Most Barnes & Noble Gift Cards have a PIN number located on the back of the card. For added security, the PIN is concealed on all physical Gift Cards that are bought in Barnes & Noble stores. You may scratch off the concealed area to reveal the Gift Card's PIN number after purchasing. If your card has a PIN, it must be entered to redeem it online or check your balance.
Barnes & Noble eGift Cards (electronic gift cards) also have PIN numbers. After purchasing an eGift Card, the receiving party of the eGift Card is sent a service email from Barnes & Noble that includes both the eGift Card number and PIN number. The eGift Card PIN is displayed above the eGift Card number in the email.
Please note: Barnes & Noble Gift Card numbers beginning with "349" and Barnes & Noble Gift Certificates issued before October 2003 do not require a PIN.