What Do I Do If My Hulu Gift Card Balance Won't Load?
Hulu gift cards are a great way to save money on a streaming subscription, but there are some restrictions. You won't be able to use it to pay for Premium Network add-ons such as HBO or SHOWTIME, and Hulu doesn't allow all third-party billing apps to apply gift cards to subscriber accounts. If your gift card doesn't show a balance, check your receipts and reach out to Hulu for help.
Hulu was launched in 2007 and is a streaming service owned mostly by the Walt Disney Company since 2019. It offers monthly subscription plans starting at $7.99 at the time of this article. Hulu gift cards are also available online and at many participating stores. If you have a gift card that doesn't show a balance, you do have some options.
Hulu Terms and Conditions
As with any gift cards, Hulu has some restrictions for its cards. The company doesn't permit its cards to be redeemed for Premium Network add-ons such as HBO or Starz. You will need a debit card or credit card on file to add them.
Additionally, some subscribers use third-party payment apps to pay for their subscription. Paying through Roku or Amazon is acceptable and you can still redeem your Hulu gift cards. However, if you have a different third-party biller, you won't be able to apply your gift card to your account.
You Didn't Purchase Your Hulu Gift Card
If your card was a gift, try to find the gift receipt. If there's not one, reach out to the well-wisher for a copy of the original. Funds never loading on a purchased card doesn't happen often, but it can happen for cards purchased in store.
Another possibility that's still even rarer is the card not actually being paid for. Maybe the cashier forgot to confirm the gift card was scanned? Confirming the transaction on the receipt can answer this. Please note that this would apply to gift cards purchased in store, not cards purchased online.
If you're able to check with the giver that the gift card is on the receipt, your next steps could be to see if the card is damaged or if the card was mailed out in error, i.e. a hold was placed on the payment method and the order was sent out in error. A call to Hulu customer service can help you find a solution.
You Purchased the Card
Having issues with something you bought is never a pleasant experience, but there are some ways to make it easier.
For gift cards bought in store, check the receipt, and reach out to the store itself to see if they can help solve your issue. The solution may be as simple as transferring the funds to a new gift card and it may be faster than going through Hulu. Remember to bring the proof of purchase.
If your gift card was bought online, there's a chance that the card could be damaged yet this situation is rare. You might want to check the receipt and then check with your bank. If there's a hold on your card, there's a small possibility your gift card was mailed before the payment cleared. Please reach out to Hulu customer service representatives here if you think this happened.
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