Olive Garden Gift Card Balance & Unlock Secret Rewards 2025

Let me take you back to one of the busiest weeks of my year — the week before Christmas. I’m juggling work, last-minute shopping, and trying to remember if I already bought a gift for my aunt or not. That’s when it hit me — gift cards. But not just any kind — Olive Garden gift cards. They’re practical, thoughtful, and honestly, who doesn’t love unlimited breadsticks?

Whether you’re giving one or using one someone gave you, understanding how these gift cards work — and how to check your Olive Garden Gift Card balance — can make your life easier. I’ve used them for everything from treating my parents to a Sunday dinner to surprising a coworker who’s had a rough week.

Let’s dive in and walk through exactly how these cards work, where to buy them, and how to get the most value out of every dollar.

What Is an Olive Garden Gift Card?

An Olive Garden gift card is a prepaid card you can use at any Olive Garden location across the U.S. It’s a flexible, easy-to-use option for anyone who loves Italian food or simply wants to give the gift of a great meal.

Gift cards are available in physical or digital format and can be purchased for a variety of amounts, generally starting at $10 and going up to $100 or more. They work just like cash, meaning you can use them to pay for food, drinks, taxes, and even tip if you want.

Whether it’s a small thank-you or a major holiday gift, Olive Garden gift cards continue to be a favorite go-to in 2025.

How Olive Garden Gift Cards Work

These cards are super simple to use. Once activated, your Olive Garden gift card is ready to spend — either in-restaurant or online (if you’re ordering To Go or using delivery through the Olive Garden official Website). You just swipe or scan the card at checkout, and the amount is deducted from your balance.

If you don’t use the full amount on the first go, the remaining balance stays on the card — ready for your next visit. It’s that easy.

Key features:

• No activation or service fees
  
• Balance doesn’t expire
  
• Usable at all Olive Garden U.S. locations
  
• Can be used with promotions or discounts
  

Types of Gift Cards (Physical vs. eGift)

In 2025, Olive Garden offers two main types of gift cards:

Both types offer the same balance flexibility and can be used online or in-store. The only difference is how you choose to send or receive the card.

Are Olive Garden Gift Cards Reloadable?

This is one of the most common questions I get — and the answer is no. Olive Garden gift cards are not reloadable. Once the balance is used up, you’ll need to purchase a new card.

That said, there’s no penalty for having multiple cards. I’ve used three at once before to cover a family dinner. You can check each card’s balance and combine them when paying at the register or online.

Where to Buy Olive Garden Gift Cards in 2025

So now that you know how they work, let’s talk about where to get one. In 2025, Olive Garden gift cards are available online, in-store, and even in bulk for business gifting. And each method has its own pros.

Online Retailers (Official & Third-Party)

If you’re anything like me, you love convenience. Ordering online saves time and lets you personalize the card with ease.

Here’s a breakdown of where you can buy Olive Garden gift cards online:

When buying online, always make sure you’re using a reputable source. The Olive Garden and Darden sites are the safest, but other platforms are great when you’re looking for digital speed or seasonal discounts.

In-Store Purchase Options

If you prefer to pick one up in person, you can find Olive Garden gift cards at these retail locations:

• Olive Garden restaurants
  
• Walmart
  
• Target
  
• CVS
  
• Walgreens
  
• Kroger
  
• Safeway
  

You’ll usually see them near the checkout aisle or in the gift card kiosk. I’ve grabbed one last minute on my way to a birthday dinner — super convenient when you’re already shopping.

Buying Olive Garden Gift Cards for Business or Bulk Orders

Olive Garden offers bulk purchasing options for companies and organizations that want to treat employees, clients, or customers. It’s something I’ve helped a client do for their customer rewards program — and it worked beautifully.

Here’s what bulk buyers can expect:

• Minimum Order: Usually starts at $1,000
  
• Formats Available: Both physical and digital cards
  
• Discounts: Available depending on volume
  
• Use Case: Employee incentives, customer loyalty programs, holiday gifting
  

The business option is perfect for HR teams, marketing departments, or small businesses looking to build appreciation through something as universal as a good meal.

How to Check Your Olive Garden Gift Card Balance

Before you walk into Olive Garden or place an online order, it’s a smart move to check how much is left on your gift card. I’ve made the mistake of assuming I had enough on a card — only to find out at the counter I was $8 short. Lesson learned. Now I always check in advance.

Here are the three easiest ways to find out your Olive Garden gift card balance:

Check Online via Official Olive Garden Website

This is my go-to method. All you need is:

• The 16-digit gift card number (found on the back of your physical card or in your email if it’s a digital card)
  
• The PIN or security code (often under a scratch-off panel or listed in the email)
  

Once you have those, just head over to Olive Garden’s official site, find the “Check Balance” section, and enter your details. Your remaining balance will be displayed instantly. It’s quick, easy, and works 24/7.

Check Your Balance by Phone

If you’d rather use the phone — or if you’re not near a computer — Olive Garden also offers a toll-free balance check option. Just call the customer service number on the back of the card and follow the voice prompts.

Have your card and PIN ready because you’ll need to enter both during the call. I’ve used this method while on the road when my internet was spotty — and it’s reliable.

Can You Check the Balance In-Store?

Absolutely. If you’re dining in or picking up food, you can ask a staff member to check your balance at the counter. They’ll swipe or scan your card and tell you how much is left.

Here’s a quick side-by-side to compare your options:

No matter which route you choose, knowing your balance ahead of time helps avoid awkward surprises — and lets you plan that dessert or appetizer guilt-free.

How to Use an Olive Garden Gift Card

Using an Olive Garden gift card is just as easy as checking the balance. I’ve used mine both in person and online, and each method is smooth — once you know what to expect.

Here’s how to redeem your card based on where and how you’re ordering:

Redeeming In-Restaurant

Dining in? Just hand your gift card to your server when the bill arrives. They’ll swipe it just like a debit card. If your meal costs less than the balance, the remaining amount stays on the card for future use. If it’s more, you can split the check with cash, card, or another gift card.

Helpful tip: You can also leave a tip using your gift card balance — just let your server know.

Using Your Gift Card Online

Ordering from the Olive Garden website for curbside pickup or delivery? During checkout, you’ll see an option to add a gift card. Enter your card number and PIN in the payment section, and the balance will automatically apply to your total.

Make sure to enter the correct info — if even one digit is off, the system won’t recognize the card.

Online gift card payments work seamlessly for:

• Curbside pickup
  
• Dine-in orders placed online
  
• Delivery through Olive Garden’s own system
  

I use this regularly when I want to treat my family but don’t feel like cooking — it’s fast and works like a charm.

Can You Use Olive Garden Gift Cards on Delivery Apps? (DoorDash, Uber Eats)

This is one of the more common questions I hear — and unfortunately, the answer is no.

You cannot use an Olive Garden gift card to pay through third-party delivery platforms like:

• DoorDash
  
• Uber Eats
  
• Grubhub
  
• Postmates
  

These services use their own payment systems and don’t accept restaurant-specific gift cards. If you want to use your Olive Garden card for delivery, the only option is ordering directly from the Olive Garden website or app.

It’s a small limitation, but good to know before you get to checkout on a third-party app and realize you’ll need to pull out a credit card.

Adding Gift Cards to Apple Wallet or Google Pay

This is another area where a lot of people (including me) assumed gift cards would be easy to add — but Olive Garden gift cards cannot currently be added to Apple Wallet or Google Pay as of 2025.

Unlike some retailers that issue digital gift cards compatible with mobile wallets, Olive Garden’s system hasn’t rolled this out yet. That means:

• You can’t scan your phone at the register with Apple Wallet
  
• You must use the physical card or manually enter the number online
  
• If you have a digital card, keep the email with the barcode handy or save a screenshot
  

I recommend storing your eGift card barcode in your email’s “favorites” folder or screenshots album on your phone. It’s not quite the same as Apple Pay, but it does the job.

Olive Garden Gift Card Terms & Conditions

Before you swipe or send that Olive Garden gift card, it’s worth knowing the fine print. I’ve used dozens of these over the years — and while they’re incredibly flexible, there are still a few rules to keep in mind. These details can save you some frustration later.

Expiry Dates and Limitations

Here’s the good news: Olive Garden gift cards do not expire. You can use them weeks, months, or even years after they’re issued. There are also no service fees or penalties for non-use.

However, there are some usage limitations to keep in mind:

• Not valid for cash back, unless required by state law
  
• Cannot be used for tipping on some delivery services
  
• Not reloadable (once the funds are used, the card can’t be topped up)
  
• Cannot be used outside the U.S.
  

If you’re buying one for someone in another state, you’re in the clear. But internationally? Not going to work.

Lost or Stolen Cards

This one’s tricky. Olive Garden does not guarantee replacement for lost or stolen gift cards — but if you still have the original receipt or digital proof of purchase, customer service may be able to help recover the balance.

Your best bet is:

• Keep your receipt when purchasing
  
• Register or track the card info in a safe place
  
• Don’t delete that email if it’s an eGift
  

I once had to dig through my inbox for an old gift card code I had forgotten — and thankfully, found it just in time for a last-minute birthday dinner.

Can You Get a Refund or Exchange?

In most cases, Olive Garden gift cards are final sale. That means:

• No refunds after purchase
  
• No exchanges for other brands or cash
  

However, in certain states like California or Massachusetts, you may be eligible for a partial cash refund if the remaining balance is below a specific threshold, usually $10 or less. But you’ll need to ask directly at the restaurant or call customer support.

Tips to Get the Best Value from Your Olive Garden Gift Card

These cards already offer solid value — but if you play it smart, you can stretch every dollar even further. Here are a few strategies I’ve picked up from using and gifting Olive Garden cards over the years.

Look for Seasonal Discounts and Deals

Throughout the year, especially around holidays, you can often find promotions like:

• Buy a $50 gift card, get a $10 bonus card
  
• Bulk discounts on business orders
  
• Free appetizers with gift card redemption
  

These deals typically pop up around:

• Black Friday & Cyber Monday
  
• Mother’s Day & Father’s Day
  
• Graduation season
  
• End-of-year holidays
  

Keep an eye out on gift card displays in stores, or browse major retail gift card websites — sometimes you’ll catch a hidden bargain.

Combine with Coupons or Loyalty Rewards

Here’s a little-known trick: you can stack your Olive Garden gift card with other discounts. That includes:

• Email sign-up promos
  
• Olive Garden’s eClub offers
  
• Birthday rewards
  
• Limited-time menu specials
  

I once used a gift card and an emailed coupon for a free dessert on the same visit — saved nearly $18 on a family dinner. Combine that with Rewards points? Even better.

Just make sure to read the fine print on each offer. Most promotions allow gift card usage, but some discounts tied to delivery platforms won’t.

Selling or Trading Your Olive Garden Gift Card

So you’ve got a gift card but don’t see yourself using it? Whether it was a duplicate gift or you’re just not in an Olive Garden mood, there are safe ways to sell or trade your card.

Where to Sell Unwanted Gift Cards

Some of the most common resale options include:

• Gift card exchange websites
  
• Online marketplaces (like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace)
  
• Local resale stores or pawn shops
  

The key is knowing the value of your card and being realistic about how much you’ll receive. Expect to sell it for 85–90% of face value, depending on demand.

Here’s a quick example of common resale averages:

Gift Card Exchange Websites – Are They Safe?

Most gift card exchange websites are legit — but not all. Stick to well-known platforms and always check user reviews.

Some safer platforms allow:

• Buyer protection
  
• Verified balances before listing
  
• Instant payout options
  

Avoid any site that asks for personal banking info outside of standard payout processors. And never trade with someone directly unless you know and trust them.

Things to Watch Out for (Scams & Frauds)

This is where things can get risky. Here are red flags to watch for when reselling your Olive Garden gift card:

• Someone offers more than the value of your card (likely a scam)
  
• They ask for your card number and PIN before payment
  
• They want to send a check or wire transfer
  
• There’s no public profile or transaction history
  

If you’re selling, keep the process public, transparent, and secure. Don’t send a code until money hits your account — and never accept gift cards from unverified buyers in return.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re gifting it, spending it, or just holding onto it for your next pasta craving, an Olive Garden gift card is one of the easiest, most practical ways to share a great meal. I’ve used them on solo lunches, date nights, and full-on family dinners — and every time, it just works.

But more than convenience, it’s about giving or receiving something that actually gets used. With no expiration dates, plenty of ways to redeem, and opportunities to stretch its value, Olive Garden gift cards remain a top pick for good reason.

So next time you’re wondering what to get someone — or wondering how much is left on that card you tucked in your wallet — you’ll know exactly what to do.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)