Subway gift cards are among the most-given fast-food gift cards in the US, mostly because they work almost everywhere and there is no wrong choice of order. They are also the payment method people most often get stuck with — a card with an unknown balance sitting in a drawer. Here is how they actually work.

Where to buy them

  • In store — physical cards, loadable with any amount the franchise allows, typically $5 to $100.
  • Subway.com — physical cards by mail and instant e-gift cards delivered by email, with scheduling for birthdays.
  • The Subway app — add or gift a digital card and keep it in your wallet.
  • Supermarkets, pharmacies and warehouse clubs — the gift-card rack; warehouse clubs periodically sell multipacks at a discount, which is the only reliable way to buy Subway credit below face value.
  • Bulk and corporate orders — available through Subway's business gifting program for employee rewards and events.

Checking your balance

Three ways, in order of speed: add the card in the Subway app and read the balance on the card screen; use the gift card balance page on subway.com with the card number and security code from the back; or ask any store to swipe it and tell you. Keep the card itself after transferring the balance into the app until you have confirmed the transfer went through.

Using one

  1. In store: hand it over or scan the digital card at the terminal. If the balance is short, the remainder can be paid by card or cash.
  2. In the app or online: add the card as a payment method before checkout, then select it — see our online ordering guide.
  3. Delivery: gift cards work on Subway's own delivery, but not on third-party apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats. Details in our delivery guide.
  4. Rewards still apply. Paying with a gift card in the app still earns MVP Rewards points — see our rewards guide.

Things worth knowing before you buy

  • Federal law generally prevents gift card funds from expiring for at least five years, and Subway cards carry no purchase fee.
  • They are not reloadable at every store — reloading is easiest in the app.
  • Balances cannot normally be cashed out, though some state laws require cash-back on very small remainders.
  • Cards are not usually replaceable if lost and never registered, which is the strongest argument for adding them to the app immediately.
  • They cannot be used to buy another gift card, and catering orders at some franchises require a different payment route.

Stretching the balance

A $25 card buys roughly two Footlong meals at full price, or three to four subs if you spend it on Sub of the Day pricing or stack it with app offers from our coupons guide. Paying by gift card in the app does not disqualify you from promotions, so combining the two is the best use of it.

Frequently asked

Do Subway gift cards expire?

Funds do not expire under US federal rules for at least five years from issue, and Subway does not charge inactivity fees.

Can I use a gift card at any Subway?

At participating US locations, which is the overwhelming majority. A small number of non-traditional sites — some airport, campus and military locations — do not accept them.

Can I combine two cards?

In store, yes, sequentially. In the app you can add multiple cards but usually apply one per order, so consolidating balances first is easier.

We are an independent guide, not Subway. Gift card terms, acceptance and reload options are set by Subway and individual franchisees and can change — confirm on subway.com or with the restaurant.