How to Use a Lowe's Gift Card

You can spend it at any Lowe's store or online at Lowes.com. In a store, hand it to the cashier at checkout; online, punch in the card number and PIN at the payment step. Nothing to activate, it never expires, and you can see what's left online, by phone, or at any store's service desk. The one thing to keep in mind: it only works at Lowe's, and it can't be used to pay down a Lowe's credit-card bill. Here's the whole rundown.

How to use a Lowe's gift card in store

About as simple as it gets, and Granny means simple. Shop as usual, then hand the card to the cashier before you pay. They will swipe it and the balance comes off your total. If your cart rings up for more than the card, cover the difference with cash, another card, or a second gift card. Anything left over stays on the card for the next project.

How to use a Lowe's gift card online

To use your card at Lowes.com, add your items to the cart and head to checkout. In the Payment and Review section, enter the gift card number and the PIN, then apply it. The balance drops off your order total the same way it does in store. If you have more than one Lowe's gift card, you can usually apply several to a single online order, so a stack of smaller cards spends just fine.

How to check your Lowe's gift card balance

Granny's rule is to know your number before a big trip, so there's no fumbling at the register. You can check a Lowe's gift card balance three ways:

Online on the Lowe's gift card balance page.
By phone at 800-560-7172.
In person at the customer service desk in any Lowe's store.

Whichever way you go, you will need the 19-digit card number and the 4-digit PIN, both on the back of the card. The PIN hides under a scratch-off coating, so scratch it gently to bring it up.

Do you need to activate a Lowe's gift card?

No. Lowe's gift cards do not need to be activated. Once you buy one, in store or online, it is ready to spend right away, and so is a digital Lowe's gift card the moment it arrives in the recipient's inbox.

Can you use a Lowe's gift card to pay a Lowe's credit-card bill?

No. Under Lowe's terms, a gift card cannot be used to make payments on a charge account, so it will not cover a Lowe's Advantage Card or store credit-card bill. A gift card is for buying products in store or online, not for paying down a card balance.

Where a Lowe's gift card does not work

A Lowe's gift card is good only at Lowe's, in stores and at Lowes.com. It is not accepted at other retailers or other home-improvement stores, and it cannot be redeemed for cash unless a state law requires it. If you want a gift that works in more places, an open-loop Visa gift card is the flexible alternative, since it works anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted in the US.

Where to buy a Lowe's gift card

You can pick up a Lowe's gift card in Lowe's stores, on Lowes.com, and from Gift Card Granny. On Gift Card Granny, Lowe's comes as a digital gift card from $5 to $500, delivered by email within minutes, which makes it an easy last-minute gift for the DIYer or new homeowner in your life. Granny's found a Lowe's card is a can't-miss housewarming present, since every new place turns up something to fix in the first month. If you would rather give a physical card, Lowe's stores and Lowes.com carry those.

And that's the whole story. Give one, get one, or keep one in the drawer for the next project. Happy fixing, from Granny.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a Lowe's gift card to pay my bill?

No. A Lowe's gift card cannot be used to make payments on a charge account, including a Lowe's credit-card bill. It can only be used to buy products at Lowe's, in store or online.

How many Lowe's gift cards can I use at once?

You can combine more than one Lowe's gift card on a single purchase. In store, hand the cashier each card, and online you can apply multiple gift cards in the Payment and Review section before you pay.

Can you use a Lowe's gift card anywhere?

No. A Lowe's gift card works only at Lowe's stores and on Lowes.com. It is not accepted at other stores. For a gift that works almost anywhere, choose an open-loop Visa gift card instead.

Do you need to activate a Lowe's gift card?

No. Lowe's gift cards do not require activation. They are ready to use as soon as you buy them, and a digital card is ready the moment it arrives by email.