Sephora Gift Card 2026: Buying, Balance & Redemption

Beauty fans are notoriously hard to shop for. With over 25,000 products across 400+ brands, picking the “right” lipstick or serum for someone else feels like guesswork. A Sephora gift card solves that problem in one move it hands the choice to the recipient while still feeling thoughtful.

What is a Sephora gift card and what types are available?

A Sephora gift card is a prepaid stored-value card used to buy beauty merchandise at Sephora. Sephora offers three distinct types: physical gift cards, digital eGift cards, and store merchandise credits. Each works slightly differently in terms of numbers, PINs, and where it can be redeemed.

Store merchandise credits are typically issued for approved returns made within 31–60 days and cannot be used online or in the app a key limitation many shoppers miss.

Where can you buy a Sephora gift card?

You can buy a Sephora gift card in store, online, or by phone. Physical cards are sold at Sephora stores and authorized retailers in the U.S. and Canada. eGift cards are available only online through Sephora.com, the Sephora app, or authorized retailers like SVS Gift Cards Direct and eGifter.

A note on online orders: Sephora limits you to one gift card per online order. To buy several, place separate orders or visit a store. For purchases above $2,500, use Sephora’s Corporate Ordering Platform or call 1-844-828-5335.

Can you buy Sephora gift cards anywhere?

No, you cannot buy authentic Sephora gift cards just anywhere. Sephora only honors cards bought through its stores, website, app, and authorized retailers. Cards from unauthorized sellers or auction sites are not valid and won’t be replaced. Always buy from official channels to avoid scams.

Do they sell Sephora gift cards at grocery stores?

Sephora gift cards are not widely stocked on the gift card racks at most grocery stores. Sephora’s official channels are its own stores, website, app, phone line, Sephora at Kohl’s, and authorized online retailers like Amazon, SVS Gift Cards Direct, and eGifter. Always confirm a retailer is authorized before buying.

Can I buy a Sephora gift card at Target?

Sephora gift cards are not the same as Target gift cards, and Sephora at Kohl’s not Target is Sephora’s department store partner. Target operates Ulta Beauty shops, not Sephora. For an authentic Sephora card, stick to Sephora stores, Sephora.com, the app, Amazon, or authorized resellers.

Does Walmart carry Sephora gift cards?

Walmart’s gift card selection varies by location and is not listed among Sephora’s named authorized channels. To guarantee a valid card, purchase directly from Sephora (in store, online, app, or phone), from Sephora at Kohl’s, or from confirmed authorized retailers such as Amazon and eGifter.

What denominations are available and can you customize a card?

Sephora gift cards range from $5 to $250, with a maximum single-card denomination of $250. Sephora.com and CashStar offer preset amounts of $25, $50, $75, and $100, plus a custom amount option. You can also personalize digital cards with your own photo, a message, and a chosen delivery date.

Customization options for eGift cards include:

• Seasonal and themed designs (Father’s Day, Graduation, Pride, Birthday, and more)
• Uploading your own image or photo
• Adding a personal message (up to 250 characters)
• Scheduling a future delivery date
• Sending by email or shareable link (text, WhatsApp, Messenger)

How much does a $100 Sephora gift card cost?

A $100 Sephora gift card costs exactly $100 when bought through Sephora or authorized retailers like SVS Gift Cards Direct and eGifter, which charge no purchase fees. Be cautious of third-party sites advertising discounts they may be scams. Watch authorized retailers for legitimate occasional promotions instead.

How do you redeem a Sephora gift card?

To redeem a physical Sephora gift card online, scratch off the foil on the back to reveal the 16-digit number and 8-digit PIN, then enter both in the Payment section at checkout. In store, a Beauty Advisor scans or keys in the card number. eGift cards work the same way using the details in the email.

Step-by-step online redemption:

1. (Physical cards only) Scratch off the foil on the back with a coin or fingernail to reveal the number and PIN.
2. At checkout, find the Payment section and enter your 16-digit gift card number and 8-digit PIN.
3. Hit Save & Continue. The card amount is deducted from your total.

Up to two gift cards and/or eGift cards can be used per online order. To use more than two, visit a Sephora store. If your order total including tax and shipping exceeds your card balance, you’ll need a second payment method like a credit card, debit card, or PayPal. Gift cards currently can’t be combined with Klarna or Afterpay.

Where can you redeem each card type?

How do you check a Sephora gift card balance?

You can check your Sephora gift card balance in four ways: online at Sephora.com, on the Sephora app, by phone at 1-888-860-7897, or in store with a Beauty Advisor. Enter your card number and PIN on the “check your balance” page. Store merchandise credit balances can only be checked in person.

Four ways to check your balance:

• Online: Sign in to your Sephora account, go to Payments & Credits, enter your card number and PIN, and click “check.”
• App or website: Use the dedicated “check your balance” page—you can also add the card to your mobile wallet from here.
• By phone: Call 1-888-860-7897.
• In store: A Beauty Advisor can check the balance on a physical card, printout, or eGift card on your phone.

 Security tip: Never check your balance on third-party sites. Sephora warns these are likely scams that can steal your card details and personal information. Stick to official Sephora channels only.

How to check a balance on a Sephora card?

Visit Sephora’s official balance-check page on the website or app, enter your 16-digit card number and 8-digit PIN, then click “Check Balance.” Alternatively, call 1-888-860-7897 or ask a Beauty Advisor in store. Your balance is an estimate and usually updates instantly after a purchase.

Sephora gift card number and PIN: what to know

Every Sephora physical and eGift card has a 16-digit gift card number and an 8-digit PIN. On physical cards, both are hidden under foil on the back—scratch it off but leave the clear sticker tape in place. On eGift cards, the number and PIN appear at the bottom of the card after you open it.

What if my Sephora gift card PIN is scratched off or damaged?

If the PIN area on your physical card is damaged or accidentally scratched away beyond reading, call Sephora customer service at 1-888-860-7897 with the card in hand. Because lost or altered cards aren’t replaced, contact support promptly and keep your original purchase receipt as proof.

Sephora gift card number scratched off (Reddit-style concern)

A common worry shared online: shoppers accidentally rub away part of the gift card number along with the foil. If your number is partially unreadable, don’t keep scratching. Phone 1-888-860-7897 with your physical card and receipt, and a representative can help locate or verify your card details.

Why does my Sephora gift card number seem too long?

If your Sephora gift card number looks “too long,” you may be including the PIN or extra printed digits. The card number is exactly 16 digits and the PIN is exactly 8 digits they’re separate fields. Enter only the 16-digit number in the gift card field and the 8-digit PIN in the PIN field.

Sephora near me: stores and hiring

To find a Sephora near you, use the store locator at sephora.com/happening/stores/sephora-near-me. Sephora operates 460+ standalone stores across the Americas plus locations inside Sephora at Kohl’s. For jobs, search “Sephora near me hiring” or visit Sephora’s official careers page to see openings by location.

• Sephora near me: Use Sephora’s online store locator to find the closest standalone store or Sephora at Kohl’s.
• Sephora near me hiring: Beauty Advisor and retail roles are posted on Sephora’s official careers site, filter by your city or ZIP code.

Is Sephora at Kohl’s or Target? Authorized retailers explained

Sephora’s U.S. department store partner is Kohl’s, not Target. Sephora shops operate inside Kohl’s stores under the “Sephora at Kohl’s” banner. Target partners with Ulta Beauty instead. Sephora gift cards and eGift cards are accepted at Sephora at Kohl’s, but store merchandise credits are not.

What stores are authorized for Sephora gift cards?

Authorized channels for buying and redeeming Sephora gift cards include Sephora stores, Sephora.com, the Sephora app, Sephora’s phone line (1-877-SEPHORA), Sephora at Kohl’s, and authorized online retailers such as Amazon, SVS Gift Cards Direct, and eGifter. Sephora gift cards historically appeared at JCPenney’s Sephora locations too.

What are the key benefits of a Sephora gift card?

The biggest perks of a Sephora gift card are flexibility and zero hidden costs. Cards never expire, carry no inactivity or service fees, and can be redeemed across thousands of beauty products. They suit nearly any occasion birthdays, graduations, weddings, holidays, or a treat for yourself.

Pros:

• ✅ No expiration date on gift cards and store credits
• ✅ No fees charged against the unused balance
• ✅ Wide selection 25,000+ products from 400+ brands
• ✅ Flexible delivery instant eGift cards or mailed physical cards
• ✅ Mobile wallet ready add to Apple Wallet or Google Pay
• ✅ Versatile gifting works for any occasion or budget

Cons / important considerations:

• ❌ Not replaceable if lost, stolen, altered, or used without authorization
• ❌ Non-refundable all gift card sales are final
• ❌ Online limits one card per purchase order; up to two cards per redemption order
• ❌ No reloading for eGift cards, authorized-retailer cards, or store credits
• ❌ Store credits can’t be used online or in the app

How can you protect your card from fraud?

Gift card scams are on the rise, so Sephora urges buyers to take precautions. Only buy and check balances through official Sephora channels and authorized retailers. Never share your card number or PIN with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly, and never use third-party balance-check sites.

Quick fraud-prevention checklist:

• Buy only from Sephora or authorized retailers never from auction or resale sites.
• Keep your purchase receipt as proof.
• Check balances only on official Sephora pages or by phone (1-888-860-7897).
• Don’t pay a “bill” or “debt” using gift cards that’s always a scam.
• Visit sephora.com/giftcardscams for current scam awareness tips.

The bottom line on Sephora gift cards

Frequently asked questions

Do Sephora gift cards expire?
No. Sephora gift cards, eGift cards, and store merchandise credits have no expiration date, and no inactivity or service fees apply to the unused balance.

What’s the maximum value of a single Sephora gift card?
The maximum denomination for one Sephora gift card is $250. For totals between $250 and $2,500, buy multiple cards; for over $2,500, use the Corporate Ordering Platform or call 1-844-828-5335.

Can I reload money onto an existing Sephora gift card?
Only physical gift cards bought at a Sephora store, on Sephora.com, or via the app can be reloaded and only in store. eGift cards, authorized-retailer cards, and store credits cannot be reloaded.

 Is a Sephora gift card refundable?
No. All gift card and eGift card sales are final and nonrefundable, except where required by law.

 Can I use a Sephora gift card at Sephora at Kohl’s?
Yes. Physical gift cards and eGift cards are accepted at Sephora at Kohl’s stores, but they can’t be used on Kohls.com. Store merchandise credits are not accepted there.

 What happens if my Sephora gift card is lost or stolen?
Sephora cannot replace the value of any card that is lost, stolen, altered, destroyed, or used without authorization, so treat it like cash and add it to your mobile wallet for safekeeping.

 Can I check my store merchandise credit balance online?
No. Store merchandise credit balances can only be checked in person at a Sephora store, unlike gift and eGift cards, which can be checked online, in the app, or by phone.

Why is checkout still asking for my credit card after I entered my gift card?
Your gift card likely doesn’t cover the full total, which includes sales tax and shipping. Gift card funds apply first, and any remaining balance needs a second payment method like a credit card, debit card, or PayPal.