When accepting Prepaid Cards, do I need to do anything differently?
How are authorizations handled for Prepaid Cards?
Can customers return merchandise and have a credit processed to their Prepaid Card?
Are the dispute handling processes for Prepaid Cards any different than for other American Express® Cards?
What do American Express Prepaid Cards look like?

Q: When accepting Prepaid Cards, do I need to do anything differently?
A: A Merchant does not need new hardware or software to process an American Express Prepaid Card. The Merchant simply follows standard card acceptance procedures, just as they would with any other American Express Card. Be sure to confirm the Gift Card’s available balance with the customer before authorizing the transaction. Only authorize for the available balance, and should that not be sufficient to cover the entire amount of the purchase, perform a split transaction requesting payment of the remaining amount using another payment method if your policy allows for this.

Q. How are authorizations handled for Prepaid Cards?
A: Authorizations for Prepaid Cards are handled the same as with any other American Express Card. If you attempt to authorize a Prepaid Card for more than the available balance on the Card, your authorization will be declined. To avoid a decline, always confirm the balance on the Card with the customer and only perform an authorization for the available balance on the Card or less. Should the available balance on the Card not be sufficient to cover the entire amount of the purchase, perform a split transaction requesting payment of the remaining amount using another payment method.

Q: Can customers return merchandise and have a credit processed to their Prepaid Card?
A: Prepaid card holders can receive credit for returned merchandise, but they must have the Prepaid Card with them, and they must adhere to the merchant’s return policy. When a credit is processed to a Prepaid Card, the funds are not immediately available. Just like with a credit card, American Express cannot process that credit until the merchant sends in a settlement. This process takes three to seven business days.

Q: Are the dispute handling processes for Prepaid Cards any different than for other American Express® Cards?
A: Disputes and chargebacks for Prepaid Cards will be handled as per your Card Acceptance Agreement. Prepaid card holders are unable to “stop payment” or “lodge” a billing dispute on transactions related to the quality of goods/services purchased. They are instructed to address these questions or complaints with the Merchant directly.

Q: What do American Express Prepaid Cards look like?
A: Although there are various cards and designs, all American Express Prepaid Cards have a Blue Box logo on the front of the Card. All Prepaid Cards have the word “prepaid” or some similar designation on the front of the Card. American Express Prepaid Cards can be unembossed.