Gift cards have become a popular choice for shopping and gifting, offering flexibility and convenience.
Among the many options available, Sobeys gift cards are widely used across Canada for purchasing groceries and household essentials. However, many customers often wonder, “How do I check my Sobeys gift card balance?”
Keeping track of your gift card balance is crucial to ensure a seamless shopping experience. Whether you’re using a physical card or an eGift card, Sobeys provides multiple ways to check your balance quickly and easily.
This guide will walk you through the simple and fast process of checking your Sobeys gift card balance, along with other essential details such as where to use the card, expiration policies, fees, and reloading options.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Sobeys gift cards in 2025.
What is a Sobeys Gift Card?
A Sobeys gift card is a prepaid card that allows customers to shop at any Sobeys-owned stores in Canada. The card acts as a cash alternative, making it a convenient option for purchasing groceries, fresh produce, and other household essentials.
Types of Sobeys Gift Cards
1. Physical Gift Card
- A traditional plastic card that can be used in-store.
- Available at Sobeys locations and authorized retailers.
2. eGift Card
- A digital version of the gift card.
- Can be purchased online and used for in-store shopping.
Key Features of Sobeys Gift Cards
- No Expiry Date – Sobeys gift cards do not expire, making them a perfect long-term shopping solution.
- Wide Usability – Can be redeemed at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, Foodland, and other affiliated stores.
- Flexible Denominations – Available in different values to suit customer preferences.
- Non-Reloadable – Once the balance is used, a new card must be purchased.
Whether you receive it as a gift or buy it for personal use, the Sobeys gift card ensures a hassle-free shopping experience.
How to Check Sobeys Gift Card Balance? Step-by-Step
Checking your Sobeys gift card balance is a straightforward process. Sobeys provides multiple ways to do this, ensuring that customers can access their balance information with ease.
1. Online Balance Check
To check your Sobeys gift card balance online, follow these steps:
- Visit the Compliments Gift Card website: Compliments.ca
- Click on the “Check Balance” option.
- Enter your 16-digit card number and PIN code (found on the back of the card).
- Click Submit to view your balance instantly.
2. In-Store Balance Check
If you prefer to check your balance in person:
- Visit any Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, or Foodland store.
- Go to the customer service desk or a checkout counter.
- Ask a store representative to scan your gift card to check the balance.
3. Phone Balance Inquiry
You can also check your balance via Sobeys customer service:
- Call the Sobeys gift card support number (1-800- 832-0717) printed on the back of your card.
- Follow the automated voice instructions.
- Enter your card number and PIN when prompted.
- The system will provide your remaining balance.
By using any of these methods, you can quickly access your Sobeys gift card balance before making a purchase.
Where Can You Use a Sobeys Gift Card?
A Sobeys gift card is accepted at a wide range of grocery stores, pharmacies, and food retailers across Canada.
Since Sobeys owns and operates multiple well-known brands, the gift card provides customers with flexibility and convenience when shopping for groceries, household items, and even pharmacy essentials.
Major Locations That Accept Sobeys Gift Cards
You can use a Sobeys gift card at the following stores:
- Sobeys – One of Canada’s largest grocery store chains, offering fresh produce, bakery items, meats, and household essentials.
- Safeway – A well-known grocery store brand, primarily operating in Western Canada.
- FreshCo – A discount grocery store offering competitive prices on fresh food and essentials.
- Foodland – A popular neighborhood grocery store serving smaller communities.
- IGA (Western Canada only) – A chain of independent grocery stores that accept Sobeys gift cards in select regions.
- Thrifty Foods – A grocery store chain specializing in fresh and organic food, primarily located in British Columbia.
- Lawtons Drugs – A pharmacy chain where you can use Sobeys gift cards for health and wellness products.
- Rachelle-Béry (Quebec) – A specialty food and natural health store available in Quebec.
Can Sobeys Gift Cards Be Used for Online Purchases?
Currently, Sobeys gift cards cannot be used for online purchases, including on Voilà by Sobeys (Sobeys’ online grocery delivery service). If you plan to order groceries online, you will need to use a credit card, debit card, or another accepted payment method.
For in-store purchases, Sobeys gift cards remain a flexible and widely accepted option, covering everything from fresh groceries to personal care products.
How Much Does a Sobeys Gift Card Cost?
A Sobeys gift card offers flexible pricing options, making it a great choice for both personal use and gifting.
Unlike some prepaid cards that charge activation or service fees, Sobeys gift cards are sold at face value, meaning you only pay for the amount loaded onto the card.
Available Denominations
- $5 to $500 – Sobeys gift cards are available in various denominations, allowing customers to choose a value that fits their needs.
- Custom Amounts – Some Sobeys-affiliated stores may allow customers to load a custom amount onto a gift card.
Where to Buy Sobeys Gift Cards?
You can purchase a Sobeys gift card from several locations, including:
- Sobeys Stores – Available at checkout counters and customer service desks in all Sobeys locations.
- Authorized Grocery Stores – Sold at FreshCo, Foodland, Safeway, and other stores owned by Sobeys.
- Online Gift Card Retailers – Digital versions (eGift cards) can be purchased from Compliments.ca and GiftCards.ca.
Since the card has no activation or additional fees, the amount you load onto it is the full amount available for spending.
Do Sobeys Gift Cards Expire?
One of the best features of a Sobeys gift card is that it never expires. Unlike some store gift cards that lose value over time or charge inactivity fees, Sobeys ensures that your balance remains intact and available indefinitely.
Key Benefits of No Expiry
- Use Anytime – You can keep the card for as long as you want without worrying about expiration.
- No Hidden Fees – The balance will not decrease due to inactivity or maintenance charges.
- Great for Gifting – Since it has no expiry date, the recipient can use it at their convenience.
Checking Your Balance for Inactive Cards
Although the Sobeys gift card does not expire, it is still recommended that customers check their balance periodically, especially if the card hasn’t been used for a long time.
To ensure your card is still valid and the balance is accessible, you can:
- Check the balance online via the Compliments gift card website.
- Visit a Sobeys store and ask a cashier or customer service representative to scan your card.
- Call Sobeys customer support for assistance with balance inquiries.
By regularly checking your Sobeys gift card balance, you can ensure that your funds remain available for whenever you need them.
How Can You Reload a Sobeys Gift Card?
Unlike some prepaid or debit-style gift cards, Sobeys gift cards are non-reloadable. This means that once the funds are used, you cannot add more money to the same card.
Alternative Solutions
If you want to continue using a Sobeys gift card for your grocery shopping, you have two main options:
- Buy a New Sobeys Gift Card – Simply purchase a new card at any Sobeys-affiliated store.
- Use a Sobeys eGift Card – Digital gift cards offer the same benefits and can be sent via email instantly.
For customers who frequently use Sobeys gift cards, it may be helpful to purchase multiple cards at once to avoid running out of balance unexpectedly.
Can You Check a Sobeys Gift Card Balance Without a PIN?
A PIN (Personal Identification Number) is required for most online and phone balance inquiries. However, some customers might have older gift cards without a PIN printed on the back.
How to Check a Sobeys Gift Card Balance Without a PIN?
- Visit a Sobeys Store – You can ask a cashier or a customer service representative to check your balance.
- Call Customer Support – In some cases, Sobeys may verify your balance over the phone if you provide other card details.
If your card does not have a PIN, checking the balance online may not be possible. Visiting a store is usually the best option in this case.
How to Use a Sobeys eGift Card for Online Shopping?
Currently, Sobeys gift cards cannot be used for online purchases on Voilà by Sobeys or other Sobeys digital services. However, Sobeys eGift cards work the same way as physical gift cards for in-store purchases.
Steps to Use a Sobeys eGift Card In-Store
- Check your email – Find the eGift card email you received.
- Open the barcode or card number – Most eGift cards will have a barcode or 16-digit number.
- Show your phone at checkout – The cashier will scan your barcode or manually enter the number.
- Complete your purchase – The balance will be deducted from your total amount.
While Sobeys does not currently support online redemption, this could change in the future as more retailers expand their eGift card usage online.
What Should You Do if Your Sobeys Gift Card is Lost or Stolen?
Losing a gift card can be frustrating, especially if it still has a balance. Unfortunately, Sobeys gift cards are treated like cash, meaning lost or stolen cards cannot be replaced or refunded.
Steps to Protect Your Sobeys Gift Card
- Keep the receipt – If you still have your receipt, you may be able to prove the purchase.
- Register the card (if applicable) – Some digital gift card providers allow you to register your eGift card for added security.
- Use the balance sooner rather than later – If you receive a gift card, try to use it promptly to minimize the risk of loss.
For any issues, you can contact Sobeys customer support, but in most cases, a lost or stolen card cannot be recovered.
Are There Any Fees for Using a Sobeys Gift Card?
A Sobeys gift card does not have any hidden fees. You will only pay for the value of the card, and the full balance can be used for purchases.
No Additional Fees Include
- No activation fees – The card is activated at the time of purchase with no extra charge.
- No maintenance or dormancy fees – The balance does not decrease over time.
- No transaction fees – Every purchase deducts only the amount spent.
Sobeys gift cards offer 100% value for your money, making them a great alternative to credit or debit card payments for groceries.
Can You Convert a Sobeys Gift Card to Cash?
A Sobeys gift card cannot be exchanged for cash, except where required by law.
Legal Exceptions for Gift Card Cash-Out
Some Canadian provinces, such as Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, require businesses to provide cash refunds for gift cards if the balance is below a certain amount (e.g., $5 or $10).
If you are in one of these provinces, check with Sobeys customer service to see if a cash redemption option is available for small balances.
Alternative Ways to Use Small Balances
- Combine it with another payment method – If your balance is low, you can pay the remainder with a debit or credit card.
- Buy small grocery items – Use the last few dollars on small essential purchases.
Since Sobeys gift cards are non-refundable and non-exchangeable, it’s best to use the full balance while shopping.
Conclusion
A Sobeys gift card is a flexible, convenient, and cost-effective way to shop at Sobeys and its affiliated stores across Canada. With no expiry date, no hidden fees, and easy balance-checking options, it provides a hassle-free shopping experience.
Whether you use it for groceries, pharmacy items, or household essentials, it ensures smooth and secure transactions.
To maximize its benefits, regularly check your balance, store it safely, and use the full amount. Whether as a personal spending tool or a thoughtful gift, a Sobeys gift card remains a valuable and practical choice for shoppers in Canada.
FAQs
Can I use my Sobeys gift card online?
No, Sobeys gift cards can only be used in-store and not for online purchases.
Where can I buy a Sobeys gift card?
You can buy a Sobeys gift card at Sobeys stores, FreshCo, Foodland, and online at Compliments.ca.
Can I return a Sobeys gift card for a refund?
No, Sobeys gift cards are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for cash.
What happens if my Sobeys gift card is lost or stolen?
Lost or stolen Sobeys gift cards cannot be replaced. Treat it like cash and store it safely.
Does a Sobeys gift card have a PIN?
Yes, most Sobeys gift cards have a PIN for balance inquiries. If yours doesn’t, check in-store.
Can I reload my Sobeys gift card?
No, Sobeys gift cards cannot be reloaded. You must buy a new one after using the balance.
Can I check my Sobeys gift card balance without a PIN?
If your card has no PIN, you must visit a Sobeys store to check your balance.
Can I use a Sobeys gift card at Safeway?
Yes, Sobeys gift cards are valid at Safeway, FreshCo, IGA, and other Sobeys-owned stores.
