American Express Business Gift Card: Terms and Conditions of Use

For 24-Hour Customer Service, you can always visit americanexpress.com/mybusinessgift or call 1-800-297-7327. To ensure the easiest usage of your American Express Check Gift Card, ALWAYS KNOW YOUR BALANCE and inform the cashier before making a purchase.

These terms and conditions (“Terms and Conditions”) govern your use of the American Express® Business Gift Card (“Card”). This Card is issued as part of an award, reward, loyalty, incentive, or promotional program. By signing or using this Card, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Please note that you have not provided any direct monetary consideration for this Card.

Throughout these Terms and Conditions, “you” and “your” refer to the individual who receives and/or uses the Card. “We,” “our,” and “us” refer to American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc., including its subsidiaries and licensees that issue prepaid cards, such as American Express Prepaid Card Management Corporation (“AEPCMC”), the issuer of this Card.

About Your Card

It’s important to understand that this American Express Business Gift Card is not a credit, charge, or debit card. Instead, it functions as a prepaid payment device holding a specific dollar value. This value is either printed on the card or is a “variable load” amount chosen by the entity that purchased the card. You can use this American Express check gift card at participating merchants and retailers across the United States that accept American Express Cards (“Merchants”).

However, there are some limitations. This Card cannot be used for ATM cash withdrawals or for recurring billing charges, such as monthly utilities or subscriptions. While you can use it for final payments, it may not be accepted for reservations or deposits, like those for car rentals or hotel bookings. Unless legally required, the Card is not redeemable for cash and is non-transferable. Furthermore, it cannot be used for any unlawful transactions.

In most instances, your Card will be ready to use almost immediately after activation. However, please allow up to four hours for activation to complete in some cases. If your Card has a signature panel, ensure you sign it before use.

No Fees

A significant advantage of the American Express check gift card is that it comes with NO FEES. This means you won’t encounter any dormancy fees, service fees, or other charges that reduce your card’s value over time.

Funds Do Not Expire

You can rest assured that the funds loaded onto your American Express check gift card do not expire. The value remains available to you indefinitely until it is spent.

Valid Thru Date

The “valid thru” date printed on the front of your Card is the date until which the physical plastic card can be used. This date is necessary for processing transactions at merchants that require an expiration date for plastic cards. It’s crucial to remember that even if the “valid thru” date has passed, the Available Balance on your American Express check gift card remains unchanged and fully accessible. If you still have a balance after this date, simply call 1-800-297-7327 for a replacement card or instructions on how to redeem your remaining balance.

Track Your Available Balance

The “Available Balance” is the current value remaining on your American Express check gift card. Keeping track of your balance is easy. You can check it online at www.americanexpress.com/businessgift or by calling Customer Service at 1-800-297-7327.

Your Available Balance can decrease in two ways:

Purchases: Each time you make a purchase using your Card, the full transaction amount, including taxes and any applicable fees, will be deducted from your Available Balance.
Authorizations: Sometimes, a Merchant may request authorization for an amount greater than the actual purchase. In these situations, your Available Balance will be temporarily reduced by the authorization amount. This is a temporary hold, and only the final purchase amount will ultimately be deducted, typically within eight (8) days after the purchase.

Once your Available Balance reaches zero ($0), the American Express check gift card is no longer valid for use. You agree to discontinue using it at this point. However, if a transaction is processed despite an insufficient balance, you are responsible for reimbursing us for the negative balance upon request.

How to Use Your Card

To ensure a smooth experience with your American Express check gift card, please follow these instructions:

Before Using the Card:

Sign the Signature Panel: Sign your name on the back of the Card in the designated area.
Record Important Card Details: It is highly recommended to write down the Card number, the Customer Service Number (1-800-297-7327), the 3-digit card security code (CSC) located on the back, and the 4-digit Card Identification Number (CID) on the front. Store this information in a secure place. These details are essential for checking your balance or replacing the Card if it’s lost or stolen.

Making Retail Purchases:

When paying at a store, simply present your American Express check gift card to the cashier and inform them it is a gift card. Sign the receipt using the same signature you used on the back of the card. Always keep your receipt as a record of your purchase.

Making Split Tender Transactions:

Depending on the merchant’s policies, you might be able to use your American Express check gift card in combination with another payment method, such as cash, a check, or another card, to complete a purchase. This is known as a “Split Tender Transaction.” If your purchase total exceeds the Available Balance on your Card:

Inform the cashier that you will be using a prepaid card for payment.
Tell the cashier your Available Balance and ask if they accept a second form of payment for the remaining amount.
Before they swipe your Card, instruct the cashier to authorize the Card only for the Available Balance.
If the Card is initially declined, remind the cashier of the Available Balance on the card.
Be prepared to use an alternative payment method to cover the outstanding balance of your purchase.

Keep in mind that some merchants may only accept cash or checks as a second form of payment and not another card. Some merchants may not permit split tender transactions at all. We cannot guarantee that a merchant will allow a Split Tender Transaction. If you encounter difficulties with a Split Tender Transaction or using your Available Balance, please call 1-800-297-7327 for assistance.

Making Internet or Mail Order Purchases:

Yes, you can use your American Express check gift card for online or mail-order purchases. However, some online and mail-order merchants do not support Split Tender Transactions. If you experience any issues using your Card for online or mail-order purchases, please contact 1-800-297-7327 for help.

Using the Card at Restaurants, Hair Salons, or Similar Merchants Expecting Gratuity:

Restaurants, hair salons, and certain other merchants may seek authorization for an amount up to 20% greater than the service bill to accommodate potential gratuities. Ensure that your American Express check gift card balance is sufficient to cover the bill plus any anticipated tip. If your Card is declined, request the merchant to authorize it for an amount equal to or less than your Available Balance.

Transactions at Gas Stations:

Gas stations often pre-authorize a certain amount on your card to ensure sufficient funds for your purchase. To avoid authorizations exceeding your Available Balance, it is advisable to prepay inside at the cashier for a specific amount, equal to or less than your Card’s balance.

Lost or Stolen Cards

If your American Express check gift card or card number is lost or stolen, it’s crucial to contact us immediately at 1-800-297-7327. You will need to provide your name, address, Card number, CSC, CID, and other identifying information. You agree to fully cooperate with us in the investigation of the loss or theft. Upon reporting your Card lost or stolen, we will issue a replacement card with the remaining Available Balance at the time of your notification. Please note that NO REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED for any amounts debited from your lost or stolen Card before you reported it to us.

Merchandise Returns

Returns for purchases made with your American Express check gift card are subject to the individual merchant’s return policies. If a merchant agrees to issue a credit back to your Card, it may take up to seven (7) days for this credit to appear in your Available Balance.

Merchant Disputes

Purchases made with an American Express check gift card are similar to cash transactions. Therefore, you cannot “stop payment” or initiate a “billing dispute” on purchases made with the Card. Any issues or disputes regarding a purchase should be resolved directly with the merchant.

Other Important Notices

No Warranties: We are not liable to you for: (i) any interruptions in Card service, (ii) the quality, safety, legality, or any other aspect of goods or services purchased with the Card, (iii) a merchant’s refusal to honor the Card or special offers, or (iv) any problems you may have with a merchant. If a merchant declines to accept your Card, please report the incident to 1-800-297-7327.

Changes to These Terms and Conditions: We reserve the right to modify or add new terms to these Terms and Conditions at any time, with or without prior notice, as permitted by law. We may also suspend, cancel, modify, or remove any feature associated with the Card, with or without notice, subject to applicable law. Any notices from us are considered given when mailed to your last known address in our records or when posted on our website. The most current Terms and Conditions are always available at www.americanexpress.com/mybusinessgift.

Cancellation or Suspension of the Card: We reserve the right to suspend or cancel your Card if you violate these Terms and Conditions, or if we suspect illegal activity or potential fraud or security risks associated with the Card. If your Card is suspended or cancelled, you will not be able to use it. In cases of suspected fraud, illegal activity, or security risks, we may cooperate with law enforcement authorities, which could involve turning over the funds on your Card to them. If it’s determined there was no fraud, illegal activity, or security issue, we may reinstate your Card usage.

Escheatment: Under certain state laws, if your American Express check gift card remains unused for a specific period, we may be required to remit the unused funds to the state as “unclaimed property.” If this occurs, we may deactivate your Card. However, upon your request, we will make the full unused funds available to you and provide a new card. Therefore, if your Card is declined, always check your Available Balance and contact Customer Service for assistance rather than assuming there are no funds remaining.

Assignment and Waiver: We may transfer these Terms and Conditions to a third party at any time without notifying you. However, if we do so, the terms will remain substantially unchanged unless you are informed otherwise. If we provide a refund for a lost or stolen Card or credit you for a transaction issue, you automatically assign to us any rights and claims (excluding tort claims) you may have against any third party related to the transaction, up to the amount we paid or credited. You agree not to pursue any claims against or seek reimbursement from such third parties for the amount we have compensated you and to cooperate with us if we choose to pursue action against the third party. Our failure to enforce any right under these Terms and Conditions or any delay in doing so does not constitute a waiver of that right. Waiving a right in one instance does not mean it is waived in any other situation.

Data Protection and Privacy: During Customer Service calls, we may ask for your card security code and other identifying information like your phone number, date of birth, and zip code for security purposes. We collect personal information (“Cardholder Information”), including: (i) details provided by the Card purchaser, such as your name and address, (ii) information you provide during activation or customer service interactions, and (iii) details about your Card transactions. For fraud prevention and regulatory compliance, we may also obtain information from identity verification services.

Access to Cardholder Information is restricted to authorized personnel who require it for their job responsibilities. We maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards in compliance with federal regulations to protect your Cardholder Information.

Disclosure: We use Cardholder Information to process transactions, provide customer service, improve retailer zip code authorization processes, handle lost/stolen card claims, and prevent fraud. We also use it for marketing, research, and analysis.

We may share Cardholder Information with affiliated companies and service providers who perform business operations, including marketing, on our behalf. We may also disclose Cardholder Information to external parties as legally required, such as to government entities or in response to subpoenas. We may develop marketing programs and send you offers for products and services. We do not share customer addresses with other companies for their independent marketing purposes.

Offers / Choice: If you prefer not to receive marketing offers, you can opt out by calling us toll-free at 1-800-722-8614 within the United States. Even if you opt out of marketing offers, we may still send you essential information about your Card or other American Express products and services.

Telephone Monitoring/Recording: To ensure customer service quality and as required by law, we may monitor and/or record phone calls between you and us.

Arbitration

Agreement to Arbitrate Disputes: This Arbitration Provision outlines the conditions and procedures for resolving Claims (defined below) between you and us through binding arbitration. This means you waive your right to litigate Claims in court or have a jury trial. Other court rights, such as appeal rights and class action participation, may be limited in arbitration. You can still pursue individual Claims in small claims court in your state or municipality as long as the Claim remains in that court.

Definitions: “Claim” includes any dispute or controversy of any kind, in law or equity, between you and us arising from or related to the Card, these Terms and Conditions, or any prior or related agreements (“Agreements”). This includes disputes about the validity, enforceability, or scope of this Arbitration Provision or the Agreements. “Claim” also covers claims against third parties involved with the Card (e.g., merchants, program providers, debt collectors) if they are co-parties in a Claim with you or us. “You” and “us” include parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, licensees, predecessors, successors, assigns, account purchasers, agents, employees, directors, and representatives of all the above, as well as any third parties involved with the Card.

Initiation of Arbitration/Administrator Selection: Any Claim will be resolved by arbitration if either you or we choose, according to this Arbitration Provision and the procedures of the chosen national arbitration organization in effect when the Claim is filed (“Code”), unless the Code conflicts with this Agreement. Claims can be referred to JAMS or the American Arbitration Association (AAA), chosen by the party initiating arbitration. If our choice is unacceptable to you, you have 30 days to select the other organization. Contact JAMS at www.jamsadr.com or AAA at www.adr.org for procedures or to file a Claim. Claims may also be submitted to any mutually agreed arbitration organization or arbitrator appointed under the Federal Arbitration Act, provided they enforce the terms of the “Restrictions on Arbitration” below.

Class Action Waiver and Other Restrictions: Arbitration will be conducted individually and not as a class action or representative action. The arbitrator can only resolve disputes between you and us. Claims cannot be joined or consolidated without written consent from all parties. No arbitration decision will set a precedent for disputes with anyone not party to the arbitration. If any part of this “Class Action Waiver and Other Restrictions” is deemed invalid, the entire Arbitration Provision (except this sentence) will not apply, without waiving appeal rights.

Arbitration Procedures: This Arbitration Provision is governed by the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA). The arbitrator will apply relevant substantive law consistent with the FAA and statutes of limitations and will uphold legal privileges. Civil procedure or evidence rules do not apply. Discovery scope is at the arbitrator’s discretion, per the applicable Code. The arbitrator will protect privacy and business confidentiality. The arbitration award can be enforced in any court with jurisdiction. Subject to FAA appeal rights, the arbitrator’s decision is final unless appealed within 30 days to the arbitration organization. A three-arbitrator panel will review appealed aspects, conduct a new arbitration, and decide within 120 days. The panel’s majority decision is final and binding.

Location/Fees: Arbitration will occur in the federal judicial district of your residence. Regardless of outcome, your arbitration fees will not exceed the court filing fees for a similar claim in your local state or federal court. We will cover remaining arbitration fees. We will consider advancing your share of fees upon written request. Fee waivers may be available from JAMS or AAA.

Continuation: This Arbitration Provision survives Card termination, debt payment, debt collection, and bankruptcy. If any part of this provision, except the “Class Action Waiver,” is invalid, the rest of the Arbitration Provision, these Terms and Conditions, and prior agreements remain valid and enforceable.

Applicable Law

These Terms and Conditions and the Card are governed by the laws of the State of New York, USA, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

Terms and Conditions

For information regarding complaints about our money services business, licensing, and other disclosures, please click here.

American Express Gift Cards, Business Gift Cards, Outdoor Reward Cards, and Gas Rewards Cards can be used anywhere in the U.S. that accepts American Express® Cards, excluding ATMs and recurring billing. Carnival Corporation Reward Cards, Hilton Gift Cards, and Hilton Business Gift Cards have limited usage locations. See specific Cardholder Agreements for details: American Express Gift Card, American Express Business Gift Card, Hilton Gift Card, Hilton Business Gift Card, Carnival Reward Card, Outdoor Reward Card or Gas Rewards Card.

For inquiries about American Express Gift Cards or Business Gift Cards, use the search box in the top right corner of the website. For customer service, call 1-877-297-4438 for American Express Gift Cards or 1-800-297-7327 for American Express Business Gift Cards, available seven days a week.

These Cards are issued by American Express Prepaid Card Management Corporation, American Express Executive Consumer Relations Team, 4315 S, 2700 W., Salt Lake City, UT, 84184.