How to Read a Starbucks Gift Card Number and PIN

As of September 2026, Starbucks gift cards are among the cards Nigerians may receive from friends and family abroad. Before you can redeem or sell one, you need to locate two things on the card: the card number and the PIN. Reading them correctly takes less than a minute once you know where to look.

This guide shows you exactly where both codes sit on physical and digital Starbucks cards, how to enter them without errors, and what to do if the scratch panel is damaged.

Where to Find the Card Number and PIN

The location depends on whether you have a physical card or a digital one.

Physical Starbucks card

  • The card number is the long string of digits printed on the back; the exact length can vary, so confirm the current format with Starbucks.
  • The PIN is hidden under a silver scratch-off panel, right next to or below the card number; the exact length can vary, so confirm the current format with Starbucks.
  • On some designs the number sits on the front instead. Check both sides before assuming it is missing.

Digital Starbucks card

  • Open the Starbucks app and go to the card you received.
  • Tap the card to view its details. The card number and PIN appear together on the same screen.
  • If someone sent you the card by email or message, the number and PIN are usually written in the message body, not as an attachment.

Starbucks eGift

  • The email or message that delivered the eGift contains both codes, usually near the top under the card image.
  • Some eGifts include a barcode or QR code you can scan in store instead of typing anything.

For Nigerians holding a card they no longer plan to use, Cardhorse at https://www.cardhorse.com/ offers a way to check its value and convert it to Naira.

How to Read and Enter Them Correctly

Digits are easy to misread, and a single wrong character will stop the card from loading. Follow these steps carefully.

Step 1. Lay the card flat under good light. Tilt it slightly if the print is faint, since glare can hide thin digits.

Step 2. Read the card number from left to right, one group at a time. The number may be printed in groups, which can make it easier to track your place.

Step 3. Watch for the classic mix-ups: the number 0 versus the letter O, and the number 1 versus the letter I. Treat every character as a number unless the card or issuer states otherwise.

Step 4. Scratch the silver panel gently with a coin. Press lightly and work in one direction. Scratching too hard can remove the PIN along with the coating.

Step 5. Enter the codes in the Starbucks app under the "Add card" or "Reload" section, or hand the card to a barista in store. Type slowly and check each block before moving on.

Step 6. Confirm the balance shows up after loading. If it does not, recheck the PIN before trying again.

If you would rather turn the card into cash instead of coffee, you can list it on Cardhorse through https://www.cardhorse.com/ or the Cardhorse app at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cardhorse.app.

Sell Your Gift Card for Cash – Download Cardhorse App

What to Do If the Code Is Scratched or Damaged

A damaged scratch panel does not always mean the card is worthless, but it does make things harder.

  1. Do not scratch further. More damage can wipe out digits that are still readable.
  2. Check your purchase receipt or email. If the card was bought online or sent as an eGift, the original message often repeats the number and PIN.
  3. Ask the sender for the original confirmation. Anyone who bought the card directly from Starbucks usually has this in their inbox.
  4. Contact Starbucks support. With proof of purchase, they can sometimes trace the card and confirm the codes.
  5. Be cautious with damaged cards you did not buy yourself. A scratched-off panel can be a sign the card may have been used, so verify the balance before relying on it.

If the codes are intact and the card is genuine, a platform like Cardhorse may let you check whether it is eligible for a Naira quote. Rates for Starbucks cards are market-dependent (as of September 2026), depending on the card's region and current demand.


Sell Your Gift Card Anywhere, Anytime

The Cardhorse app lets you check live rates, submit your card, and receive payment directly to your account — all from your phone.

Download the Cardhorse App


Frequently Asked Questions

How many digits are in a Starbucks gift card number and PIN?

Card number and PIN lengths can vary, so confirm the current format with Starbucks. On a physical card, the PIN typically sits under a scratch-off panel on the back.

Can I read a Starbucks gift card number without scratching the PIN?

Yes. The card number is printed openly and does not need scratching. The PIN is the only part covered, so you can read the number first and only scratch the panel when you are ready to load or sell the card.

Where is the PIN on a digital Starbucks gift card?

On a digital card, both the number and PIN appear together in the Starbucks app or in the original email that delivered the eGift. There is no scratch panel to deal with.

What happens if I enter the wrong PIN too many times?

Repeated wrong entries may temporarily lock the card from being loaded. Stop after a few failed attempts, recheck each digit carefully, and confirm you are reading the PIN and not the card number.

Can I sell a Starbucks gift card in Nigeria if the PIN is intact?

You can list a genuine card with an intact, unused PIN on Cardhorse to check whether it is eligible for a Naira quote. Verification and processing times depend on the card and current platform terms.

Do Starbucks gift cards expire?

Expiration rules can vary by card and region, so confirm the current terms with Starbucks. Exchange rates also move, so a quote you get today may differ from one you get later.

Turn Your Card Into Cash

If you have a valid, unredeemed Starbucks gift card with readable codes, you can convert it to Naira without leaving home. Cardhorse shows a live rate; payout timing depends on the card and current platform terms.

Got a Genuine Card? Sell It on Cardhorse →


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