Got an Academy Sports + Outdoors gift card? That's awesome! Whether you're an avid outdoors enthusiast, a dedicated athlete, or just looking to stock up on some casual gear, this guide will walk you through exactly how to use your gift card, both in-store and online, so you can make the most of your shopping experience. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Discover Your Card Type and Check Your Balance
Before you even think about what to buy, the very first thing you should do is understand your gift card and check its balance. This will help you plan your purchases and avoid any surprises at checkout.
Sub-heading: Physical vs. eGift Card
Academy Sports + Outdoors offers both physical gift cards and digital eGift cards. The process is largely the same, but there are slight differences in how you access the card details.
Physical Gift Card: This is a plastic card, much like a credit card, that you'd receive in the mail or purchase in a store. The card number and PIN are typically found on the back. You might need to scratch off a silver strip to reveal the PIN.
eGift Card: This is a digital gift card sent to your email. The email will contain all the necessary details, including the gift card number and PIN. It's a good idea to either print this email or keep it easily accessible on your mobile device.
Sub-heading: How to Check Your Gift Card Balance
Knowing your balance is crucial. You wouldn't want to pick out a cart full of gear only to find out you only have $10 left!
Online:
Visit the official Academy Sports + Outdoors website: academy.com.
Navigate to the "Gift Card Balance Check" section. You can usually find this by searching "gift card balance" on their site or looking under "Customer Service" or "Help."
You'll be prompted to enter your gift card number (usually 13 or 16 digits) and the PIN (usually 3, 4, or 8 digits).
Click "Check Balance" to see your remaining funds.
In-Store:
Simply ask a cashier at any Academy Sports + Outdoors store. They can scan your physical card or manually enter the eGift card details to tell you the balance.
By Phone:
You can call Academy Sports + Outdoors customer service at 1-888-922-2336. Have your gift card number and PIN ready when you call.
Step 2: Shopping in Store with Your Academy Gift Card ️
Using your gift card in an Academy Sports + Outdoors store is straightforward and just like using any other payment method.
Sub-heading: Preparing for Your In-Store Visit
Physical Card: Make sure you have your physical gift card with you.
eGift Card: If you have an eGift card, you can either print out the email containing the gift card details or have the email ready on your mobile device to show the cashier.
Sub-heading: The Checkout Process
Gather Your Items: Browse the aisles and pick out all the sporting goods, apparel, footwear, or outdoor recreation items your heart desires (within your gift card balance, of course!).
Head to the Register: Once you've got everything, proceed to the checkout counter.
Present Your Gift Card:
For physical cards: Hand your gift card to the cashier. They will swipe it like a debit or credit card.
For eGift cards: Show the cashier the printed email or your mobile device with the gift card number and PIN clearly visible. They may manually enter the details.
Complete the Transaction: The gift card amount will be applied to your purchase.
If your purchase total is less than your gift card balance, the remaining balance will stay on your card for future use. Keep your card!
If your purchase total is more than your gift card balance, you'll need to pay the difference using another accepted payment method (cash, debit/credit card, etc.).
Step 3: Shopping Online with Your Academy Gift Card
Using your Academy Sports + Outdoors gift card for online purchases at academy.com is equally simple and convenient.
Sub-heading: Navigating the Website
Visit Academy.com: Go to the official Academy Sports + Outdoors website.
Add Items to Cart: Browse through their extensive online catalog and add the items you wish to purchase to your shopping cart.
Proceed to Checkout: Once you're done shopping, click on your shopping cart icon and select "Proceed to Checkout."
Sub-heading: Applying Your Gift Card at Checkout
Payment Method Selection: During the checkout process, you'll reach the payment section. Look for an option to select "Gift Card" or "Academy Gift Card" as your payment method.
Enter Gift Card Details:
You'll need to enter the gift card number (usually 13 or 16 digits).
You'll also need to enter the PIN (usually 3, 4, or 8 digits). This PIN is crucial for online redemption and is typically found on the back of a physical card (under a scratch-off strip) or within your eGift card email.
Apply Card: Click "Apply" or a similar button to apply the gift card value to your order.
Review and Complete Order:
The gift card amount will be deducted from your total.
If there's a remaining balance on your order after applying the gift card, you'll be prompted to provide an additional payment method (credit card, PayPal, etc.) to cover the difference.
If your gift card covers the entire purchase, simply confirm your order details and submit.
Important Things to Remember
No Expiration Dates or Fees: Academy Sports + Outdoors gift cards generally do not expire and do not have dormancy fees. This is great news, as it means you can use them whenever you're ready!
Not Redeemable for Cash: Gift cards cannot be redeemed for cash or credit, except where required by applicable state law.
Lost or Stolen Cards: Academy Sports + Outdoors generally treats gift cards like cash, meaning they are not responsible for lost, stolen, or altered cards. Keep your gift card in a safe place!
Cannot Be Reloaded: Academy gift cards typically cannot be reloaded with additional funds.
Returns with Gift Cards: If you return an item purchased with a gift card, the refund will usually be issued back to a merchandise credit or a new gift card. Always check their return policy for the most up-to-date information.
FAQ: How to Use Academy Sports Gift Card ❓
Here are 10 common questions about using Academy Sports gift cards, with quick answers:
How to check my Academy Sports gift card balance?
You can check your balance online at
How to use an Academy Sports eGift card in-store?
Print the eGift card email or have it ready on your mobile device to show the cashier at checkout. They will manually enter the card number and PIN.
How to use multiple Academy Sports gift cards for one purchase?
Yes, you can typically use multiple gift cards for a single purchase, both in-store and online. Enter each card's details one by one at checkout.
How to apply an Academy Sports gift card to an online order?
During online checkout at academy.com, select "Gift Card" as a payment option, then enter your gift card number and PIN.
How to find the PIN on my Academy Sports gift card?
For physical cards, the PIN is usually on the back, often under a scratch-off strip. For eGift cards, the PIN will be provided in the email you received.
How to combine an Academy Sports gift card with other payment methods?
If your gift card balance doesn't cover the full purchase, you can pay the remaining amount with another accepted payment method like a credit card, debit card, or cash (in-store).
How to redeem an Academy Sports gift card for cash?
Academy Sports + Outdoors gift cards are not redeemable for cash, credit, or other gift cards, except where required by law.
How to use an Academy Sports gift card if it's lost or stolen?
Unfortunately, Academy Sports + Outdoors treats gift cards like cash and cannot replace lost, stolen, or altered cards.
How to return items purchased with an Academy Sports gift card?
Returns for items purchased with a gift card are typically refunded as a merchandise credit or a new gift card.
How to check if my Academy Sports gift card has an expiration date?
Academy Sports + Outdoors gift cards do not have expiration dates or dormancy fees.