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American Express is widely recognized for its credit and payment solutions and gift cards, which work as prepaid cards for shopping and digital transactions. These American Express gift cards are accepted across a wide range of merchants in the US, both in stores where they are accepted and online, making them a convenient way to make purchases or as a gift to loved ones.
However, these gift cards are not like regular debit cards. They don’t come with real-time balance notifications, so you don’t have the luxury of getting an alert after every transaction. Swipe it without checking the balance; you could have a failed transaction at checkout. Sometimes, your card might get temporarily locked due to repeated declines.
That is why knowing the right ways to check how much value you have left on your card before making a purchase is important. In this guide, you will learn how to check your American Express gift card balance and redeem or sell the gift card for cash when needed.
Why Check Your American Express Gift Card Balance?
One of the most frustrating things during payment is having your card declined at a checkpoint. A quick balance check ensures you know exactly how much is left on your gift card before you swipe or enter the details. This saves you the headache of a declined payment and, at most, helps you spend the full value of your card, especially if a small amount remains that might otherwise go unused.
Many stores allow you to combine payment methods, so knowing your balance lets you top up with cash or other cards when needed. It is also a smart move to check your balance if you plan to gift or resell the card. This helps confirm the value of your American Express gift card and avoid any misconceptions.
In some cases, gift cards may expire or lose value over time due to inactivity fees. Keeping an eye on your balance helps you use your gift card on time and get the most out of it in-store or online.
How Can You Check Your American Express Gift Card Balance?
If you want to check the value of your American Express gift card to keep track of your spending or to make a purchase, here are the two most reliable methods.
1. Check your balance online
The easiest and direct way to check your American Express gift card balance is through the official website. This method is available 24/7 and instantly updates you on how much you have left on your gift card.
- Simply visit balance.amexgiftcard.com
- Enter your 15-digit card number.
- Provide the card expiration date and enter the 4-digit security code on the front of the gift card.
- You may choose to add your email address (Optional)
- Click the sign-in button to view your balance
- Once submitted, your current balance and recent transactions made using the card will be displayed.
2. Call the American Customer Service Line
If you prefer speaking with a person, you can also check your balance by calling the customer service number on the back of your American Express gift card. This method works best when you are not sure if your card has been activated or if you suspect an issue, such as an incorrect balance or missing funds.
How to Redeem Your American Express Gift Card
Redeeming your American Express gift card is quite simple as long as you know a few details about the card. This can be done at most US merchants, in-store or online, that accept American Express.
When shopping online, just enter the card details like you would with a normal debit or credit card. Input the 15-digit card number, expiration, and security code displayed on the card.
But before making any purchase, it is ideal to check your card balance. Some retailers don’t allow split payments, so make sure your balance is enough to cover the full amount of your purchase. If your total amount goes even slightly over the card’s value, the transaction may be declined.
While the card works for most purchases, it may not work for subscriptions or services that require recurring billing. It is also best to use the card sooner rather than later because some cards may incur inactivity fees after some time.
How to Sell an American Express Gift on Prestmit
If you have an American Express gift card you are not planning to use for purchases in store or online, and prefer to trade it for cash or crypto, Prestmit is one of the fastest and most reliable gift card trading platforms to make that exchange. With just a few steps, you can convert your American Express gift card to your preferred currency (Naira, Cedis, or crypto) in minutes.
- Simply visit official Prestmit website or download the Prestmit App on the Google play store or Apple store
- Create an account or log in to your dashboard
- Choose “Gift Cards” and Select “Sell Gift Cards.”
- Select your preferred payment option in Nigerian naira, cedis, or crypto
- Choose American Express from the list of gift card categories
- Enter the amount of the American Express gift card you want to sell
- Upload the card image or enter the gift card code.
- Follow the prompt to complete the transaction
- You will receive payment immediately after the transaction is confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions About American Express Gift Card Balance
Can My American Express Gift Card Expire?
American Express gift cards do not have an expiration date for funds, but the physical card may have an expiration date printed on it. You can request a free replacement with the remaining balance if the card expires.
What can I do if my American Express gift card balance is empty and I haven’t used it?
If your American Express gift card shows zero balance and you haven’t used it, contact customer service support immediately at 888-846-4308 or visit the American Express official website. There might be a technical issue, or the card may be compromised.
Can I use an American Express gift card outside the US?
No, American Express gift cards are only valid for purchase within the United States of America and its territories. Still, you can trade this card for cash in other regions on reliable platforms like Prestmit.
Can I combine my American Express gift card balance with another card?
Yes, if the merchant allows split transactions, you can combine your American Express gift card with other forms of payment. Make sure to tell the cashier or input the exact balance before completing the purchase online.
Conclusion
An American Express gift card is only as useful as its balance. Checking your balance to ensure a smooth transaction is a simple yet required step. By staying updated on your gift card balance, you avoid declined payments, make better spending decisions, and ensure the card doesn’t go to waste, whether you are shopping online or redeeming it in-store.
If you need to convert your American Express gift cards for cash, remember to use trusted platforms like Prestmit, which make it easy and safe to determine their value.
Last updated on July 24, 2025
