The Complete Guide on How to Redeem an Amazon Gift Card
Receiving an Amazon gift card opens up a world of convenient shopping options. With millions of eligible products available, you're sure to find something you'll love. This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth look at everything you need to know to redeem Amazon gift cards and maximize their value, with expert tips for avoiding issues.
To redeem an Amazon gift card, you can follow these steps either on the Amazon website or the mobile app:
- Create an Amazon account (if you don't already have one) by entering your name, email address, and a password.
- Navigate to the “Gift Cards” section. On the website, hover your mouse over the “Account & Lists” option in the top-right corner and click “Account”. Then, choose “Gift Cards”. On the mobile app, tap the person icon to access your account information, then click on the “Your Account” button and scroll down to the “Payments” section. Select “Manage gift card balance”.
- Enter the gift card code. This can be found on the back of the physical gift card or in the email for digital gift cards. On the website, click “Redeem a Gift Card” and enter the code. On the mobile app, tap “Redeem another gift card” and enter the code.
- Apply the gift card balance to your account. Once you've entered the gift card code, the balance will be applied to your account, and you can use it to make purchases
Remember that once redeemed, your Amazon.com Gift Card balance can't be transferred between accounts or stores (Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk, etc.) . The funds will be stored in your account and will automatically apply to your next eligible order.
What Are Amazon Gift Cards and How Do They Work?
Amazon gift cards are prepaid store credit cards that can be used to purchase physical and digital goods on Amazon, making them one of the most versatile gift cards available.
According to 2021 data, Amazon sold over $30 billion worth of gift cards, accounting for 10% of the total gift card market. Their popularity stems from the unparalleled selection of redemption options. Gift card users can shop across Amazon's vast marketplace encompassing books, electronics, toys, fashion, groceries, streaming media and more.
When an Amazon gift card is redeemed, the dollar value is added to the recipient's Amazon account balance. The funds can then be spent anytime, without fees or expiration dates. This provides maximum flexibility.
Key Advantages of Amazon Gift Cards:
- No expiration date, so funds never go to waste
- Seamless integration into existing Amazon account
- Large selection of eligible products to choose from
- Can be used for digital purchases and subscriptions
- Easy to buy and gift in a wide range of designs and values
- Frequently purchased at a discount through third party resellers
Now let's go over how to redeem both physical and digital Amazon gift cards step-by-step.
How To Redeem an Amazon Gift Card Online
Redeeming an Amazon gift card on the desktop website is quick and easy. Follow these instructions:
- Visit Amazon.com and sign into your account. If you don't have an account, register for free.
- Locate Your Account in the top right corner and click on it.
- From the dropdown menu, select Gift cards.
- On the next page, click Redeem a Gift Card under the Gift Card Balance section.
- Enter the gift card's 14 or 15-digit claim code and click Apply to Your Balance.
- The gift card amount will immediately be added to your Amazon account balance!
According to Amazon's policy, claim codes must be redeemed only at Amazon.com to verify authenticity and prevent fraud. If you're purchasing a used physical gift card, be sure to verify the code hasn't already been redeemed.
Redeeming an Amazon Gift Card on Mobile
To redeem an Amazon gift card through the mobile app, follow these quick steps:
- Launch the latest version of the Amazon app on your iOS or Android device.
- Tap the ≡ menu button in the top left corner.
- Select Your Account.
- Choose Payment methods under the Login & Security section.
- Tap on Gift Cards.
- Press Redeem a Gift Card.
- Carefully enter the gift card's 14 or 15-digit claim code.
- Click Apply to Your Balance to add the gift card funds to your account instantly.
The gift card redemption process is optimized for mobile, allowing customers to conveniently add gift card balances while on-the-go.
Checking Your Amazon Gift Card Balance
Wondering how much money you have left on your Amazon gift card? Checking your balance is easy:
- On Desktop: Follow steps 1-3 above to access Your Account > Gift Cards. Your total gift card balance is shown at the top.
- On Mobile App: Go to Your Account > Payment Methods > Gift Cards to view your balance.
You can also review your order history. The amount paid by gift card will be indicated on each order summary.
Monitoring your balance helps ensure you maximize your Amazon gift card funds.
Adding a Visa Gift Card to Amazon
Have a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express gift card you want to use on Amazon? Just follow these simple steps:
- Go to Reload Your Balance under Gift cards in Your Account.
- Enter the amount you wish to add from your Visa gift card.
- Complete checkout to pay for the reload.
- Choose Add a credit or debit card when prompted.
- Input your Visa gift card number, expiration date, CVV code, and billing details.
- The funds will automatically be transferred to your Amazon gift card balance!
This approach lets you consolidate multiple gift cards into one easy-to-use Amazon balance.
Buying Amazon Gift Cards for Others
Looking for the perfect gift? Here are some tips for buying Amazon gift cards:
- Browse eGift Cards on Amazon's Gift Cards store to pick from over 150 designs across holidays, birthdays, and more.
- eGift cards are delivered by email, so order by the send date you want your recipient to receive it.
- Choose gift card values ranging from $10 to $2,000. Many popular cards come in multipacks with assorted denominations.
- Add a personalized message up to 300 characters when previewing the eGift card before checkout.
- According to IRS regulations, gift cards for over $600 may require additional reporting. Check current rules if gifting large amounts.
- For last-minute gifts, instant eGift cards can be scheduled for delivery immediately after checkout.
Giving Amazon gift cards makes shopping easy for recipients while letting them choose their own perfect present.
Troubleshooting Amazon Gift Card Issues
Unfortunately, you may occasionally encounter problems redeeming Amazon gift cards. Here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Double check that you entered the claim code correctly, clearly distinguishing certain letters like Z/2 or D/O.
- Try redeeming the code on an alternate web browser or mobile device in case of technical issues.
- Verify the gift card has not already been redeemed, especially if purchasing a used physical card.
- Only redeem gift cards at Amazon.com. Codes won't work on unauthorized third-party websites.
- If issues persist, contact Amazon's customer service team for assistance reissuing your claim code or investigating fraudulent redemptions.
- Review Amazon's gift card policies and FAQs for additional troubleshooting tips.
With patience and Amazon's excellent customer support, you should be able to overcome any gift card redemption problems.
The Benefits of Amazon Gift Cards
Beyond a seamless online redemption process, Amazon gift cards offer many benefits:
Endless Redemption Options
With over 12 million products eligible, Amazon gift cards offer unmatched flexibility. Popular categories include:
- Books, movies, music & games
- Electronics, computers & smart home
- Fashion, clothing & accessories
- Toys, kids & baby products
- Grocery, health and beauty
- Tools, home improvement & garden
- Automotive, industrial supplies
- Digital subscriptions and media
Perfect for Any Occasion
Amazon gift cards make great gifts for:
- Birthdays
- Holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah and Valentine's Day
- Weddings
- Baby showers
- Graduations
- Employee rewards
More Convenient Than Cash
When giving cash, there's no guarantee how it will be used. Amazon gift cards encourage spending on something fun. The recipient also doesn't need to carry the card balance like cash.
Budget-Friendly
Amazon eGift cards can be purchased at major retailers like Walgreens and Best Buy at up to 15% off face value. Shop discount gift card sites for even bigger savings on partly used cards.
Never Expires
Lost cash can be gone forever. With an Amazon gift card, the funds don't expire so nothing goes to waste.
Contactless, Secure Payment
Amazon gift cards minimize contact by allowing touch-free QR code redemption in stores. The prepaid card funds are secure even if the card is damaged or lost.
So give the gift of shopping convenience with an Amazon gift card. The endless redemption options make it a perfect fit for anyone on your list. Follow this guide for smoothly adding funds to your own Amazon account balance or gifting cards to others.
Conclusion
Redeeming your Amazon gift card is easy whether you do it on desktop or their mobile app. Just sign into your account, go to Gift Cards under Your Account, enter the claim code, and the value will be applied to your Amazon balance instantly.
You can also reload your balance with a Visa gift card, purchase eGift cards for others, and check your remaining balance anytime. If you run into trouble, try the troubleshooting tips provided.
Now go explore the vast selection on Amazon and happy shopping with your redeemed gift card funds!
Happy spending!
