Where To Buy American Express Gift Cards? Online vs. In-Store

American Express gift cards offers an endless amount of possibilities. It is a flexible gifting choice for family and friends that can be used to buy almost anything at millions of locations. Amex gift cards can be personalized and offered in various forms (from the classic/traditional gift card to cards for the special occasion). Amex gift cards can be purchased in a few ways: online, from local retailers, financial institutions and/or from American Express themselves. Electronic and traditional versions are available for whatever your gifting personality prefers.

American Express Gift Cards 101: The Facts

There are a few things to be aware of before purchasing American Express Gift Cards. Below are some of the important things to keep in mind:

• American Express cards have NO monthly fees, NO inactivity fees, and the funds that is loaded onto the card do not expire. Despite how there’s a “valid thru” date on the card, if you ever come close to that date, you can always get a replacement card or request and issued check.
• American Express Gift Cards can be purchased in-store or online. There are differences in the method of purchase and there are pros and cons doing so discussed later in this post.
• These gift cards are prepaid cards and are issued with a set dollar amount.
• There are shipping fees (online only) and purchasing fees (both in-store and online)
  • Shipping fees can be waived for a limited time and with the promo codes below
  • Purchasing fees can be waived for a limited time and with the promo codes below
• American Express Gift Cards can be used nearly anywhere where the retailer or merchant accepts American Express Gift Cards.

Purchasing Amex Gift Cards: Where To Buy

American Express Gift Cards are available for purchase both online and in-store! Need to find a location for purchase? American Express Product Locator or visit our convenient listing of  American Express Gift Cards online!

One method of purchase is to purchase from American Express themselves! Here is a list of the different types of gift cards available WITH PROMO CODE FREESHP17A For 100% Off Shipping Fees & HOLFREE17 for $0 Purchasing Fees.

• Buy American Express® Gift Cards today. These are gift cards you can give to anyone without any custom messages. Several designs to choose from.
  • Use promo code FREESHP17A for 100% off shipping fees!
  • Use promo code HOLFREE17 for $0 purchasing fees!
• Buy American Express® Consumer Gift Cards today. These are gift cards you can give to anyone for holiday gifts for friends/family. Several designs to choose from.
  • Use promo code FREESHP17A for 100% off shipping fees!
  • Use promo code HOLFREE17 for $0 purchasing fees!
• Buy Personalized American Express® Gift Cards using this promotion. These gift cards can be customized with a name embossed in gold letters.
  • Use promo code FREESHP17A for 100% off shipping fees!
  • Use promo code HOLFREE17 for $0 purchasing fees!
• Buy American Express® Business Gift Cards today. These make great gifts for the office. Several designs to choose from.
  • Use promo code FREESHP17A for 100% off shipping fees!
  • Use promo code HOLFREE17 for $0 purchasing fees!
• Buy Customized American Express® Business Gift Cards today. These can be personalized with up to two lines of custom messages. Give employees, colleagues or clients the gift that’s all about them.
  • Use promo code FREESHP17A for 100% off shipping fees!
  • Use promo code HOLFREE17 for $0 purchasing fees!

Another method of purchase is in-store. American Express Gift Cards can be found in many locations! Locations from smaller stores to very large chain stores! Majority of stores today will have Amex gift cards available for purchase, but there might be a few that do not. Here is a short, compiled list of the locations that commonly carry American Express Gift Cards:

• Grocery Stores
  • Kroger
  • Safeway
  • Ralph
  • Winn Dixie
• Financial Institutions
  • CitiBank
  • Fifth Third Bank
  • First Midwest Bank
  • Huntington Bank
  • Sovereign Bank
• Drug Stores
  • CVS Pharmacy
  • Walgreens
• Department/Specialty Stores
  • Sears
  • Staples
  • Walmart
  • Sears
  • Office Depot
  • Target

Amex Gift Card: Online Vs. In-Store

Purchasing American Express Gift Cards can have its pros and cons when deciding to purchase online or in-store. Here are a few pros and cons of each scenario:

• Online
  • Benefits:
    • A wider range of design and customization.
    • Promo codes to waive purchasing/shipping fees
    • Card value max is greater ($3000 per card)
    • Purchasing fees online are cheaper than in-store purchasing fees
  • Cons:
    • Shipping fees apply (Use Promo Code FREESHP17A FOR 100% off shipping fees & HOLFREE17 for $0 purchase fees)
• In-Store
  • Benefits:
    • No shipping fees apply
    • Convenience/no waiting period to receive gift card
  • Cons:
    • Purchasing fee in-store is slightly more expensive than online
    • Card value max is typically $500/gift card
    • Limited designs
    • No customization

Amex Gift Cards: Shipping & Purchase Fees 

In-Store fees: I called a major local retail store and we were told purchasing fees varies from the amount you load onto your car. The purchasing fee ranges from $3.95 to $6.95. The reason for the fee gap is that the more you load onto the gift card, the greater the purchase fee. The purchase fee does not get any lower than $3.96 and no higher than $6.95!

Online fees: purchase fee is $3.95 for each card regardless of amount you load onto the card

Shipping Fees (applies to online orders only):

Bottom Line:

Purchasing an American Express Gift Card offers an infinite amount of possibilities. You can give it as a gift, keep it for personal use, or even use it as an emergency source of funds! Amex gift cards hold their set dollar amount, there are no inactivity fees, and your funds will not expire! There are both pros and cons between purchasing these gift cards in-store and online but it’s nothing major aside from just a slightly higher fee or lack of customization. Purchase your gift card today and use our promo code (if you decide to purchase online) for 100% off shipping! For complete details on American Express Gift Cards, see our full American Express Gift Card Promo Codes!

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® Card offers a $250 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers. In addition, you can earn: • 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase TravelSM, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more • 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service • 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase TravelSM, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases. There is no minimum to redeem for cash back & your cash back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open. This card comes with no annual fee and you'll get a free credit score that is updated weekly with Credit JourneySM. Member FDIC Click here to learn how to apply