Amazon is one of the giants in online shopping; it has practically had unparalleled success through good performance and marketing loyalty strategies such as gift cards.
However, there are many questions about how these cards work, and one of the most common is: Do Amazon gift cards expire?
When do Amazon gift cards expire?
Amazon gift cards don’t seem to have an expiration date. Regardless of when you redeem them and how long after that you decide to use the balance on the card, the balance will remain intact, and you can use it as normal.
Although, the above is only valid for gift cards issued after October 1, 2005.
2005 was almost two decades ago. Therefore, today in 2022, due to the low probability that there are still cards issued before October 1, 2005, all cards are considered free of expiration date.
Those who have gift cards issued before October 1, 2005, should know their expiration date. Although, by now, the card is probably many years past its expiration date and no longer valid.
Can I redeem Amazon gift cards for cash?
Many gift cards on the market can be exchanged for cash or used on purchases from different stores. But, this is not the case with Amazon gift cards.
You can only use Amazon gift cards within their website or app to purchase products or services. They cannot be redeemed for cash or used in different stores.
You can also use them on Amazon’s partner platforms, i.e. those owned by Amazon. However, there are no other affiliated stores where you can receive gift cards.
Simply put, the only way to spend your Amazon gift card balance is by making purchases on Amazon, at least until Amazon announces otherwise in its policies.
Even if you intend to use the card at one of Amazon’s affiliated properties, but that property is outside the United States, it is impossible. Because, in addition to being affiliated stores, they must be within the country.
On the other hand, many people choose to sell their gift cards to people interested in paying cash for gift cards. This type of redemption is a completely independent decision by Amazon and the card owner risk.
Can I transfer my card balance to another account or request a refund?
No, you cannot transfer your gift card balance to another account. Once you have redeemed the balance on your account, you can only use it for desired purchases.
Likewise, you cannot use the money earned from the gift card exchange to claim a refund, no matter how much time has passed since the redemption was made.
Refunds may only be requested when there is a compelling legal reason for a refund, and in such cases, the requestor must contact Amazon customer service.
Amazon reserves the right to refund or not refund the card. If the card is not returned, the customer may continue to use the card as normal.
References
- https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GNG9PXYZUMQT72QK
- https://www.amazon.in/gp/help/customer/display.html