You can redeem an Amazon gift card in seconds using a direct link, the mobile app, or right at checkout. Once you apply the 14- or 15-character claim code, the funds sit directly in your Amazon balance and apply automatically to your next eligible purchase. You don't need to re-enter the code every time you buy something.
Finding the right spot to enter your code depends on whether you hold a physical card or received an e-gift card via email.
Ways to Redeem Your Amazon Gift Card
You have three primary methods to add funds to your account. Choose the approach that fits how you shop.
1. Using the Web Browser Shortcut
The fastest route on a computer is navigating straight to the dedicated portal.
- Go to Amazon's official gift card redemption page and sign in to the correct account.
- Locate the 14- or 15-digit claim code on the back of your physical card under the scratch-off panel.
- Type the code into the claim code field. You don't need to type the dashes.
- Click Apply to Your Balance. The funds post immediately.
If you're already browsing the main site, you can reach this page manually by hovering over Account & Lists, clicking Account, selecting the Gift Cards tile, and clicking Redeem a Gift Card.
2. Using the Amazon Mobile App
If you're using an iPhone or Android device, you can use your phone camera to scan the code so you don't make typing errors.
- Open the Amazon shopping app and tap the profile icon on the bottom navigation bar.
- Scroll down past your account settings until you see the Gift Card Balance section.
- Tap Redeem Gift Card.
- Tap Scan Your Claim Code to use your camera, or select Enter Claim Code to type it manually.
- Confirm by tapping Apply to Your Balance.
3. Redeeming Directly at Checkout
You don't actually have to preload a gift card to your account balance. You can apply it while paying for an order.
- Add items to your cart and proceed to checkout.
- Review your shipping address and payment method until you reach the final payment selection screen.
- Look for the box labeled Use a gift card, voucher, or promo code.
- Type your claim code into that field and click Apply.
The system applies the gift card value directly to that specific order total. If any balance remains on the card after the purchase, it stays tied to your account for future use.
How to Handle Digital E-Gift Cards
Electronic gift cards arrive through email or messaging apps rather than physical plastic. They generally require even less effort to redeem.
- Open the email or digital link sent by the retailer or the person who bought it for you.
- Tap or click the button that says Apply to your Amazon Account.
- Log in when prompted. The system pulls the code automatically and deposits the funds into your profile.
If the email includes a raw text claim code instead of a direct button, highlight the string, copy it, and paste it directly into the Amazon redemption portal.
Troubleshooting Common Redemption Errors
Sometimes a valid code throws an error message. Most issues stem from minor data entry mistakes or regional mismatches.
- Typing errors: People frequently confuse the letter "O" with the number zero, or capital "I" with the number one. Copy and paste digital codes whenever possible.
- Regional restrictions: Amazon gift cards are locked to the specific country marketplace where they were purchased. A card bought on amazon.com only works on a US account, while a card from amazon.ca requires a Canadian account. Trying to redeem a cross-border card triggers an invalid code warning.
- Scratched-off numbers: If you accidentally scratch off digits on a physical card, don't throw it away. Contact Amazon Customer Service and provide the long serial number printed on the back so an agent can verify and issue a replacement balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my gift card balance to another account?
No. Once you apply a claim code to an Amazon account, the balance locks to that specific profile permanently. You can't transfer funds to friends, family members, or secondary accounts.
Does an Amazon gift card balance expire?
In most major regions, funds added to your Amazon gift card balance never expire. Promotional credits sometimes carry expiration dates, but standard gift card funds remain active indefinitely until you spend them.
Can I buy another gift card using my gift card balance?
No. Amazon restricts users from purchasing other gift cards, third-party gift cards, or reloadable prepaid cards using an existing gift card balance. You must use a standard credit card, debit card, or approved payment method for those purchases.
What happens to the leftover balance if my order costs less than the card?
The remaining portion stays in your Amazon account balance. The system stores it safely and automatically applies it toward your subsequent purchases until the entire value runs out.
