Updated for 2026

First Watch Gift Card: How to Buy, Check Balance, Reload and Save

A First Watch gift card is a simple way to treat someone to breakfast, brunch, or lunch at participating First Watch locations across the U.S. You can choose a physical card or send an eGift card by email or text, and the card does not expire. If you’re searching for a First Watch gift certificate, you’re looking for the same type of gift.

This guide explains where to buy First Watch gift cards online, at First Watch restaurants, and through retailers such as Kroger and Walmart. You’ll also find information on checking your gift card balance, reloading options, available promotions, purchase limits, and important tips to keep your card secure.

Quick Answers


  • Cards never expire, and there are no dormancy fees.

  • Online and eGift orders are capped at $100 per day.

  • Cards sold outside First Watch restaurants start at $25.

  • You can check the balance online or by calling 888-892-3813.

  • Bonus offers usually appear in the holiday season.

Where to Buy First Watch Gift Cards


You have four main options for buying a gift card, including the official website and participating retail stores.

  • The Official Website

    The easiest way to buy First Watch gift cards online is the Goods & Gift Cards page on firstwatch.com. It has separate buttons for a physical card and an eGift card.

    A few rules apply at checkout:

    • You pay with a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express issued in the United States.
    • Your billing address must match the one on your card statement.
    • You add a personal message for free.
    • Sales are final, so double-check the recipient’s email or phone number before you pay.
  • At a First Watch Restaurant

    Ask for a card at the register. This is the only place to buy a card worth more than $100. Those cards can be reloaded up to $250.

  • Grocery Stores and Online Retailers

    First Watch says some grocery stores and retailers sell its cards too.

    Three common ones:

    • Kroger

      If you want a First Watch gift card Kroger carries, look for the $25 card at the checklane. Kroger’s gift card site also shows a $20 to $100 range and mentions fuel points on purchases.

    • Walmart

      Walmart lists a $25 card. After you order, it emails you the PIN within about an hour.

    • Giftcards.com

      Choose $20 to $100. eGift delivery is free, and mailed cards cost $1.99 each.

  • Multi-Brand Gift Options

    On Me

    On Me offers a digital brunch card that can be used at First Watch and other participating restaurants, including IHOP.

    Giftly

    Giftly provides a cash-style gift that can be suggested for use at First Watch.

    Since neither option is an official First Watch gift card, they’re better suited for anyone who prefers more flexibility.

Physical Card vs. eGift Card


TypeHow it arrivesBest for
eGift cardEmail or text message, and it can be added to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet.Last-minute gifts and faraway friends.
Physical cardPlastic card, handed over or mailed.Birthday cards, gift baskets, in-person gifts.

Note: If your eGift doesn’t arrive, first check your spam or junk folder and make sure the email address you entered is correct. Email filters or carrier delays can also affect delivery. If First Watch cannot contact you about an incorrect address within five days, the order will be canceled.

How to Check Your First Watch Gift Card Balance


Keep your card number ready. Some cards also need a PIN or access number.

There are three ways to check your balance:

  1. Online

    Open the balance link on the Goods & Gift Cards page and follow the screen prompts.

  2. By phone

    Call 888-892-3813.

  3. In a restaurant

    Ask the cashier before you order.

The balance shown may not always be up to date. A recent purchase can take some time to appear, and Apple Wallet or Google Wallet may still display an older balance. For the most accurate information, check your balance online or by phone. Automated or bot-based balance checks are not permitted.

Can You Reload Your First Watch Gift Card?


Yes, if the card is eligible for reloading.

  • Online reloads can be made up to $100, while restaurant reloads allow up to $250.

  • Gift cards purchased from participating retailers have a lower reload limit of $200.

You can find the reload option on the same Goods & Gift Cards page.

First Watch Gift Card Deals and Promotions


The restaurant has offered holiday First Watch gift card promotions in the past. Press releases from 2012 and 2014 mention a deal that gave customers $20 in Bonus Bucks for every $100 spent on gift cards during November and December.

The bonus could then be used for a limited time after New Year.

First Watch has not confirmed a 2026 promotion yet, so check First Watch before buying. While you wait, browse the seasonal menu for limited-time dishes you can try with your card.

If you’re looking for a First Watch gift card deal, these tips may help:

  • Bonus cards may expire sooner than regular gift cards, so always check the expiration date before using them.

  • First Watch generally allows only one offer per order, so check the terms before combining a coupon with a gift card promotion.

  • Discount marketplaces may sometimes sell gift cards below face value. One tracker reported an average discount of 17.5% over the past year, although no discounted cards were available when checked. Since First Watch prohibits unauthorized resale, stick to trusted and authorized sources.

Where Can You Use a First Watch Gift Card?


You can use a First Watch gift card to pay for food, drinks, merchandise, and tips at participating First Watch restaurants in the U.S.

  • Gift cards cannot be used to purchase another gift card.

  • If your bill is more than the card balance, you can pay the remaining amount with another accepted payment method.

Many retailer listings state that gift cards cannot be redeemed online. If you plan to use your card for a pickup or delivery order, check the latest information on firstwatch.com before placing your order. Not sure what to order? Not sure what to order? Browse the breakfast menu to see what your card can buy.

Lost, Stolen or Damaged Cards


First Watch may replace a lost, stolen, or damaged card at its discretion.

You will need:

  • Proof of purchase
  • The card number
  • The damaged card, if it is damaged
  • A valid ID

Without the card number, First Watch cannot lock or replace the card.

A replacement can take up to 15 days.

Report the loss quickly through the website or by calling 888-892-3813.

Gift Card Scam Warning


Gift cards are for gifts, never for payments.

  • If someone demands a gift card for a bill, fine, or emergency, say no.

  • Never share a card number or PIN with a stranger.

If you think you have been scammed, contact First Watch support and report it to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions


First Watch is a daytime restaurant, with most locations open from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. That means you can generally use your gift card for breakfast, brunch, or lunch, but not dinner. Hours may differ by location, so check your local restaurant before visiting.

It can be difficult. Online orders generally require a U.S. IP address and a credit card issued in the United States. Using a VPN or a foreign-issued card may cause the order to be declined.

There are several possible reasons. Your billing address may not match the address on your card, you may have reached the purchase limit for the seven-day period, or the payment card may be invalid or canceled. Check your details and try again, or contact First Watch customer support at 888-892-3813.

No. The phone number is used to help deliver the gift card and is not used for promotional messages unless the recipient separately signs up for them. If you’re buying the card for someone else, make sure you have permission to provide their phone number.

Purchase limits may apply to individual buyers, households, email addresses, or payment methods. If you need several cards for employees, clients, or another group, contact First Watch customer support or visit a restaurant to ask about available options.

In some states, customers may be entitled to receive cash when a gift card balance falls below a specific amount. If you qualify, ask at a First Watch location or contact customer support about the process.

The gift card itself does not expire, but state unclaimed property laws may apply to inactive balances. Depending on the state, an unused balance may be transferred to the state after two, three, or five years. If this happens, contact First Watch for information about recovering the balance.

The Bottom Line

Final Thoughts

Whether it is for a birthday, thank-you, holiday, or just a thoughtful surprise, a First Watch gift card gives the recipient plenty of flexibility. They can choose their own breakfast, brunch, or lunch without worrying about picking the wrong item. If you are planning to buy one, compare the available options, check the current terms, and look for any active First Watch gift card deal before completing your purchase. Keep the card information secure, and you can have an easy gift ready for any occasion.