The use of gift cards can be very beneficial and convenient for any user; many companies choose this option to provide their customers with an alternative payment method that is directly linked to the company.
This benefits both parties; in the case of the customer, it can mean discounts or coupons and, for the company, loyalty. American Express has its gift card system, but how are they used?
The use of gift cards is beneficial because of the way they are used; they are a way to have money segmented in a specific company.
American Express allows buying gift cards for yourself or to give as gifts. In the case of AmEx, they are not specific to a store or company; they are a payment system exclusive to AmEx cards.
American Express gift cards
American Express has the option to purchase a gift card that can be used in all stores where American Express is accepted as well as for online purchases. Like AmEx credit cards, gift cards come in several presentations and funds.
An AmEx gift card can range from $25 to $3,000, with four different types of presentations. Usually, companies give gift cards to their employees as a form of reward or attribution for their work.
Anytime
This is the basic presentation of an AmEx gift card; it is simple and has three different presentations: silver ribbon, gold shimmer box, and rose gold ribbon.
Congrats
This card is ideal for an employee as a reward for their work. The card presentation has the word “congrats” written on the front.
Custom
This card is a personalized version; when you have it made, you can ask American Express to customize it to your liking. You can put a postcard, a specific photo, or even text in it.
These are the most personalized cards that American Express has. Normally, these types of cards are used by companies to put their logo on them when giving them to their employees so that they know the cards belong to the company.
Thank You
This presentation has the word “Thank you” printed on the front of the card.
Shop Mall
Shop Mall is an initiative supported by American Express to help growing stores gain visibility and encourage customers to visit these businesses. The Shop Mall gift card can be redeemed directly at stores linked to “Let’s Go Shop Mall” to support local commerce.
To find out which businesses are linked to this initiative, there are two options: AmEx has identified the businesses on its website and also gives the stores permission to place the AmEx and Let’s go Shop Mall logos in their advertising), thus identifying that they are part of the campaign.
How to use it?
The gift card system is independent of American Express credit accounts, so it has its own website. When you get the card, you must activate it through that web page.
A user must be created where all the personal and card information is located so that the beneficiary is officially the owner.
Once activated, the gift card can be used in the same way as an American Express credit card if you pay at physical stores; the difference is that you cannot go to ATMs to withdraw cash.
If you have an e-Gift card at the time of payment, you must give your card number just like a credit card in online purchases.
Retail Store where I can buy AmEx gift cards
AmEx gift cards can be purchased directly at an American Express branch or online on the website. Still, there is also another option that is not directly related to American Express.
It is possible to buy American Express gift cards in specialized stores; that is, not all stores can you get AmEx gift cards.
The stores that sell them are authorized by American Express. If an unauthorized store sells AmEx gift cards, you should not buy them as that would be illegal.
The stores currently authorized by American Express are Walmart, Target, Rite Aid, CVS Pharmacy, Family Dollar, Walgreens, and Sam’s Club.
What does having an American Express gift card offer you?
Being an AmEx gift card holder offers several options and benefits that make this option very enticing. Many companies know American Express’s benefits and prefer an AmEx Gift Card to a more specific gift card.
Widely Accepted
As the bank is accepted internationally, AmEx gift cards can also be used this way. There is very little chance of a country not accepting them, so this can help the recipient on trips abroad where they can not use the same currency or an international account.
No Usage Fees
With the gift card, the beneficiary is not charged any taxes or extra fees when using the credit card in stores.
Add to Mobile Wallet
AmEx Gift Cards have the option to be integrated into the user’s digital wallets. These gift cards can be linked to Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Android Pay.
So if you have the gift card in physical form, it is not necessary to present it in the stores that have integrated these digital wallets into their payment system.
No Expiration date
None of the AmEx gift cards have an expiration date. Therefore, there’s no need to feel pressured to spend the resources when you get them; you can save them and use them whenever you want without worrying that the resources cannot be used in the future.
References:
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“Business & Personal Gift Cards | American Express Gift Cards.” Business & Personal Gift Cards | American Express Gift Cards, https://www.amexgiftcard.com/.
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“Frequently Asked Questions | American Express.” Business & Personal Gift Cards | American Express Gift Cards, https://www.amexgiftcard.com/frequently-asked-questions.
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“Retail Locations.” Business & Personal Gift Cards | American Express Gift Cards, https://www.amexgiftcard.com/retail-locations.