Let’s be honest – finding the perfect gift can feel like a chore sometimes. But if there’s one go-to that pretty much never misses, it’s an Amazon gift card. Seriously. Birthday? Holiday? “Oh no, I forgot and need something right now”? Amazon’s got you covered.
Whether you want to send one digitally in seconds or hand someone a physical card with a cute message, it’s ridiculously easy to make it work. In this guide, we’ll walk through where to get them, how much you can load, and a few quick tips to avoid scams. (Because, yeah, scammers ruin everything.)
Why Amazon Gift Cards Are Kind of a No-Brainer
Before we jump into the where, let’s talk about the why.
Amazon gift cards are super popular for one reason: they just make sense. They don’t expire, they work for pretty much anything on Amazon (even from third-party sellers), and they come in more delivery options than you’d expect.
Want to email one? Done. Print it and stick it in a card? Easy. Mail a nice little box with a ribbon? Yep, that too.
And let’s not forget – they’re a safe bet for everyone. Teenagers, coworkers, your cousin you barely talk to… it’s hard to go wrong with a card that basically says, “Pick out whatever you want.”
The Different Types of Amazon Gift Cards
Not all gift cards are created equal, and depending on how you’re giving it, you’ve got a few solid choices:
- E-Gift Cards: Super fast – these are sent via email or text. Perfect for last-minute scrambling.
- Print-at-Home Cards: You get a PDF, print it out, throw it in a card, and boom – done.
- Physical Gift Cards: Mailed to you or straight to the lucky person. Comes in envelopes or cute themed packaging.
- Anytime Gift Cards: These are empty until you load them up later. Good if you want to prep ahead.
- Reloadable Balances: More for personal use – just top off your own Amazon account when it’s running low.
All of them work the same once they’re redeemed, so it really just depends on how you want to give it.
Where to Buy Amazon Gift Cards (Online Edition)
Let’s start with the easiest route: buying from your couch.
1. Amazon.com (Obviously)
This one’s a no-brainer. You’ll find every possible version of their gift cards here:
- Digital, printable, or physical cards.
- Load almost any amount you want (even just $1).
- Designs for every occasion – birthdays, holidays, “just because,” etc.
- Options to add personal messages or even videos.
- Free standard and One-Day delivery for physical cards (depending on where you live).
Oh, and while you’re there, you can also snag gift cards for other brands like Starbucks, Apple, Sephora – you name it.
2. Other Trusted Retailer Websites
If Amazon’s out of stock or you’re shopping elsewhere anyway, you can grab Amazon gift cards from a few major retailers too:
- Best Buy
- Whole Foods
- Staples
- Office Depot
Just make sure you’re buying directly from their official websites – not some third-party rando. That way, your gift card is safe, legit, and covered by customer support if anything goes sideways.
Where to Buy Amazon Gift Cards In-Store
Maybe you’re already out running errands or just like handing someone a gift in person (we get it!). You’ve got plenty of options here too.
1. Pharmacies & Convenience Stores
Quick pit stop? These places almost always have them near checkout:
- Walgreens
- CVS
- Rite Aid
- 7-Eleven
- Wawa
- Family Dollar
- EZ Mart
They usually stock fixed amounts like $25, $50, or $100, but some places let you load anywhere from $25 to $500.
2. Grocery Stores
Grabbing groceries? You can knock out a gift too. Look for them at:
- Kroger
- Safeway
- Publix
- Wegmans
- Foodtown
- Hy-Vee
- Harris Teeter
- Fred Meyer
- Albertsons
- Food 4 Less
You’ll typically find them near customer service or the gift card rack by the registers.
3. Big Box & Electronics Stores
Doing some tech shopping or grabbing office supplies? These stores usually carry Amazon cards too:
- Best Buy
- Staples
- Office Depot
- Kohl’s
- Lowe’s
Heads up: Target and Walmart do not sell Amazon gift cards – online or in-store. They’re Amazon’s competitors, so it makes sense, but it still catches people off guard.
How Much Can You Load?
The standard options are $25, $50, and $100, but if you want to get specific (like, exactly $73.21), you totally can – especially online. Some physical stores even let you pick a custom amount between $25 and $500.
On Amazon’s site, digital cards can be loaded with as little as $1. Handy if you’re splitting gifts or budgeting precisely.
Don’t Get Scammed: Quick Tips to Stay Safe
Unfortunately, gift cards are a popular target for scams. Here’s how to protect yourself:
- Stick with official retailers: Buy directly from Amazon or big-name stores. Avoid sketchy websites or random sellers on marketplace sites.
- Inspect physical cards: If you’re in-store, check that the claim code is still covered and nothing looks tampered with.
- Hang onto your receipt: If the card doesn’t activate, that receipt is your backup.
- Skip resale sites: eBay, Craigslist, etc. – just… no. Too many fake or used cards.
- Never pay anyone with a gift card: No legit company or person will ask for Amazon gift cards as payment. If they do, it’s 100% a scam.
How to Redeem an Amazon Gift Card
Got one? Here’s how to use it (don’t worry, it’s easy):
On desktop:
- Go to Amazon.com
- Hover over “Account & Lists”
- Click “Gift Cards” > “Redeem a Gift Card”
- Enter the claim code
- Click “Apply to Your Balance”
On the Amazon app:
- Tap the person icon (bottom nav)
- Go to Payments > Manage Gift Card Balance
- Tap Redeem Another Gift Card
- Type in or scan the claim code
Done! The money is now sitting in your account, waiting to be used on your next purchase.
BTW: Amazon Gift Cards Don’t Expire
Yep, you read that right – they never expire. So whether you use it next week or next year, the value’s still there.
That said, you might wanna redeem it ASAP so you don’t lose track of the card itself. Once it’s in your account, it’s safe and easy to use whenever.
A Quick Word for Amazon Sellers: WisePPC Can Help
If you’re not just buying gift cards but actually selling on Amazon, then you need more than good luck – you need good data.
That’s where WisePPC comes in. We help Amazon sellers get real clarity on their ad performance. We’re an Amazon Ads Verified Partner, and we built this platform because we were tired of guesswork.
Whether you’re running 5 campaigns or 500, we at WisePPC show you what’s working, what’s not, and how to scale smart – without burning cash. If you’re serious about growing your brand on Amazon, we’ve got your back.
Final Thoughts
Amazon gift cards are basically a no-fail option. They’re quick to buy, easy to give, and super useful for anyone who shops online (aka everyone).
Just make sure you’re getting them from the right place, avoid the scammy stuff, and keep your receipt. That’s really all there is to it.
At the end of the day, a gift that lets someone pick exactly what they want? That’s a win in anyone’s book.
FAQ
1. Can I buy an Amazon gift card at Target or Walmart?
Surprisingly, no. You’d think two of the biggest retail chains in the U.S. would carry them, but they don’t. Since Target and Walmart are direct competitors to Amazon, they don’t sell Amazon gift cards in-store or online. If you’re already in one of those stores and hoping to grab one, unfortunately you’ll need to head elsewhere, like CVS, Best Buy, or your nearest grocery store.
2. Is it safe to buy Amazon gift cards online?
Definitely, but only if you’re sticking to trusted sources. Buying directly from Amazon is your safest bet, no question. But if you’re getting one through another site, make sure it’s a reputable retailer (like Best Buy or Staples) and not some random third-party marketplace. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
3. How do I know if a gift card I bought in-store is legit?
This one’s important. Before you walk away from the store, inspect the packaging. Make sure the scratch-off code hasn’t been exposed, the card isn’t bent or resealed, and – this is key – always ask for and keep the receipt. That little slip of paper might be your only way to get help if the card isn’t activated properly or something goes sideways.
4. What’s the difference between a digital Amazon gift card and a physical one?
Functionally, they work the same – they both get you Amazon credit. The difference is in the delivery. A digital gift card gets emailed or texted and can be used instantly. A physical card, on the other hand, can be mailed in a cute envelope or handed over in person. One’s great for last-minute gifting, the other feels more personal. Totally depends on the vibe you’re going for.
5. Do Amazon gift cards ever expire?
Nope. That’s actually one of the nicest things about them. There’s no ticking clock. Whether the recipient wants to spend it right away or save it for a big purchase later, they can take their time. Just make sure they add it to their Amazon account, so it doesn’t get lost or forgotten at the bottom of a drawer.