Borders Gift Card Balance How To Check It Simply

Gift cards are a convenient way to shop for books, stationery, and more at retail stores like Borders—when they were in operation. While the physical Borders chain closed in 2011, many gift cards issued before that time may still hold value. If you’ve come across an old Borders gift card and want to know whether it has any remaining balance, you’re not alone. Thousands of consumers still seek ways to check their unused balances and redeem them where possible. This guide walks you through every practical method available today to verify your Borders gift card balance, including current redemption options and real-world tips from financial experts.

Understanding the Status of Borders Gift Cards

After Borders filed for bankruptcy and shut down all its U.S. locations in 2011, customers were left wondering what would happen to their unused gift cards. Legally, most states require retailers to honor gift card balances even after closure—but only if funds remain accessible through the issuer’s system. In the case of Borders, the gift card program was managed by a third-party provider, which affects how balances can be checked and potentially redeemed.

As of recent reports, some former Borders gift cards may still be honored through Liquidating Trustees or successor companies managing residual assets. However, availability varies by state due to differing unclaimed property laws. For example, in states with strong consumer protection statutes (like California and New York), dormant card balances may have been transferred to state treasury departments as unclaimed property.

“Even when a retailer closes, gift card holders aren’t necessarily out of luck. Many balances end up in state databases under unclaimed property programs.” — Laura Simmons, Consumer Finance Attorney

Step-by-Step: How to Check Your Borders Gift Card Balance

Although there is no active Borders website to check balances directly, several alternative methods exist. Follow this timeline-based process to determine your card's status:

1. Locate your gift card number and PIN. These are typically found on the back of the card, often under a scratch-off panel.
2. Try the original verification portal. Visit the archived URL: www.bordersgiftcard.com. Note: The site no longer operates, but entering your details may redirect you to a legacy support page or liquidation administrator.
3. Contact the Liquidating Trustee. The official trustee overseeing Borders’ asset distribution is KPMG LLP. You can submit an inquiry via their dedicated claims portal or call their customer service line for closed-retailer gift cards.
4. Search your state’s unclaimed property database. Use your name and address to search for abandoned balances at www.unclaimed.org.
5. Check with Books-A-Million or other successor resellers. Though not obligated, some book retailers have accepted expired Borders cards during special promotions.

Tip: Write down your gift card number and expiration date immediately upon finding it—before attempting any balance checks.

Where Can You Still Redeem a Borders Gift Card?

Direct redemption at Borders stores is no longer possible. However, limited indirect options exist depending on location and timing:

• State Unclaimed Property Programs: Over 30 states have absorbed unredeemed gift card balances into their treasury systems. If Borders reported your card as inactive, the funds might now belong to you through your state government.
• KPMG Claims Portal: As part of the bankruptcy resolution, KPMG manages residual liabilities. Submitting a claim form could result in partial or full reimbursement if funds are still allocated.
• Third-Party Resale Sites: Platforms like Raise or CardCash allow users to sell unwanted gift cards—even discontinued ones—for a percentage of face value.

Redemption Options Comparison

Method	Success Rate	Time Required	Fees Involved
State Unclaimed Property Search	High (if registered)	1–4 weeks	None
KPMG Claim Submission	Moderate	4–12 weeks	None
Selling on Resale Marketplaces	Variable	Instant to 7 days	15–30% commission
Asking Retailers to Accept	Very Low	Immediate	None

Real Example: Recovering a $75 Borders Balance After 10 Years

Jamie R., a teacher from Portland, Oregon, discovered a Borders gift card tucked inside an old planner while cleaning her desk in early 2023. The card had a visible balance of $75 printed at issuance in 2010. Initially assuming it was worthless, she decided to investigate after reading about unclaimed property rights.

She visited oregontreasure.org, entered her personal information, and found a matching record under “Retailer Gift Card Balances – Closed Entities.” Within three weeks of filing documentation, she received a check for the full amount plus accrued interest of $4.12—totaling $79.12. Her experience highlights the importance of checking state resources before discarding old gift cards.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Checking Your Balance

Many people unknowingly reduce their chances of recovering funds by making preventable errors. Here’s what not to do:

• Throwing away the physical card too soon: Even without a working website, the card number may be needed for claims processing.
• Assuming all closed-chain cards are void: Legal obligations vary; some issuers must retain liability for years.
• Delaying action indefinitely: Some states impose dormancy periods (usually 5 years) after which funds become harder to reclaim.
• Using unofficial third-party balance checkers: Fake sites may harvest card numbers for fraud.

“I’ve seen clients recover hundreds of dollars just by searching unclaimed property databases. A five-minute search can yield real returns.” — Mark Delaney, Financial Literacy Advocate

Checklist: Steps to Take Right Now

If you have a Borders gift card, follow this actionable checklist to maximize recovery chances:

• ✅ Locate the card number and PIN
• ✅ Visit www.unclaimed.org and search by name/state
• ✅ File a claim with the KPMG Borders Liquidation Team (contact via official trustee notices)
• ✅ Consider listing the card on resale platforms like Raise or CardCash
• ✅ Keep copies of all correspondence and submission receipts

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use my Borders gift card at any bookstore?

No major bookstore chain currently accepts Borders gift cards as payment. While some hoped Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million would honor them, no formal agreement exists. Redemption is limited to legal channels such as unclaimed property or liquidator claims.

Is there a deadline to claim my Borders gift card balance?

Yes—depending on your state. Most jurisdictions consider gift card balances abandoned after 5 years of inactivity. Once reported to the state, you can still file a claim, but delays may complicate verification. Act sooner rather than later.

What should I do if my card is scratched or unreadable?

If the card number or PIN is damaged, recovery becomes difficult but not impossible. Contact the liquidating trustee with any proof of purchase (receipts, emails, packaging) that links you to the card. Documentation increases credibility during claims review.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Checking your Borders gift card balance isn’t as simple as visiting a website—but it’s far from impossible. With persistence and the right tools, you may recover funds thought long lost. Whether through state unclaimed property programs, formal claims processes, or secondary market resale, value can still be extracted from these vintage cards.

Don’t let outdated assumptions stop you from exploring your options. A few minutes spent searching today could lead to unexpected rewards tomorrow. Take action now: locate your card, run a quick unclaimed property search, and start the recovery process.

💬 Found a balance on an old Borders card? Share your story below. Help others learn what works—and keep forgotten gift card values alive.