Amazon gift cards make the perfect present. Why take the risk in your present “missing the mark” when it’s possible to choose your own? In today’s Know More Stuff article, we explain how and where to buy Amazon gift cards.
Use the quick links below to jump to the part that interests you most.
Where can I buy Amazon gift cards?
How to check balances on Amazon gift cards
How to use Amazon gift card balances
How to transfer Amazon gift card balances
What’s an Amazon Gift Card?
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last 20 years, you’ll be well aware of Amazon.com. It’s one of the world’s largest online retailers, and sells everything from books to sports cars. In fact, Amazon is so massive that in 2017 it accounted for nearly half of all online sales in the U.S.
An Amazon gift card is effectively Amazon currency. It can be redeemed on the Amazon store and used towards buying anything you wish.
Gift cards can take a physical form or be sent electronically by e-mail.
They can be bought online from Amazon.com or at one of many participating stores near you. We’ve got a full list of these stores below.
How to use Amazon gift card balances
Redeeming these gift cards is really simple. You can either apply the code during the checkout process when paying for goods, or claim your gift card beforehand, and have the value credited to your account.
Here’s how to add the gift card balance to your account:
- Using the App
- Find the claim code
- On physical cards you need to scratch off the silver covering on the back of the card to reveal your code.
- In the Amazon app select the menu > Gift Cards & Registry > Gift Cards > Redeem or Check Value
- Next, you’ll be prompted to use the camera on your tablet/phone to scan the claim code. It’s also possible to simply type in the code.
- Finally, confirm the transaction by pressing ‘Apply to Your Balance’.
- Using the Website
- Like step 1 for the app (see above) you need to find your claim code.
- After signing in to your Amazon account, select ‘Your Account’ from the menu on the right.
- Select ‘Apply a Gift Card to Your Account’.
- Input your code and select ‘Apply to Your Balance’.
#AmazonGo opens on Monday, January 22 in Seattle. Get the app to enter the store. See you soon! https://t.co/jt7quQ4rke pic.twitter.com/shIyrifZyk
— Amazon.com (@amazon) January 21, 2018
How to Check Balance on Amazon Gift Cards
Checking how much money you have left still to use is really simple. Just follow these steps:
- Log-in to your Amazon account.
- Select ‘Your Account’
- Select ‘View Gift Card Balance’
If you receive a gift card that doesn’t have the value printed on it, there’s an easy way to check what it’s worth without scratching off the claim code on the back. In your Amazon account select > Your Account > Your Orders. You can then compare the 16 digit codes (not the claim code) to see the value on-screen.
How to transfer Amazon Gift Card Balance
I’m afraid this one isn’t possible. Once the gift card value has been claimed and credited to an account, it can’t then be transferred to another account.
However, I’ve heard of exceptions being made. Your best bet is to contact customer services and plead your case. You never know…
Where can I buy Amazon gift cards?
Amazon gift cards are most easily purchased straight from the Amazon website. In this form they can be sent by e-mail to the person in question.
However, if you seek a more personal approach you can purchase an actual physical gift card. This can be placed inside an envelope for example, and offers a more meaningful interaction.
You can buy these gift cards from one of many drug, grocery or convenience stores nationwide.
They’re available in denominations of $15, $25, $50, and $100. There is no extra fee and a $50 card will cost you $50 exactly.
They’re available in all kinds of different designs and colors to suit the occasion.
