How to Use Gift Cards on Amazon – Complete 2025 Guide

Amazon gift cards are one of the most convenient ways to pay for purchases on the world’s largest online marketplace. But did you know you can also use Visa, Mastercard, and even other third-party gift cards at checkout? This 2025 guide explains how to use gift cards on Amazon correctly—including applying balances, avoiding errors, and stacking savings with promotions.

🎁 Types of Gift Cards You Can Use on Amazon

Amazon accepts multiple types of gift cards:

• 🟨 Amazon-branded gift cards (physical or digital)
• 💳 Prepaid Visa/Mastercard/Amex gift cards (e.g., Vanilla or bank-issued)
• 🏬 Third-party gift cards only when converted into Amazon credit (not directly usable)

🛒 How to Use an Amazon Gift Card (Digital or Physical)

✅ Step-by-Step (On Desktop or Mobile)

1. Go to amazon.com/redeem
2. Log in to your Amazon account
3. Enter your gift card claim code (found on the back of the card or in the email)
4. Click “Apply to your balance”

Once added, the gift card amount will remain in your Amazon balance and automatically apply to your next purchase unless you choose otherwise at checkout.

📲 How to Use an Amazon Gift Card on the App

1. Open the Amazon app
2. Go to your account settings
3. Select “Your Payments” or “Gift Card Balance”
4. Tap “Redeem Gift Card”
5. Scan the code or enter it manually

💡 Where to Find Your Amazon Gift Card Code

• Physical Card: Scratch off the back label to reveal the code
• Digital Card: Delivered via email—look for subject lines like “You’ve received an Amazon gift card!”

💳 How to Use Visa or Mastercard Gift Cards on Amazon

You can use prepaid cards just like a debit or credit card:

Steps:

1. Go to “Your Account” → “Your Payments”
2. Click “Add a payment method”
3. Enter the 16-digit card number, expiration, and CVV
4. Save and choose the card during checkout

Important: Make sure the card is registered with a billing ZIP code. You can usually do this at the card issuer’s website (e.g., VanillaGift.com).

🚫 Gift Cards That DON’T Work on Amazon

The following gift cards cannot be used directly:

• Retailer-specific cards (e.g., Target, Starbucks, Best Buy)
• Gaming platform cards (e.g., Xbox, Roblox, PlayStation)
• Restaurant gift cards (e.g., Chipotle, Chick-fil-A)

✅ Tip: Sell or trade these for Amazon credit. See our guide on how to sell gift cards online.

🛍️ How to Apply Gift Card Balance at Checkout

If your Amazon gift card is already added to your balance, it will apply automatically at checkout. You’ll see the amount deducted and your remaining balance will roll over.

What if the item costs more than your balance?

Amazon will use your gift card balance first, and then charge the remaining amount to your selected credit/debit card.

🎯 Can You Stack Multiple Gift Cards on Amazon?

Yes! You can add multiple Amazon gift cards to your account and combine their value into one Amazon balance. Just keep adding new codes via the redemption page.

📦 What Can You Buy With Amazon Gift Cards?

You can use your gift card balance on:

• Millions of physical products
• Digital goods (eBooks, movies, software)
• Amazon subscriptions (Prime, Kindle, Music)
• Third-party sellers on Amazon

Exclusions: Gift cards cannot be used to buy other gift cards or reload another account’s balance.

💡 Pro Tips for Maximizing Amazon Gift Card Use

• 🧾 Buy Amazon gift cards with a rewards credit card
• 🎁 Check for bonus gift card promos (e.g., “Buy $50, Get $10”)
• 📅 Use them during Prime Day, Black Friday, or seasonal sales
• 💸 Combine with coupons and Subscribe & Save discounts