How to Activate Your Amazon Gift Card

Amazon gift cards work immediately after purchase, but you need to redeem the code to add the balance to your account

When you receive an Amazon gift card—whether as a physical card, an email, or a printed code—the card itself isn't active until you enter the code into your Amazon account. The code is what connects the money to you. Once you redeem it, the balance shows up in your account and you can spend it on anything Amazon sells.

The process takes about two minutes and works the same way whether your card came from a store, was emailed to you, or arrived as a printed slip. You'll need an Amazon account (free to create) and access to the code printed on the card or sent in the email.

Key Takeaways

• You redeem an Amazon gift card by entering the code on Amazon's website or app, not by "activating" it at a store or with Amazon customer service.
• The code is a long string of letters and numbers found on the back of a physical card, in the email subject line, or on a printed receipt.
• After you enter the code, the balance appears in your account within seconds and never expires once redeemed.
• If the code doesn't work, check for typos, make sure you're signed into the right account, and verify the code hasn't already been used.

Where to find the code on your gift card

The code location depends on what type of card you have. On a physical card bought at a store, the code is printed on the back under a scratch-off panel or printed directly on the card itself. You may need to scratch off a silver or gold coating to reveal the numbers and letters underneath.

If you received the card by email, the code appears in the email subject line or in the body of the message. Some emails have the code displayed prominently at the top; others include it in a longer message. Search the email for a string that looks like this: XXXX-XXXXXX-XXXX (the exact format varies, but it's always a mix of letters and numbers separated by dashes).

For printed gift cards or receipts, the code is usually at the bottom or on the back. If you're having trouble locating it, look for text that says "Claim Code" or "Gift Card Number."

How to redeem the code on a computer

Go to amazon.com and sign into your account. If you don't have an account, you can create one for free using an email address and password. Once you're signed in, look for "Gift Cards" in the top navigation menu or search for "redeem a gift card" in the search bar.

Click on "Redeem a Gift Card" or a similar link. You'll see a box asking you to enter the code. Type or paste the code exactly as it appears—capital letters, lowercase letters, and dashes all matter. Then click "Redeem" or "Apply to Your Account." The balance will appear in your account within seconds, usually showing as "Amazon.com Gift Card Balance" in your account settings.

If you're not sure where to find the Gift Cards section, go to your account menu (usually in the top right corner), look for "Your Account" or "Account & Lists," and scroll down to find gift card options.

How to redeem the code on the Amazon app

Open the Amazon app on your phone or tablet and sign in. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner on most phones, or the top left on some devices. Look for "Gift Cards" or "Your Account" in the menu.

Tap "Redeem a Gift Card" or "Redeem Gift Card Balance." You'll see a text box where you can type or paste the code. Enter the code exactly as it appears and tap "Redeem." The balance will show up in your account immediately.

Some phones let you use the camera to scan the code instead of typing it. If you see a camera icon next to the text box, you can tap it and point your phone's camera at the code to enter it automatically.

What to do if the code doesn't work

The most common reason a code fails is a typo. Codes are case-sensitive and include dashes in specific places. Copy and paste the code if possible instead of typing it by hand. Check that you're using the correct account—if you have multiple Amazon accounts, make sure you're signed into the right one before redeeming.

If the code still doesn't work, it may have already been redeemed by someone else, or it may be damaged or invalid. Check the card or email one more time to make sure you have the full code. If the card is physical and the code is under a scratch-off panel, make sure you've scratched off the entire panel and aren't missing any digits.

If you've tried everything and the code still won't work, contact Amazon customer service through your account. Go to "Contact Us" at the bottom of any Amazon page, describe the problem, and Amazon can investigate whether the code is valid or help you with a replacement.

What happens after you redeem the code

Once the code is redeemed, the balance is added to your account permanently. It shows up as "Amazon.com Gift Card Balance" in your account settings and is ready to use immediately. You can spend it on anything sold on Amazon—books, electronics, groceries, or anything else.

The balance never expires once it's been redeemed and added to your account. You can use it all at once or spread it across multiple purchases. If you have both a gift card balance and a credit card on file, Amazon will ask you which payment method to use at checkout, or it will use your gift card balance first if you don't specify.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I redeem a gift card without an Amazon account?

No, you need an active Amazon account to redeem a code. Creating an account is free and takes about two minutes. You'll need a valid email address and a password. Once your account is set up, you can redeem the code immediately.

What if I received a gift card code but haven't received the physical card yet?

If you have the code, you can redeem it right away. The code is all you need—the physical card itself is optional. Redeem the code into your account and the balance will be there waiting for you whenever you're ready to shop.

Can someone else use my gift card code if they see it?

Yes, if someone has your code, they can redeem it into their own Amazon account. Treat the code like cash. Don't share it in emails or texts, and if you received a physical card, keep it in a safe place until you redeem it. Once the code is redeemed into your account, only you can spend that balance.

Does the gift card code expire before I redeem it?

Most Amazon gift card codes don't expire, but some promotional or special-offer codes may have an expiration date printed on the card or in the email. Check the card or email for any date restrictions. Once you redeem the code and add it to your account, the balance never expires.

Can I check my gift card balance without redeeming it?

You can't check the balance of an unredeemed code through Amazon's website. If you want to know how much is on the card before redeeming it, contact Amazon customer service with the code and they can tell you the amount. Once you redeem it, you can see your balance anytime in your account settings.