Where to Buy American Express Gift Cards

You can buy American Express gift cards online, at retail stores, and directly from American Express

American Express gift cards are sold through three main channels: the American Express website, major retailers, and some financial institutions. The channel you choose affects how quickly you receive the card, what denominations are available, and whether you pay a purchase fee. Most people find the fastest route is buying online directly from American Express, which delivers digital cards when ready or physical cards within days.

Each purchase method has different strengths depending on what you need. If you want to give a gift today, a digital card arrives in minutes. If you prefer a physical card in a gift package, a retail store or the American Express website can mail one. If you want to buy in bulk or need a specific denomination, American Express's website offers the widest range.

Key Takeaways

• American Express sells gift cards directly through their website with denominations ranging from $25 to $500, and digital versions arrive within minutes.
• Retail stores including Target, Walmart, and Best Buy stock physical American Express gift cards, usually in $25 to $250 denominations.
• Some banks and credit unions sell American Express gift cards to their customers, sometimes with discounts or bonus rewards.
• Purchase fees vary by retailer and denomination; buying directly from American Express typically costs less than buying through a third party.
• Digital gift cards have no expiration date, but physical cards expire after a set period — check the terms when you purchase.

Buying directly from American Express

The American Express website (americanexpress.com) is the source for the widest selection and usually the lowest fees. You can choose between a digital card that arrives by email within minutes, or a physical card that ships to an address. Denominations start at $25 and go up to $500 in $5 increments on the digital version, and $25 to $250 on physical cards.

When you order through American Express, you pay the face value of the card plus a purchase fee that varies by card type. Digital cards typically have a smaller fee than physical cards because there is no shipping cost. You do not need to be an American Express cardholder to buy a gift card — anyone with a valid payment method can purchase one.

The American Express website also lets you customize the email message that comes with a digital card, set a delivery date in the future, and track the status of a physical card shipment. If you are buying multiple cards, you can order them all in one transaction.

Retail stores that sell American Express gift cards

Major retailers stock American Express gift cards in their gift card sections, usually near the checkout or in a dedicated display. Common retailers include Target, Walmart, Best Buy, CVS, Walgreens, and grocery chains like Kroger and Safeway. The denominations available vary by store but typically range from $25 to $250.

Buying at a retail store means you walk out with a physical card the same day, which is useful if you need a gift when ready. However, retail stores often charge a higher purchase fee than American Express charges on its own website. Some stores also limit the denominations they stock — for example, a store might only carry $25, $50, and $100 cards.

If you are a rewards member at a retailer, check whether buying a gift card earns you points or cash back. Some stores do not award rewards on gift card purchases, while others do. It is worth asking at checkout before you pay.

Banks and credit unions

Some banks and credit unions offer American Express gift cards to their customers as part of their rewards programs or as a direct purchase option. If you have a checking or savings account at a bank that partners with American Express, you may be able to buy a gift card through your online banking portal or at a branch.

Banks sometimes offer discounts on gift card purchases for their customers — for example, selling a $100 card for $95 — or allowing you to earn bonus rewards points when you buy. Call your bank's customer service line or log into your online banking account to see whether this option is available to you.

Credit unions are less likely to stock American Express gift cards than banks, but some do. If you are a credit union member, ask whether they sell them and what the terms are.

Understanding purchase fees and terms

Every American Express gift card purchase includes a fee on top of the card's face value. The fee amount depends on the card type, denomination, and where you buy it. A $50 digital card purchased directly from American Express might cost $51.95, while the same card bought at a retail store might cost $52.95 or more.

Physical cards also have an expiration date, which is printed on the card itself. Digital cards do not expire. If you are buying a gift card for someone else, let them know the expiration date so they can use it before then. American Express does not charge a monthly fee for holding a gift card, so the only cost is the initial purchase fee.

If a gift card is lost or stolen, American Express can replace it if you have the card number and purchase receipt. This is another reason to keep your receipt until the card is used.

Comparing your options

Purchase Method	Speed	Denominations	Typical Fee
American Express website (digital)	Minutes	$25–$500	$1.95–$2.95
American Express website (physical)	3–5 business days	$25–$250	$2.95–$4.95
Retail stores	Same day	$25–$250	$2.95–$5.95
Banks/credit unions	Same day or 1–2 days	Varies	Varies or discounted

If you need a gift card today, a retail store is your fastest option. If you want the lowest fee and do not mind waiting a few days, buy directly from American Express. If you want to earn rewards on the purchase, check whether your bank or credit union offers a discount or bonus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy an American Express gift card with another gift card?

Most retailers will let you use a gift card to buy an American Express gift card, but some do not. Call the store or check their website before you go. American Express's own website typically accepts any major payment method, including other gift cards, as long as the card has a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express logo.

What happens if I lose an American Express gift card?

If you have the card number and your purchase receipt, American Express can replace it. Contact American Express customer service with both pieces of information. If you do not have the card number, replacement is much harder. This is why keeping your receipt is important.

Can I reload money onto an American Express gift card?

No. American Express gift cards are not reloadable. Once the balance is spent, the card cannot be used again. If you want a reloadable card, American Express also sells prepaid cards that work differently — those can be reloaded with new funds.

Do American Express gift cards work everywhere Amex is accepted?

Yes. American Express gift cards work anywhere that takes American Express, including online retailers, restaurants, gas stations, and stores. They work the same way as a regular American Express card for the purposes of the merchant.

Is there a difference between an American Express gift card and a prepaid card?

Yes. A gift card is a one-time card with a set balance that cannot be reloaded. A prepaid card is reloadable, can be used like a debit card, and may have additional features like direct deposit or bill pay. Gift cards are simpler if you just want to give someone a set amount to spend.