How to Use an American Express Gift Card on Amazon

You can use an Amex gift card on Amazon the same way you use a regular credit card — by entering it as a payment method at checkout

An American Express gift card works on Amazon because Amazon accepts American Express as a payment option. When you reach the payment screen during checkout, you enter the gift card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back) just as you would for any other card. Amazon treats it as a standard Amex payment and processes it when ready.

The main difference between an Amex gift card and a regular Amex credit card is that the gift card has a fixed balance loaded onto it when you receive it — typically ranging from $25 to $500, depending on which card was purchased. Once that balance is spent, the card cannot be reloaded and becomes inactive. This makes it useful for a single purchase or a series of purchases until the balance runs out.

Key Takeaways

• Amex gift cards are accepted on Amazon and entered at checkout just like a regular credit card.
• You will need the 15-digit card number, expiration date, and three-digit CVV code to complete the purchase.
• If your gift card balance is lower than your total order cost, you can combine it with another payment method at checkout.
• Amazon will not charge your gift card until your order ships, so the full balance holds until that moment.

Where to enter your Amex gift card during checkout

Start by adding items to your cart and proceeding to checkout. On the payment page, you will see an option to add a credit or debit card. Click that option and select American Express from the list of card types.

Enter the 15-digit card number printed on the front of the gift card. Then enter the expiration date (month and year) and the CVV security code from the back. Amazon will ask for a billing zip code — use the zip code associated with the address where the gift card was sent or where you currently live. Once you enter this information, click "Add your card" or the equivalent button, and Amazon will verify the card details.

What happens if your gift card balance is less than your order total

If your Amex gift card does not have enough balance to cover your entire purchase, Amazon allows you to split the payment between two methods. After you add the gift card, Amazon will show you the remaining balance owed. You can then add a second payment method — another card, a bank account linked to your Amazon account, or an Amazon gift card balance.

Amazon will charge the gift card first up to its full balance, then charge the second payment method for the remainder. This happens when your order ships, not when you place the order, so both cards will be charged at the same time.

Checking your Amex gift card balance before you buy

Before you complete a purchase, you should know how much money is left on your gift card. Visit the American Express website and look for the "Check Gift Card Balance" link, usually found in the footer or under a help section. You will need to enter the 15-digit card number and the CVV code.

Some Amex gift cards also come with a customer service number printed on the back. You can call that number to hear your balance read aloud, which takes about one minute. Knowing your balance before checkout prevents the frustration of entering card information only to discover it does not cover your purchase.

Why Amazon might decline your Amex gift card

The most common reason an Amex gift card is declined on Amazon is that the card has expired or the balance is zero. Check both the expiration date on the front of the card and your remaining balance before attempting to use it.

A second reason is that the billing zip code you entered does not match the address on file with American Express. Try entering the zip code where the card was originally mailed to you, or the zip code of your current address. If neither works, contact American Express customer service using the number on the back of the card — they can confirm what zip code is associated with the card.

Occasionally, Amazon's payment system may flag a new card as suspicious if it is the first time you are using it on that account. If this happens, Amazon will typically send you an email asking you to confirm the card. Follow the link in that email to verify the card, and then try your purchase again.

Using multiple Amex gift cards on one Amazon order

Amazon does not allow you to combine two gift cards as your primary payment method during a single checkout. However, you can use one gift card and add a second payment method to cover the remainder.

If you have multiple Amex gift cards and want to use them both, you have two options. First, you can make separate purchases — buy some items with one card, then buy other items with the second card in a different transaction. Second, you can add both cards to your Amazon account under "Your Account" and "Payment Options," then use whichever one has the highest balance for your purchase and use the other for a future order.

What to do if your gift card is not working on Amazon

If you have entered the card information correctly, confirmed the balance is available, and verified the expiration date, but Amazon still declines the card, contact American Express directly. Call the customer service number on the back of the gift card and explain that the card is being declined on Amazon. American Express can check whether the card is active, whether there are any fraud holds on it, and whether the card itself has a technical issue.

If American Express confirms the card is working, the problem may be on Amazon's end. Try adding the card to your account again, or try a different browser or device. If the issue persists, contact Amazon customer service and provide them with the error message you received. Amazon can investigate whether there is a compatibility issue between your specific card and their payment system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an Amex gift card for Amazon Prime membership?

Yes. When you go to renew or start a Prime membership, Amazon accepts Amex gift cards as payment just as it does for regular purchases. Enter the card information at checkout, and the membership fee will be charged to the gift card balance.

Will Amazon charge my gift card right away or when the order ships?

Amazon charges your payment method when your order ships, not when you place the order. This means the full balance on your gift card will be held until that moment, but you will not see the charge on the card until shipment occurs.

What if I have a partial balance left on my Amex gift card after a purchase?

The remaining balance stays on the card and can be used for future purchases on Amazon or anywhere else that accepts American Express. You can check the balance anytime by visiting the American Express website or calling the number on the back of the card.

Can I return an item bought with an Amex gift card and get a refund?

Yes. If you return an item, Amazon will refund the purchase price back to the Amex gift card you used to buy it. The refund typically appears within three to five business days after Amazon processes the return.

Is there a fee for using an Amex gift card on Amazon?

No. Amazon does not charge a fee for using an Amex gift card, and American Express does not charge a fee for spending the balance. The only cost is the purchase price itself.