Have you ever received an American Express (Amex) gift card and wondered, "Can I use this on Amazon?" You're not alone! Amazon is a go-to shopping destination for millions of people and what could be better than using a prepaid Amex gift card to shop there?
So coming back to, does Amazon accept an American Express gift card? The good news is yes, it does. You can use your Amex gift card on Amazon in two different ways! However, there are a few important steps and tips that you must follow for a smooth checkout process. In this blog, we’ll walk you through exactly how to use your Amex gift card on Amazon and troubleshoot common issues while doing so. Let us start!
First Method: How to Add an Amex Gift Card to Amazon?
The first method to use an AMEX gift card on Amazon is by adding it as a payment method. You can do this before you make a purchase or at the checkout. Here is the step by step process below:
1) You will begin by signing into your Amazon account.
2) Locate the "Account & Lists" dropdown menu (top right corner on desktop) and Click on "Your Account".
3) Under "Ordering and shopping preferences," select "Your Payments"
4) Click the blue "Add a payment method" button. From the options, choose "Credit/debit card" (Amazon processes Amex gift cards as regular credit cards)
5) Fill in all required fields exactly as they appear on your physical card:
Card number (16 digits on front)Name on card (use "Gift Card Recipient" if no name is specified)Expiration date (MM/YY format)Security code (4-digit code on front for Amex cards)
6) Click "Add your card" to save.
Important Things to Remember:
✔ Amazon requires your gift card balance to cover the entire purchase amount, as they don't allow partial payments from multiple cards
✔ You can also use the Amazon app's camera feature to automatically scan your card number (tap the camera icon when adding payment)
✔Once saved, your Amex gift card will appear alongside other payment options during checkout
Troubleshooting
Note: If you receive an error message during this process, your card may need activation. Visit americanexpress.com/gift to check the balance and activation status before trying again.
Second Method: Reload Amazon Card Balance to Use Amex Gift Card
If you prefer not to use your American Express gift card directly at checkout, you can convert its full value into Amazon gift card balance. This workaround solves several common issues and provides more flexibility. Here's how it works:
1) Log in to your Amazon account and navigate to "Account & Lists" → "Your Account" (top right corner)
2) Add Amex Card as Payment Method by following the steps mentioned above.
3) Next, return to "Your Account" and locate the "Gift cards" section
4) Click "Reload your balance" and in the reload amount field, select "Other amount".
5) Enter the exact remaining balance from your Amex gift card and click "Buy now".
6) At payment selection, choose your saved Amex gift card. Amazon will charge the card for your specified amount.
Key Advantages of Using This Method:
This method provides a smart solution when you want to:
*Use small remaining balances
*Shop over multiple transactions
*Avoid payment method selection at checkout
*Combine funds from multiple gift cards
Important Notes
• Your Amex card must have sufficient funds to cover the entire transfer amount
• This counts as a purchase, not a cash advance
Troubleshooting
Tip: If the transaction fails, try smaller amounts (some users report success with $10 increments) or check if your Amex gift card needs activation.
FAQs
1. Can I reuse an American Express gift card on Amazon?
Yes! Amazon accepts Amex gift cards as payment when added as a credit/debit card or used to reload your Amazon gift card balance.
2. Why won’t my Amex gift card work on Amazon?
There can be a number of reasons for this. The most common reasons include:
Insufficient balance to cover the full purchaseThe card isn’t activated (visit americanexpress.com/gift to check)You’re trying to split payments (Amazon doesn’t allow this with gift cards)
3. Can I use a partial Amex gift card balance on Amazon?
Not directly. Amazon requires the full purchase amount to be covered by one payment method.
4. Can I combine multiple Amex gift cards on Amazon?
No. Amazon doesn’t allow combining multiple payment methods directly for a single order. However, you can reload your Amazon balance with each card individually and use the accumulated Amazon balance to shop.
5. Can I use my Amex gift card for Amazon Prime memberships or subscriptions?
Yes, but only if the card’s balance covers the full cost.
6. Can I get a refund for my Amex gift card if I return an Amazon purchase?
Yes, but refunds take 3–5 business days.
Conclusion: So, there you go! We have provided two comprehensive ways to use an American Express gift card on Amazon. If, however, you want to avoid the hassle altogether and want cash instead, you can sell your Amex gift card for cash on Cardgoal and use the money for shopping on Amazon. Download the Cardgoal app today and explore its exciting features today!