If you're a movie lover, you might have been gifted a Fandango gift card by a friend or relative. Fandango is a movie ticketing service and FandangoNOW is a video streaming service, both available as websites and apps. You can use your gift card to redeem against purchases on them.
We're going to tell you everything you need to know about a Fandango gift card: what it is, how to check the balance, how to use it, and how to buy one for someone else.
What Is a Fandango Gift Card?
Fandango sells movie tickets for theaters nationwide across the US, including chains such as Regal, AMC, Cinemark, and more.
Depending on the theater, you can reserve your seat and then pick the ticket up when you are there, have it on your mobile, or print it out.
The aim of Fandango is to list theater movie times all in one central place so you can see which show works best for you and then buy through Fandango.
A Fandango gift card is a dollar amount loaded on a card to be used on their site or app. The card can either be physical or virtual and can be themed with the latest big movie releases.
You can also use the card for rentals or purchases from FandangoNOW, which is a movie and TV streaming service.
How to Check Fandango Gift Card Balance
If you have been given a Fandango gift card, or perhaps found an old one lying around, the most important thing you need to know is how much dollar value it has.
Be wary that the balance will remain tied to your gift card's code, so don't trash it. The value cannot be loaded to your Fandango account.
The way to check the balance is to go to the Fandango gift card website and click Check balance.
Once here, input your card number. This can be found on the back of your card or on the email. You don't need the pin. Next, prove you're not a robot and click Check Balance.
Don't worry if your balance doesn't cover the full cost of a ticket; you can make up the extra with a different payment method.
How to Use a Fandango Gift Card
A Fandango gift card can only be used on Fandango or FandangoNOW---and the mobile apps for both. You cannot use it in person at the theater or on the theater's website.
It's simple to use the gift card. Go to the site or the app and select what you want to buy. Once on the payment section, click Use Fandango Gift Card. Input your card number or claim code and your PIN (if available.) All of that information can be found on the back of the card (you might need to scratch to reveal the PIN) or in the email.
If your purchase is less than the value of the gift card, that remaining balance can be used for a future purchase. Remember, the value remains on the card, not on your account. If your purchase exceeds the gift card's value, you will need to pay the difference with another payment method.
Note that every Fandango transaction for movie tickets is charged a per-ticket convenience fee. This is applied to every purchase, regardless of your payment method.
Where to Buy a Fandango Gift Card
You can buy a Fandango gift card online and in stores.
One choice is through Fandango directly. You can either buy a physical card or have it sent to a recipient as a gift via email. If the latter, you can choose to send it instantly or at a scheduled time. The cards are available in six amounts: $15, $25, $35, $50, $75, and $100.
If buying physical, you'll be charged an additional $1.95 processing charge per card. Shipping is free, though you can pay extra to get it to your recipient quicker.
For physical cards, you can select from a range of fun designs that depict scenes and characters from the latest and greatest movies. You can even select a blank card design and upload your own image. If you do that, you need to have the right to distribute the image and it cannot violate the Terms and Conditions of the service.
Another option to buy a Fandango Gift Card is through a retailer like Amazon. They sell physical gift cards.
While the design is less exciting than buying through Fandango directly, you save on the processing charge and will get quicker shipping for free. However, bear in mind the card isn't covered by Amazon's usual return policy.
You can also buy the cards from retail stores all over the US like Walmart, Target, Walgreens, Safeway, and so many more. Chances are if you're in a store that sells gift cards then you'll find one for Fandango. Take it to the till and the cashier will activate it for instant use.
Is a Fandango Gift Card Worth It?
A gift card is a very convenient present to send. That's especially true if you need a last-minute digital gift that doesn't require shipping.
Going to the cinema is something that most people do often, so your recipient will undoubtedly get value out of it---not like some gift cards that can sit around collecting dust.
That said, Fandango isn't flawless. It isn't unusual for it to be cheaper to buy the movie ticket direct from the theater instead, especially as you avoid Fandango's fees. The gift recipient might not mind since it isn't their money, but it doesn't necessarily offer the best bang for the buck.
If you have received a Fandango gift card that you don't want, check out our article on great websites to sell unwanted gift cards on.
It's Showtime!
Hopefully, now you're aware of exactly what a Fandango gift card is, how to use it, and where to go to buy one. Now you have no excuse to not using it as a gift and helping them enjoy the latest cinematic delight.
If you're still in the movie mindset, why not peruse our guide on the best movie showtime apps? We compared Fandango against IMDb and Flixster to see which is the best.