Is your (AMEX) American Express gift card not working?
Are you not able to use your American Express gift card online?
If you are having trouble using your Amex gift card online, you have landed on the right page. Here we have discussed why the American Express gift card is not working for you and what you can do to fix it.
So, let’s get started.
Why is my (Amex) American Express gift card not working online
Your American Express gift card is not working because you might not have activated the card. The card does not have enough funds to cover the purchase. You are using the card for unauthorized transactions such as withdrawing cash from ATM and using it for recurring bill payments. Other reasons could be incorrect billing information, using the card for an international purchase or the merchant where you are using the card does not accept it, etc.
Below, we have explained all the possible reasons why AMEX gift card may not work in detail:
1. You have not activated the card
The first and foremost reason your AMEX gift card is not working is that you have not activated the card yet.
Most gift cards are disabled for usage when you purchase them for security reasons.
So, before using the gift card, you will have to activate it.
To activate the card, you can call the number printed on the back of the card or activate it online.
If your gift card is already activated, there might be other reasons why it’s getting declined, as explained below.
2. Purchase amount is greater than the funds available
Another reason your Gift Card can be declined is if it does not have sufficient Available Balance to cover the total amount of your purchase.
So, before using the gift card, ensure that you have a sufficient available balance.
If you are unsure of your Available Balance, you can check it online or by calling the Customer Service number (1-800-505-6849).
3. You are using the card to withdraw Cash
Moving on, another reason your American Express gift card is declined or not working could be that you are using it to withdraw cash from an ATM.
Gift cards are not designed to withdraw cash from ATMs or banks.
A Gift Card is a prepaid card that comes with a set dollar value printed on the front of the Gift Card. It is not a credit card, charge card, or debit card.
So, do not try to use the gift card to withdraw cash, or it will get declined.
4. You are using the card for recurring bill payments
Moving forward, another reason for the AMEX gift card not working could be that you are using it for recurring bill payments.
The recurring billing payments, such as utilities, subscriptions, or cellular phone service, cannot be paid using the American Express gift card.
So make sure you are not using the gift card for any such payments.
5. You are using the card for reservations and deposits
Another reason for the card getting declined could be that you are using it for reservations and deposits.
Reservation and deposit may include payments such as hotel reservations or car rental reservations.
So, if you are using an AMEX gift card for such payments, it will not work or get declined.
6. Incorrect billing information
Another reason for the gift card getting declined could be the incorrect billing information.
The address you gave to make an online or phone purchase is different from the address you have on file with your prepaid card provider.
So, use the same address or billing address you have on file with the gift card provider.
7. You are trying to make an International Purchase
If your AMEX gift card is not working online, it might be that you are using it on a website that isn’t located in our location.
Check to see where the website is located; if it’s located outside your location, the gift card may not work.
American Express gift cards may not be used for purchases outside the U.S. or Canada, including purchases on non-U.S. websites or by telephone.
8. There might a waiting Period on Your Card
Some gift card sellers will not allow gift cards purchased at the store to work for a specified time period–generally 24-48 hours.
If your American gift card is not working, the card may have a time restriction on it.
To find out the waiting period, look at the receipt and the terms and conditions on the card.
The waiting period or time delay is a fraud protection measure to ensure that the gift card has not been purchased with a stolen credit card.
When the purchase transaction is validated, the gift card will be activated.
9. Merchant do not support the card
Another reason why the AMEX gift card is not working could be that the merchant where you are using your card does not accept the card.
As per American Express:
In some cases Gift Card acceptance may be restricted to certain merchant locations (e.g. mall) which we will indicate with the Gift Card if applicable. You may also call customer service for more information at 1-800-505-6849.
So, ensure that you are not using the card at a merchant that does not accept it.
Conclusion
So, that’s all for now, folks. We hope you were able to understand why your AMEX gift card was not working after going through this post.
If still, you cannot figure out why your AMEX gift card was declined, call Customer Service (1-800-505-6849) to find out why your Gift Card may have been rejected.
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