9 Places Where AMEX Gift Cards Are Accepted

Every now and then, I get asked this question: “Where can you use an American Express gift card?” While I don’t work for American Express, I think I have been into gift cards long enough to give a good answer. 

First and foremost, AMEX gift cards are digital assets with a fixed monetary value. Ranging from $25 to $3,000. They come in both physical and E-code forms. Unlike other gift cards, they are multifunctional and not restricted to a specific brand.

In other words, AMEX gift cards are usable anywhere American Express is accepted for payment. They may not be accepted in local stores, but they can be used to pay for online purchases globally, especially at US-based merchants.

That said, I compiled a list of locations where you can redeem your AMEX gift card. So, if you’re a new owner or someone who isn’t up to speed with these things, you may want to read until the end.

9 Places You Can Use American Express Gift Cards

You can use your AMEX gift cards at global merchants anywhere American Express is accepted. Be it at top e-commerce outlets, hotels, clothing stores, gas stations, entertainment platforms, home improvement stores, airlines, network service providers, and even gift card platforms.

1. Top eCommerce Outlets:

If you’re holding an AMEX gift card and wondering where to use it, your safest bet is eCommerce. In fact, according to Statista, over 268 million people in the U.S. shop online regularly, and Amazon alone controls nearly 40% of that market.

That’s why Amazon and Walmart are usually the first names that come to mind when we talk about AMEX gift card usage.

From personal experience, these platforms treat your AMEX gift card like a regular credit card. All you need to do is activate and register the card, add it as a payment method, and checkout.

Expert tip: Always register your AMEX gift card before adding it to platforms like Amazon. Many failed transactions I’ve seen happen simply because people skip this step.

2. Hotels

Hotels are one of the easiest places to use an American Express gift card. Think about it; if a hotel already accepts American Express credit cards, they’ll take the gift card too.

Hotels like Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt are safe bets, and plenty of boutique hotels accept them as well.

From my own experience, I’ve noticed hotels prefer AMEX because of its strong reputation in the travel industry. That’s why when you’re booking online, all you need to do is register your AMEX gift card, add it as a payment method, and you’re good to go.

3. Clothing Stores:

If fashion is your thing, clothing stores are one of the best places to use an American Express gift card. Popular brands like H&M, Zara, and Macy’s accept AMEX with no stress, whether you’re shopping online or walking into a store.

One thing I’ve noticed is that fashion retailers are usually quick to support AMEX because of how much volume comes from card payments. That makes them one of the most reliable places to spend your gift card.

4. Gas Stations:

Here’s one you might not think about right away: gas stations. If you’re in the U.S. and pull up to places like Shell, Mobil, Gulf, or Hess, chances are your AMEX gift card will work just fine.

I like this option because it turns a regular expense into something that feels a little lighter. You’re going to buy fuel anyway, so why not let the gift card cover it? Just swipe or enter the details at the pump, and it runs the same way a regular American Express card would.

5. Entertainment Platforms:

If you ask me, one of the most enjoyable ways to use an AMEX gift card is for entertainment. Instead of worrying about subscription renewals, you can let the card take care of Netflix, Spotify, or Apple Music.

And it’s not just streaming. Many cinemas, amusement parks, and even online courses accept AMEX. So whether you’re staying in or going out, your gift card can easily cover the fun.

6. Home Improvement Stores:

They may not have the hype of Amazon, but stores like Lowe’s, At Home, and Home Depot are some of the most practical places to use an AMEX gift card. From tools and appliances to electrical supplies, they cover the basics that every household eventually needs.

I see home improvement stores as one of those places where a gift card feels well spent. Instead of going toward something you’ll use once and forget, it helps cover the purchases that actually make a difference at home.

What makes it even better is that these retailers accept AMEX both online and in-store, so paying with your gift card is just as easy as using any other card.

7. Airlines

Travel is another area where an AMEX gift card comes in handy. Airlines like American Airlines, Delta, and even booking platforms like Expedia allow you to pay directly with it when reserving flights.

What makes this option appealing is the flexibility. A flight ticket is one of those bigger purchases where using a gift card feels especially valuable.

Instead of small day-to-day expenses, it goes toward something memorable, like a trip you’ve been planning for months. And since most of these platforms clearly display the American Express logo at checkout, it’s easy to know if your card will be accepted.

8. Network Service Providers

While I like the idea of using gift cards to pay for utilities, it is not the best for recurring payments and certainly not available for everyone, unless you’re in the US.

Telecom providers such as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile accept AMEX gift cards as a method of payment. The best part is that the payment process is straightforward. Simply add your gift card as a payment option to make a one-time payment, and you’re on your way.

9. Gift Card Platforms:

Sometimes you don’t really want to shop; you just want cash instead. And that’s completely fine. An AMEX gift card doesn’t have to sit unused simply because you can’t find the right store to spend it on. This is where gift card platforms come in.

Cardtonic is one of the easiest and most reliable options for converting an AMEX gift card into cash. The process is straightforward. Open the app, select AMEX from the list of gift cards, enter the details, and upload the card. Once it is reviewed, the value is credited straight to your account in minutes.

This option is especially practical for people in Nigeria and Ghana, where AMEX gift cards are not always widely accepted. Instead of trying different stores or running into payment errors, selling the card on a trusted platform like Cardtonic ensures you still get full value for it in local currency.

How to Use an American Express Gift Card

You now know where to use American Express Gift Cards. But how do you use them? Let me show you.

First of all, you need to activate and register your AMEX gift card.

The truth is that without activation, you won’t be able to use the card. But the goal is not to stifle but to protect you from fraud. Usually, the card has a set of instructions on how to activate it.

You will need to visit the American Express website and supply the card details plus your email address. Once you’re done with the process, you will receive a message on your screen to confirm that you have successfully registered the card.

Now, you can head to some of your favourite platforms (as listed above) and try to pay online. Most platforms will need you to:

• Choose gift cards as a payment option
• Enter the AMEX gift card number and PIN.
• Apply your gift card balance to your purchase.

That’s all there is to it. Once activated and registered, your AMEX gift card works just like any other card, and you can enjoy spending it online or in-store.

Frequently Asked Questions About Redeeming American Express Gift Cards

1. What Can I Use an American Express Gift Card to Buy? 

You can use your AMEX gift card to buy quality gadgets from Amazon, designer clothes from Macy’s, and homewares from Lowe’s. Other things to do with your AMEX gift cards are to sell them on Cardtonic, gift them to loved ones or donate them to charity.

2. Does Walmart Accept American Express?

Walmart does accept American Express as a payment option, and in many locations, this includes AMEX gift cards. However, acceptance can vary depending on the store or whether you’re shopping online. It’s best to try at checkout and confirm.

3. Can I Sell My AMEX Gift Card for Cash? 

Yes, you can. In Nigeria and Ghana, Cardtonic is one of the best places to sell AMEX gift cards for instant payment. Just enter the card details, submit, and receive your payout in Naira or Cedis.

4. Can You Use an American Express Gift Card on PayPal?

In many cases, yes. You can add an American Express gift card to your PayPal wallet, just like a debit or credit card. That said, not every prepaid card works for all PayPal payments. Recurring subscriptions, for example, may be declined.

5. Does Target Accept American Express?

Yes, Target lets you pay with an AMEX gift card, whether in-store or online. You can use them to shop for apparel, beverages, home decor, etc.

6. What Locations Are American Express Cards Accepted in Nigeria?

AMEX credit cards (not gift cards) are accepted at some ATMs, major restaurants, and international hotels in cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. But AMEX gift cards aren’t widely usable in local stores, so selling them on Cardtonic is often the most practical option.

Conclusion

American Express gift cards are pretty flexible. You can shop online, book flights, pay for hotels, or even cover a night of Netflix and Spotify. The trick is knowing where they’re accepted so you don’t run into frustration at checkout.

For those of us in Nigeria or Ghana, the most practical route is often to sell the card instead. Platforms like Cardtonic make it easy to swap your AMEX gift card for cash in minutes, so the value doesn’t go to waste.

However you choose to use it, the point is simple: don’t let your AMEX gift card go to waste.