If you don’t like to carry cash or open a bank account, gift cards are the best option, though they charge a one-time fee.
Not only do they look adorable, but also quite accessible. You can purchase them via any popular retailer like Amazon or eBay.
There are different types of such cards, but the most popular ones accept payment networks like Visa or American Express.
Amex is the short version of American Express, which means you get thousands of merchants to shop at.
So if you already hold one and have spent some of its funds, you might want to know its balance.
In this article, you’ll learn how to check your Amex Gift Card balance with a few tips. Let’s dive in.
What is an Amex Gift Card
American Express is the biggest name in the U.S, with over 160 million merchants worldwide.
It launched Amex gift cards issued by American Express Prepaid Card Management Corporation (PCMC), allowing users to spend cash across merchants that accept American Express.
The company offers a wide range of themed gift cards for personal and business use, with bulk order support.
You can also personalise your card with a custom print and opt for an eGift or a physical card via email or mail.
Its loading range starts from $25 and goes to $3,000. However, if you’ve a business, you can order up to $100,000 worth of gift cards.
Unlike a credit card, they don’t expire until you fully use up the funds. Nor are they reloadable, so ensure you’re recharging it considerably at the time of purchase.
How To Check Your Amex Gift Card Balance
If you use one of these Amex gift cards, there is only one thing apart from taking care of the card and its details, and that is: how to check your gift card’s balance, and this is how to do that:
- Head over to the Amex manage your card page.
- Next up, enter your 15-digit card number, CVV, and expiration date. Without spaces.
- Tap “Continue” to access your account and check its balance.
- The same way you can activate your gift card, if not already been done.
Also, you can check your gift card balance using the number printed on the card or in the document that came with the card, or by calling 1-888-846-4308.
Pros and Cons
These gift cards come with some solid perks, along with some drawbacks. Let’s break them down:
Pros:
- There is no need to verify or check your credit score to purchase a gift card, as it’s like a debit card, already loaded with your own invested money.
- Loaded funds don’t expire. That said, you can freely use the money any time you want, or the person you gifted the card to.
- Undoubtedly, it’s safer than carrying cash, as you use credit cards.
- Amex gift cards are available at various stores, so they’re easy to purchase.
Cons:
- You might need to keep an eye on the fund limit that is added to the card. Unlike credit and debit cards, you don’t have the luxury to go beyond the fund limit, as many merchants don’t accept split payment methods.
- These cards are just for small purchases and payments; they cannot replace credit or debit cards.
- Most of the Amex gift cards are pre-determined with the money loaded, so you are bound to use that threshold of money.
- You can’t use this at ATM’s as you can with traditional cards.
A Few Things To Consider
- Ensure that you keep the remaining balance in check to prevent any payments from being denied.
- Merchants or even American Express itself can hold 20% more of the transaction amount for preauthorization. If any perk or tip is given, the amount will be deducted, and the rest will be added to your gift card, which might take up to 7 working days. This is more common when you are using the gift card to pay for dining, salon, or gas pump bills.
- Make sure you jot down your card’s CVV, customer care number, and 4-digit CID (Card Identification Number) in case your card is stolen or lost.
There are two possible ways to use Amex gift cards: Online and in-person (visiting merchant shops by yourself).
When using your gift card to pay an online bill, don’t choose your gift card as a payment option, as most of the top markets like Amazon, Walmart, and Target have their own personalized gift cards, so you can’t directly use your Amex card in these regions.
What you need to do is select the credit or debit card option as a payment method. Then you can enter your gift card’s details to complete the payment.
If you physically visit one of these retail stores or other stores, then you first let the cashier know that it’s a gift card, and then you can probably swipe the card to pay.
Customer Service
You can call on 1-888-846-4308, 24/7, or drop a letter to this correspondence address.
American Express® Gift Card Customer Care
PO Box 826, Fortson, GA 31808
You can use the above number 1-888-846-4308 to report any lost or stolen card disputes.
If you have questions regarding purchasing the card online, contact 1-833-205-8622.
There is another number when you purchase the card at a Target retail store: 1-833-792-5087.
Which Amex Gift Card Can You Buy
Well, you can purchase oodles of gift cards online through amexgiftcard.com or by visiting retail stores such as Target and Walmart.
Now, the question is which one to pick. Here are some top cards you would like to buy from Amex, considering how Amex listed them on their site.
- Classic Gold Amex Gift Card: It is at the top, as the name suggests, it’s with a golden sleek design. Its range is between $25 – $300.
- Thank Pinstripes Amex Gift Card: There is a Thank You printed with big letters along with stripes on this card. The limit of the amount you can load is the same.
- Custom Amex Gift Card: It lets you print your desired photo on the card.
- Gold Sparkle Amex Gift Card: It might steal the show with its looks. The golden touch, along with sparkles, gives it a rich look, keeping it in line with premium cards.
FAQs
Simply visit balance.amexgiftcard.com and enter your credentials to log in. By doing so, you can check your balance and other activities.
Sometimes, merchants or even Amex can hold up to 20% more money after the transaction for preauthorization, that is, if you want to give any extra tip, such as when dining, at the salon, or at the gas station, they deduct the tip from that 20%, and the rest gets funded to your gift card. This process might take more than 7 working days.
You can’t use it while it’s on hold. Once the hold is removed, you can use it like usual.
You can call 1-888-846-4308 or the number available on the back of your card to report. The Amex authority will do the necessary investigation and official proceedings, and a spare card will be issued to you with the same balance that was available at the time the card was stolen or lost.
Head over to balance.amexgiftcard.com/help, and here you’ll see a host of questions that might answer your queries. Also, on the left, you can find the contact details to get in touch.
Wrapping It Up:
If you already have one and are trying to check its balance, just read through this article.
Since it’s not a credit limit card, as you only use it like cash in hand, you don’t have to worry about your FICO score.
However, if it’s lost or stolen, you can get a replacement with the remaining balance.
The bottom line is, it’s easier to access your Amex gift card account and check your balance.
