All You Need To Know About Amex Gift Cards

I still remember the first time I received an American Express (Amex) gift card. It was my birthday, and a friend who wasn’t sure what to get me handed me a sleek envelope. Inside was a $100 Amex gift card. “You can use it anywhere,” they said.

Excited, I went online to order a new pair of headphones, only to run into my first hiccup: I didn’t know how to check the balance or whether I needed to register the card. After a few minutes of searching, I figured it out, but that moment made me realize that while gift cards are great, knowing how to use them properly makes all the difference.

If you’re in the same boat, don’t worry. In this guide, I will walk you through everything you need to know about Amex gift cards. This includes where to buy them and how to use them to purchase your favorite items.

What Is an Amex Gift Card?

An American Express (Amex) gift card is a prepaid, non-reloadable card that you can use almost anywhere Amex is accepted. It works like a debit or credit card, but instead of being linked to a bank account, it’s preloaded with a specific amount of money. Once the balance runs out, you can’t add more funds.

While some gift cards can only be used with one retailer, Amex gift cards can be used at millions of locations across several countries. You can use them for shopping from online or physical stores, dining, and paying bills. The best part of this card is that you can’t spend more than the amount it came preloaded with. This makes it a good budgeting tool, so you don’t have to worry about shooting over your budget when shopping. 

You can use your Amex gift card anywhere that accepts American Express as a means of payment. These include: 

• Retail stores
• Restaurants and cafés 
• E-commerce stores 

To fully maximize your Amex gift card, you need to learn how to check the available balance, how long the card will last, and if there are any fees associated with its usage. Read on to learn more. 

Types of Amex Gift Cards

There are different types of Amex gift cards catering to various needs. These cards are available in both physical and digital formats, so you can choose the one that works best for you. 

1. Personalized Amex Gift Cards: A personalized Amex gift card lets you design the card as you like. You can choose a name, images and texts to be written on the card. These personalized cards are a great choice for birthdays, anniversaries, or special occasions. They work just like regular Amex gift cards, but the added customization makes them feel more unique.
2. Standard Amex Gift Cards: Standard Amex gift cards are the most common type. They come preloaded with a set amount of money and can be used almost anywhere Amex is accepted. You can find them in different denominations, ranging from $25 to as high as $3000. Standard Amex gift cards are perfect for personal budgeting and as a backup payment option.
3. Promotional Amex Gift Cards: Promotional Amex gift cards are often given out by businesses as part of special promotions.  For example, a company might give you a $50 Amex gift card as a reward for purchasing a product. However, unlike standard gift cards, these promotional cards may come with expiration dates or usage restrictions. 

How to Use an Amex Gift Card 

If you’ve just gotten an American Express (Amex) gift card, you might be wondering how to use it. Luckily, I have lots of experience when it comes to this. 

To put your gift card balance to use, all you have to do is visit a physical or online store and shop products as usual. When it’s time to pay, swipe or insert the card like you would with a debit or credit card. 

When shopping, if your total is more than your card balance, ask the cashier if they can split the payment. This means you pay part with your Amex gift card and cover the rest with another payment method.

If you’re shopping online, simply enter your card details at the checkout page. The important details to provide include: 

• 15 digit number found behind the card
• Card pin 
• Expiration date 

How To Check Amex Gift Card Balance

Before making a purchase with your gift card, it’s always a good idea to confirm the card balance. This helps you know the exact amount you can spend, so you don’t run into any surprises at checkout. Since your card is prepaid, you can only spend what’s loaded onto it. 

In this section, I’ll take you through the different ways you can check your gift card balance.

Check Online

The fastest way to check your balance is by visiting the Amex gift card balance check website. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Go to the Amex balance checker page.
2. Type in the 15-digit gift card number located on the back of your card.
3. Input the expiration date.
4. Punch in the PIN.
5. Enter your email address. This step is optional.
6. Tap on the “Sign In” button. You will be redirected to a new page with your current balance.

Call Amex Customer Support

You can also check your Amex gift card balance by calling an Amex customer support rep. You will find their contact number on the back of your gift card. Here are the steps to calling them: 

1. Dial the number listed on the back of your Amex gift card.
2. Listen to the automated prompts and enter your card details when asked.
3. Your current balance will be provided over the phone.

Check Your Last Receipt

If you’ve recently used your Amex gift card at a store, your receipt may show your remaining balance. Some stores automatically print this information at the bottom of the receipt. If you’re unsure, ask the cashier if they can check your balance for you.

Where to Buy an Amex Gift Card 

The most straightforward way to purchase an Amex gift card is through their official website. They offer a variety of designs and denominations to choose from, and you can personalize the card with a message. Simply visit their site, select the type of gift card you want, and follow the prompts to complete your purchase. 

Alternatively, you can buy your gift card from retail platforms like Nosh. Nosh is a platform that facilitates the buying and selling of various gift cards, including Amex gift cards. It’s particularly popular in Nigeria for its competitive rates and fast delivery. Here’s a step-by-step guide to purchasing an Amex gift card on Nosh. 

Step 1: Visit the Nosh Website 

Visit the Nosh website on your browser or download the Nosh mobile app from your app store.

Create an account if you’re new, or log in if you already have one.

Step 2: Select ‘Buy Gift Card’

Click on “Buy Gift Card”. You’ll be prompted to select the gift card country, which in this case is the United States. Click “Proceed”.

Next, you need to choose the gift card brand. Type out American Express, and select it from the options shown on the drop down list .

Step 3: Choose the Amount 

Specify the amount you wish to purchase. Nosh offers various denominations, including $1, $5, $25, and $100. The equivalent price in Naira will be displayed underneath your selection. 

If you’re getting more than one gift card, you can also indicate your preferred quantity here.

Step 4: Agree to Terms of Purchase

Agree to the terms of purchase by ticking the “I Understand” box. Finally, click on “Complete Order.” 

You’ll be prompted to top-up your wallet and complete the payment securely.

Step 5: Receive Your Gift Card

Once your payment is processed, you’ll receive your American express gift card code instantly.

How To Convert An Amex Gift Card To Cash

​If you have an Amex gift card that you’d prefer to convert into cash, Nosh offers you a straightforward way to do this. And don’t worry, the rates on this platform are competitive, so you know you’re getting the best value possible for your card. ​

Step 1: Log in or Sign Up on Nosh

Login to your Nosh account either on the app or the website. If you don’t have an account yet, create one here.

Step 2: Select the “Buy/Sell Gift Cards” Option

Once logged in, click on “Sell Gift Cards” to start your transaction.

Step 3: Choose Your Gift Card Category

On the next page, browse the available options to look for the gift card. You can also use the search bar to find “American Express”, and select it as the gift card category.

Step 4: Choose Your Gift Card SubCategory

Go on to select the subcategory. If you’re selling a physical card, choose a physical card option. On the other hand, if you have a digital card, choose an e code option.

 Step 5: Enter Card Denomination

Next, enter the exact value of your American express gift card. The amount you will receive in Naira will be displayed instantly. 

Step 6: Upload Your Gift Card Details

Afterwards, if you have a physical American express gift card, upload a clear image of the card. If it’s a digital gift card, enter the American express card code in the provided space.

Step 7: Complete the Transaction

Click the “Proceed” button to initiate the transaction. Once the gift card is verified, you’ll receive a notification and an instant payout to your Nosh wallet.

Benefits Of American Express Gift Cards

​Having an Amex gift card offers you several benefits, many of which you may not be familiar with. They include:

1. Wide Acceptance: You can use Amex gift cards at various locations where American Express is accepted. This gives you the flexibility to choose where and how to spend your gift.
2. No Expiration of Funds: The funds on your Amex gift card do not expire. This means you can take your time deciding how to use the balance.
3. No Post-Purchase Fees: After purchasing the gift card, there are no additional fees for usage. This means the full value of the card is available for your purchases
4. Customizable Designs: Amex offers a variety of card designs, allowing you to choose one that you prefer 
5. Replaceable: If your Amex gift card is lost or stolen, it can be replaced with the remaining balance, provided you have the necessary card information. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Amex Gift Cards 

1. Where can I buy an American Express gift card?

Amex gift cards are available for purchase on the Amex website. Alternatively, you can buy your gift cards on the Nosh platform using the steps discussed above.

2. Does my American Express gift card expire?

The funds on Amex Gift Cards do not expire. However, there is a “valid thru” date on the front of the card, which is usually 9 years from the day of purchase. 

If your card has passed this date but still has a balance, you can request a replacement by contacting customer service at the number on the back of your card. 

3. Can I reload an Amex gift card?

No, you can not reload an Amex gift card. You will need to buy a new Amex gift card if you’ve exhausted the fund on your current card.

4. What should I do if my amex gift card is lost or stolen?

If your card is lost or stolen, contact Amex customer service immediately using the number on the back of the card or visit their customer service page. They will assist you in getting a replacement.

5. Do I need to activate my amex gift card before use?

Amex Gift Cards are ready to use upon purchase, and you don’t need to do any activation. One thing I advise you do, however, is record the card details in case it’s ever lost or stolen. 

You can also call the number on the back of the card to register your name and card details for added security

Final Thoughts on Amex Gift Cards 

Now, you have all you need to know about Amex gift cards. They can be redeemed at any retail store that accepts them as a payment option. Their unique feature is that they are not restricted to use at a certain store. Amex gift cards are one of the gift cards with a good resale value in Nigeria. You can use the rate calculator on Nosh to find out about current rates. Sell your Amex gift card seamlessly on the Nosh website or mobile app.