American Express Gift Cards Reviews

My daughter sent me a $50 Amerocan Express gift card for my birthday, and I phoned Amex to make a payment with this card. They told me that is not an option available to me. If it is their card, still sealed, and the monies go right back to them, I cannot understand why it is not accepted. It is still $50 and supposed to be fluid.

My temperature was elevated to dangerous levels because this kind of cheapness makes me so angry. Just wanted to vent. Thanks.

I signed up for Telus High Speed Internet on June 18/07 and was offered $300 American express gift card as easy as 1,2,3. I was to expect them in two weeks. I waited as days went by as it sliped my mind by the second week of july. I called telus and informed them of their offer to me. Telus gave me the number to American express.I then called.

I had to pay for purchase of a used leather couch. Since my checking account had issues, based on the request of the seller I decided to purchase 3 AMEX gift cards of 100$ each and give it to him. I gave him the 3 cards, only to know after a week from him that the cards did not have any funds on them. When I call up the AMEX customer care, they told me that the cards that were purchased was already used by someone else. Now the seller came back to me asking for money instead of the non-working cards.

I am with almost every one on this site that expresses despair over the acts of the american express gift cards, except for the one person that had the audacity to claim it is our fault as the consumer that this well known company is ripping us off. Hello!!!?! Of course none of these ridiculous restrictions are stated on the outer envelope, and you cannot open the envelope before purchase...so, you tell me, pal, how is this the consumers fault? I am livid!

This first of all is very embarrassing! I am out $100 which I work very hard for.

I got a $100 gift card that I used many times. When it got down to $10 nobody would accept it. Apparently American Express charges the stores some kind of extra fee when these cards are used.

I have lost two gift cards of 100 $ from American express which were purchased at CVS Pharmacy in Larchmont. Wth the receipt numbers, I called many times American Express which absolutly did not care of the situation, Cvs was kind enought to try to help me but it seems that once the card issold, there is no way to retrace the card information. What a way to make business!!

I bought a $50 American Express gift card to be used as a card to subscribe to a online game called EVE-ONLINE only to find out that i cant register it under my name and it wont work for online recurring subscribtions.

Received two gift cards, with value $100 each. Tried using them at a restaurant-- both were denied. After using an alternative credit card, called AMEX at 1877AXPGIFT. After ~10 minutes on hold, learned the following:

good money that my sister spent on buying this card for me is not lost to American Express Co! This must be illegal!

I had recently lost my amex giftcard.I had called amex several of times they could'nt and did'nt help me,they gave me a hard time.I even called the place of purchase they did not help either.I am really upset,knowing I still had some balance left.

We received a $25 American Express gift card from our daughter. When we tried to use it at a major home-improvement/hardware chain store, they could not read the amount on the card. If there is a phone number in the fine print on the back of the card, it has been obliterated by the embossed lettering punched through to show on the front.

I got a 50 dollar american express gift card for my birthday, only to find out that it cannot be used in canada, which is stupid because i should be able to use it wherever amex cards are accepted, but i also found out that i cant use it online.

The gift card I was given still has money on it to be spent but when I enter it into your system it will not accept the numbers on the card. They are as follows: 379017293272933 with secutiry code 816. I also tried to use it in the store and it would not go through their system.

I received American Express Gift Cards, which were paid for by the giver and included a fee. I used the card initially within the first 12 months, but did not get a chance to use it thereafter. When I went to check my balance I discovered my balance eaten up by fees, although the card does not expire for another year.

My wife purchased 2 gift cards for our daughter to take with her on a school trip. 2 days later while shopping with friends, her purse, with the cards in it, was stolen. None of the personnel at american express have shown any willingness to help. We have basically been told, too bad, we are sorry, but we cannot help you. We were told to go to where my wife purchased the cards, in order to get the card numbers. The Kroger's, where the cards were bought does not have that info.

The most inept, incompetent customer service I have ever encountered. They don't seem to care much what the public thinks of them. We rcvd a $500 gift card the last week of Feb. We used it on the 28th abd then went to use it again on 3/1. It had expired on 2-28 (that is the only part that is not the customer service centers fault). I immediately called to see if we could get a replacement card for the remaining 451.90. I was assured that I would have the card in 10 business days.

Nothing was purchased, My sons' phones are still out of time, I'm out 21 bucks for a week, and AMX was no help at all- pretty much of a Sorry, Pal attitude from them.

Bought two Amex gift cards valued at $25 and $50 respectively, thinking they'd be much better than actually owning a CC. Big mistake! No one, and I really mean NO ONE will accept these cards anywhere, whether it'd be online or at any store. They're useless. But here's the best part of it all: when I called AMEX to get a refund and/or ask for advice on what to do, STACY told me I had a balance left of get this: $4.60 on the one card and a $1 on the other one!!!! How so was my question, when I hadn't used neither nor! She said that I could get a refund AFTER both card's expiration date, that being October of '08 and here I am calling on March of '07!!!

I bought an $100 AMEX gift card recently just so I could make some purchases online. Only to find out that Paypal wouldn't accept AMEX and many other sites that don't accept it as well. The day before I made a purchase online from a website and right after I submitted my payment my order status showed failed. I had no idea why but $70 was already deducted from my card. I don't know what's going on with these but I'm having a hard time using them. Another annoying this is that I couldn't add in my personal cardholder info so the only way is to call AMEX. All I know is that AMEX can be very frustrating sometimes because many websites don't accept or if they do the first is that your $ gets deducted before your order is complete, which is very inconvenient because then you would have to contact the merchant to resolve problems which take even longer.

Last year, I purchased an AmEx gift card for my parents to use in Florida. My mom used the card for a purchase of $29.93 on Jan. 24, 2007. The sales clerk retained her card with NO explanation The clerk refused to tell her how much was left on the card. I haven't received any money from AmEx as a remaining balance. Mom thinks the clerk kept her card to use the remaining balance herself. Is there any way to check?

It's March 2007, but I, too, failed to read the fine print, written in tiny italics at the bottom of the envelope in which the card came. An American Express gift card could be reduced by $2.00 each month if the giftee hasn't used the card within 12 months of purchase.

I was given a $50 American Express Gift Card for Christmas and tried to use it at JCPenney's yesterday.The saleslady was very nice, but couldn't figure out how to use the card in the transaction because it kept rejecting it. Another sales person came along to help her, and I was there 2 hours. They had to void the transaction twice and try again. They tried to call AmerExp several times, but each time a recording said they had an unusually high volume of calls (isn't that what they all say?) and to call back in an hour.

I purchased a $100.00 AMEX gift card from a CVS in Florida for my sister in NY which I then mailed to her for her birthday. My sister tried to use the card for the first time and it apparently was not activated by AMEX. Called AMEX they told me to take the sleeve and receipt showing the card had been activated back to CVS, went to CVS they told me there was nothing they could do the receipt said activated and to call AMEX.

American Express gift cards are a waste of money. Do not give them as gifts. Many times I have tried to use the balance on my card only to have it declined. Now when I look at the balance, if has been used up for monthly service fees. The only reason there was a balance on the card was because every time I tried to use it, it was declined.

We received the American Express Gift Card with a $100 balance. Activating it via the toll-free number was painless, and I was not charged an activation fee.

We received 2 American Express gift cards as gifts. We do not know and cannot determine the value of the cards. Virtually every vendor that this card has been presented to for payment has refused to accept the card. The card and American Express present no direct mailing information, no phone contact information, and no way to pursue anything regarding the card online. These gift cards are a painful, tortuous experience for consumers.

The law firm I work at recently started giving AMEX gift cards as birthday presents for the employees, in lieu of a cake. I was thrilled to receive a $25 gift card for my birthday. When I called the 800 number to activate the card, it stated that the card was already activated and nothing more needed to be done. However when I tried to use the card at Chili's restaurant, it was declined. I again tried to use the card at Bed, Bath & Beyond and it was declined there as well.

I purchased an $100 AMEX gift card only to find out after opening the envelope that it is not good for car rentals, hotels or airlines. I went back into CVS upon purchasing the card and wanted a refund due to the limitations. They told me that they could not give me a refund that I would have to contact AMEX. I called AMEX yesterday and was told that a supervisor would contact me within 24-48 hours. I just got off the phone with the Supervisor Krystal #9358 and she told me that AMEX will not refund my money. SHe said TOO BAD!! This is unbelievable terrible customer service and I am shocked that AMEX does not care that there customers are very unhappy. I guess they don't care based on the number of unhappy customers that I read about on the internet.

I received $50.00 gift card. When I use it, it got rejected. I called the 1-877 number at the back of the card, they openned a claim number for me. Each time I call, I was told that the claim was in process, and I should call back next week. When I called back the following week, I was told to call back next day. When I called back the following day, I need to call back after 15 days...When I called back, I was told that it took longer than 15 business days...I should call back at daytime, in the morning, in the afternoon, after 1:30pm, at night when they are less busy.

I feel better knowing now that I am not the only one that was disgusted and frustrated by using the American Express gift card.

I received a $25 American Express Gift Card as a gift. The card was purchased the previous year and given to me a few months ago.

I received a $100 AMEX gift card for christmas 06, and am having difficulty using it. It's obvious that AMEX is banking on folks just giving up and letting the unused balance go, because its just inconvenient.

no customer complain channel

Have an American Express Gift Card that is a total pain in the behind! If your total is over the amount you have left - it rejects it. You have to know exactly how much you have left on the card - subtract it from your total bill pay the difference and then scan the card. All I want to do is use it up and then TRASH IT! Was going to buy my daughter and her friend one each for Christmas - I gave good old cash instead. Will NEVER use this type of gift for giving.

I purchased an AMEX gift card, and after I found I was unable to use it online and I confirmed this with a call to American Express, so I went back to safeway, the same exact store I bought the card from. I go back to this Safeway and I try to purchase to Visa giftcards with it, but the Safeway would not even accept this card!

I purchased a pair of pants w/american express gift card. I used the card totally and got rid of the card. Well the pants were too big so I returned them. The money for the gift card was returned to the gift card that I know longer had. I still have the receipt for the pants but the gift card acct no. is not on the receipt so both the clothing store and american express gift card have explained that I just lose my 17.oo dollars I think that this is totally crazy. P.S. I was returning the pants for a smaller size but the sales girl exchanged my receipt to re-ring the right size and I didn't have the card. So the money is currently on the card and I quess I lose.

I originally purchased an American Express gift card on line in September of 2006 for $200 to be sent to my cousin in Florida. Well, he never got it. I had to get the number from American Express which is different from the cardholder number). When I called the correct number, I had to sit on the phone for over 50 minutes with someone in the Philippines and placed on hold at least 5-6 times -- I'm not exaggerating. I kept asking for someone to call me back after they figured it out, but the rep didn't advise it. So, this time I had the card sent to me so I can send it out to my cousin.

My husband and I both recieved American Express Gift Cards as Christmas gifts from my parents on 12/24/06. Each card has a value of $100. We have activated these according to the terms of American Express Gift card envelope that they were in. Surprise! I tried to use mine at a local store, it was declined. When I have called the help number that is listed in the terms and agreements, I have gotten absolutely no answers to why the card is on hold.

Received two $50 American Express gift cards, in 2005. We misplaced the cards, and subsequently, unfortunately forget about them. Recently we found them and were delighted! Today, however, when we activated the card, we were informed that each card was only valued at $26 each!! No wonder American Express is so wealthy. Not only did they collect $100.00 from somone, along with whatever initial fees that person paid (I am sure these gift cards were not free!), but now, they do not even have to honor that investment! They get to pocket $48.00, with no cost to them whatsoever! And this is legal???!!!!! How can that be??!!

I received a gift card from a relative. I don't understand why I have to sign for a purchase when checking out with my GIFT CARD. It makes me think they are opening an American Express card. What if the purchase went over the allowed amount? Then what? It scares me to get a gift card with a long terms and conditions sheet enclosed. I can't find those long terms and conditions, and there is no address. Thye 800 # that is on the back of the card is illegible because the GIFT CARD RECIPIENT embossed part is covering the 800 tollfree #. After I activated the card before going out I did not save the sticker that contained the 800 #. Now I want to phone them and there is no phone # available. I very much dislike this American Express card.

American express charged me $3.95 for a $25 gift card. Had I known of the charge, I damn sure would not have bought it. There was no mention of such an outrageous fee on the internet.

Well add me to the list of unhappy consumers who have been angered and frustrated trying to use the American Express GIFT Card. I received a $100 card as a Christmas gift last year. Note, that I did not purchase the card. It was a gift from my sister-in-law, who no doubt believed that it could be used practically anywhere to buy anything and would make the perfect gift. At least that's what American Express wants us all to believe!

They have prepaid gift cards you purchase from the store to use online for making purchases and in store if you want,but you pay the activation fee and it come in only 3 amounts of $25, $50, $100.They each have a different price for the activation fee and I purchased one for $100 recently, went to use it and the whole amount isn't there.They have stolen my money and aren't giving it back and saying if I keep calling they'll call the police.

We activated the card and tried to use the $50 at a dinner out, only to find we could use only $35 and service charges had used up the rest. What a rip-off.

For my birthday, I received three American Express gift cards. The gift givers advised that I would be able to use them anywhere to purchase anything that I wanted. At this point I have tried Banana Republic, JCrew, Gap, Bloomingdales and even the American Express store AND no one will accept these gift cards. Does anyone know where you can use these?

I was given an American Express Gift card and was told you can use it anywhere. No matter where I go, they do not accept it. I have had this since December, 2005 and have tried to use it over and over. No luck. I would never recommend anyone purchase these gift certificates. They are too limited.

I am complaining as a sales clerk and a recipient of an AX gift card. As a sales clerk when we have a customer use one with a balance, if they do not know the balance, we must stop, call a special 800 number to get balance, then continue This is a nightmare when we are busy. I recieved one last Christmas. I used part of it for a small purchase. Since then, every merchant I go to does not know how to find the balance so this card with approximately $80 is worthless to me. I now encourage customer and friends not to purchase them

My daughter sent me an AMEX gift card for Christmas. I was able to use it a couple of times and should have money left on it but I am unable to use the ramining balance. It has been rejected several times. When I check availability of funds on the card, it just tells me I have entered invalid information. I have told my daughter the thought was nice but I never want another one of these cards.

This is a response to the information posted on this site concerning American Express. While I understand peoples level of frustration for mis-understanding the use of certain products offered not only by american express, but also those products offerred by other banks or companies, it doesn't excuse misleading facts that accuse a company, specifically, American Express of doing anything wrong. If any of the complainers about American Express gift cards actually did a little bit of research on what they were buying before the did so, they probably would not be complaining, or would not be justified in complaining.

Thinking it was a simple and safe way to give money to my kids, I purchased a number of American Express Gift Cards at a local Safeway Store in $50. and $100. amounts as Christmas presents. When I got home an opened one I discovered they would not work for the purpose I had intended for my kids who would be traveling to Eourpe and the Camans in the near future or as I was lead to believe via the American Express representive I had recently talked to. Now when I tried to take back to the store the next morning I was told by a store manager that they could not take them back because once they were activated they belonged to American Express and there was nothing they could do.

I recently purchased 2 American Express gift cards to take my kids shopping out of town. When i went to activate the cards while in PA school shopping I was informed that the cards could not be activated and to call back the next day. When i called back sunday morning they told me that the cards still could not be activated. Days have gone by and no one has called me back from american express as i was informed that someone would contact me. i still have these 2 unactivated gift cards that I am stuck with and they don't care.

I was given a $50.00 American Express Gift Card. I took it to Red Lobster in Douglasville, Ga. I asked the server prior to placing my order if they accpted the American Express Gift Card. I had the card in my hand showing it to her. She took the card at the end of the meal. She came back and told me I could not use the card. I asked for management. I was told those card are too much of a problem, with fraud and could not be used.

Ordered 2 gift cards from American Express. Decided 10 minutes later I could get Visa cards in person without waiting for mail, and cancelled order. Order was placed on 11/15/04 and cancelled no more than 10 minutes later. I was assured credit card would be credited for full amount. After NUMEROUS phone calls to the "escalations" dept, I still don't have my $200+ back on my credit card and have incurred finance charges as a result.