whether your card is inactive, has an insufficient balance, or faces technical difficulties, the above troubleshooting steps can help you resolve the problem.  

By checking the card’s activation status, verifying the balance, and ensuring the correct card information entry, you can increase the likelihood of successfully using your GameStop gift card. If all else fails, GameStop customer support is there to assist you.