Check your balance online, by phone, or at an ATM

American Express gift cards let you check your remaining balance through three main routes: the American Express website, a customer service phone line, or an ATM. The fastest method is usually the website if you have the card number handy. The phone line works if you prefer speaking to someone or don't have internet access. ATMs show your balance when you insert the card, though not all ATMs accept American Express cards.

You'll need the 15-digit card number printed on the front of the card for any of these methods. If the card is damaged and you can't read the number, contact American Express directly and they can look it up using your name and the card's expiration date.

Key Takeaways

  • The American Express website at americanexpress.com is the fastest way to check your balance if you have the card number available.
  • Call 1-800-528-4800 to check your balance by phone, and you can also ask about transaction history or report a lost card during the same call.
  • Some ATMs display your balance when you insert an American Express gift card, though availability depends on the ATM network and your card type.
  • You need the 15-digit card number to check your balance online or by phone, but the card itself is all you need at an ATM.

Checking balance on the American Express website

Go to americanexpress.com and look for a "Check Gift Card Balance" link, usually found near the bottom of the homepage or in the gift cards section. Click it and enter your 15-digit card number and the card's expiration date. The site will display your current balance when ready.

This method works 24 hours a day and doesn't require you to create an account. If you check your balance multiple times, you may want to bookmark the balance-check page so you don't have to search for it each time. The website is also the best option if you're checking the balance of a gift card someone gave you and you want to plan your purchase.

Checking balance by phone with American Express

Call 1-800-528-4800 to reach American Express customer service. Have your card number and expiration date ready. A representative will look up your balance and read it to you. This call is free and available seven days a week.

The phone line is useful if you want to ask follow-up questions about your card at the same time — for example, whether the card works at a specific store, what the card's expiration date is, or whether there are any holds on the card. You can also report a lost or stolen card during this call and request a replacement.

Checking balance at an ATM

Insert your American Express gift card into an ATM that accepts American Express cards. The ATM will prompt you to enter your PIN (if you set one) or may ask for the last four digits of your Social Security number. Once you complete this step, the ATM will display your balance on the screen.

Not all ATMs accept American Express cards — most are set up for Visa or Mastercard only. If an ATM rejects your card, try a different machine or use one of the other balance-check methods instead. Some banks' ATMs are more likely to accept American Express than others, so ATMs at American Express partner banks are your best bet.

What to do if you can't find your card number

If your card is damaged, faded, or lost, you can still check your balance by calling American Express at 1-800-528-4800. Tell the representative that you don't have the card number available. They can look up the card using your name, the cardholder's name (if different), and the card's expiration date if you remember it.

If you don't remember the expiration date either, the representative may ask for additional information such as the date the card was issued or the last four digits of the card number if you can recall them. Having any of these details will speed up the process.

Understanding what your balance means

Your American Express gift card balance is the dollar amount remaining on the card after all purchases and fees. When you make a purchase, the amount is deducted from your balance when ready. If your balance reaches zero, the card cannot be used until it is reloaded (if the card allows reloading) or it becomes inactive.

Some American Express gift cards charge a monthly inactivity fee if the card hasn't been used for a certain period. Check the card's terms to see if this applies to your card. If your balance drops below a certain amount due to fees, you may want to use the remaining balance soon rather than let it sit unused.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often can I check my balance without it affecting my card?

You can check your balance as many times as you want using any of the three methods — the website, phone, or ATM — without any penalty or fee. Checking your balance does not deduct money from the card or count as a transaction.

What if the balance shown online doesn't match what I remember spending?

Call American Express at 1-800-528-4800 and ask for a transaction history. The representative can read you a list of recent purchases and any fees charged. This will help you see exactly where your balance went and catch any unauthorized charges.

Can someone else check my gift card balance if they have the card number?

Yes — anyone with the 15-digit card number and expiration date can check the balance online or by phone. This is why you should treat your gift card number like cash. If you think someone has used your card without permission, call American Express when ready to report it and ask about fraud protection.

Does my balance expire if I don't use the card?

American Express gift card balances do not expire, but some cards charge a monthly inactivity fee after a period of no use. Check the terms that came with your card to see if an inactivity fee applies. Even if a fee applies, your remaining balance will still be there — it will just be reduced by the fee amount.