The sale of the American Express UK Gift Card was discontinued in 2015. However, anyone who had already purchased an American Express Gift Card can continue to use it as normal at establishments that accept American Express according to the Gift Card Terms and Conditions
For questions about American Express Gift Cards please see our Frequently Asked Questions. You may also call 0203 564 7016 to speak with a customer representative 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Have questions about American Express® Gift Cards? You can find answers here.
How to use your UK Gift Card
How the UK Gift Card by American Express works
Welcome across the UK*
The Gift Card can be used in shops, restaurants, cafes, cinemas, or even online – virtually anywhere that accepts American Express. Exclusions apply*. Once the Gift Card has been Activated and signed, it’s ready to use. Gift Card Terms and Conditions apply.
No fee to refund if lost or stolen
If the Gift Card you give is ever lost or stolen, the recipient can report it immediately to request a refund. Just call Customer Service on 0203 564 7016, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to speak to a representative. Gift Card Terms and Conditions apply.
Checking the balance
The recipient should always know the Gift Card balance before using it. There are two convenient ways to find out the available Gift Card balance.
Before using the Gift Card for a purchase, the recipient should tell the cashier how much value is on the Gift Card.
If the purchase total is greater than the Gift Card Balance on a Gift Card, the recipient can ask the merchant if they can use an additional form of payment, like cash or another card, to complete the transaction. If the merchant accepts, the cashier can authorise a Gift Card only for the available balance and then ask for a second form of payment. Otherwise, the transaction will be declined.
American Express Merchants
Gift Cards can be used online and in store at these popular merchants.
The specially chosen Gift Card
Is the Gift Card a debit Card or a credit Card?
The Gift Card is a NON-reloadable prepaid payment device with a pounds sterling value that is printed on the front of the Gift Card. The Gift Card is not a credit, charge, or debit Card. The Gift Card is not redeemable for cash. The Gift Card should not be used for unlawful purposes. The unspent amount of the initial value loaded/remaining onto your Gift Card is its "Gift Card Balance."
Are any steps required before using the Gift Card?
Upon delivery or receipt of an American Express Gift Card, the recipient should take a moment to:
Note that if the Gift Card was purchased in store, the Gift Card is already Activated.
What are the fees associated with the Gift Card?
The Gift Card is not intended for long-term use. Starting 12 months after the date of Activation of the Gift Card, we will deduct a non-refundable monthly fee of £1.50 ("Monthly Fee") from the Gift Card Balance. The Monthly Fee applies to all Gift Cards, irrespective of purchase channel.
For Gift Cards purchased in-store or online, a one-time purchase fee ("Purchase Fee"), and in the case of online purchase a delivery fee ("Delivery Fee"), was payable at the time of purchase, as follows:
(1) In-store purchase
| Card Value | Purchase Fee |
|---|---|
| £20 | £2.45 |
| £30 | £2.95 |
| £50 | £3.95 |
| £100 | £4.45 |
(2) Online purchase, A Purchase Fee of £2.95 per Gift Card was payable at the time of purchase, regardless of Gift Card denomination. A Delivery Fee of £1.00 for the delivery of one
(1) Gift Card or £1.50 for two (2) to five (5) Gift Cards was also applicable.
How do I use the Gift Card to make purchases?
The American Express Gift Card is accepted in the UK where American Express Cards are welcome.
Please note that exclusions apply: the Gift Card cannot be used at ATMs, gambling establishments, cruise lines, on, or in connection with ATOC (Association of Train Operating Companies) Services, payment and money transfer providers, customer activated terminals e.g., unattended ticket machines or for purposes of guaranteeing payment of future purchases. Please see the Gift Card Terms and Conditions for more information
The American Express Gift Card is accepted at merchants across the UK that accept the American Express Gift Card (“Merchant”). Simply present the Gift Card to the cashier and specify that it is a Gift Card. The cashier will provide you with two copies of a receipt upon processing the payment. Please give one copy to the cashier after signing it, and retain the other for your records. The transaction is concluded after the cashier verifies your signature by comparing it with the one on the back of the Gift Card. You may use the Gift Card to make purchases only at Merchants in the United Kingdom that accept American Express Gift Cards, including mail order, online and physical establishments.
What is the "valid thru" date on the front of the Gift Card?
The "valid thru" date indicated on the front of the Gift Card indicates the date the Gift Card expires. The Gift Card is valid until the "valid thru" date shown on front of the Gift Card or until the Gift Card Balance on the Gift Card has been exhausted, whichever is earlier. This date is required by some merchants to process a transaction. If you have any available funds remaining on the Gift Card after the "valid thru" date, you may redeem the available balance within 6 years after the expiration date. For more information about the Gift Card or redeeming available funds, please call Customer Services at 0203 564 7016.
Please note that the valid thru date is different than purchase date. Starting 12 months after the Activation Date of the Gift Card, we will deduct a non-refundable monthly fee of £1.50 (“Monthly Fee”) from the Gift Card Balance.
Should I register my Gift Card?
When using the Gift Card for online purchases, some Merchants may perform a security check that compares the information provided during the order with the information registered by American Express on the Gift Card being used for payment. While American Express may have already approved the transaction, the merchant may decline the payment if no information is available on the Gift Card or if the Customer gave different information during the payment process than that registered by American Express. To avoid this issue, American Express recommends you register your Gift Card prior to making an on-line transaction by calling American Express Customer Services at 0203 564 7016.
Should the Card number and Customer Services number be written down?
Yes, you should write down the Gift Card number, along with the Customer Services number printed on the back of the Gift Card and keep these in a safe place. You will need the Gift Card number to check your Gift Card Balance or redeem the Gift Card Balance if the Gift Card is lost or stolen.
Should the receipt from purchased Gift Cards be kept?
We strongly recommend that you keep the receipt issued by the Merchant after you have made a purchase with the American Express Gift Card. We may require this receipt if you request a refund, exchange or replacement of product/service from the Merchant (as per such Merchant’s policies). If you make a purchase using your Gift Card from the Merchant website, please reference your e-mail confirmation from that transaction.
Where can the Gift Card be used? Are there any usage restrictions?
The Gift Card may be used at Merchants in the UK where American Express Gift Cards are accepted for electronic transactions (excluding transactions at ATMs and on, or in connection with ATOC services). The Gift Card is not a credit Card nor is it linked to a deposit account with a bank. Some Merchants may choose not to accept the Gift Card. Please note that the Gift Card cannot be used to obtain or redeem cash, at ATMs, or for making direct debit, or for recurring charges or regular installment payments (such as monthly utilities or subscriptions where recurring payments are required to be made on a periodic basis as per standing instructions). Car rental establishments may accept the Gift Card at the end of the rental, but may not allow you to reserve a car with the Gift Card.
The Gift Card cannot be used for recurring billing transactions (such as magazine subscriptions) or at automated teller machines (ATMs), gambling establishments, cruise lines, on, or in connection with ATOC (Association of Train Operating Companies) services, payment and money transfer providers , customer activated terminals e.g. unattended ticket machines or for purposes of guaranteeing payment of future purchases. Please review the section on “Prohibited Uses” in the Gift Card Terms and Conditions for additional details on how not to use your Gift Card
How can the Gift Card Balance on the Gift Card be used?
The only way to use the Gift Card Balance on the Gift Card is by making a purchase with the Gift Card. Every time you do this, the full amount of the purchase, including VAT and any other fees, gets deducted from the Gift Card Balance.
Can the Gift Card be used if its Gift Card Balance does not cover the total purchase price?
If you wish to purchase an item worth more than your Gift Card Balance, depending on the Merchant’s policy, 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 of the final purchase price. This is known as a “Split Tender Transaction”.
Before you request a Split Tender Transaction, check your Gift Card Balance by calling American Express Customer Service or by visiting www.americanexpress.co.uk/gift. Then, you must ask the Merchant if two forms of payment will be accepted for the purchase. If the Merchant agrees, first request that a specific amount be placed on the other form of payment (e.g. the final transaction amount less your Gift Card Balance), and then use your Gift Card to pay the remaining balance. Some retailers will only allow a Split Tender Transaction if the second form of payment is cash or cheque. Internet and most mail order Merchants do not permit Split Tender Transactions.
What if the Gift Card is lost or stolen?
f your Gift Card is lost or stolen, you must report it immediately to American Express Customer Service. You agree that you will be responsible for all Charges associated with the Gift Card, including any unauthorised Charges taking place prior to you reporting to us that the Gift Card was lost or stolen.
In order for us to process a report for a lost or stolen Gift Card, we will need you to provide the 15-digit Gift Card number and other details relating to the purchase and use of your Gift Card. Once reported, the Gift Card will be suspended and no additional Charges will be permitted to take place. At that point you may request Redemption for the Gift Card Balance as described in the section “Spending and Redeeming the Electronic Money on the Gift Card”. Unfortunately, we are unable to issue replacement cards.
No Redemptions will be provided to cover amounts debited from your lost or stolen Gift Card Balance prior to the time you notified us.
We reserve the right to decline the Redemption of the Gift Card Balance for lost or stolen Gift Cards if sufficient information, including the Gift Card details, are not provided.
If your Gift Card is damaged, you may contact American Express Customer Service with a copy of your receipt or proof of purchase to request a redemption of the Gift Card Balance.
How can the Gift Card Balance on the Gift Card be used?Can merchandise purchased with the Gift Card be returned?
Merchandise purchased with the Gift Card is subject to the Merchant’s return policies. If the Merchant agrees to issue a credit to the Gift Card that has not expired, this amount may not be reflected in the Gift Card Balance until the credit posts, which may take up to seven days. For expired Gift Cards, the Merchant will not be able to post the credit for returned merchandise. You will need to keep the Gift Card if you anticipate that you may return merchandise purchased with the Gift Card.
Can a charge made with the Gift Card be disputed?
Purchases made with the Gift Card are similar to those made with cash, in that you cannot "stop payment" or lodge a "billing dispute" on purchases made with the Gift Card. Any problems or disputes you have regarding a purchase should be addressed directly with the Merchant. If you cannot resolve the dispute, you may call Customer Service at 0203 564 7016.
Are there other factors which may prevent the use of the Gift Card?
American Express may restrict or stop the use of the Gift Card, with or without notice, if there are potential fraud or security risks associated with the Gift Card. If you experience trouble completing a transaction with your Gift Card, first check your Gift Card Balance online or call American Express Customer Service at 0203 564 7016.
Can the Gift Card be used for transactions in foreign currency or for transactions outside the UK?
No. The Gift Card cannot be used for transactions in foreign currency and is available for use only within the UK for payment in pound sterling.
Where can I purchase a Gift Card?
American Express Gift Cards are no longer available for purchase in the UK. Anyone who has an American Express Gift Card can continue to use it at as normal at any establishment that accepts American Express.
What if I would like to return my Gift Card?
If you have made a mistake please call Customer Services at 0203 564 7016, quoting your order reference number.
Will American Express share my information with anyone?
Your privacy is important to us. To learn how we collect, use and safeguard information about you and how to limit the use and disclosure of your information, please review our privacy statement.
American Express® Gift Card Terms and Conditions
American Express® Gift Card Terms and Conditions
American Express Gift Cards
If you have an existing American Express Gift Card (purchased online or in-store), please click here for the Gift Card Terms and Conditions. Please note: In accordance with the American Express® Gift Card Cardholder Terms and Conditions and the Payment Services Regulations, this is notification of amendment of The American Express® Gift Card Cardholder Terms and Conditions. This notice shall be deemed effective on 1st July 2016. Please click here for the Gift Card Terms and Conditions.
This Agreement governs the issue and use of the American Express Gift Card (the "Gift Card" ). By purchasing, signing or using the Gift Card, you accept and agree to abide by all the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Please read this Agreement thoroughly and keep it for your reference. A copy of this Agreement was provided with the Gift Card at the time of purchase and is also available by visiting www.americanexpress.co.uk/gift.
This Agreement is between:
(A) The person who purchased the Gift Card and/or the person who is using the Gift Card (the terms 'Purchaser', 'Cardholder', 'you' and 'your' are used in this Agreement to refer to that person); and
(B) American Express Advanced Services Europe Limited, the issuer of the Gift Card (for which the terms 'American Express', 'we', 'us' and 'our' are used in this Agreement).American Express is incorporated in England and Wales with Company Number 07817749, registered office at Belgrave House, 76 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 9AX, United Kingdom, and is authorised in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (reference number 900039) for the issuing of electronic money.
This Agreement contains a limitation of liability clause, which limits our responsibility and liability. Please refer to the section ‘Limitation of Liability’ for further details.
This Agreement is not open ended, it has a fixed duration. Please refer to the Section entitled ‘Term of this Agreement – ‘valid thru’ date’ below for further details.
The Gift Card In this Agreement the term 'Gift Card' is used to refer to the American Express Gift Card which is an anonymous non-reloadable prepaid card issued by American Express for use only in the United Kingdom. The Gift Card is NOT a credit card, charge card, debit card, or cheque guarantee card.
The Gift Card is available in fixed denominations of £20, £30, £50 and £100, as clearly printed on the front of the Gift Card.The Gift Card is an electronic money product and although it is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, it is not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. We ensure that once we have received funds against which we issue electronic money, those funds are deposited (safeguarded) in a secure account, specifically for the purposes of carrying out transactions made on your Gift Card and honouring Redemptions.
Fees The Gift Card is not intended for long-term use. Starting 12 months after the date of Activation of the Gift Card, we will deduct a non-refundable monthly fee of £1.50 ( "Monthly Fee" ) from the Gift Card Balance. The Monthly Fee applies to all Gift Cards, irrespective of purchase channel.
For Gift Cards purchased in-store or online, a one-time purchase fee ( "Purchase Fee" ) and in the case of online purchase a delivery fee ( "Delivery Fee" ), is payable at the time of purchase, as follows:
1) In-store purchase
| Card Value | Purchase Fee |
|---|---|
| £20 | £2.45 |
| £30 | £2.95 |
| £50 | £3.95 |
| £100 | £4.45 |
(2) Online purchase A Purchase Fee of £2.95 per Gift Card is payable at the time of purchase, regardless of Gift Card denomination. A Delivery Fee of £1.00 for the delivery of one (1) Gift Card or £1.50 for two (2) to five (5) Gift Cards is also applicable.
Before Using the Gift Card You must sign the Gift Card as soon as the Gift Card is received. Keep a separate record of the 15-digit Gift Card number and 4-digit security code printed on the front of the Gift Card. We will request you to provide this information when you call American Express Customer Service (contact details are available at the bottom of the Agreement) including if your Gift Card is lost or stolen. Keep a copy of your Gift Card receipt or proof of purchase as you will need to provide it if your Gift Card gets damaged and you request a Redemption of the Gift Card Balance.
You should treat your Gift Card like cash and should take all reasonable steps to keep it safe and secure and to protect the Gift Card against loss, theft or unauthorised use.
Limitation on purchase amount You may not purchase more than five (5) Gift Cards in one transaction.
Activation of your Gift Card In order that your Gift Card Balance is made available for use, the Gift Card will need to be Activated as detailed below.
"Activate", "Activated", "Activating" and "Activation" mean:
(a) In-store purchase: your Gift Card(s) will be activated automatically at the point of sale on purchase of the Gift Card and will normally be useable within a few minutes but please allow up to thirty (30) minutes. You will not need to take any action with regards to activating the Gift Card.
(b)Online purchase: please activate your Gift Card(s) by visiting www.americanexpress.co.uk/gift/activate and entering the last four digits of the recipient's telephone number provided during the online purchase. Your Gift Card will normally be activated within a few minutes, but please allow up to thirty (30) minutes before contacting American Express Customer Service in the event your Gift Card Balance is not available.
If you find your Gift Card Balance is not made available within thirty (30) minutes of activation, please contact American Express Customer Service (contact details below).
Gift Cards which are not activated by you within twelve (12) months of the purchase date will be automatically activated by American Express. We will activate such Gift Cards not less than 12 months from the purchase date. American Express will provide prior written notification of your Gift Card being activated.
Gift Card Balance The Gift Card Balance is the amount of electronic money available on the Gift Card at any given time. On receipt of (a) funds equivalent to the Gift Card denomination and (b) the corresponding Purchase Fee, we will issue and load electronic money on such Gift Card at par value. This amount will be the initial Gift Card Balance. In this Agreement, the term "Gift Card Balance" means the electronic money loaded on the Gift Card at any given time, which will be reduced every time: (a) the Gift Card is used to make a purchase; (b) a Successful Redemption is carried out; or (c) a Monthly Fee is applied.
You will not earn interest on the Gift Card Balance.
You must keep track of the Gift Card Balance. A confirmation of the Gift Card Balance can be obtained by calling American Express Customer Service or by visiting www.americanexpress.co.uk/gift.
The Gift Card cannot be reloaded and will no longer be usable once the Gift Card Balance is nil (£0), after the ‘valid thru’ date or if you have requested its cancellation.
Where to Use the Gift Card Subject to this Agreement, you may use the Gift Card to make purchases only at merchants in the United Kingdom that accept American Express Cards, including mail order, online and physical establishments (each called a "Merchant").
Where NOT to Use the Gift Card The Gift Card cannot be used for recurring billing transactions (such as magazine subscriptions) or at automated teller machines (ATMs), gambling establishments, cruise lines, on, or in connection with ATOC (Association of Train Operating Companies) Services payment and money transfer providers, customer activated terminals e.g. unattended ticket machines or for purposes of guaranteeing payment of future purchases. The section on “Prohibited Uses” below explains further how not to use your Gift Card.
Certain Merchants such as petrol stations will routinely obtain an authorisation on the Gift Card for an estimated purchase amount to ensure that the Gift Card Balance will cover the final purchase. To avoid having a petrol station obtain an authorisation for an amount higher than the Gift Card Balance, we suggest that you pay in-store for an amount equal to, or less than, the Gift Card Balance.
You agree not to spend more than the Gift Card Balance. If you attempt to spend more than the Gift Card Balance, the transaction will be declined. However, if a transaction occurs despite an insufficient Gift Card Balance, you agree to reimburse us, upon request, for the amount of the negative balance created.
Split Tender Transactions If you wish to purchase an item worth more than your Gift Card Balance, depending on the Merchant’s policy, 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 of the final purchase price. This is known as a "Split Tender Transaction".
Before you request a Split Tender Transaction, check your Gift Card Balance by calling American Express Customer Service or by visiting www.americanexpress.co.uk/gift. Then, you must ask the Merchant if two forms of payment will be accepted for the purchase. If the Merchant agrees, first request that a specific amount be placed on the other form of payment (e.g. the final transaction amount less your Gift Card Balance), and then use your Gift Card to pay the remaining balance. Some retailers will only allow a Split Tender Transaction if the second form of payment is cash or cheque. Internet and most mail order Merchants do not permit Split Tender Transactions.
PROHIBITED USES You may not use your Gift Card at automated teller machines(ATMs), cruise lines, on, or in connection with ATOC (Association of Train Operating Companies) Services, payment and money transfer providers and/or gambling establishments and at customer activated terminals e.g. unattended ticket machines. If, however, we authorise or process any such transaction, you agree that we have the right to apply its value against the Gift Card Balance. In addition, you must not:
We may block the use of the Gift Card at any time if we have reasonable grounds to suspect unauthorised or fraudulent use; or if we determine that its use is contrary to this Agreement or otherwise illegal. You can call American Express Customer Service if you wish to enquire about a block on your Gift Card.
Return of Goods or Services If you wish to return the goods or services purchased with your Gift Card, you must address it directly with the Merchant involved. Returns are subject to the Merchant’s policies and applicable laws.
Term of this Agreement –'valid thru' date This Agreement is in place from the date the Gift Card is purchased and will be valid until the ‘valid thru’ date on the front of the Gift Card.
You may not use the Gift Card after the 'valid thru' date displayed on the front of the Gift Card. However, if you do, and we authorise a Charge, you agree that we have the right to apply the value against the Gift Card Balance. After the ‘valid thru’ date you may request Redemption of the Gift Card Balance, see section "Spending and Redeeming the Electronic Money on the Gift Card" for further details.
Termination You may request to terminate this Agreement at any time by calling American Express Customer Service and requesting the cancellation of your Gift Card and Redemption of the remaining Gift Card Balance in accordance with the section "Spending and Redeeming the Electronic Money on the Gift Card" below.
If we have reasonable grounds to believe that your Gift Card is being used, or that someone has attempted to use it, for a prohibited use (see the section “Prohibited Uses” above), we reserve the right to cancel or suspend your Gift Card and prevent further Charges being made on it. We reserve the right to cancel your Gift Card and terminate this Agreement at any time if we have reasonable grounds to believe that there has been an attempt to use the Gift Card for a prohibited use regardless of whether any such attempt was successful.
If your Gift Card stops working, please contact American Express Customer Service. If we have suspended but not already cancelled your Gift Card and terminated the Agreement, as permitted under the Agreement, we may reactivate the Gift Card if we are satisfied that the Gift Card was used for a prohibited use by mistake.
This does not affect your right to contact American Express Customer Service and request Redemption of the remaining Gift Card Balance.
Lost or Stolen Gift Cards If your Gift Card is lost or stolen, you must report it immediately to American Express Customer Service. You agree that you will be responsible for all Charges associated with the Gift Card, including any unauthorised Charges taking place prior to you reporting to us that the Gift Card was lost or stolen.
In order for us to process a report for a lost or stolen Gift Card, we will need you to provide the 15-digit Gift Card number and other details relating to the purchase and use of your Gift Card. Once reported, the Gift Card will be suspended and no additional Charges will be permitted to take place. At that point you may request Redemption for the Gift Card Balance as described in the section “Spending and Redeeming the Electronic Money on the Gift Card”. Unfortunately we are unable to provide replacement Gift Cards.
No Redemptions will be provided to cover amounts debited from your lost or stolen Gift Card Balance prior to the time you notified us.
We reserve the right to decline the Redemption of the Gift Card Balance for lost or stolen Gift Cards if sufficient information, including the Gift Card details, are not provided.
If your Gift Card is damaged, you may contact American Express Customer Service with a copy of your receipt or proof of purchase to request a Redemption of the Gift Card Balance.
Spending and Redeeming the Electronic Money on the Gift Card During the term of this Agreement, that is, from the date of purchase of the Gift Card until the ‘valid thru’ date, you may spend the Gift Card Balance loaded on the Gift Card, by using the Gift Card to pay for the value of goods and services at Merchants, as described in the section "Where to Use the Gift Card" and "Using the Gift Card" and "Split Tender Transactions".
You may also request the "Redemption" of the Gift Card Balance free of charge. "Redemption" is a payment made by us, American Express, to you, as the Cardholder, of an amount equivalent to the Gift Card Balance. The conditions for Redemption are the following:
Any Redemption is subject to our completing and being satisfied with the outcome of applicable anti-money laundering, fraud and other illegal activity checks ("Successful Redemption"). We will only process your Redemption via cheque or bank transfer to a UK bank account, at our option. This process could take up to thirty (30) working days.
We will ask you to provide us with certain information about the Gift Card and yourself in order to process your Redemption request and you agree to provide us with such information. Information about the Gift Card may include the 15-digit Gift Card number, the proof of purchase and the card security code (the four digits on the front of the Gift Card).
Queries, Disputes and Complaints :
Queries and Disputes If you have an enquiry relating to your Gift Card, you can call American Express Customer Service.
If you identify a transaction that you believe was not authorised, executed or was defectively executed, we have the right to investigate queries and disputes prior to providing a refund. In accordance with this Agreement you must notify us without undue delay and in any event not more than 13 months after the date of the transaction. We may not be able to assist you if you delay notifying us. Where we are liable for not executing or defectively executing a transaction, we will credit your Gift Card with the amount of the transaction. We will also credit your Gift Card the amount of any unauthorised transaction that happens after you notify us of the loss, theft or unauthorised use of your Gift Card, except where you have acted fraudulently, but not the amount of any unauthorised transaction that happens before such notification.
If you are under 16 If you are under the age of 16 you should review this Agreement with a parent or guardian and ask questions about things you do not understand. Please ask your parent or guardian to contact us on your behalf for any matter related to the Gift Card or this Agreement.
Complaints If you wish to make a complaint about your Gift Card or the service we have provided you should contact us using any of the following means:
Address: Executive Customer Relations, American Express, Department 3333,
Amex House, Edward Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN88 1AH,
Tel: 0203 564 7016.
Full details of our complaint handling procedures are available on request, and also on our website: www.americanexpress.com/uk/bankcode/procedures.shtml
If you are not satisfied with our response or we are unable to resolve your complaint, you may be entitled to the right of referral to the Financial Ombudsman Service:
Address: The Financial Ombudsman Service, Exchange Tower, London E14 9SR
Tel: 0300 123 9 123, 0800 023 4567
E-mail: complaint.info@financial-ombudsman.org.uk
Webpage: www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk
Limitation of Liability We will endeavour to ensure that Merchants accept the Gift Card but American Express will not be responsible: (i) if a Merchant fails to honour your Gift Card, (ii) for defects in or non-delivery of any goods or services you may purchase with the Gift Card or (iii) for the failure of any point-of-sale device to correctly complete a Charge. See section "Problems with Goods or Services" for further details.
As your Gift Card is an anonymous card and we have no way of determining who authorised a transaction, you agree to accept all liability for any loss, theft, or unauthorised use of the Gift Card, however caused, which happened prior to you informing American Express Customer Service as described in the section "Lost or Stolen Gift Cards".
In relation to the use of the Gift Card or this Agreement, we will also not be liable for any losses or costs (i) caused by abnormal and unforeseeable events (for example, any machine failing to work or industrial disputes) that we cannot control and which would have been unavoidable despite all efforts to prevent the event happening, or (ii) resulting from our compliance with the law.
Use of Information and Data Protection If we hold any personal data for any reason related to the Gift Card (for example, in case you provide us data when you contact us for customer services or in the case of personal data collected during an online purchase of a Gift Card), we will process your information in our capacity as Data Controller and in accordance with applicable laws and policies, including the Data Protection Act 1998 and our Privacy Principles which can be found at www.americanexpress.co.uk/privacy.
You agree that we may transfer, access and process personal data in the USA or in other countries outside the European Economic Area (“EEA”). We will, however, take appropriate steps to ensure the same level of protection for your information in countries outside the EEA as there is in the EEA.
We may use information about the Gift Card and transactions made using the Gift Card to prepare reports for third parties (such as Merchants) in relation to Gift Card usage. Reports only contain aggregated and anonymised data and, if you have provided us with your data, we will not disclose any information which identifies you. We may disclose personal data to companies within the worldwide American Express group of companies ("Our Group"), Merchants, third parties who process transactions submitted by Merchants on the American Express network where you use your Gift Card, parties who distribute the Gift Card, our processors and suppliers, local regulators, law enforcement authorities or other government officials if we are under a duty to do so and anyone to whom we transfer our contractual rights. We may use your personal data for processing orders for the Gift Card, communicating with you including by e-mail and SMS about any American Express products or services which you hold and when answering your questions and requests. We may also use your personal data to advertise and market our products and services to you, and those of Our Group and third party business partners by sending you promotions and offers via email, SMS, direct mail and telemarketing according to your marketing preferences.
If you contact us by any electronic means, we may record any electronic identifier, including telephone numbers or internet protocol address, supplied at the time. We may monitor and record your telephone calls to us, or ours to you, either ourselves or by reputable third party organisations selected by us, to ensure consistent servicing levels (including staff training) and account operation, and to assist, where appropriate, in dispute resolution.
Communications and Changes to this Agreement This Agreement and all communications between us concerning this Agreement will be in English. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between us and any Purchaser and/or Cardholder regarding the use of the Gift Card. In the unlikely event that we need to provide any notifications or information we will do so through our website: www.americanexpress.co.uk/gift. You agree that we may change this Agreement at any time by posting the amended Agreement on our website and will provide you with no less than two (2) months’ notice on our website. You will be deemed to have accepted the amendments if you do not notify us otherwise by calling American Express Customer Service prior to the expiry of the notice. If you do so notify us, the Agreement will terminate at the end of the notice period. You also have the right to terminate the Agreement immediately and without charge at any time within the notice period and in accordance with the section “Termination”.
Assignment You may not assign, transfer or sell your rights, benefits or obligations under this Agreement. We may assign, transfer or sell our rights, benefits or obligations under this Agreement at any time to any company in our group or to a third party and a notice of any such assignment, transfer or sale taking effect will be posted on our website www.americanexpress.co.uk/gift two (2) months in advance. If we do so, or intend to do so, you agree that we can give any relevant information about you to the affiliate or the third party, as the case may be. After any such assignment, transfer or sale your rights will remain the same under the Agreement subject to a change of law or any further agreement between you and the new party. Your right to terminate the Agreement at any time and request Redemption, as permitted under this Agreement, and your statutory rights will not be affected.
Severability and No Waiver of Rights If any provision of this Agreement conflicts with any applicable law or regulation, that provision will be deemed to be modified or deleted so as to be consistent with law or regulation. This will not affect the parties’ other obligations which will continue as amended. If we fail, delay or decide not to exercise any of our rights under this Agreement, this will not be a waiver of our rights and will not prevent us from exercising them later.
Governing Law and Jurisdiction This agreement is governed by the laws of England and Wales and you and we both agree that the courts of England and Wales will have non-exclusive jurisdiction over us and you.
American Express Customer Service contact number: 0203 564 7016
Terms and Conditions
This Agreement governs the issue and use of the American Express Gift Card (the “Gift Card” ). By purchasing, signing or using the Gift Card, you accept and agree to abide by all the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Please read this Agreement thoroughly and keep it for your reference. A copy of this Agreement was provided with the Gift Card at the time of purchase and is also available by visiting www.americanexpress.co.uk/gift.
This Agreement is between:
(A) The person who purchased the Gift Card and/or the person who is using the Gift Card (the terms ‘Purchaser’, ‘Cardholder’, ‘you’ and ‘your’ are used in this Agreement to refer to that person); and
(B) American Express Advanced Services Europe Limited, the issuer of the Gift Card (for which the terms ‘American Express’, ‘we’, ‘us’ and ‘our’ are used in this Agreement).
American Express is incorporated in England and Wales with Company Number 07817749, registered office at Belgrave House, 76 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 9AX, United Kingdom, and is authorised in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (reference number 900039) for the issuing of electronic money.
This Agreement contains a limitation of liability clause, which limits our responsibility and liability. Please refer to the section ‘Limitation of Liability’ for further details.
This Agreement is not open ended, it has a fixed duration. Please refer to the Section entitled ‘Term of this Agreement – ‘valid thru’ date’ below for further details.
The Gift Card In this Agreement the term ‘Gift Card’ is used to refer to the American Express Gift Card which is an anonymous non-reloadable prepaid card issued by American Express for use only in the United Kingdom. The Gift Card is NOT a credit card, charge card, debit card, or cheque guarantee card.
The Gift Card is available in fixed denominations of £20, £30, £50 and £100, as clearly printed on the front of the Gift Card.
The Gift Card is an electronic money product and although it is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, it is not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. We ensure that once we have received funds against which we issue electronic money, those funds are deposited (safeguarded) in a secure account, specifically for the purposes of carrying out transactions made on your Gift Card and honouring Redemptions.
Fees The Gift Card is not intended for long-term use. Starting 12 months after the date of Activation of the Gift Card, we will deduct a non-refundable monthly fee of £1.50 ( “Monthly Fee” ) from the Gift Card Balance. The Monthly Fee applies to all Gift Cards, irrespective of purchase channel.
For Gift Cards purchased in-store or online, a one-time purchase fee ( "Purchase Fee" ) and in the case of online purchase a delivery fee ( "Delivery Fee" ), is payable at the time of purchase, as follows:
1) In-store purchase
| Card Value | Purchase Fee |
|---|---|
| £20 | £2.45 |
| £30 | £2.95 |
| £50 | £3.95 |
| £100 | £4.45 |
(2) Online purchase A Purchase Fee of £2.95 per Gift Card is payable at the time of purchase, regardless of Gift Card denomination. A Delivery Fee of £1.00 for the delivery of one (1) Gift Card or £1.50 for two (2) to five (5) Gift Cards is also applicable.
Before Using the Gift Card You must sign the Gift Card as soon as the Gift Card is received. Keep a separate record of the 15-digit Gift Card number and 4-digit security code printed on the front of the Gift Card. We will request you to provide this information when you call American Express Customer Service (contact details are available at the bottom of the Agreement) including if your Gift Card is lost or stolen. Keep a copy of your Gift Card receipt or proof of purchase as you will need to provide it if your Gift Card gets damaged and you request a Redemption of the Gift Card Balance.
You should treat your Gift Card like cash and should take all reasonable steps to keep it safe and secure and to protect the Gift Card against loss, theft or unauthorised use.
Limitation on purchase amount You may not purchase more than five (5) Gift Cards in one transaction.
Activation of your Gift Card In order that your Gift Card Balance is made available for use, the Gift Card will need to be Activated as detailed below.
"Activate", "Activated", "Activating" and "Activation" mean:
(a) In-store purchase: your Gift Card(s) will be activated automatically at the point of sale on purchase of the Gift Card and will normally be useable within a few minutes but please allow up to thirty (30) minutes. You will not need to take any action with regards to activating the Gift Card.
(b)Online purchase: please activate your Gift Card(s) by visiting www.americanexpress.co.uk/gift/activate and entering the last four digits of the recipient's telephone number provided during the online purchase. Your Gift Card will normally be activated within a few minutes, but please allow up to thirty (30) minutes before contacting American Express Customer Service in the event your Gift Card Balance is not available.
If you find your Gift Card Balance is not made available within thirty (30) minutes of activation, please contact American Express Customer Service (contact details below).
Gift Cards which are not activated by you within twelve (12) months of the purchase date will be automatically activated by American Express. We will activate such Gift Cards not less than 12 months from the purchase date. American Express will provide prior written notification of your Gift Card being activated.
Gift Card Balance The Gift Card Balance is the amount of electronic money available on the Gift Card at any given time. On receipt of (a) funds equivalent to the Gift Card denomination and (b) the corresponding Purchase Fee, we will issue and load electronic money on such Gift Card at par value. This amount will be the initial Gift Card Balance. In this Agreement, the term "Gift Card Balance" means the electronic money loaded on the Gift Card at any given time, which will be reduced every time: (a) the Gift Card is used to make a purchase; (b) a Successful Redemption is carried out; or (c) a Monthly Fee is applied.
You will not earn interest on the Gift Card Balance.
You must keep track of the Gift Card Balance. A confirmation of the Gift Card Balance can be obtained by calling American Express Customer Service or by visiting www.americanexpress.co.uk/gift.
The Gift Card cannot be reloaded and will no longer be usable once the Gift Card Balance is nil (£0), after the ‘valid thru’ date or if you have requested its cancellation.
Where to Use the Gift Card Subject to this Agreement, you may use the Gift Card to make purchases only at merchants in the United Kingdom that accept American Express Cards, including mail order, online and physical establishments (each called a "Merchant").
Where NOT to Use the Gift Card The Gift Card cannot be used for recurring billing transactions (such as magazine subscriptions) or at automated teller machines (ATMs), gambling establishments, cruise lines, on, or in connection with ATOC (Association of Train Operating Companies) Services payment and money transfer providers, customer activated terminals e.g. unattended ticket machines or for purposes of guaranteeing payment of future purchases. The section on “Prohibited Uses” below explains further how not to use your Gift Card.
Using the Gift Card You can only use your Gift Card for purchases for which the exact value is known at the time of you authorising the purchase. You authorise a transaction and thereby consent to the value of a purchase being applied against your Gift Card Balance when you present your Gift Card to a Merchant and at that time you: (a) know and agree to the exact amount of the value of the purchase presented to you by the Merchant, and (b)(i) sign a paper slip issued by the Merchant; (ii) the Merchant swipes the magnetic stripe and the relevant transaction is processed; or (iii) in some other way indicate your intention to complete the transaction with the Gift Card (for instance, by completing a transaction online, over the phone or via mail order). This is called a "Charge"in this Agreement. Once you have consented to a Charge, you cannot withdraw your consent. However, a refund may be available from the Merchant if you are entitled to return the goods or services purchased with the Gift Card, see section ‘Problems with Goods or Services’ for further details.
If a Charge is authorised by us, we will deduct the value from your Gift Card Balance immediately and execute the transaction. We may decline to authorise a Charge on reasonable grounds such as suspected unauthorised or improper use, fraud, technical difficulties, a requirement by law or the use of the Gift Card would be prohibited. We are not responsible for any losses you incur if we do not authorise a Charge and we are not responsible if a Merchant does not accept the Gift Card.
Certain Merchants such as petrol stations will routinely obtain an authorisation on the Gift Card for an estimated purchase amount to ensure that the Gift Card Balance will cover the final purchase. To avoid having a petrol station obtain an authorisation for an amount higher than the Gift Card Balance, we suggest that you pay in-store for an amount equal to, or less than, the Gift Card Balance.
You agree not to spend more than the Gift Card Balance. If you attempt to spend more than the Gift Card Balance, the transaction will be declined. However, if a transaction occurs despite an insufficient Gift Card Balance, you agree to reimburse us, upon request, for the amount of the negative balance created.
Split Tender Transactions If you wish to purchase an item worth more than your Gift Card Balance, depending on the Merchant’s policy, 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 of the final purchase price. This is known as a "Split Tender Transaction".
Before you request a Split Tender Transaction, check your Gift Card Balance by calling American Express Customer Service or by visiting www.americanexpress.co.uk/gift. Then, you must ask the Merchant if two forms of payment will be accepted for the purchase. If the Merchant agrees, first request that a specific amount be placed on the other form of payment (e.g. the final transaction amount less your Gift Card Balance), and then use your Gift Card to pay the remaining balance. Some retailers will only allow a Split Tender Transaction if the second form of payment is cash or cheque. Internet and most mail order Merchants do not permit Split Tender Transactions.
PROHIBITED USES You may not use your Gift Card at automated teller machines(ATMs), cruise lines, on, or in connection with ATOC (Association of Train Operating Companies) Services, payment and money transfer providers and/or gambling establishments and at customer activated terminals e.g. unattended ticket machines. If, however, we authorise or process any such transaction, you agree that we have the right to apply its value against the Gift Card Balance. In addition, you must not:
We may block the use of the Gift Card at any time if we have reasonable grounds to suspect unauthorised or fraudulent use; or if we determine that its use is contrary to this Agreement or otherwise illegal. You can call American Express Customer Service if you wish to enquire about a block on your Gift Card.
Return of Goods or Services If you wish to return the goods or services purchased with your Gift Card, you must address it directly with the Merchant involved. Returns are subject to the Merchant’s policies and applicable laws.
Term of this Agreement –'valid thru' date This Agreement is in place from the date the Gift Card is purchased and will be valid until the ‘valid thru’ date on the front of the Gift Card.
You may not use the Gift Card after the 'valid thru' date displayed on the front of the Gift Card. However, if you do, and we authorise a Charge, you agree that we have the right to apply the value against the Gift Card Balance. After the ‘valid thru’ date you may request Redemption of the Gift Card Balance, see section "Spending and Redeeming the Electronic Money on the Gift Card" for further details.
Termination You may request to terminate this Agreement at any time by calling American Express Customer Service and requesting the cancellation of your Gift Card and Redemption of the remaining Gift Card Balance in accordance with the section "Spending and Redeeming the Electronic Money on the Gift Card" below.
If we have reasonable grounds to believe that your Gift Card is being used, or that someone has attempted to use it, for a prohibited use (see the section “Prohibited Uses” above), we reserve the right to cancel or suspend your Gift Card and prevent further Charges being made on it. We reserve the right to cancel your Gift Card and terminate this Agreement at any time if we have reasonable grounds to believe that there has been an attempt to use the Gift Card for a prohibited use regardless of whether any such attempt was successful.
If your Gift Card stops working, please contact American Express Customer Service. If we have suspended but not already cancelled your Gift Card and terminated the Agreement, as permitted under the Agreement, we may reactivate the Gift Card if we are satisfied that the Gift Card was used for a prohibited use by mistake.
This does not affect your right to contact American Express Customer Service and request Redemption of the remaining Gift Card Balance.
Lost or Stolen Gift Cards If your Gift Card is lost or stolen, you must report it immediately to American Express Customer Service. You agree that you will be responsible for all Charges associated with the Gift Card, including any unauthorised Charges taking place prior to you reporting to us that the Gift Card was lost or stolen.
In order for us to process a report for a lost or stolen Gift Card, we will need you to provide the 15-digit Gift Card number and other details relating to the purchase and use of your Gift Card. Once reported, the Gift Card will be suspended and no additional Charges will be permitted to take place. At that point you may request Redemption for the Gift Card Balance as described in the section “Spending and Redeeming the Electronic Money on the Gift Card”. Unfortunately we are unable to provide replacement Gift Cards.
No Redemptions will be provided to cover amounts debited from your lost or stolen Gift Card Balance prior to the time you notified us.
We reserve the right to decline the Redemption of the Gift Card Balance for lost or stolen Gift Cards if sufficient information, including the Gift Card details, are not provided.
If your Gift Card is damaged, you may contact American Express Customer Service with a copy of your receipt or proof of purchase to request a Redemption of the Gift Card Balance.
Spending and Redeeming the Electronic Money on the Gift Card During the term of this Agreement, that is, from the date of purchase of the Gift Card until the ‘valid thru’ date, you may spend the Gift Card Balance loaded on the Gift Card, by using the Gift Card to pay for the value of goods and services at Merchants, as described in the section "Where to Use the Gift Card" and "Using the Gift Card" and "Split Tender Transactions".
You may also request the "Redemption" of the Gift Card Balance free of charge. "Redemption" is a payment made by us, American Express, to you, as the Cardholder, of an amount equivalent to the Gift Card Balance. The conditions for Redemption are the following:
Any Redemption is subject to our completing and being satisfied with the outcome of applicable anti-money laundering, fraud and other illegal activity checks ("Successful Redemption"). We will only process your Redemption via cheque or bank transfer to a UK bank account, at our option. This process could take up to thirty (30) working days.
We will ask you to provide us with certain information about the Gift Card and yourself in order to process your Redemption request and you agree to provide us with such information. Information about the Gift Card may include the 15-digit Gift Card number, the proof of purchase and the card security code (the four digits on the front of the Gift Card).
Queries, Disputes and Complaints :
Queries and Disputes If you have an enquiry relating to your Gift Card, you can call American Express Customer Service.
If you identify a transaction that you believe was not authorised, executed or was defectively executed, we have the right to investigate queries and disputes prior to providing a refund. In accordance with this Agreement you must notify us without undue delay and in any event not more than 13 months after the date of the transaction. We may not be able to assist you if you delay notifying us. Where we are liable for not executing or defectively executing a transaction, we will credit your Gift Card with the amount of the transaction. We will also credit your Gift Card the amount of any unauthorised transaction that happens after you notify us of the loss, theft or unauthorised use of your Gift Card, except where you have acted fraudulently, but not the amount of any unauthorised transaction that happens before such notification.
If you are under 16 If you are under the age of 16 you should review this Agreement with a parent or guardian and ask questions about things you do not understand. Please ask your parent or guardian to contact us on your behalf for any matter related to the Gift Card or this Agreement.
Complaints If you wish to make a complaint about your Gift Card or the service we have provided you should contact us using any of the following means:
Address: Executive Customer Relations, American Express, Department 3333,
Amex House, Edward Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN88 1AH,
Tel: 0203 564 7016.
Full details of our complaint handling procedures are available on request, and also on our website: www.americanexpress.com/uk/bankcode/procedures.shtml
If you are not satisfied with our response or we are unable to resolve your complaint, you may be entitled to the right of referral to the Financial Ombudsman Service:
Address: The Financial Ombudsman Service, Exchange Tower, London E14 9SR
Tel: 0300 123 9 123, 0800 023 4567
E-mail: complaint.info@financial-ombudsman.org.uk
Webpage: www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk
Limitation of Liability We will endeavour to ensure that Merchants accept the Gift Card but American Express will not be responsible: (i) if a Merchant fails to honour your Gift Card, (ii) for defects in or non-delivery of any goods or services you may purchase with the Gift Card or (iii) for the failure of any point-of-sale device to correctly complete a Charge. See section "Problems with Goods or Services" for further details.
As your Gift Card is an anonymous card and we have no way of determining who authorised a transaction, you agree to accept all liability for any loss, theft, or unauthorised use of the Gift Card, however caused, which happened prior to you informing American Express Customer Service as described in the section "Lost or Stolen Gift Cards".
In relation to the use of the Gift Card or this Agreement, we will also not be liable for any losses or costs (i) caused by abnormal and unforeseeable events (for example, any machine failing to work or industrial disputes) that we cannot control and which would have been unavoidable despite all efforts to prevent the event happening, or (ii) resulting from our compliance with the law.
Use of Information and Data Protection If we hold any personal data for any reason related to the Gift Card (for example, in case you provide us data when you contact us for customer services or in the case of personal data collected during an online purchase of a Gift Card), we will process your information in our capacity as Data Controller and in accordance with applicable laws and policies, including the Data Protection Act 1998 and our Privacy Principles which can be found at www.americanexpress.co.uk/privacy.
You agree that we may transfer, access and process personal data in the USA or in other countries outside the European Economic Area (“EEA”). We will, however, take appropriate steps to ensure the same level of protection for your information in countries outside the EEA as there is in the EEA.
We may use information about the Gift Card and transactions made using the Gift Card to prepare reports for third parties (such as Merchants) in relation to Gift Card usage. Reports only contain aggregated and anonymised data and, if you have provided us with your data, we will not disclose any information which identifies you. We may disclose personal data to companies within the worldwide American Express group of companies ("Our Group"), Merchants, third parties who process transactions submitted by Merchants on the American Express network where you use your Gift Card, parties who distribute the Gift Card, our processors and suppliers, local regulators, law enforcement authorities or other government officials if we are under a duty to do so and anyone to whom we transfer our contractual rights. We may use your personal data for processing orders for the Gift Card, communicating with you including by e-mail and SMS about any American Express products or services which you hold and when answering your questions and requests. We may also use your personal data to advertise and market our products and services to you, and those of Our Group and third party business partners by sending you promotions and offers via email, SMS, direct mail and telemarketing according to your marketing preferences.
If you contact us by any electronic means, we may record any electronic identifier, including telephone numbers or internet protocol address, supplied at the time. We may monitor and record your telephone calls to us, or ours to you, either ourselves or by reputable third party organisations selected by us, to ensure consistent servicing levels (including staff training) and account operation, and to assist, where appropriate, in dispute resolution.
Communications and Changes to this Agreement This Agreement and all communications between us concerning this Agreement will be in English. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between us and any Purchaser and/or Cardholder regarding the use of the Gift Card. In the unlikely event that we need to provide any notifications or information we will do so through our website: www.americanexpress.co.uk/gift. You agree that we may change this Agreement at any time by posting the amended Agreement on our website and will provide you with no less than two (2) months’ notice on our website. You will be deemed to have accepted the amendments if you do not notify us otherwise by calling American Express Customer Service prior to the expiry of the notice. If you do so notify us, the Agreement will terminate at the end of the notice period. You also have the right to terminate the Agreement immediately and without charge at any time within the notice period and in accordance with the section “Termination”.
Assignment You may not assign, transfer or sell your rights, benefits or obligations under this Agreement. We may assign, transfer or sell our rights, benefits or obligations under this Agreement at any time to any company in our group or to a third party and a notice of any such assignment, transfer or sale taking effect will be posted on our website www.americanexpress.co.uk/gift two (2) months in advance. If we do so, or intend to do so, you agree that we can give any relevant information about you to the affiliate or the third party, as the case may be. After any such assignment, transfer or sale your rights will remain the same under the Agreement subject to a change of law or any further agreement between you and the new party. Your right to terminate the Agreement at any time and request Redemption, as permitted under this Agreement, and your statutory rights will not be affected.
Severability and No Waiver of Rights If any provision of this Agreement conflicts with any applicable law or regulation, that provision will be deemed to be modified or deleted so as to be consistent with law or regulation. This will not affect the parties’ other obligations which will continue as amended. If we fail, delay or decide not to exercise any of our rights under this Agreement, this will not be a waiver of our rights and will not prevent us from exercising them later.
Governing Law and Jurisdiction This agreement is governed by the laws of England and Wales and you and we both agree that the courts of England and Wales will have non-exclusive jurisdiction over us and you.
American Express Customer Service contact number: 0203 564 7016
