Check your Amex gift card balance online or by phone
You can see how much money is left on your American Express gift card in two main ways: through the Amex website or by calling their customer service line. Both methods take just a few minutes and give you your balance right away.
To check online, go to americanexpress.com/giftcard and select "Check Gift Card Balance." You'll enter your 15-digit card number (the long number on the front of the card) and the three-digit security code on the back. The site will show your current balance when ready.
If you prefer to call, dial 1-877-298-8395. A representative will ask for your card number and can tell you your balance over the phone. This option works if you don't have internet access or prefer speaking to someone directly.
Key Takeaways
- Visit americanexpress.com/giftcard and enter your card number and security code to see your balance online in seconds.
- Call 1-877-298-8395 to speak with an Amex representative who can tell you your balance by phone.
- You need your 15-digit card number and the three-digit security code from the back of the card to check your balance either way.
- Your balance updates when ready after each purchase, so you can check anytime to see what you have left to spend.
What information you need to check your balance
Before you check your balance, gather your American Express gift card and have it in front of you. You'll need two pieces of information from the card itself.
The first is your 15-digit card number, which runs across the front of the card in raised numbers. The second is the three-digit security code (also called the CVV), printed on the back of the card to the right of the signature strip. Some cards may have the security code on the front instead — look for a small three-digit number near the card number.
If your card is damaged and you can't read the numbers clearly, contact Amex at 1-877-298-8395 and they can help you retrieve your balance using other information, such as the name and address the card was registered to.
Using your balance to make purchases
Once you know your balance, you can use the card to pay for things anywhere that accepts American Express. The card works like a regular credit card — you can use it online, over the phone, or in stores.
When you make a purchase, the amount is deducted from your gift card balance. If your purchase costs more than your remaining balance, you can pay the difference with another payment method (like a debit card or another credit card). The card will decline if you try to use it for an amount larger than what's left on it.
Keep track of your balance before making large purchases so you know whether the card will cover the full cost. You can check your balance as many times as you want — checking does not reduce the amount available to spend.
What happens when your balance runs low
As you spend down your gift card, your balance will get smaller with each transaction. There's no minimum balance requirement — you can use the card until the balance reaches zero.
Once the balance is zero, the card cannot be used for new purchases. You won't be able to reload or add money to an American Express gift card, so once it's empty, the card is done. If you received the card as a gift and still have the original packaging or receipt, you might contact the person who gave it to you to ask if they can provide a new card.
Some merchants may ask for a card with a balance of at least a few dollars to process a transaction, even if your purchase is smaller. This is rare, but if it happens, you can pay the difference with another payment method.
Checking your balance on a mobile device
You don't need a special app to check your Amex gift card balance on a phone or tablet. The same website that works on a computer — americanexpress.com/giftcard — also works on mobile browsers.
Open your phone's web browser, go to americanexpress.com/giftcard, and follow the same steps: enter your 15-digit card number and three-digit security code. The page will display your balance on your phone screen just as it does on a computer.
Bookmark this page in your phone's browser so you can check your balance quickly next time without typing the web address again.
If you can't remember your card number
If you've lost the card or can't read the number clearly, you have options. Call Amex customer service at 1-877-298-8395 and explain that you need to check your balance but don't have the card in front of you.
A representative can look up your balance using other details, such as the name the card was registered under, the email address associated with it, or the phone number on file. Have this information ready when you call. If the card was a gift and you don't know these details, ask the person who gave it to you for help.
If your card was damaged in the mail or you never received it, Amex can also help you track down what happened and may be able to issue a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does checking my balance cost anything?
No. Checking your balance online or by phone is free and does not reduce the amount of money on your card. You can check as many times as you want without any charge.
How long does it take for a purchase to show up in my balance?
Most purchases update your balance when ready or within a few minutes. If you make a purchase online, the balance may take a few hours to reflect the transaction. If you're unsure whether a purchase went through, call Amex at 1-877-298-8395 and they can confirm.
Can I transfer my balance to another card?
No. American Express gift cards cannot be transferred to other cards or converted to cash. You must spend the balance directly from the gift card itself. If you have leftover money on the card, you'll need to use it for future purchases.
What if I see a purchase on my balance that I didn't make?
Contact Amex when ready at 1-877-298-8395 and report the unauthorized transaction. They can investigate and may be able to reverse the charge and issue you a new card with the remaining balance transferred to it.
Can I check my balance without the security code?
The online balance checker requires both your card number and security code for security reasons. If you don't have the security code, call 1-877-298-8395 and a representative can check your balance for you using other information.