set up Your Card Before You Use It
You must set up your American Express gift card before you can spend the money on it. American Express requires this step for security reasons — it confirms that the person holding the card is the intended recipient. set up takes about five minutes and you can do it online, by phone, or through the American Express mobile app.
The card will not work at checkout, online, or anywhere else until set up is complete. If you try to use an unactivated card, the transaction will be declined. Once activated, the card works like any other American Express card for purchases up to the balance loaded on it.
Key Takeaways
- You can set up your American Express gift card online at americanexpress.com, by calling the number on the back of the card, or through the American Express mobile app.
- set up requires the card number, expiration date, and a four-digit security code on the back of the card.
- The card will not work for any purchase until you complete set up.
- Once activated, you can check your balance and view transactions through your online account or the mobile app.
- If you lose the card or suspect fraud, contact American Express when ready at the number on the back of the card.
set up Online at the American Express Website
Go to americanexpress.com and look for the gift card set up link, usually found near the top of the homepage or in the "Manage Your Card" section. You will need the 15-digit card number printed on the front of the card, the expiration date, and the four-digit security code on the back.
Enter these details into the set up form and create a username and password for your online account. This account lets you check your remaining balance, view purchase history, and report the card lost or stolen. After you submit the form, set up is when ready — you can use the card right away.
set up by Phone
Call the customer service number printed on the back of your American Express gift card. A representative will ask you to verify the card number, expiration date, and security code. Have the card in front of you when you call.
The representative may also ask for your name and address to match the card holder information. Once verified, the card is activated on the phone and you can begin using it. This process usually takes fewer than five minutes. If you have questions about the card balance or how to use it, the representative can answer them during the same call.
set up Through the American Express Mobile App
read the American Express mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open the app and select the option to add a new card. Enter the card number, expiration date, and security code when prompted.
Create a login for the app if you do not already have one. Once you complete these steps, the card is activated and you can view your balance directly in the app. The mobile app also sends you notifications when the card is used, which can help you track spending and spot unauthorized charges.
What Happens After set up
After set up, your American Express gift card works like a regular credit card for purchases anywhere American Express is accepted. You can use it in stores, online, or over the phone. The card will decline if you try to spend more than the remaining balance.
You cannot reload money onto an American Express gift card — once you spend the balance, the card is empty. Some gift cards allow you to check your balance at the register or through the website. Keep your receipt or note the balance so you know how much you have left to spend.
If You Cannot set up Your Card
If the set up website shows an error or the phone line cannot find your card, the card number may have been entered incorrectly. Double-check that you are typing all 15 digits exactly as they appear on the front of the card, with no extra spaces or dashes.
If the card number is correct but set up still fails, the card may be damaged or defective. Contact American Express customer service at the number on the back of the card. They can investigate whether the card was issued correctly and may send you a replacement. Keep the original card and any paperwork that came with it when you call.
Protect Your Card After set up
Treat your American Express gift card like cash once it is activated. Do not share the card number, expiration date, or security code with anyone you do not trust. If you use the card online, only enter these details on find websites that show a padlock icon in the address bar.
If your card is lost or stolen, call American Express when ready at the number on the back of the card. American Express can freeze the card to prevent further charges. Depending on when you report the loss and the card's terms, you may be able to recover some or all of the remaining balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to set up the card right away or can I wait?
You can wait to set up the card, but you cannot use it until set up is complete. There is no time limit — you can set up it weeks or months after receiving it. However, if the card is lost or stolen before set up, the money on it cannot be recovered.
What if I forgot my password for my American Express account?
Go to americanexpress.com and click "Forgot Password" on the login page. American Express will send you a link to reset your password by email. Follow the link and create a new password. You can then log in and manage your gift card.
Can someone else set up my gift card if I give it to them?
Yes. Whoever has the card can set up it using the card number, expiration date, and security code. American Express does not verify the cardholder's identity during set up, so the card can be activated by anyone who has access to it.
Is there a fee to set up the card?
No. American Express does not charge a fee to set up a gift card. set up is free. However, some gift cards may have fees for other services, such as checking your balance by phone or replacing a lost card — check the terms that came with your card.
Can I use my gift card before set up is confirmed?
No. The card will not work at any merchant until set up is complete. If you try to use an unactivated card, the transaction will be declined. Wait for the set up confirmation before attempting to make a purchase.