Check and Manage Your Amazon Gift Card Balance

Understanding Amazon Gift Card Types and Formats

Amazon offers several types of gift cards that work differently depending on how you obtain and use them. Physical gift cards come as printed cards that you can hold in your hand, typically available in denominations ranging from $15 to $500. These cards have a 16-digit code on the back that you scratch off to reveal, and they can be purchased at retail locations like grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores nationwide. Digital gift cards, also called e-gift cards, are sent directly to an email address and arrive within minutes of purchase. These cards contain a claim code that the recipient can copy and paste into their Amazon account.

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Corporate gift cards represent another category that companies use for employee rewards, bonuses, or customer appreciation programs. These function similarly to standard gift cards but may come with specific terms set by the purchasing company. Promotional gift cards sometimes come as rewards from Amazon for certain purchases or through special offers. Each type of gift card carries the same value and works identically once added to your Amazon account—there's no difference in purchasing power between a physical card you bought yourself and a digital card someone sent you.

Understanding which type of card you have matters because the process for checking your balance varies slightly. Physical cards require you to either visit Amazon's website or use the Amazon app, while digital cards can be checked immediately after you receive the claim code. Some gift cards may have restrictions on what you can purchase; for example, certain promotional cards from third parties might exclude specific product categories. Knowing your card type helps you understand what information you'll need to locate your balance and what limitations might apply to your particular card.

Practical Takeaway: Identify whether your gift card is physical, digital, or promotional before checking the balance, as this determines which method you'll use and what terms might apply to your purchase options.

Checking Your Balance Through Amazon.com

The most straightforward way to check your Amazon gift card balance is through the official Amazon website. Visit Amazon.com and sign into your account using your email address and password. If you don't have an Amazon account, you'll need to create one—this is a free process that takes a few minutes. Once logged in, look for the "Account" or "Your Account" option, typically found in the upper right corner of the page, though the exact location may vary slightly depending on your device or if Amazon updates their interface.

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From your account page, locate the section labeled "Gift Cards" or "Your Gift Cards." This section displays all gift card balances associated with your account. The page shows your current total balance clearly, often displayed prominently at the top. If you have multiple gift cards added to your account, you'll see the combined total and may also see individual card details. The balance updates in real-time, so the number you see reflects any recent purchases you've made using that card balance.

For physical gift cards that you haven't yet added to your account, you can check the balance before claiming it. On the same gift card page, look for an option that says "Check a Gift Card Balance" or "Check Balance without Redeeming." You'll need to enter the 16-digit code from the back of your physical card. Some versions may ask for additional information like the card's PIN or a verification code. Enter this information and click the button to view that card's balance without actually adding it to your account yet.

This method works consistently on desktop computers, tablets, and smartphones through the regular Amazon website. Your balance information is secure because you're logging into your own account with your password. Amazon doesn't share this information with anyone else, and viewing your balance doesn't cost anything or change your account status in any way.

Practical Takeaway: Log into your Amazon account and navigate to the Gift Cards section in your Account settings to see your current balance, or use the "Check a Gift Card Balance" tool to view the value of a card you haven't yet added to your account.

Using the Amazon Mobile App to Check Balance

The Amazon mobile app provides another convenient way to check your gift card balance from your smartphone or tablet. Download the app from the Apple App Store if you use an iPhone or iPad, or from the Google Play Store if you use an Android device. The app is free to download and use. Once installed, open the app and sign in with the same email and password you use for your Amazon.com account. If you're already logged in from previous shopping, you may skip directly to checking your balance.

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In the Amazon app, tap the menu icon, typically represented by three horizontal lines (called a hamburger menu) or found under "Account." Look for "Your Account" or a similar option, then scroll down to find "Gift Cards" or "Manage Gift Cards." This section shows the same balance information as the website version. You'll see your total combined gift card balance prominently displayed. If you have multiple gift cards on your account, the app may show you the individual card details as well, or you can tap on the balance to expand and see more information.

The app also allows you to check a physical card's balance before adding it to your account. In the Gift Cards section, look for "Check Gift Card Balance" or a similar option. Tap this button and enter the 16-digit code from the back of your card. Some cards may require additional verification information. The app will display the balance within seconds. This feature is particularly useful when you receive a physical gift card and want to verify its value before storing it.

Checking your balance through the app has the same benefits as using the website: it's free, real-time, and secure. The app may load faster on a smartphone than the website, making it a quick option when you're away from a computer. Push notifications on the app can also alert you to account activity, though you need to enable these notifications in your app settings first.

Practical Takeaway: Download the Amazon app, log into your account, and navigate to the Gift Cards section to check your balance on the go from any smartphone or tablet.

What Your Balance Means and How It's Used

Your Amazon gift card balance represents store credit that you can use to purchase almost anything sold on Amazon. The balance is denominated in U.S. dollars and works identically to money in your account, with one key difference: it only applies to Amazon purchases. Unlike a regular payment method, you cannot withdraw gift card balance as cash, and it cannot be transferred to another person's account or used outside of Amazon's platform. The balance stays in your account until you spend it, and there are no expiration dates on Amazon gift cards (though some promotional cards from third parties may have different terms).

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When you make a purchase on Amazon, the system automatically applies your gift card balance first, before charging any other payment method. If your purchase costs less than your balance, the remaining amount stays in your account for future purchases. If your purchase costs more than your balance, you'll be prompted to add another payment method, such as a credit card or debit card, to cover the difference. This process happens automatically during checkout without requiring you to do anything special.

Your balance can be used for digital purchases like e-books, music, movies, and apps available through Amazon. It also covers physical products, whether shipped by Amazon or sold by third-party sellers through Amazon's marketplace. The balance doesn't apply to certain services like Amazon Prime membership renewals or third-party services sold through Amazon (such as digital movie rentals from other platforms). Most everyday purchases you'd make on Amazon will use your gift card balance without any issues.

If you've received a gift card from someone else and haven't redeemed it yet, that card's balance doesn't appear in your account balance until you enter the claim code. The card retains its value until you decide to add it to your account. Once you've entered the code, the balance becomes part of your total account credit and can be used immediately for purchases.

Practical Takeaway: Your gift card balance is store credit that applies automatically to purchases, starting with your first item in the cart, and remains available indefinitely with no expiration date.

Redeeming Physical Gift Cards to Your Account

If you have a physical Amazon gift card that you haven't yet added to your account, the process to redeem it is straightforward. Go to Amazon.com and sign into your account. Navigate to the Gift Cards section (found under Your Account). Look for an option that says "Redeem a Gift Card" or "Add a Gift Card to Your Account." Click this option and you'll be taken to a redemption page.

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On the redemption page, you'll see a text field where you can enter the 16