American Express® gift cards and business gift cards can be used virtually anywhere American Express cards are accepted in the United States. Can you use an American Express gift card online?
A gift card may be declined if there is insufficient funds to cover the purchase amount or pre-authorization request.
Some types of companies require pre-authorization of amounts in dollars, which may be higher than the actual purchase. E.g:
Gas stations can pre-program the pump to pre-authorize a fixed amount in dollars, so we recommend paying inside the station.
Tip-oriented companies, such as restaurants, spas or hairdressing salons, can add a fixed percentage (i.e. 20%) to the bill to cover the tip. To avoid this, you can ask the company to authorize a specific dollar amount.
How to use your American Express online gift card
Before making a purchase, cardholders must register a card. Want to know why? After placing an online order, online stores often use a security process called Address Verification System (AVS) to confirm that the card is associated with a billing address. Because your American Express gift card was not associated with your address when you received it, any attempt to make an online purchase before registering the card will likely result in your order being rejected.
To register your AMEX gift card for online shopping, call its customer service line at 1-877-297-4438. You will be asked to enter a 15-digit card number and security code. Then you need to talk to a customer service agent to provide your registration address.
Store restrictions
Remember that some stores do not allow the use of prepaid gift cards. Examples of limited purchases include subscriptions, hotel reservations, car rentals, and transactions outside the US
No fees for inactivity
AMEX does not charge a fee for inactivity, and funds do not expire. If your card expires, American Express customer service will re-issue a replacement card with the remaining balance.
Buying American Express gift cards online
Just go to www.americanexpress.com/gift-cards/ to see all the options for buying Amex gift cards online.
Buying American Express gift cards in the store
You can count on finding American Express gift cards in almost every traditional place that sells various gift cards. For example, almost any pharmacy, grocery store or supermarket.
Here is a short list of known sellers who have them to buy:
- Office Depot
- staples
- Safe road
- Walgreens
- Walmart
- Goal
- Pathmark
- Winn Dixie
- Stop & Shop
- Wawa
- Albertsons
- Kmart
- Kroger
- Tom Thumb
- A & P
- Rite Aid
- CVS
- US Post Offices
