Check your Amazon balance directly on the website or app
The fastest way to see how much money you have on an Amazon.com gift card is to sign into your Amazon account and go to the gift card section. On a computer, go to amazon.com, click "Account & Lists" in the top right, then select "Your Account." Look for "Gift cards" in the menu. On the Amazon app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), go to "Account," and find "Gift cards." Your balance will display immediately.
If you have not redeemed the gift card yet, you can also check the balance without logging in. Amazon has a separate balance checker tool on its website where you can enter the claim code from the back of a physical card or from an email gift card. This takes about 30 seconds and does not require you to create an account.
Once you redeem a gift card to your account, that balance stays there until you spend it. Amazon does not expire gift card balances, so there is no rush to use the money. It will sit in your account indefinitely.
Key Takeaways
- Sign into your Amazon account, go to "Your Account," and select "Gift cards" to see your current balance.
- You can check an unredeemed gift card balance using Amazon's balance checker tool without logging in.
- Once redeemed to your account, gift card money does not expire and stays available until you spend it.
- Your balance updates instantly after you make a purchase, and you can check it anytime.
Where to find the balance checker tool
Amazon hosts a gift card balance checker on its website that works for both physical cards and digital codes. Search "Amazon gift card balance" in any search engine, or go directly to amazon.com and look for the "Gift Cards" section in the footer at the bottom of the page. Click on "Check your balance" or a similar link.
You will need the claim code, which is a long string of letters and numbers. On a physical card, it is printed on the back or inside. For an email gift card, the code appears in the message Amazon sent you. Enter the code exactly as it appears, including any hyphens, and the tool will show the remaining balance in seconds.
What happens when you redeem a gift card
When you redeem a gift card code to your Amazon account, the money moves into your account balance. This balance is separate from a credit card or bank account — it is money Amazon holds for you to spend on purchases. You can use it for almost anything on Amazon.com, including physical items, digital content, and subscriptions.
After you redeem, you will see the balance listed under "Gift Card Balance" in your account settings. Every time you make a purchase, Amazon deducts the cost from this balance first before charging any other payment method. If your gift card balance is not enough to cover the full purchase, Amazon will ask you to add another payment method for the difference.
Checking your balance on a mobile device
The Amazon app makes it simple to check your balance from a phone or tablet. Open the app, tap the menu icon (three lines) at the bottom right on iOS or top left on Android, then tap "Account." Scroll down until you see "Gift cards" and tap it. Your current balance will appear at the top of the screen.
You can also check your balance through a mobile web browser by visiting amazon.com and following the same steps as on a computer. The mobile website works the same way as the app, though some people find the app faster and easier to navigate.
Troubleshooting a balance that does not match
If your balance seems wrong, the most common reason is that a recent purchase has not finished processing. Amazon usually deducts the cost immediately, but sometimes there is a short delay of a few minutes to a few hours. Refresh the page or close and reopen the app to see the updated balance.
If you recently redeemed a gift card code and it is not showing up, make sure you entered the code correctly. Codes are case-sensitive and must include all hyphens and characters exactly as printed. If you are still having trouble, contact Amazon Customer Service through your account — they can look up the code and manually add the balance if there was a technical problem.
Lost or stolen gift card codes cannot be replaced by Amazon unless you have proof of purchase, such as a receipt or confirmation email. This is why it is a good idea to redeem codes to your account as soon as you receive them rather than leaving them unredeemed.
Using your gift card balance for purchases
Once your balance is in your account, you use it automatically during checkout. When you add items to your cart and proceed to payment, Amazon will apply your gift card balance to the order first. If the balance covers the full cost, you are done. If not, you will be asked to provide another payment method for the remaining amount.
You cannot transfer a gift card balance to another person or account, and you cannot convert it back to cash. The balance can only be spent on Amazon.com purchases. Some third-party sellers on Amazon also accept gift card balances, though the main Amazon store always does.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Amazon gift cards expire?
No. Once you redeem a gift card to your account, the balance never expires. You can hold onto it and spend it whenever you want, even years later. Unredeemed physical cards may have an expiration date printed on them, but once the code is redeemed to your account, that expiration no longer applies.
Can I check my balance without an Amazon account?
Yes. Use Amazon's balance checker tool on its website. You will need the claim code from your gift card or email, but you do not need to log in or create an account. The tool will show you the balance in seconds.
What if I lost my gift card code?
If you have the original receipt or confirmation email, contact Amazon Customer Service and provide proof of purchase. They may be able to look up the code. If you have no proof, Amazon cannot replace a lost code. This is why redeeming codes to your account immediately is safer than keeping them unredeemed.
Can I use my gift card balance on other Amazon websites?
No. A balance on amazon.com can only be used on amazon.com. If you have a gift card for Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.ca, or another regional Amazon site, you would need to redeem it on that specific site. Balances do not transfer between regional Amazon stores.
How long does it take for a gift card to show up after I redeem it?
Usually instantly. When you enter the code and click redeem, the balance should appear in your account within seconds. If it does not show up after a few minutes, try refreshing the page or logging out and back in. If it still does not appear after an hour, contact Amazon Customer Service.