Skip to main content
Spacer Image
 

AMERICAN EXPRESS® GIFT CARD

Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL QUESTIONS


PURCHASING THE GIFT CARD


About the Membership Rewards® Program


GIFT CARD DELIVERY


USING THE GIFT CARD


GIFT CARDS FOR BUSINESS


What is the American Express Gift Card and where can I use it?

The Gift Card is a prepaid payment Card that is issued with a set dollar amount. It is not a credit card, charge card or debit card and the total dollar value appears on the front of the Gift Card, the card carrier, or on your store receipt. You can use the Gift Card at any business in the United States that accepts the American Express® Card and you can use it to purchase meals and entertainment or buy goods from catalogs, online vendors or at your favorite store. The Gift Card cannot be used at Cruise Lines, ATMs or for recurring billing purchases, such as cell phones or subscriptions. Additional usage restrictions may apply. Please see the Terms and Conditions for further details.

You can use your eGift Card at any business in the United States that accepts the American Express® Card. Since there is no physical plastic associated with an eGift Card, it is not accepted by businesses for in-store purchases. If you experience any difficulty in making a purchase online or by phone, please call us at 1-866-608-3754 for assistance.



[Back to Top]

Do I need to do anything before using my Gift Card?

Gift Card: Before using your Gift Card, you should sign your name on the back, where indicated. Write down the Gift Card number, four Digit Card Identification Code (CID) located on the front of the card, the three digit Card Security Code (CSC) on the back of the Card, and Customer Service number on a separate piece of paper in case the Gift Card is lost or stolen. If you need to activate the Gift Card, instructions will be provided either on the Card or on an enclosure that comes with the Card. When you call to activate your Card, a customer care professional will ask for the CID printed on the front of your Gift Card, as well as additional identification information, such as your home phone number, date of birth, and zip code. For more information on Card activation and identity verification, please see the section entitled "Before Using the Gift Card" in the Terms and Conditions included with the Card. All information you provide will be held in strict confidence in accordance with the Data Protection and Privacy sections of the American Express Gift Card and American Express eGift Terms and Conditions.

eGift Card: Before using the eGift Card, the recipient must activate the Card through the website link provided by email. The recipient should retain the eGift Card number, CSC,CID and Customer Service number in case the eGift Card number, CSC, or CID is lost or stolen.



[Back to Top]

Are there any fees associated with the Gift Card?

Depending on the type of Card, a one-time purchase fee ranging from $2.95 to $6.95 will apply, but there are no monthly service or maintenance fees.



[Back to Top]

Are there any fees on Gift Cards after purchase?

After a Gift Card has been purchased, we do not charge any additional fees.



[Back to Top]

How does the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act affect the sale of Gift Cards?

The Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act states limits to the fees and expiration dates that issuers may impose with respect to gift cards. The Act also requires that we advise consumers who purchased Gift Cards between August 22, 2010 and January 20, 2010, known as the Transition Period,* the following:

  • Funds on American Express Gift Cards never expire
  • American Express Gift Cards carry no fees after purchase, including dormancy, inactivity or service fees.
  • If any American Express Gift Card that you purchased during the Transition Period does not meet all of the disclosure requirements of the CARD Act, or reflects an expiration date of less than five years from the date of Card purchase, you are entitled to a free replacement Gift Card, including its packaging and related materials.

If you have any questions or want to request a free replacement Gift Card please contact us online at americanexpress.com or call us at the number on the back of your Gift Card.

*Notice provided pursuant to the Gift Card provisions of the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act (U.S. Public Law 111-24).



[Back to Top]

Does my Gift Card have an expiration date?

No. The available funds on the Gift Card never expire. There is a "valid thru" date indicated on the front of the Gift Card (or on the pdf file for eGift Cards), which means the Card or eGift Card cannot be used after this date. If you have any available funds remaining on the Card after that "valid thru" date, you may request a replacement Gift Card at any time free of charge. For more information about getting a replacement Gift Card or redeeming available funds, please call us at the number on the back of your Card.



[Back to Top]

What should I do if my Gift Card is lost or stolen?

Please call us immediately at 1-877-297-4438. You will need to provide the Gift Card number and other identification information. If our records show that there are still available funds remaining on the Gift Card, we will cancel the original Gift Card and send you a replacement Gift Card with a dollar value equal to the available funds on your original Gift Card at the time you notified us that it was lost or stolen. Please note that refunds will not be issued for any amount that is debited from your lost, stolen or improperly used Gift Card prior to the time you notify us. Please note that we reserve the right to decline the issuance of a replacement card based if sufficient information is not provided at the time of the call or based on additional criteria.



[Back to Top]

Can value be added to the Gift Card?

No. Once the amount on the Gift Card has been used, the Card is no longer valid. You should cut any used Gift Card in half and discard it. We recommend that you retain your Gift Card or eGift Card information until you are certain you will not return any merchandise that you purchased with your Gift Card.



[Back to Top]

What are the different options for buying Gift Cards and eGift Cards?

Gift Cards may be purchased either online at americanexpress.com or in person at various retail locations throughout the United States.

eGift Cards can only be purchased online at americanexpress.com and are sent by email to the recipient in the form of a downloadable pdf file, which features eGift Card details, including the recipient’s name, gift amount, and a personal message from the sender.

There are several types of Gift Cards:

A Personalized Gift Card may be purchased online and can be printed with the recipient’s name in raised letters on the front of the Card. The Personalized Gift Card carrier features the purchaser’s name, the gift amount, and a personal message to the recipient.

A Photo Gift Card may only be purchased online and allows you to upload a photo to the front of the Card.

A Logo Gift Card allows businesses to add their own logo to the front of the Gift Card.

A Custom Message Gift Card may only be purchased online and comes printed with your company name or a special message embossed in the lower left corner.

We may decline the printing of any photo, logo or message on a Gift Card that does comply with our policies or requirements, as stated in our Terms of Use.

[Back to Top]

Where can I purchase an American Express Gift Card or eGift Card?

Gift Cards can be purchased online at americanexpress.com/gift or in person at participating banks, retailers and malls.

Personalized, Custom Message, Photo, Business Logo and eGift Cards can only be purchased online at americanexpress.com/gift.

[Back to Top]

eGift Cards: For online orders, there is a purchase charge of $2.95 per eGift Card. Purchase charges are displayed on the order form and cover order processing and eGift Card personalization.

Please note that from time to time we offer promotional pricing for shipping and purchase fees on certain Gift Cards.

In-Store Purchases: Product charges vary by seller and are determined by the policies and procedures set by each seller. You should check with the seller before purchasing your Gift Card.

[Back to Top]

How much money can I put onto an American Express Gift Card?

The initial value depends on the type of Gift Card you purchase and whether the Gift Card is purchased at americanexpress.com or in store.

Gift Card: For americanexpress.com orders, the following prepaid denominations are available: $25, $35, $50, $75, $100, $150, $200, $500, $700, $1000, $2000 and $3000. Denomination availability varies depending on Gift Card design.

Personalized, Custom Message and Photo Gift Cards can be purchased in denominations between $25 and $3000.

eGift Card: For online orders, eGift Cards may be purchased in denominations between $25 and $100.

In-Store Purchases: Denominations vary depending on the seller and are determined by the policies and procedures set by each seller. You should check with the seller before purchasing your Gift Card.



[Back to Top]

Is there a limit to how many Cards can be ordered?

We generally don’t limit the number of Cards, but we may limit the total amount that may be purchased within a given time period or by a particular payment method. There is maximum order size of $5,000 for personal Gift Cards and $75,000 for business orders. For business orders greater than $75,000, please call 1-800-316-4420. If you want your business logo printed on a Card click here for an overview of our logo service. Please note there is a $5,000 minimum for logo orders.

For eGift Card orders, there is a one Card per order limit of $100.



[Back to Top]

Can I cancel an order?

No. Once you place your order it cannot be modified, cancelled or refunded.



[Back to Top]

Can I get the recipient's name embossed or printed on the Card?

Yes. If you order a Personalized Gift Card, the recipient’s name will be printed on the front of the Gift Card. The Personalized Gift Card is only available online. If you order an eGift Card, your personalized message will be printed on the front of a downloadable pdf file that will be sent to the recipient.

If you'd like to have your business logo printed on your Gift Cards, click here to learn more about our logo service. When you are ready to order, please call 1-800-316-4420.



[Back to Top]

Can I send a personalized message with the Gift Card?

Yes. Simply order a Personalized Gift Card or an eGift Card, both of which are only available online at americanexpress.com/gift. Just follow the instructions explaining how to include a personal message that will be printed directly on the Gift Card package or pdf file that will be sent to your recipient.

For eGift Cards, the recipient’s name and your personalized message will be printed on the front of the downloadable pdf file delivered to recipient, as detailed in your order.

If you'd like to have your business logo printed on your Gift Cards, click here to learn more about our logo service. When you are ready to order, please call 1-800-316-4420.



[Back to Top]

Why can't I order a Gift Card with two names, such as John and Mary Smith?

We follow the payment card industry standards, which means that we do not allow more than one name to be associated with any physical Gift Card. However, if you purchase an eGift Card, you may include more than one name. If you purchase a Personalized Card, you can include a personal message that is printed on the Gift Card.



[Back to Top]

Does American Express sell Gift Cards to residents in all 50 states?

No, we do not sell or ship online orders for Gift Cards made through americanexpress.com/gift to residents of Vermont or Hawaii due to state law restrictions related to purchase fees in those states.



[Back to Top]

May I use Membership Rewards® points for my Gift Card purchase on the American Express Gift Card site?

Yes. During the shopping process, you will be asked to log in to our website. If your American Express® Card is eligible, you will see your available Membership Rewards account balance. You may then use points to purchase a Gift Card.



[Back to Top]

How do I know if my American Express Card is eligible for use of Membership Rewards points at the American Express Gift Card site?

You must have an American Express® Card in good standing that is enrolled in the Membership Rewards® program. You must also be the basic Cardmember on the Membership Rewards® account. Please visit membershiprewards.com to check your Card eligibility and Membership Rewards point balance.



[Back to Top]

How can I use Membership Rewards points toward my Gift Card purchase on the American Express Gift Card site?

  1. Add the Gift Card(s) you want to purchase to your shopping cart.
  2. Log in with your American Express User ID to check the point balance and the points needed for your Gift Card purchase.
  3. Select an American Express® Card enrolled in the Membership Rewards® program and pay for all or part of your purchase with points. A minimum of 1,000 points is required to redeem for a Gift Card.
[Back to Top]

Can I use points toward my Gift Card purchase by phone?

No. you must place your order online at americanexpress.com/gift to use Membership Reward points for Gift Card purchases.

[Back to Top]



Is there a fee for using Membership Rewards points for my Gift Card purchase on the American Express Gift Card site?

No. There is no fee for using points, but you should know that there may be purchase fees associated with the Gift Card you choose.



[Back to Top]

How will the charges for Gift Card purchases appear on my monthly American Express Card statement?

The charge for your Gift Card will appear on your American Express® Card account statement. You will see a credit for the amount of your Gift Card purchase for which you used points. Membership Rewards points that you redeem will be automatically and permanently deducted from your Membership Rewards account.



[Back to Top]

Can Membership Rewards points be returned to my account after I have used them for a Gift Card purchase?

No. Membership Rewards point redemptions for Gift Cards are considered final and cannot be put back into your account.



[Back to Top]

Can I use Membership Rewards points to buy other kinds of Gift Cards?

Yes. In addition to using Membership Rewards points to purchase Gift Cards at americanexpress.com/gift you can also use Membership Rewards points to purchase Gift Cards at americanexpress.com/membershiprewards.



[Back to Top]

Can I purchase Gift Cards for someone other than myself using Membership Rewards points?

Yes. As long as you log in using your own User ID and Password, you'll see your American Express Card® and Membership Rewards® account information on the Pay tab.You’ll need the correct shipping address for the person you wish to send the Gift Card.



[Back to Top]

What if I don't have enough Membership Rewards points to use points for an entire Card purchase?

You can still use Membership Rewards points toward your Gift Card purchase. Select the amount of points you would like to redeem. If you do not have enough points, the balance will be charged to your American Express® Card.



[Back to Top]

What if I want to use Membership Rewards points for only part of my Gift Card purchase?

On the Pay tab, choose the option to pay for part of the Gift Card purchase using Membership Rewards points instead of the option to pay for the full purchase of the Gift Card.



[Back to Top]

Can I send the Gift Card to anyone in the United States?

Personalized Gift Cards can be delivered to either the purchaser or the Personalized Gift Card recipient. Gift Cards that are not personalized can only be delivered to the purchaser. eGift Cards can only be delivered to the designated recipient. We cannot send Gift Cards to post office boxes, APO or FPO addresses, U.S. territories or international addresses.

We do not currently ship Gift Cards ordered on americanexpress.com to Hawaii or Vermont.



[Back to Top]

Once I have ordered a Card, how long does it take to arrive?

Gift Card: Orders that are processed & shipped via USPS First Class Mail should arrive within 10 business days. Orders can be expedited by selecting UPS (2nd day or next day) where a signature may be required for delivery. Please note that the Personalized and Customized Gift Card require an additional five business days for processing. The Photo Gift Card requires an additional six business days for processing.

Business Logo Gift Card: Orders are shipped via UPS (2nd day or next day). Delivery time, on average, is 6-10 business days after you approve the design online and speak to an American Express representative.

eGift Card: We typically send an email notification directly to the recipient within an hour, but no more than 48 hours after you have initially submitted your order.

From time to time, we offer promotions related to shipping and delivery. Please refer to the relevant promotional material for information related to shipping costs and delivery time.



[Back to Top]

Where can I find information, including the status of an order, for American Express Gift Cheques and Gift Cards?

For information or to order American Express Gift Cheques or Gift Cards, please visit americanexpress.com/gift. If a Gift Card has not arrived at the recipient's address within 10 business days, please call us at 1-877-AXP-GIFT to verify your order. You will need to provide your order reference number and the credit card number that was used to place the order.



[Back to Top]

Can I have the Gift Card delivered to me instead of the recipient?

Yes, with the exception of eGift Cards.

The eGift Card is only deliverable to the email address of the designated recipient.

[Back to Top]

What should I do if the recipient does not receive the Gift Card in the mail?

If the Gift Card has not arrived at the recipient's address within 10 business days, please Call us at 1-877-AXP-GIFT to verify your order. You will need to provide your order reference number and the credit card number that was used to place the order. We will also need to confirm that the address and recipient information you provided is correct. If the address and recipient information is incorrect, we can cancel the original Gift Card and send a new Gift Card.

[Back to Top]

What should I do if the recipient does not receive their eGift Card notification by email?

If the eGift Card recipient has not received notification within 24 hours, please call us at 1-866-608-3754 to verify your order. You will need to provide your order reference number and the credit card number that was used to place the order. We will also need to confirm that the email address and recipient information you provided is correct. If the email address and recipient information is incorrect, we can cancel the original eGift Card and send a new eGift Card.



[Back to Top]

What if I don't have enough on the Gift Card to buy what I want - Can I combine other forms of payment?

Depending on where you’re making a purchase, you may be able to use your Gift Card toward a portion of the final purchase price, and then use another form of payment to pay the balance. This is called a "split tender" transaction because you are splitting the final transaction amount between your Gift Card and another form of payment. Before you request a "split tender" transaction, please call us at the number on the back of your Card to confirm the available funds on your Gift Card. If the business agrees to a split tender, first pay the total amount less the balance on your Gift Card using another form of payment, such as a credit card or cash. Then use your Gift Card to pay the remaining balance. Some retailers, particularly department stores, will only allow a "split tender" transaction if the second form of payment is cash or check. Most online and mail order businesses do not permit "split tender" transactions. We cannot guarantee that a business will accept two Gift Cards or accept two forms of payment for a purchase.



[Back to Top]

How does it work at "tip" oriented businesses?

When a "tip" oriented business, such as a spa or hair salon, requests approval from us to complete your transaction, the business may add a fixed tip percentage of approximately 20% to the bill. This additional amount is meant to cover the tip that they expect you will add to the bill. If you do not have enough available funds on your Gift Card to cover the total, your Gift Card may be declined. If you have enough available funds on your Gift Card to cover the amount that the business requested for approval, a "hold" may be placed on your available funds for the additional amount if you do not add the amount they expect. Once the business sends us the final transaction amount you have selected, we will remove the "hold" on your available funds. This process may take 3 to 7 days and during this time you will not be able to use any available funds that are on "hold". As an example, if your haircut, not including a tip, totaled $50 but the spa or hair salon wants approval from us for $60 (e.g., an additional $10 tip) and you choose to pay only the $50 for the haircut with your Gift Card, leaving the tip in cash, then the additional $10 will be placed on "hold" until we receive a submission from the spa or hair salon reflecting a final transaction amount of $50 on your Gift Card. To avoid a decline or hold on your gift card, you can ask the business to authorize a specific dollar amount, but we do not guarantee that the business will fulfill your request.



[Back to Top]

How does it work at gas stations?

If you use your Gift Card to purchase gasoline, we recommend that you pay inside the station, rather than at the pump because the pump may be pre-programmed to confirm that you have sufficient available funds on your Gift Card to pay for an average purchase of gas, which may be higher than you plan to spend. For example, before you start pumping, many gas stations require a preauthorization for $75 (a "Pre-Authorization Request"). If you do not have enough available funds on your Gift Card to cover the Pre-Authorization Request, your Gift Card will be declined. If you do have enough available funds on your Gift Card to cover the Pre-Authorization Request, you will be able to continue your transaction at the pump. However, if the dollar amount of your actual gasoline purchase is less than the amount of the Pre-Authorization Request, a "hold" will be placed on your available funds for the difference between the two amounts. Once the business sends us the final amount of your actual gasoline purchase, we will remove the "hold" on your available funds. This process may take up to 7 days and during this time you will not be able to use any available funds that are on "hold". To avoid a decline or a hold on your gift card, we recommend you pre-pay for your gasoline inside the station.



[Back to Top]

What about returns, exchanges or problems with the merchandise purchased?

You should familiarize yourself with a business’s return and exchange policies before you complete your purchase with a Gift Card. If you wish to return or exchange any merchandise purchased with your Gift Card, you will be subject to the business’s return and exchange policies. If the business agrees to issue a credit to your Gift Card for merchandise returned, these funds may not be available for 3 to 7 days.

Purchases made with the Gift Card and eGift Card are similar to those made with cash or travelers cheques. You cannot stop payment or set up a billing inquiry on these transactions. You should address any problem or dispute directly with the business.



[Back to Top]

What if my Gift Card is declined?

The Gift Card can be declined if there are not enough available funds to cover the amount of your purchase. It is important to keep track of your available balance to ensure that you do not exceed your limit. To check the amount of funds available on your Gift Card, simply visit americanexpress.com/giftcard or call us at the number on the back of your Gift Card (for eGift Cards please call 1-866-608-3754, which is the telephone number printed on the downloadable pdf file). Please note that your available fund balance will reflect all authorization requests that have been submitted by businesses at the time of your call or inquiry.



[Back to Top]

How do I track the funds available on my Gift Card and my transactions?

To check the amount of funds available on your Gift Card, simply visit americanexpress.com/giftcard or call us at the number on the back of your Gift Card. Please note that your available fund balance will reflect all authorization requests that have been submitted by businesses at the time of your call or inquiry. If you have a question about a transaction that has been posted to your Gift Card, please notify us immediately, but no later than sixty (60) days from the date of the transaction.



[Back to Top]

May I use my Gift Card for online shopping?

Yes. If you have difficulty using your Gift Card online, please call us at 1-877-AXP-GIFT.



[Back to Top]

How can my company order Gift Cards?

Please visit our Business Gift Cards site to order up to $75,000 worth of Gift Cards per order.

For Business orders over $75,000, please call 1-800-316-4420.

If you want your business logo printed on your Business Gift Cards click here to learn more about our logo service. Please note there is a $5,000 minimum for logo orders. When you are ready to order, please call 1-800-316-4420.



[Back to Top]

Can I use American Express logos or product images in my marketing materials?

A Gift Card purchase does not mean you may automatically use our logo or product images in any corporate creative material. Please contact American Express Travelers Cheques and Prepaid Services at 1-877-297-8242 for more information.



[Back to Top]

What happens if I purchase more Gift Cards than I need? Can I return any unused portion?

All Gift Card sales at americanexpress.com are final. Once you submit your order, you will not be able to cancel the order or return the Gift Cards for a refund. Please see the Terms and Conditions for additional information.



[Back to Top]

What are some of the ways American Express Gift Cards can be used in my business?

There are many opportunities to use Gift Cards for your business, including rewards, incentives, and promotions, for both customers and employees. Some of the possibilities are:
  • Promotions or Sweepstakes
  • Customer Referrals or Loyalty Incentives
  • Customer Satisfaction
  • Employee Reward Programs
  • Service anniversary or Retirement Gifts

***Businesses or individuals who purchase Gift Cards are not authorized to resell them for a fee.



[Back to Top]

What are the benefits of setting up a Corporate Account Relationship with American Express?

When you set up a Corporate Account with us you’ll receive many benefits:
  • Streamlined servicing as a repeat buyers
  • Volume discounts
  • Additional payment method options, including ACH and Corporate Purchasing Card (CPC)
  • Tracking and reporting of orders
  • Online username and password for easy access to online application
  • Ability to establish user preferences for easy repeat purchases (i.e. payment, shipping, and billing address)
  • Individual fulfillment
  • Alternative shipping address
  • Easy transition to corporate incentive solutions



[Back to Top]

 


  Cardholder Agreement

Click here for information about addressing complaints regarding our money services business, lists of our money services business licenses and other disclosures.


All users of our online services subject to Privacy Statement and agree to be bound by Terms of Service. Please review.

© 2013 American Express Company. All rights reserved.