That is the way to check your gift card balance. The first step is to see the information in the rear of the gift card. Your card should have one of the following ways to check your balance:

Call a Toll Free Number -- This is the most popular way to check the balance on a gift card. Majority of gift cards have a toll free number in the rear of the card for you to call to check your balance. You'll want your card number available, and in same cases, the pin or access number (you might have to scratch-off the protective covering to reveal the pin number).

Go online -- Some retailers allow you to check your balance online, via the merchant's website. The website address is typically provided on the back of the card. Just like with the phone confirmation, you need your gift card number, and in some cases, the pin or access number to check the balance on online.

In addition, if you are unsure about how to check your card balance, your best bet is to go to the website of the card provider. They typically have instructions online about how to check your balance.

Go to the Store -- Some gift cards can only be verified at the store. The home Depot card is an example. This can be a real trouble joker card balance, especially if you do not have a store location close by. I still don't understand why some stores only allow this option.

A note about online gift cards, also called e-gift certificates. Merchants that issue these cards usually provide detail instructions on what to check your balance with the email that accompany the card information. Be sure to save that email as you may want it later to check your balance. If you erased the email, contact the card provider, via their website on how to get another copy of the email to check your balance (you can find that information from the gift card FAQs).