Can i use american express gift card online

What should I know about using a Gift Card? For example: Gas stations may pre-program the pump to pre-authorize a fixed dollar amount, so we recommend that you pay inside the station. Tip oriented businesses such as restaurants, spas or hair salons may add a fixed percentage i. Method 1. Navigate to the main American Express website. Type www. It's important to start at the company's main site rather than typing "American Express gift card balance" into your search engine because there are many authentic-looking scam sites on the web phishing for account numbers.

Many of these scam sites look like they're affiliated with American Express, but if you check the navigation bar, the website address will start with a prefix like "www" or some other variation.

This should be an immediate red flag. You can also go directly to www. Keep in mind that if you make any mistakes when typing in the address, you could be taken to a scam site. Click the "Cards" tab at the top left of the homepage. At the top of the page, you'll see tabs like "My Account," "Travel," "Rewards," and so on. Click "Cards" and wait for the dropdown menu to appear. Click "Gift Cards" under the "Prepaid Cards" dropdown menu. A large dropdown menu will appear after you click "Cards.

Click the "Check Balance" tab at the top right of the page. After you click "Gift Cards," you'll be taken to the main gift card page. There will be a few tabs at the upper right hand corner of the page. Click "Check Balance. Enter the card information and click "Sign In" to pull up the balance.

The site asks you to type in the digit card number, the expiration date, and the 4-digit security code, which is on the back of the card. Then, click "Sign In" to see your balance. This is optional, so you can leave the field blank if you want to. Method 2. Check your card balance before you go shopping. Even if your card is brand new, it's best to check your balance online first to avoid any surprises at the cash register.

You can navigate to www. Swipe your gift card at the register like a normal credit or debit card. You do not need to activate your card to start using it! When you're ready to pay for your items at the register, you will use gift card exactly the same way you'd use a regular credit card.

When checking the balance on your American Express Gift Card, be aware of pending transactions. Keep in mind that your gift card balance may show a higher balance than what was spent because some online merchants do not charge the card until the merchandise ships. If you use the American Express Gift Card to buy gas from an automatic self-serve pump, the gas station may try to obtain an authorization for an amount higher than the balance on the gift card in order to make sure the full amount is paid.

This means that any cancellations would need to be taken up with the merchant. Go Mobile. Save when you book your next trip online with American Express Travel. Book Now. Select from over 35 designs.

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