How Do I Use My American Express Gift Card for My Purchase?

The first step is to activate your card first by calling the toll-free number. To use the card in-store, simply swipe the card and choose Credit on the keypad. For online transactions, prepare the gift card number, expiry date and security code to purchase items with your gift card. American Express gift cards can also be used for Google Pay, Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.

Adam Goldkamp is the editor / author responsible for this content.
Jul 13, 2023

After buying an American Express gift card, the first step is to first activate it. Gift cards purchased on the official American Express website are ready for use right after purchase. For cards purchased at partner stores, you will need to call the toll-free number found on the back of the card to activate your gift card.

You can also log in to the American Express website to activate the card. Just make sure you have your card number, expiry date and security code. It's also recommended to keep the card information in case it's either lost or stolen. You'll need the gift card number, expiry date and security code to get a replacement.

American Express gift cards can be used in any U.S. and District of Columbia stores that accept American Express cards. Customers can also use the American Express gift cards by mail-order or phone. However, the e-gift card can't be used for any American Express transactions that require a physical card.

How to Pay With Your American Express Gift Card

When using your American Express gift card in store, make sure the balance is enough to cover the entire purchase. Some merchants may not allow split payments, while others require a fee for using another card. To pay with your card, just swipe it and choose Credit on the keypad.

For online shopping, just enter the card information in the payment section. Make sure you have enough balance to avoid other fees.

American Express gift cards can also be used for Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. Just open the app to add the e-gift card and follow the on-screen instructions.

If you have questions about your American Express gift card, please contact Customer Support.

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How Do I Use My American Express Gift Card for My Purchase?

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