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Discover how to redeem gift card Amazon easily with this step-by-step guide. Learn tips, FAQs, and expert tricks to use your balance smartly.
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Ever received an Amazon gift card and thought, “Now what?” Trust me, I’ve been there. I remember the first time I got one—excited to shop, but totally confused about how to redeem gift card Amazon.
So here’s the deal: When someone gives you an Amazon gift card, you don’t just spend it right away. First, you need to redeem it to your account. That means applying the code to your Amazon wallet so the balance is available whenever you shop.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to do that—whether you’re using the app, the website, or even if you only have the serial number. I’ll also share tips, common mistakes, and answer questions I had when I first started using gift cards on Amazon.
Key Takeaways
- Learn how to redeem Amazon gift cards using the app or website without any errors.
- Understand what to do if your code doesn’t work or if you only have the serial number.
- Get tips on how to use your balance smartly and avoid gift card scams.
What Does “Redeem Gift Card Amazon” Mean?
Let’s start with the basics. “Redeem” just means to claim the value of something, like cashing in a coupon. So when you redeem a gift card, you’re telling Amazon, “Hey, apply this amount to my account.”
It doesn’t mean you’re spending it right away. Once it’s redeemed, the money just sits in your account balance. You can use it whenever you want—for books, groceries, electronics, or even digital stuff like Kindle eBooks.
This step is super important because if you don’t redeem it, you can’t use it. Even if the card is valid, it won’t work at checkout until it’s applied to your account.
Where to Redeem Gift Card Amazon: App vs Website
You can redeem your Amazon gift card on either the website or the mobile app. Both work fine, but I’ll be honest—I prefer the website. It just feels easier to type in the code using a full keyboard.
On the App:
- Open the Amazon app
- Tap the profile icon (bottom menu)
- Scroll to “Your Account.”
- Tap “Manage Gift Card Balance.”
- Hit “Redeem a Gift Car.d”
- Enter the claim code
On the Website:
- Log in to your Amazon account
- Hover over “Accounts & Lists.”
- Click “Gift Cards.”
- Select “Redeem a Gift Car.d”
- Enter the code and click “Appl.y”
How to Redeem a Gift Card on Amazon: Step-by-Step Guide:
- Let me walk you through the full process, just like I do it every time.
- Log In: Go to amazon.com or open the app and sign in.
- Find the Gift Card Section: On desktop, it’s under "Accounts & Lists" > "Gift Cards".
- Click 'Redeem a Gift Card': You’ll see a text box to enter your code.
- Enter the Claim Code: It's the 14–15-character code on the back of the card.
- Click Apply: Boom! The balance will be added to your account instantly.
- I’ve done this dozens of times—sometimes on the app when I’m out, but mostly on my laptop at home. It’s always smooth unless the code is smudged or unreadable (more on that later).
How to Redeem Amazon Gift Card with Serial Number
Okay, here’s where things get tricky. The serial number is not the same as the claim code. It’s usually printed on the front of the card, and it looks totally different.
Now, you can’t directly redeem a card using just the serial number. But if your claim code is scratched off or unreadable, you can contact Amazon support and give them the serial number. They’ll use it to look up your card and help you get the balance.
Here’s how I handled it once:
- I scratched too hard and messed up the code.
- I contacted Amazon’s customer service.
- Gave them the serial number and proof of purchase.
- They verified it and manually applied the balance to my account.
It takes a little patience, but it works.
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How to Check Amazon Gift Card Balance After Redeeming
Once you’ve redeemed your card, it’s smart to double-check your balance—just to be sure the funds went through.
Here’s how:
- Go to “Gift Card Balance” in your Amazon account.
- You’ll see your available balance right at the top.
- You can also view your transaction history, like when and how you used your gift card money.
Pro Tip: Keep your card until you’ve used the balance. If something goes wrong, Amazon might ask for information printed on it.
Redeem Amazon Gift Card for Cash: Is It Possible?
If you’ve ever wondered if you can turn your Amazon gift card into cash, you’re not alone. I’ve looked into this myself, especially during times when I needed money more than stuff from Amazon. The short answer is: Amazon doesn’t allow you to redeem gift cards for cash. Once you apply the gift card to your account, it stays there until you use it to buy something on the site. There’s no button that says “withdraw to bank account.”
That said, I’ve seen people try a few workarounds. One method I’ve tried is selling the gift card to someone I trust. I once gave a $25 Amazon card to a friend who shops on Amazon often, and he paid me $20 cash for it. Not the full amount, but it helped when I was short on cash.
There are also websites like CardCash or Raise where you can list your card and get paid through PayPal or direct deposit. But be cautious. I’ve seen mixed reviews, and I personally prefer dealing with someone I know. Some of those platforms also offer lower payouts, sometimes only 70–80% of the card’s value.
Bottom line: If you really need cash, it is possible to sell your card, but there’s always a catch. You won’t get the full value, and you should be extra careful about scams. For most people, the easiest route is still to use the card for something you were going to buy anyway—like groceries, household stuff, or even gifts.
Common Problems While Trying to Redeem a Gift Card
Redeeming an Amazon gift card is usually simple, but I’ve hit a few bumps over the years. The most common problem I’ve faced is the “invalid code” error. The first time it happened, I typed the code in twice before realizing I’d mixed up a zero with the letter “O.” It’s a small mistake, but it can make the process frustrating, especially if you’re excited to use the card.
Another issue I ran into was a damaged claim code. I once scratched a physical card too hard, and part of the code got rubbed off. I panicked, thinking I’d ruined the card. Luckily, I still had the serial number and the receipt. I contacted Amazon customer support and explained the situation. They asked for a photo of the card and the purchase receipt, and within 24 hours, they added the balance to my account.
Some people also get the message “card already redeemed.” This can be scary, especially if you just opened a brand-new card. In many cases, it’s because someone else may have guessed or stolen the code—yes, that actually happens. Always scratch your code only when you're ready to use it, and never share photos of your card online.
The last common issue I’ve seen is region mismatch. If you get a card from someone in another country, it might not work on your Amazon account if it’s set to a different region (like .com vs .co.uk). It happened to me once with a card from a friend in Canada. I couldn’t use it on my US account until I reached out to support for help.
My tip: Always double-check the code, keep your receipt, and redeem your card as soon as you get it to avoid these issues later.
How to Avoid Amazon Gift Card Scams
Unfortunately, Amazon gift cards are a common target for scammers. I’ve personally received emails and social media messages from people pretending to offer free gift cards in exchange for personal info. Trust me—it’s never worth it.
The most important rule is never share your claim code with anyone. That code is like cash. Once someone else uses it, it’s gone, and Amazon usually won’t replace it. I had a cousin who shared her card info with a “buyer” on Facebook Marketplace. She was trying to sell it for a bit of quick cash, but the buyer disappeared right after getting the code. She lost the full $50.
Scammers also impersonate Amazon employees or government agents. I once got a call from someone pretending to be from the IRS, telling me I owed taxes and needed to pay using Amazon gift cards. That’s a huge red flag. No real company or government agency will ever ask for payment in gift cards.
To stay safe:
- Only buy cards from trusted places like Amazon’s website, large retail stores, or major grocery chains.
- Never click links from random emails saying you’ve won a gift card.
- Don’t post pictures of your gift card online—not even partially scratched ones.
I always tell people: treat an Amazon gift card like cash. Would you hand someone cash just because they asked? No? Then don’t do it with your gift card either.
Using a Gift Card to Make a Purchase on Amazon
Once you redeem an Amazon gift card, the money goes straight into your Amazon account balance. From there, it’s actually super easy to use. One thing I really like is that Amazon will automatically use your gift card balance first during checkout. You don’t need to select it or do anything special.
I’ve used gift cards for everything—from everyday items like phone chargers to big purchases like a new pair of headphones. When I had a $100 gift card from my birthday, I added a few things to my cart and checked out. Amazon applied the gift card balance first, and I didn’t even have to think about it. I only had to pay the extra $5 with my debit card.
If your purchase total is less than your gift card balance, the remaining money stays in your account. You can use it next time. If the purchase costs more than your balance, Amazon will ask how you want to pay the difference—credit card, debit, whatever’s on file.
Another cool thing I’ve tried is using my balance to buy Kindle books and digital products. It works the same way. I’ve even pre-ordered a few books, and the gift card covered it no problem.
Tip: You can also combine multiple gift cards in your balance. Just redeem them all, and Amazon keeps track of the total for you. Super handy if you get a bunch of smaller cards during the holidays.
Can You Redeem Visa Gift Cards on Amazon?
Yes, you absolutely can—but the process is a little different from using an Amazon gift card. A Visa gift card is treated like a regular credit or debit card. So instead of redeeming it to your Amazon balance, you add it as a payment method.
I’ve done this a few times, especially when I got those prepaid Visa cards as rewards. Here’s what I usually do:
- I go to my Amazon account and add the Visa card under “Payment Methods.”
- I check the exact balance on the card (sometimes it’s not the full $25, like if there’s a small activation fee).
- Then I either buy something that matches the card’s balance exactly or use it to reload my Amazon balance with that amount.
Reloading your Amazon balance is actually a smart trick. I once had a $10 Visa card left over, and I knew it would be a pain to find something that cost exactly $10. So I just used it to reload my Amazon account by $10. That way, I didn’t waste even a penny.
Just remember—Visa gift cards often expire, or charge small fees if unused for a long time. So it’s best to use them as soon as you can.
Also, you can’t split payments across two cards on Amazon. If your order is more than the Visa gift card, Amazon will decline the order unless you reload your balance first or combine it with a credit card.
In short: Yes, Visa gift cards work on Amazon. Just use them like a normal card or reload your balance with them.
How to Redeem a Gift Card via Amazon App
If you’re on the go, redeeming through the app is simple. Here’s a quick recap:
- Tap your profile.
- Scroll to "Your Account"
- Tap “Manage Gift Card Balance”
- Select “Redeem a Gift Card”
- Type in or scan the code.
I’ve even done this at the store right after buying a card—fast and easy.
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Conclusion
Redeem gift card Amazon the right way, and you’ll never waste another dollar sitting unused in your drawer. I’ve used Amazon gift cards for everything—from birthday gifts to household basics—and the process gets easier every time.
If it’s your first time redeeming, don’t stress. Just follow the steps, keep your code safe, and double-check your balance. Got an issue? Contact support. They’ve always helped me out.
Go ahead, redeem that gift card—and treat yourself to something great.
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