American Express Gift Cards Reviews

I received an AMEX gift card for Xmas from a good friend. I have tried using it at Amazon, Wal-Mart, newegg.com, and buy.com. Like the other people here, I quickly discovered that no one accepts it. This is a shame since the person who got it for me really does not have money to waste. I am not sure what to do. My next trick, I suppose, is to try to use it at the supermarket for food shopping. It's not exactly what I envisioned for a Christmas gift, but at least the money she spent won't go to waste. Just think about all the money AMEX rakes in as people buy these as gifts and the recipient isn't able to use them. I, for one, am not about to go back to the person who gave it to me to complain. AMEX makes out while we are stuck. Typical corporate nonsense.

I work at school and one of my 10 year old students bought me a $25 American Express Simon Gift Card for my birthday with her own money and nowhere will take it. I have registered it and it has $25 on it. I feel terrible this little girl spent her own money on me and American Express Simon Gift Card has just knowingly stole from her and as I can now read many others. This problem appears to be widespread. These companies should be ashamed! I will not tell this child her money was basically thrown out the window. It’s just a shame.

I purchased $400 (in $100 increments) gift cards for my kids a couple weeks ago. Nothing but trouble with these cards. Amazon.com does not accept them. Razor Scooters does not accept them. There are several other large companies that will not accept these gift cards and that to me just seems ridiculous. I grew up thinking AMEX was "the successful person's" credit card; hence, I thought these gift cards would be "the best" as well. How wrong I was. Buy a Visa or MasterCard gift card instead. Trust me, you won't regret that purchase like I did with my "American Express Gift Cards" that are pretty much worthless at this point since I am having to pay cash or use my own debit or credit card to make purchases for my kids and they are surrendering their "gift cards" back to me as payment. Crazy. It’s embarrassing and totally defeats the purpose.

My son bought four $50.00 AX gift cards for my grandchildren for Christmas. I paid an additional $4.64 per card to activate. The cards were bought at Wal-Mart (1st mistake). He gathered all the cards up and took them back to Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart advised him, they were aware there was a problem with the cards, so they pulled them from the shelf. Wal-Mart blames American Express. American Express blames Wal-Mart. Hello! This is fraud, plain and simple.

I received a gift card for $100. I just tried to spend a partial amount from my remaining balance and the card was declined. When I went online to check the balance, it stated I made a purchase at a Smiths food store for an amount greater than what I spent by far! I want to know how I can file to get that money back that was charged that I did not spend. I have no remaining funds on the card due to the transaction charge.

If you want to make enemies, give people around you these frustrating cards. They don't work, not activated, they charge you fees left and right, and you have to spend a lot of time on the phone talking to people from India, who have no clue what they are doing, until you give up and throw the card away. Thank you American Express for this great gift!

I am having the same problems as all others on this site. I got a $100 American Express gift card for Christmas and I wanted to use it in St. Maarten only to learn it can only be used in the United States. I know all about the problem with using these gift cards in restaurants as I also had a Wells Fargo gift card and when I went to use it, it was declined because they add 20% for a gratuity even though I was paying the gratuity in cash. Now, I am learning through AAA there is an American Express global card available but can't seem to find where to purchase it. I called American Express and got the same run-a-round.

I received a $25 American Express gift card for Christmas. I activated it on their website and saw there was indeed a balance of $25. I tried to purchase an item on eBay, but it was declined because they could not verify the card holder's address. I tried a second time because I thought I had made a mistake while entering the numbers. I thoroughly checked each digit and the security PIN. The card was declined again. After much aggravation, I went back to the American Express website only to find out that $2 of the money had be debited from my gift card! I saw that it was debited as an AVS purchase. If my card was declined from making a purchase, then why is money being taken from my card at all? By the way, my Visa gift cards and MasterCard gift cards work just fine.

I received a $50.00 American Express Gift Card for Christmas. The giver paid a $4.95 fee to purchase the card. We tried to use it today towards an $89.64 meal at a Hillstone Restaurant in Coral Gables, Florida. The waiter told us he would charge us another 20% to use the card. Since we would still owe $39.64 plus the gratuity, this made no sense. We took our complaint to the association manager with no success. We called American Express Gift Cards and did not receive a satisfactory explanation as to why an American Express merchant would not accept the card. Can we ever use this?

There is no option for zero star rating. Received three Amex eGift cards. They all decline, $75, $50, and another $50. This is an American Express banking scam. They make these available on their website for quick purchase, confirm, and send but do not allow for these cards to be used online or in store. Every transaction was declined. I will do everything in my power to exploit this.

I received a $100 American Express gift card for my birthday. Although we have repeatedly verified that the balance is correct, three attempts to use the card to make a purchase have all failed. We have called "Customer Service" (in India of course) numerous times. First we were told that "their computers were down” and we should call back later. Eventually we were told that Amex would mail a new card. Now days have passed with no new card and no resolution.

Absolute worst experience ever with AmEx gift cards. Half the time, you try to use it for a purchase, it says declined, then not only do they charge $5.95 to activate the card, they take $2 a month off the balance. i feel if it's that much trouble for them to maintain your real balance on the card, then i guess they really don't want the trouble of my business. My brother buys several thousand dollars worth of gift cards each year. I will definitely tell him don't waste his money with AmEx, too much aggravation and so far on two cards, I have lost more money than was spent.

I received two American Express gift cards several years ago. Each time my husband and I tried to use them we were told the card didn't go through so we had to self pay. This went on for months and we did attempt to contact AmEx at that time. On the front of the cards it says they expired in 12/12, but on the back it says a $2 monthly service fee began after the first year. When I contacted AmEx again this year, we were told that only a $5 balance was left on both cards. I tried to use the cards again only to be refused. American Express said I had to buy something for the exact amount (you have to be kidding me) for the purchase to go through. The cashiers did not even seem to know how to do this. I wrote again to American Express only to receive no reply. I will never purchase an American Express gift card again and would advise others to follow suit. To me this is a corporate form of robbery.

My boss gave me AE gift card and it was the worst experience I've had. I tried to buy an Excel class online through a reputable source using AE gift card and it was declined. When I called AE, I was told that the transaction went through. They told me that I needed to call the vendor to verify that it didn't go through, then to call AE back so that they can put back the credit to my card. I did exactly that. But when I called back, they told me it took 8 days for the credit to appear. I told them why it took 8 days and that the sale will end. They then told me to have the vendor call them directly. All in all, they made everyone else do the work except themselves. I told them that I will let my boss know about this incident so that he will never buy gift card from AE again. I, myself, will never buy e-gift card from them.

I just recently won a contest, winning a $100 Amex Gift Card. I then went online and verified it was good. Everything's fine.

I had a $25 gift card that was purchased in April 2010, and given to me as a birthday gift. I have held on to this for an emergency. When I now try to use it, a zero balance is shown.

I had a $50 gift card purchased in December 2010 for my birthday from my daughter, a single mom with little money. I have held on to this for an emergency. When that time came this weekend, it came back as invalid.

Received an American Express $100 gift card. Used it once for $37. When tried to use it again to buy merchandise at Amazon, I was told that there was a problem because the purchase was for more than remainder on the account - about $63. Tried a couple of days later for different purchase. This time for lesser amount and was told there was now a "hold" on account because of improper funding of card at time of purchase?

I used an AMX gift card in Florida for gas. The charge was run through by AmEx twice, same day, same time. The vendor's records showed only 1 entry and billing to AmX. AmX wasted my time. They have outsource and language problems. They have no knowledge. They have arrogant supervisors. I got the total runaround. They blame it on the vendor. It's similar to others who were reporting how they were treated by AmX. The vendor refunded the money in interest of good will and said they were no longer working with AmExpress. I am closing all personal and business with AmEx as a result of their behavior.

I bought a $200 American Express gift card at Vons. When the person I gifted this to tried to use the gift card, it was unactivated. I had the receipt and all the packaging. I contacted American Express. They told me to fax all info (front and back of the card, all packaging, receipt and my information). I did what they requested. It took them 2 weeks to contact me and they said that the card activated was not the same as the card purchased. I explained that this was the card handed to me at the counter and this is the receipt I had. They told me that there was nothing more that they could do for me. I contacted Vons, who is still researching, and they informed me that a lot of cards where fraudulent during the holidays. I purchased this on Dec 19, 2010 and still have not seen a dime of the $200 and it is Feb 8, 2011. American Express refuses to help and also refuses to allow me to speak with a manager.

Do you really read these? I saw Rigo ** and am so disappointed that his 'warning' did not include the types of problems your complainants have written here. My beloved physician gave me a gift card for $50. I came here and saw the bad reviews and called to confirm its validity. I checked the amount (A-okay) and purchased something for $10. Then, I went to a gas station and my receipt there was for $7. I then went to CVS (mind you, it's pouring outside) and their self serve couldn’t process the request so I went to the register. There too it was declined. It's embarrassing to have someone tell you 'you'll have to call them'. Why? I called AMEX (big runaround) and now my complaint will be published here. But is anything being done to stop this, considering that it wasn't even acknowledged by your representative?

I had surgery in October of 2010 and I had gotten pounded back to back by infections and was depressed and weak. My mom who only has an AmEx charge card purchased products back to back trying to cheer me up. When I finally felt better, I decided to go overseas for a family event. Well, my mother decided to purchase American express gift cards for me to use on my trip and had thought that as it is considered "money" that I would be covered with about $2000 worth especially since she had a coupon to waive the fee when you buy one. Well, the coupon would not work. It was expired even though she had received it when she had purchased a $700 collar AmEx gift card for me to spend on my 1-year-old baby.

I received a gift card for Christmas and after several tries of using it during this year, I was informed that it was not valid. The card's value is $50.00. I also tried to call on this through the phone today and after 20 minutes, they tried to transfer me and I went to a site that sold **. The 800 phone number business line for gift cards also directed me to purchase **.

I purchased a $50 AmEx gift card at Walmart and soon after brought it to CVS to make a purchase. The cashier said the card was declined. She tried scanning the card and manually punching the numbers in to no avail. The cashier ended up calling the company and giving them the card number only to be told the card wasn't activated. Well, angry, I stormed back to Walmart with my gift card, receipt, and packaging. Walmart said there was nothing they could do and that I'd have to try contacting AmEx. Since some cashiers have found problems with AmEx gift cards in the past, I tried making a purchase from Walmart with it. It was also declined.

My 10 and 13 year old children received $25 American Express gift cards last Christmas as gifts. They went to use these and both cards had zero balance due to fees charged by children. I told them Amex is not trustworthy and that is why we will never do business with them. Since Amex has essentially robbed my children, they are banned from my house as is any AMEX products.

I have a complaint about their gift cards. First of all you have to pay $4 or $5 plus the gift card amount just to buy the card even though you still have to pay tax on each purchase. If you want to save the number for future reference or possible refunds after having used up all the funds, you have to register each card. Then no matter what American Express says about additional fees, there are just other fees depending on which merchant you may use. Visa gift cards are just as bad and I think they should be regulated so they cannot charge any additional fees other than the face amount of the gift cards.

I purchased a $100 gift card at my grocery store on 7/28/2010 as a birthday gift and mailed it out that day enclosed in the birthday card. As of 8/10/2010 it had not arrived at its destination. On 8/11/2010 I contacted the grocery store where I purchased the card to see if they could assist me in tracking down the card to see if it had been intercepted and spent by someone else. A grocery store clerk (Brittany) went as far as to contact the grocery store corporate office to get information to me because after calling American Express several times and speaking with a manager named Blanca, I was informed that unless I had the gift card 15 digit number they could not track down information. Blanca advised me to file a complaint. Furthermore the grocery store is only permitted to include the last four digits of a card on a receipt for security reasons.

I won an American Express prepaid gift card of $1000 but because I live in a small town, no one here accepts it. When I called customer service for a pin number so I could just withdraw the money, I was told "no, you have to use it at a merchant who accepts." I explained there aren't any. Well, I was told to use it online. Excuse me, that is not acceptable. If it is a prepaid gift card for $1000, what difference does it make whether you purchase $1000 in merchandise or just withdraw the cash and pay bills?

I put $400 on an American Express gift card for online ordering. I purchased a bunch of books from Amazon. No problem. Then, I tried to purchase some skin care from a different company. The card was declined so I tried again. And again. And again. It was declined each time. I went to check my balance and each of those tries had taken money out of my account! I called customer service in India. I was told that I would have to wait seven days for the monies to be reflected in my account. I asked to speak to the supervisor. He told me that I would have to wait eight days. I asked for the corporate office. He told me that I would have to file a complaint on their Web site. I checked the Web site and there's no place to file a complaint.

I purchased three (3) American Express Gift Cards from Office Depot. Two of the cards worked correctly, the third, valued @ $200.00 did not. I returned to Office Depot and was assisted by the manager. I was advised that once the card is purchased, if it does not function you can not obtain a refund. I was advised that American Express was a difficult vendor to deal with. I contacted the American Express gift card resolution department. Obviously the calls are outsourced to a foreign nation. I was instructed to fax a copy of the sales receipt, the front and back of the card, the front and back of the card packaging, a copy of a government issued ID, my name, address and phone # to their resolution dept. Someone would contact me in 10 business days by mail. I can tell you that trying to feed that much plastic through my fax was challenging in itself.

I use gift cards for online purchases. To this point, I had always used MasterCard or Visa gift cards, but the store I purchased them at only had American Express gift cards in stock. So I purchased a $200 Amex gift card for the first time. The cardholder agreement states that it can be used for online purchases. What it doesn't state is that, unlike Visa or MasterCard, these cards cannot be used for any sort of transaction outside Canada. I usually go through Paypal, but because they are based in the United States, Amex declines any purchase attempts even for purchases within Canada. I live in a rural area and the local merchants do not accept American Express. Since these gift cards are not returnable after purchase, it appears as though I might as well have thrown $200 + activation fees into the garbage.

My brother suddenly passed away on January 11, 2010. In his belongings was a $50 American Express Gift Card unopened. He had an unsuccessful kidney transplant surgery and has been very sick of going to dialysis three times a week. I am telling you this because he did not use the gift card for any purchases. My daughter gave it to him for Christmas 2008. We returned it to her, telling her to use it. When she went to purchase something she was informed that it was worth $8. I couldn't believe it. I am a senior citizen and did not realize that this could happen.

Purchased a gift card for my granddaughter's birthday. She never received it. I have the receipt and the package number. Also checked with merchant and compared their receipt to the one I got from the transaction. Called American Express, and they said they didn't have a record of that number. Conclusion: There are counterfeit American Express gift cards hanging on the shelves of merchants. Will never purchase another American Express Gift card again. I lost $$, American Express/Merchant made a profit.

Purchased a $25 gift card for my granddaughter's birthday on 5/19. Took her to Game Stop on 5/21 and she bought several items, the cashier opened the sealed gift card and scanned through and it came up $14.99, so I asked why he didn't use the whole amount so he tried again and said that is all that is on the card. I called your customer service department and was told that a purchase was made at a gas station in Kansas, MO .I told them I did not make that purchase and they said that if I wanted my money back I would have to go there. Well, it is about 1000 miles from Danbury, CT and the purchase was made the same day this card was purchased. I don't appreciate the fact that my granddaughter was ripped off because of an error on your part. I would never tell anyone to purchase your gift cards. Perhaps you should put a US map by your reps, who would drive 1000 miles to buy $10 worth of gas.

I purchased an American Express gift card for my grandmother for Christmas. When she went to use it three months later, they told her that it was never activated. Luckily (or so I had thought), I had also given her the receipt, so that if this ever happened we could replace it. When she called them to get this straightened out, they told her that she needed to fax a copy of the receipt with her driver's license, and the package, and the card. So at this point, I took over. My grandmother is 76, and had a stroke last year, so things aren't as easy for her, as they are for me.

During the past 6 months, I bought 11 AMEX $100.00 gift cards (ea). 10 worked fine, but when my wife opened the package and tried to use the last one, it was declined. I complained to the AMEX "Gift Card Resolution Team". They said, I needed to fax a copy of the package, a copy of the card, and a copy of the store receipt. My problem was, that I didn't have the receipts cataloged to match ea of the 11 cards.

American Express gift cards do expire. I believe this is illegal in CA. I cannot get a live person to answer my calls, I cannot send a question on the website without establishing an account. I have called the 800 number and was sent to an automatic response and then hung up. American Express sets its system up so that it is so cumbersome to resolve an issue. I believe this is the way this company does business, they expect us to give up! Thank you for your time and help!

A couple of years ago I gave my elderly parents two $25 gift cards. I found out yesterday that they had not used them yet. So I took them to the grocery store to buy them groceries to find that the cards would only come up on the register as $7.00 each. The clerk said I needed to contact American Express. So here I am. I originally paid $3.95 each for the cards plus $50.00 total. Of course I do not have the receipts because I assumed my parents used the cards by now. I do know that I purchased them at Safeway in Castro Valley California. They were still in the cardboard envelope when I went to use them at Lucky's yesterday. The date on the back of the envelope says good thru 10/10. Please contact me for the card numbers. The economic damage is $58.00, approximately.

Last month, my balance on my gift card was $30.02. I have made no charges on it and a month later it is $.02.

On 12/11/09 I purchased 8 gift cards. Four $100 and four $50 plus a $5.95 shipping charge for a total of $605.95. I have had many conversations with Amex and UPS (the carrier). To date all I have received are apologies and passing the blame. Each company says they are not responsible for my loss. According to the info I have my cards were stolen on 12/15 and used. They were stolen while in UPS custody. Please help! I am now out of $605.95 (no form of compensation in sight) and my family has yet to receive their Xmas and birthday gifts.

My brother bought my parents each $100 gift cards. When my dad tried to use it, it was declined. I checked the amount he got to use before this problem, it did not come to a $100. When I called, they gave me a list of three places it was used, and when I checked online, it said it was only used in one place. It's weird that there are two different accounts. Also when I was talking to them,the lady gave me one place as being Roger City, Miami. When iItold her it needs to be a city then a state she said the city was Roger City and the state was Miami I had to explain that there was no state called Miami. I actually had to tell her twice. This should scare all of us.

This is fraudulent in my opinion. You collected the money up front, experience no maintenance costs on the cards, and give nothing back. This purchase was all profit to you and all loss to us.

I bought a $100 dollar gift card and tried to book a hotel in Las Vegas and couldn't use it. I tried using it for an online game and it didn't work and I finally used it to pay for taxes on taxact.com and it didn't work. I called the company and they said it wouldn't work out of the country and I attempted to make a purchase outside of the U.S, I said no. They said the only solution they had was to reboot the card but I wanted my money back because after all I had been through, I knew it would never work. They said I had to wait 20 business days for a refund which equals 40 days. It is terrible.

I received a $100 American Express gift card and I'm unable to spend it anywhere. The first time I used it, it went fine. But I have tried to use it three more times and it has been declined every time. I called the gift card hotline and this is what they said to me. The first time it was declined was at Micro Center. They don't have a good excuse for this one. She just said, "AmEx didn't respond to the request fast enough so the vendor canceled the transaction.” Why didn't AmEx authorize fast enough? Who knows? It's a mystery. Will it happen again?

Used $25 gift card to make purchase at Sears. Found out card was only worth $17. I was told to complain to Westfield concierge. He, in turn referred me to American Express. Card was given to me as a gift in a Westfield folder with no caveat about service charge. You can bet my purchases or those of my colleagues at Westfield North County Fair will be few; ditto for Amex. What a ripoff!

I found out there is a charge on my American Express gift card because I had not used it for over 12 months. I understand this charge was eliminated on recent gift cards purchase due to significant customer complaints, obvious due to the dishonest nature of this product was recognized and rejected by the consumers. I was not given the same recognition from AmEx that they made a dishonest product. I don't care about the $10 but the big name institution would not own up to all its consumers. They made a bad product and retracted some terms but should own up to all its users, not just the ones who called them on it.

Right now, I am really mad! I don't have a credit card. So when I want to order something off the internet, I buy gift cards. This time I choose "the great" American Express gift card! It was a $100 card. I got $10 in gas at the pump and tried to make a $4 purchase at Wal-mart. It was declined! I checked my balance on the internet and they had taken $100 for a $10 purchase! I called their 800# and they told me that they took the $100 because they wanted to make sure that the money would be there when the $10 transaction gets there, but I will get my $90 back in 7, did you read that, 7 days. How stupid is that? Then sad, "I am so sorry for the inconvenience." Am I sorry? If I **, I believe the words would be much stronger than sorry. Now I will always use Mastercard. I have no problems with them.

My son purchased two gifts cards on December 19, 2009 as Christmas presents. One gift was in the amount of $50 and the other gift card was in the amount of $100. The gift card for $50 went through but the $100 gift card did not. I've called and faxed all the information that was required as of today, nothing is on the card, and it's been a month plus six days. I can't used the Christmas Gift plus $100 is lost. We want the money back.

I purchased two AmEx gift cards from Walgreens in Newark on December 23 and sent them to a friend in Georgia. They never arrived. I tried calling Walgreens and AmEx to see what I could do to get my money back or be issued new cards. There was nothing they could do to help me. It turns out that AmEx is saying that I should have opened the gift cards and taken the numbers off of them.

I just found a few gift cars in the bottom of a drawer at my house; one was an inactivated $100 gift card from American Express. I just tried checking to see what the balance was and was told by the customer service representative that if that type of card isn't activated within 6 months of purchase it has no value. Then she thanked me for my call and asked if there was anything else she could do for me. The other cards I found for other retailers were all still good.

I bought an American Express Gift Card. I tried to buy a Greyhound bus ticket with it; Greyhound clearly accepts AMEX cards, as indicated by the option on their online payment website. They did not accept my Amex gift card, even though Amex acknowledged that the card was correctly registered with my name and address, and had a sufficient balance. The exterior packaging acknowledges that the card is not to be used for international cruises, casinos, or ATM transactions, but a domestic bus trip from Tacoma to Anaheim hardly falls into those categories. Greyhound reports that Amex is declining the purchase, AMEX claims that everything is good on their end, "unless the merchant refuses to accept gift cards."

I am a young teacher who received $325 in American Express Gift Cards. I was given 3 cards. One $200 card, another $100 card, and a $25 card. The $25 card was the only one that worked. I was left with cards valued at $300 but had zero balance. I called American Express and they said the only way they can resolve the issue is if I have a gift receipt.

Amex gift card was received as a gift and when I attempted to use it, I was told the $50 card had a zero balance. In checking with Amex Gift Card phone number listed, I got the merchant's name and on speaking with them, I obtained the name of the person who had used the card. It was used along with another card sequentially numbered to purchase something online. Apparently, someone had used the scam of copying down the credit card number and PIN number and checking online to see when it was activated and then used them.

We were given a $100 gift card from my fiance's stepmother for Christmas. It arrived via the mail in a card. We opened the original packaging and went into town to do our last minute shopping as the $100 came at a most needed time. The store was closing in an hour and when everything was rung up, the card slid through and it was declined. After several calls to the company, the same script was read. We were hung up on and asked to bend over backwards to even get the hard earned money that was spent on the card.

I purchased a gift card that never arrived. It was sent with "signature only" for delivery. This information about the delivery was not made available at the time of purchase. My sister could not be off work to sign for this at home, so it was returned. Now, American Express tells me it has decided against my dispute, and intends to keep the $119 (including shipping fee) while keeping the gift card that I never received.

I received a gift card to the shopping mall and did not know there was an expiration on the back of the card. The value of the card was $75.00 and it is now worth $7.50. I do not think this is fair and as a longtime user of the American Express card, I am very disappointed. I would like the value to be reinstated.

I purchased five $100.00 AMEX gift cards and received activation confirmation on the receipts. Everyone who has attempted to use these have been declined and the automated system says that they were purchased incorrectly. Customer service says the same thing as a previous post. They want a copy of the gift card, receipt, driver's license, etc. Why do I and many others have to jump through hoops to use the gift cards we have paid cash for and are giving them business! They need to step up and correct these issues, not make their customers pay for using their services. I personally will spend whatever it takes to recover this - if it means a lawsuit, class action or whatever else. I will not stand for this kind of business practices.

I bought almost $5,000 worth of gift cards and the cards did not load. They are making me jump through unbelievable hoops, telling me I have to call them back over and over, promising they will be available when I call and they aren't, telling me it will take days to build a case file and activate the card because I am not the first customer in line. In other words, they have so many complaints. They have a backlog of 10 to 14 days. I bought the cards with my American Express card and they can't verify the purchase from their own company. Do not buy these cards. It is not worth the hassle!

I recently purchased a $500 gift card from American Express / Simon to do my online Christmas shopping. I was not instructed at the time of purchase that I needed to "register" or otherwise communicate with customer service prior to using the card online. I attempted to make a $128 purchase at Luggagepoint.com. The transaction was declined. I attempted to run the transaction again, which was henceforth declined. At this time, I called American Express and told that even though the transactions didn't clear because of a clerical error on AMEX's end, I would not be able to use that $256 for 7 business days. This is when the horror began.

I received an American Express gift card and did not read the print, which states that a $2.00 fee each month after 12 months. This card was for a 10-year old boy and he forgot he had it. He wanted to purchase a video game and only $12 was left from a $50 card. This is a ripoff.

I recently bought an American Express gift card worth $100.00 to give to my friend as a gift. The following day, he told me that the card was declined. So, I tried returning it to Ralph's supermarket, but they just ended up replacing it. I gave the new card to my friend, telling him that the problem should be resolved. He tried using the card online, but it was then again declined. So, I went back to the supermarket for the 3rd time to have it replaced. They replaced it for me. I tried using the card myself, and again, it was declined. I called American Express, and they can't tell me what happened. The customer service individual was outsourced from another country, and it sounded like he was reading a script while explaining to me what happened.

I received an American Express card for a gift, and when I went to use the card, it was declined. I immediately called the American Express number on the back of the card and spoke with Keith, who told me there was nothing that he could do. The dispute resolution department at American Express was closed, and I had to call back the next day. I told him I was at the merchant's place of business and needed it to be resolved immediately. It was to no avail. I called American Express the next day and spoke with Desiree of gift card resolutions who was helpful in having a new card sent to me but was very loyal and protective of the company and not the consumer. I told her there should be a better way of keeping the consumer from being embarrassed, and she said there was nothing that American Express can do to improve on this service. The good thing is the card is being replaced in a few days. I would never purchase one of these cards ever.

I bought two $200 American Express gift cards on June 25 at an Office Depot. On July 16, I opened the packets trying to use them online. One of them was declined and I called to find out that someone used it on July 8. The dispute/investigation department was closed. I called the next day, I was told that I would be reached within 3-5 business days. I got no calls and I finally called them again. They said someone used it on Orbitz.com and something like Siber Roboform (the representative had a very thick accent and I could hardly hear him spell). They said they couldn't do anything, that I had to call the merchants. After an hour of frustration on the phone, I still lost about $200. It cost me $206.95 to get the card and I am left with $6 and some cents left. American Express gift cards are definitely ripping people off!

My mother purchased a $100 American Express gift card for me for my birthday. I went to go use it and it was rejected at the cash register. I called the number on the card and customer service told me that the card wasn't funded and that I'd have to take the card back to Wal-Mart where it was purchased. Even with the receipt, Wal-Mart refused to do anything about it except supply a fax number where I'd have to send a copy of the front/back of gift card, receipt, address, driver’s license and then wait 10 business days for a letter regarding the situation. I've done that and now I just have to wait and see if I'll be screwed over like the rest of the people on this forum.

On 07/21/2009, I purchased an AmEx Gift card with a face value of $100. Later that day, I've tried to place an order with yourelectronicwarehouse.com. The transaction was denied because the shipping address didn't match the information on the card (a gift card is not nominal and nowhere on the terms and conditions does it say that a name and address can be assigned by calling Customer Service). The order was placed via Google checkout. Soon after the order was placed, I received an email from Google saying that the transaction was declined for the reason mentioned above.

"Never, never, never, never" are the words I am using to describe the American Express Gift Cards to my friends, acquaintances and anyone standing in line within the sound of my voice. Don't ever use these cards. I have been embarrassed numerous times trying to use these cards. Why do they bother to put an expiration date on the cards if they will not be adhered to? My experience has been similar to all those who have written before. The cards have been denied and even the cashier called and input the numbers and it was still denied. (This after I had just spoken with the representative who told me the amount of money I had remaining on the card and that I could use it.) As long as I have a mouth to talk, I am telling everyone to leave the American Express Gift Cards alone. They are not worth the hassle and embarrassment. Even a cashier in one of the stores said they had problems when people tried to use them. What an ugly mark on a company which has enjoyed a stellar reputation for all these years. The sight of their logo or mention of their name sends me into orbit.

On May 12, 2009, I ordered two American Express gift cards, $100.00 each, online. These were for birthday presents for my niece and nephew. These cards were never received, so on May 22, I called America Express four times, waiting on hold for up to 30 minutes each time. I was unable to speak with anyone who could replace the cards in over 2 hours of frustrating phone time.

In May of 2009, I purchased two American Express gift cards from the website. I was notified by email on May 14, 2009, that the cards had been sent to the two recipients and should be received in 7 to 10 business days. These were graduation gifts, and after more than enough time had passed for them to be received, I found that one had definitely not been received.

My husband and I were given 2 American Express gift cards as a wedding gift on June 24, 2006. In June 2009, we discovered the unused cards that had been misplaced. Upon trying to redeem them, I learned that the balance was reduced nearly 50% on the one with $100 original value and nearly 100% on the other of $50 original value. Upon contacting American Express, I was told that a fee was being deducted at a rate of $2 per month for each of them as a matter of policy while the cards are inactive. I have been trying to get my cards restored to original value. But each time I call, I am asked to call back at a later time when their new system is operational. I sense I may be the victim of a stall tactic, in addition to unfair selling practices. Your help would be appreciated.

My company regularly rewards its employees and business partners with American Express gift cards; however, we have found that the last batch we ordered had never been activated in American Express's system prior to their being shipped to us. Thus, the cards I received are worthless for what may be a few days or may be a few weeks. I attempted to use one of the cards to buy fuel on 6/26/09 and the card was not found in the merchant’s system. Luckily, I had cash to cover the purchase. I tried to check the status of each card online on the Amex website that evening and the site directed me to call the customer service team because the cards could not be verified. I called the customer service team in India to find that this was a known issue!

I've purchases AmEx Gift Cards for a long time with no problems until recently. I purchased two cards, one for myself and one for my son. Neither card works. Over two days, I called the 877 number, was put on hold for 30+ minutes, and was disconnected several times around the 30-minute mark. When I finally did get through, I was told that AmEx was having problems with its security code system and to try the card after 5 business days. We waited a week and a half and the security codes still did not work. After several hours of holds and disconnects (again), we were told the same thing and to try again in 3-5 business days. The people answering the phones are obviously not native English speakers and are quite unhelpful.

I bought a $200 gift card from American Express on their website. I never received the card. They do not answer my emails and I've spent hours on hold, without speaking to anyone at American Express. I'm out $200 plus fees and my niece never got her graduation gift from her favorite uncle.

I was given an American Express gift card in the amount of $25. I tried twice to use it at two different grocery stores and both times it was declined. I called the 877 number to check the balance and the recording said it had a $0.00 balance. These gift cards are worthless junk!

I purchased total $125 in AmEX gift cards for daughter for Christmas. Well, we sent off the same day and now 3 weeks later they have never arrived and post office is saying they were probably stolen... so I called Amex and was told because I didn't write down all the #'s they couldn't help me or refund my money... Excuse me... They said, "Well, it's in the card holder agreement... What ** cardholder agreement... I think it's time for legal action against a company that loves ripping off people, doesn't mind that folks are defrauding others and screwing folks over. I have receipts but they only show last 4 digits of each card for my protection. Geez. I doubt the store I purchased from will do anything.

My card says expired, but the packaging says it never expires. I tried to use it at a grocery store and it just came up expired. I had to write a check and was embarrassed.

Someone bought my son an AMEX gift card for $100. After trying unsuccessfully to use it twice, I looked up the balance online. It said there were 2 $1 purchases (the 2x I tried to use it unsuccessfully). I called Amex and was told that in order to use the card online, I needed to register it first. This is NOT written anywhere on the card or sticker. I am told that the $2 will be refunded in 7 days, but my son needs the $100 now. It looks like I am stuck with a card worth $2 which is ridiculous!

Count me in as a RIPPED OFF consumer! Received $25 AmEx gift card in Aug 2008 as BDay gift. Tried to use in Dec. 2008 unsuccessfully. I opened the package, handed to cashier who told me it wouldn't work (3 swipes) and to call the number on the card. Called to find out I only have $15 left! In five months since I rec'd. I lost $10 on an unopened, unactivated card. Let's see if I can find a cashier who can make it work. Apparently, if you try to purchase something larger than the gift card amount, you have to pay the overage, then swipe the gift card. Who knew?! THESE SCAMS HAVE TO STOP. My sister lost $50 on three gift cards she had this month.

I recently purchased a $50 American Express gift card as a Christmas present for my sister. When I went to the American Express website to make sure the card was active it told me the card was invalid. On my third attempt (despite entering the information correctly all 3 times) the website informed me that the card was locked for security reasons and I could not check the balance or even find out if the card was active. My first call to customer service had me on hold 4 separate times for 10-20 minutes each. I was then informed that the card would NOT work and I would have to mail the card, a valid government photo ID, my purchase receipt and other personal information to Utah then wait ten days for a response though they never told me if they would return the card activated or send me a new one. When I pressed the CSR for an answer I was put on hold for the fifth time and then transferred to speak with a manager.

I recently purchased 2 $50 American Express gift cards from Walmart. One for myself, for online shopping and one as a Christmas present for my sister. When I tried to use my card to make an online purchase, it told me the card was invalid. I then went to the AE website, which also told me the card was invalid. Afterwards, I called customer service, was routed to another department, put on hold 4 times for nearly an hour altogether and then told that I had to mail the card, my receipt, some personal information and a valid government picture ID to Utah, then wait ten days after they receive the letter for them to check all this information. Then they would mail me their response (though when I asked if I would receive a new card or they would return the old one activated the CSR didn't seem to know the answer). It wouldn't have been so frustrating except it seems the gift card I intended for my sister's Christmas Gift is apparently invalid, too. So I can't use either card, get a refund from the retailer or get any kind of straight answer from Customer Service on when I would be able to use them (assuming that will ever happen).

Happy ending? I had the same problem that many have had. I received two $100 Amex Gift Cards, and wanted to purchase a watch for 44.98 at a website. I used my mailing address (as opposed to my billing address) and got a web page that said 'Sorry we could not process your order. The address provided does not match billing address.' Thank God they gave me the reason why. So I went back and changed the address on the order to my billing address and submitted again. Again the same decline message. That sucks. I went to the American Express website to see if I could change the address associated with the cards. I didn't but it did bring up my balance showing the TWO $44.98 charges.

Gift Card Expired before I was able to use it. Each time I called to authorize card, they said card was not good. On 9/30/08, last day of card I was told that card was used in Oct 12, 2008 at the Avenue for $19.00 and the remainder of the card was used in some kind of fee at $2.00 per month. Never used the card at all. It was a $25.00 gift card **. four#** Back of card #**. Please advise me. When I first tried to use the card in Virginia, Fairfax County, the clerk put the incorrect number in which was supposed to cancel the card, so I would be able to use the card after correction. Never happened. Will never give American Express Gift cards. I am also an american express credit card holder. I always pay on time if card used. Given this information to complain: American Express.com forward-slash gift card feedback. There is no such address for complaints. Thank you for your time.

I received a 50 dollar AMEX gift card for my birthday and went to spend it and was told there was a 0 balance on the card. The card was never used and I went back to Walgreens to tell them and was told since the buyer paid cash for it without the receipt they could do nothing. Again who got the money? And what a total rip-off this is. I will never buy a AMEX card again. I called them and was told they could do nothing without the receipt.

Before buying the card, I called their service number and they assured me I could use it in the internet, Paypal, everywhere. Nobody accepts it, not even two banks. I called again to complain. They can cancel it keeping 20% plus at least 20 working days. This is a scam. BEWARE.

amex gift cards biggest ripoff

Given two american express gift cards from my department 8/29/08 100.00 dollar value each for retirement. Opened it called phone number on card to activate, and was told you used your balence. I asked how if I just opened it. Have not opened the other one yet. I told the operator [their] company has agood scam going on stealing from the public with impunity.

I recently received an American Express Gift Card, could not find anywhere on their website or on the web at all that shows what businesses accept their card. Their website won't even allow you to send them an e-mail unless you register your card first

I received an American express gift card for $25.00. My husband has been a 40 year American Express Card user. We hve always be very satified with all services. However, this American Express card was lost for over a year. When it was found, I found out it was only worth $ 7.00. Why ? Some one already paid $ 25.00 for it. Why is it not still worth $ 25.00?

I bought a 25 dollar gift card tried to activate it the said I hard to go to the store I got it from that they need to activate it so i did they said that they did I ask well try it again they decined do help me the store was circle k so i called amex to get a refund no help at all. so to make it simple I lost 25 bucks and nobody cared, I will nver ever deal with amex ever and I hope others won't neither.

I bought a $25 american express gift card and i realized i cant use it for paypal so then i decide to go to 7-11 and use it to buy a different card it then gets denied so i go home and call them. then they tell me 7-11 needs to run it through as a credit card so i go back to 7-11 and ask them to try running it through as a credit card.

My husband and I travel frequently on business (at least 7 months out of the year) and we purchase gift cards as a backup to our credit cards. We do not like to travel with cash. After purchasing several last month (July 2008) and having at least 3 of them not fund correctly, I can sympathize with all the complaints I read here. I was frustrated, furious and very short tempered after the 9th call to resolve the problem.

I also purchased a gift card. I had $19 left, which a food store said 'transaction declined.' Why????

My son purchased several AX gift cards for our use. There are virtually no instructions with the card. When I went to the grocery store, which was busy, the clerk couldn't get it to work. Luckily I had my cell phone, so I called AX, got a recording that said that if the amount I was purchasing was over the gift card amount, I had to pay cash first for the overage, THEN use the gift card for the exact amount. GEE, why didn't I think of that?

I purchased a $50 AMEX gift card from my local branch Bank of America and ten days after the purchase I gave it as a wedding gift. The gift card was in a envelope with the wedding card and it was placed on the gift table at the reception. The day after the wedding I found out that the couple never received the envelope so I immediately called AMEX to report it lost or stolen. AMEX said that I need the card # so I should contact the merchant that sold me the card. I did so but according to the merchant, they only have the # AMEX provided on the receipt. For security purposes NOBODY has access to the actual card # except the purchaser.

This is my story about a gift card that was a Christmas gift for a 4yo boy who had a 50.00 limit. The card was used twice and I had no problem using until yesterday I called and got a balance and I was in the good 20.00 so I went to use it and it got declined.

I purchased an American Express gift card which never activated properly. Luckily I have all my receipts. However, I need to fax everything to them and wait ten business days for them to decide on what happened. They have my $100's but I don't want their card anymore. I want a total refund. I payed for a service I never received.

I had purchased several gift cards for employee incentive. Throughout the year I had three remaining, but I had noticed they were expired. I called to have new cards issued and sent. Only one arrived. The second card never did and Amex was supposed to give me a credit to my American Express credit card, they never did. The third card ended up in the hands of a stranger. AMEX tried to blame the fraudulant charges on me! They sent the card to the wrong address and they tried to stick me with the charges!

I was given an American Express gift card for $100.00 for my college graduation. I used the card a couple of times for small purchases at fast food restaurants, but then it was declined with a remaining balance of $77.84 on the card. I called customer service on 07/02/08 to report the problem. I was told that the card had been properly funded (meaning they received payment for it), but that something wrong in the activation process. They needed to report this to their processing team and I should call back for a resolution in 2-3 business days. I called back on 07/08/08... no resolution yet... Call tomorrow.

KEEP YOUR RECEIPT! I got a $100 American Express gift card in August 2007 for my daughter's birthday. It was given by a priest who came from Taiwan to visit us. He purchased it from Vons with cash plus the fee for purchasing it. After a week of receiving the card, I tried using it at a local retailer and the card was declined. I called in and a rep told me that the card hasn't been activated yet and it will be by the next day. She thought it was odd because I've had the card for 1 week already as it was supposed to get activated the day it was purchase. I tried using it 2 weeks later and the card was still declined. So, I called customer service and talked to a supervisor and was told that the card was invalid and has a balance of $0.

We called the 877 number which was hard to make out as it was pressed in on the exact line of the card imprints making it almost impossible to read. We eventually got a hold of someone who verified one of the cards and responded with this card has no value as we had to take back $2 per month since you had not used the card that was activated in May of 2006. Oh by the way you got a year free of this charge. This was obviously news to us since the card had clearly indicated an expiration date of 08/08. I feel that any person(s) looking at the packaging of this gift card would have no idea that there is a penalty of any amount for not using the card, the deception occurs due to the misleading expiration date written in large clearly visible lettering on the package and not the small print cleverly minimized to deceive. As an example if a $25 card loses total value due to this fee prior to the expiration date as occurred in our case, why have this false expiration date imprinted at all, did they not know of their own math. I think American Express is deserving of the exposure and proper inquiry and full application of the law in order to stop this sort of practice, I hope someone in congress or place of proper authority has them under a magnifying glass and will hold their feet to the fire.

Upon purchasing an American Express gift card I was charged and additional $4.95 fee to activate it. I am appalled that I would have to pay to purchse a gift card. No other businesses charge to purchase their gift cards. American Express is making an unfair profit.

I was given a couple of American Express gift cards a few months ago and had never gotten around to using them until last week-end. The merchant to whom I submitted the cards said both were declined. I looked at the card to see if there was a customer service number. There was no phone number so I went onto the American Express gift card website. I found a page that would supposedly tell me the balance and history of use on the card. After I typed in the card number the site told me my time on the site had expired and I was kicked off the page. I went through the same routine several times with the same result.

I married on June 14th and received two gift cards in the amount of $100 each from separate family members. While using one card for on online transaction, card was returned as declined. Reattempted orignal card as well as second $100 card and both continued to be declined. Went online to amercicanexpress.com/giftcard and was horrified to discover that both cards were showing a balance of $0. You could see that the cards were used in fact on June 9th at an Enterprise Rent-a-car. Both cards, which came from 2 different families, each unopened until by meself until just earlier that day.

I purchased a gift card about 3 months ago as a gift for one of my customers. She reported to me that the crd was not valid. After calling AMEX I was told to issue a fax, copy of the card, etc. About 2 weeks later I got a call from AMEX wanting to re-issue the card. The phone number given to me was bogus. I still have not got my money back. I stopped buying AMEX gift cards and do not recommend that anybody buy them

I purchased a gift about months ago as a gift for one of my customers. She reported to me that the crd was not valid. After calling AMEX I was told to issue a fax, copy of the card, etc. About 2 weeks later I got a call from AMEX wanting to re-issue the card. The phone number given to me was bogus. I still have not got my money back.

I received an AMerican Express Gift Card for my birthday on April 19, 2008. When I attempted to use it on the 27th of April, the card was declined. I called AE and was told that I would have to fax a copy of the card, receipt, and information about myself for them to review. The said this review would take 10 business days.

I received an AMerican Express Gift Card for my birthday on April 19, 2008. When I attempted to use it on the 27th of April, the card was declined. I called AE and was told that I would have to fax a copy of the card, receipt, and information about myself for them to review. The said this review would take 10 business days. I received a letter saying that I would be receiving the gift card in 5-10 business days. I am still waiting.

Like on May 3rd I ordered AMEX gift cards for my grown daughters for their birthdays totaling $750. On May 8th I got an email confirming they'd been personalized and shipped. I still haven't seen them, but have been given the runaround from South Asia, the Philippines, British Columbia and Salt Lake City call centers all extending the date I should wait for it. Today was to be the last day I should expect them. And there's no contact information I trust to get my VISA credited back with the money I spent.

Last Fall I received an $200 American Express gift card from a lady whose mother was dying. I used it once. I could not see the number to call to get the balance because it was imprinted over with other information. I have tried unsuccessfully to use the card many times. I don't really have the time to play around with this. I just want to know what balance I have on it and where they will accept it. The card is valid until 09/08 supposedly.

About 2 months ago, we started receiveing Travel and Leisure Magazine, which we have never ordered. On this month's statement there is a fraudulent charge for $41.34 for this subscription. I tried to report the fraud at the Amex website, where I pay my bill. After I provided some details, and clicked submit I received a message box saying that I would have to call about this problem.

I received a $25 gift card for baby shower. When I went to use it, it was declined. I checked my balance online, and it said $0. I was unable to get an email address for customer service because I do not have an Amex credit card. When I called customer service, they said that I needed the receipt from when it was purchased. It was a gift! Why would I have the receipt?

I received a $50 Amex gift card two weeks ago. I tried to use this card at a local sporting goods store that was going out of business. I tried to make a purchase of $49.35 . The card was declined at the register. When I got home I checked the balance on the card: it showed .35 left. When I FINALLY reached a real person at Amex , they explained that the funds were on hold until the store approved the transaction, and that in 3 to 7 days the money would be credited back to the card. Great. Problem solved, right? WRONG! After 6 days, the money wasn't returned , so I called Amex again. The guy was nice and told me that the money would be back on the card by Saturday midnight. I explained to the guy that if it wasn't credited by then, I would have a big problem because the business was closing their doors Saturday for good. He told me to call the store, and that I'd get a refund back later, that they would not charge the gift card. I did so.

I purchased a $100 gift card in Florida at a CVS in November to send my brother who lives in Nevada, as a birthday gift. He called me to tell me the card had no funds when he tried to use it. After calling the American Express Company and getting no help, he mailed it back to me in Florida so I could resolve the matter. I went to CVS, and they said they could not refund me the money. Then I called American Express, and they told me that I could fax in the copy of my driver's license, receipt of purchase and copies on the front and back of card and packaging. I did that and still have not been refunded. When I called the company again in January, I was told that a new replacement card had been mailed to me on January 8th. I never got the card in the mail. I have yet to receive the card or be reimbursed.

I bought my son a $100 Amex Gift Card gift card; he used it to by gas and food at a gas station. He spent $23.00, and when he went back into gas station to use it to by a soft drink, the card was declined saying it had a $0. balance. When he called American Express their response was, "That has been happening to people who bought their cards around Christmas"--and their was nothing that could be done. I bought the card February 8, 2008, at a Rite Aid. I know this isn't Rite Aid's fault, and American Express isn't accepting the fault.

Unless your recipient will use the card immediately and in one shot, give cash instead! There is a $2/mo. service fee, a $5.95 replacement fee for lost/stolen card, and you must know exactly the value you have left in the card to use it. I got a $50 gift card after my baby was born. I used it for a $19.99 + tax purchase right away. Then, I tried to use it again a few months later. I was drilled about the EXACT amount left in the card (and many stores could not even process the card). After about a year of trying to use the gift card at various stores, I finally got a store clerk to call Amex, and guess what? I have $1.22 left after all of the monthly fees.

I went online to buy an Amex gift card and send it out as a belated birthday gift. I was given several choices of cards (all cost different amounts) and there was no indication that there was a difference between them besides their physical appearance. When I tried to complete my order I was unable to enter the shipping address. I then found that my order had been irrevocably placed and that I was unable to review it or its details. So I called customer service. After being transfered I was told that the type of card I chose had to be sent to me. They would allow me to order a second card and send it where ever I wanted, but the first card couldn't be refunded until I received it in the mail.

I used a $50 gift card then threw it away thinking I was done with it. Turns out I had to return product and the $50 was put back on the card. When I called AMX to have a new card issued with my $50 on it, I was told they couldn't retrieve the card# even though I had the last four digits of the card. I know this isn't correct because every gift card/credit card can be traced through those last four #s.

I bought a $25 American Express card from Staples in Frederick, Maryland before Christmas. I didn't give it to anyone and tried to use it. The card was rejected. The instructions say if activation is needed, it will say so on the front of the card. It said nothing about activation. I called American Express and they said since I don't have the receipt they won't investigate. They blame Staples for never notifying them, but of course they had not investigated it. I called back to Staples and they said the got a corporate communication from headquarters nationwide that many stores were reporting unactivated cards. If you don't have the receipt, Staples or AmEx gets to keep the money.

On November 28, 2007 I requested AMEX to exchange balance of $100 gift card for cash value since I held on to the card longer than 12 mos. which is when you start getting hit with monthly fees. Balance was $50 and was getting lower due to non-activity. By mid December, I had still not received my check. I called 4 times between December,2007 and January, 2008. 1/10/08 Customer rep states stop payment was processed on 1/8/08 and AMEX had 14 days to deliver. 1/23/08 Customer rep states AMEX has 27-30 days not 14 days to deliver. Asked to speak with a manager, got no where.

I've tried to use my $100 American Express gift card at 2 different websites and have been turned down because the billing address is not mine. It seems the American Express Gift card is too difficult to use.

I was given a $25 gift card for Christmas. On 01/06/08 I purchased something which cost $12.84. I went a few days later to use the same gift card at the food store and was told there was no money on the card. I went back to the first store and was told by their supervisor that after checking their receipts the problem did not lie with them but with AmEx.

I got a $100 gift card for Christmas. I have tried two times to use it and it keeps being declined. I had to use my money, which I was supposed to use for something else. I would not have gone the store if I did not have the gift card.

Received a $100 gift card, activated per the instructions. I tried to use it a Circuit City, but their checkout computer showed the gift card number to be invalid, so I had to pay with my credit card. The clerk at Circuit City peeled the label off while trying to get the card to work so I no longer have the customer service number. A check on the web site indicates the card still has a balance of $100.

I received a $25 card as a gift from my daughter. Every time I tried to use it it wasn't accepted. I then found out I had to activate the card so I called, punched in the 15 digit number and the recording said thank you. I called to check the balance and was told I had $0 balance. I called the number again to activate the card. This time the recording told me my card was now activated. I waited until the next day to call for my balance and to check if the card was finally activated. The recording again told me that I had $0 balance.

I purchased an American Express Gift Card on 12-16-07. The cashier had difficulty activating the card. A supervisor came alone and over-rode the transaction and said that the card was activated. I live a distance from the store. When I arrived home I tried several times to check the balance on the card. I was unable to do so, receiving the message that the card was not activated. This was on the Internet and by telephone. I could never reach a real person to talk with. I returned the card to the store on 1-5-08, and they stated that they could not refund the card.

I received a $100 AMEX gift card as a gift in December, 2006. I went to use it on Saturday only to find out that 25% of the card had already been taken as service fees from AMEX. I find this to be ridiculous. At this point in time, I plan to cancel my AMEX credit card immediately.

I recieved an American Express $25 gift card for Christmas (it is now Jan. 04)and looked online to find out how to check the balance. I found this website first and read some of the complaints. I proceeded to call the 800 number immediately to see if my balance had suffered. And yes apparently due to unuse, my card now held a balance of $23. How ridiculous! I never even touched it and it lost money!

I received an American Express gift card. I used the card once and had a balance left on it. I attempted to use it several times but it was declined. I could not call them because the phone number on the back is not readable because Gift Card Recipient is stamped over it, how convenient. I finally went on line, called them and found out that I have to keep track of my balance on the card after each use. Then I can only use the card for the exact amount left on the card. This is a scam!

I received a $50 AmEx gift card from a business vendor. I tried make a large purchase by using the card up to the $50 amount and paying the balance with cash or another credit card, but the stores (Macy's, Target) refused to combine types of payment. I had to fritter away the $50 on purchases less than the ever decreasing amount on the card. I tried to use the balance yesterday and was told that it expired. I was under the impression that California law prohibited the $2 monthly processing fee, but apparently my balance was used up on processing fees.

I too bought several AMEX gift Cards to give to my wife for Christmas. She went to use them a few days after Christmas, and they were declined. The Longs drugstore in Livermore California where I bought them would not refund our money and were not interested in helping us. We called AMEX, and we were told to photocopy everything including driver's license and send in for investigation. I asked the service rep, "What about all these trace numbers and reference ID's on the activation receipt? Can't you use these numbers to track the activation?"

I made a $46.35 purchase on a $50.00 gift card. When I went to use the $3.65, card came up with no funds. Looked up my available funds, came up as negative $5.62. Called AMEX; they said the restaurant automatically takes a gratuity. Called the restaurant, they said they did NOT. Called Amex; they said, "OH, Amex does that automatically, and it should re-appear on your balance in 48 hours." I mentioned this is not written or posted ANYPLACE. It was embarrassing going to the second location and telling them the balance, asking them to split a payment and then having nothing on the card. AMEX is just hoping people will not notice, and they keep making a few dollars off each card. This is horrendous business for such a large company.

This is the second time I receive an American express gift card. The first card I had trouble activating never got used. The second I received as a gift from one of my customer's in the U.S.

I purchased 5 American Express gift cards at Circle K. Each gift card was for the amount of $50.00 + $4.95 activation fee. Two of them are not working. American Express customer service person contacted by telephone stated that the merchant did not scan the cards properly. I have receipts from Circle K stating that they were activated. I used my credit card to make this purchase.

I bought a $100 American Express Gift Card one year ago for a friend. When she tried to use the card almost a year later, the card had never been activated. I called the number on the back of the card and talked to 3 different representatives at different times. They told me that I had to have the receipt, which I do not. They told me that I could fax a complaint to American Express; however, the number they gave me was to a voicemail not a fax.

The ability for consumers to utilize American Express Gift Cards is quite limited. Many businesses are unable to accept the gift cards even if they generally accept AmEx credit cards, like gas stations, Pay pal, online retail outlets, ATM's and ebay.

My father-in-law purchased us three $50 gift cards for Christmas. We were able to use the first one and half of the second one at another store. When I went to use the last half of the second card but it was declined. I checked the balance, and there is still money on it, I just can't use it anywhere.

I just read opinions on the American Express Gift Card.... Sadly, I am not alone. I agree these are extremely tricky to use. I hadn't realized that I needed to calculate to the penny what I spend on the card in order to use the remaining balance. If you are a cent over, the card will be declined. The number on back for customer service is distorted by the raised card numbers. I have found that most merchants don't even except these cards. Apparently too much trouble. I have been given these cards from a friend who was helping me out in a time of need. I wouldn't dare complain to her. I have one I intend to use for food shopping tomorrow. I cross my fingers all goes well at the supermarket or Christmas dinner will be a mess.

I got an American Express gift card for $100, and in many shops it was not accepted. Finally a shop accepted it, and it was 0 balance. It took awhile to find out who to call, telephone number hidden in the instructions. I called, and they told me that someone will get back to me in 48 hours; but we need to do our Christmas shopping. They finally let me speak to another person; she told me that I need to get the receipt since their records show that this card was never sold. We did not get the receipt with the gift (was from a business partner). It is very embarrassing to ask for the receipt. At AME they were not very helpful and blamed it all on us, no responsibility on their side. They sell these cards for significant fees and ongoing service charges, and then they give no service--in fact, steal our money. I basically lost $100.

I have 3 gift cards that I was awarded from my employer. I have yet to be able to use one of them. The only phone # listed is an automated phone with canned info. I checked online; the card for $25.00 has zero funds in it, no history of usage and it does not expire until 03/08. No way to find out why there is zero balance. Another one for $50.00 has a balance of $40.00; it expires in 03/08 and I have never used it.

I was given a $500 personalized American Express Gift Card as a holiday bonus. After trying to make a purchase online from levis.com one late evening, the card was declined. I checked my AMEX gift card balance the next morning to find the balance was reduced. I called levis.com and they stated the AMEX policy only allows you to place funds back onto the card the SAME DAY. Since it's the next morning, I'll have to wait 7-8 business days!

Wow, after reading a small fraction of these complaints I will NOT being purchasing AMex gift cards for our employees this Christmas. Thanks to all who took the time to enter your experiences.

American Express should put an issue date not just an expiration date on Gift Cards so you know when the card fees will begin - ie. 12 months after issued. I saw a valid thru date of 12/2007 on gift card when I went to use it before Dec 2007 the card was used up by the $2/month fee. I thought the Valid thru date was when the fee started since the cards supposedly never expire but fees actually started 12 months after issue date (again not disclosed to consumer on card). AMEX leaves that info off the card and makes it hard to tell when thet start taking money back.

I received (and lost) $500 worth of American Express Persona gift cards, (5) x $100. When I went to use them they had expired. There is absolutely no way to get them reinstated. I was under the impression that California law prevented any gift certificate from having an expiration date? I guess not if you are a big enough company like AMEX. Guess they just keep the $500 and pay a big bonus to someone for dreaming up the expiration scam. Warning to anyone looking for a way to issue rewards to employees or customers: Stay far away from this product!