Buying Amazon Gift Cards Using Amazon Credit: Is It Possible?

Quick answer

• Generally, you cannot directly convert Amazon credit (like promotional balances or rewards) into Amazon gift cards for external use or resale.
• Amazon credit is typically intended for use on Amazon purchases only.
• Some specific promotional offers might have unique terms, but these are rare exceptions.
• Attempting to circumvent these rules could violate Amazon’s terms of service.
• Focus on using your Amazon credit for eligible Amazon purchases.
• If you have a specific type of Amazon credit, review its terms and conditions carefully.

Who this is for

• Amazon shoppers who have accumulated Amazon credit from various sources.
• Individuals looking for ways to maximize or liquidate their Amazon credit balance.
• Those curious about the flexibility and limitations of Amazon’s credit system.

What to check first (before you act)

Source of your Amazon credit

Understand where your Amazon credit originated. Was it from a promotional offer, a refund, a gift card redemption, or a specific rewards program? Each source can have distinct rules about how the credit can be used. For example, promotional credit often has an expiration date and restrictions on eligible items.

Amazon’s Terms of Service

Review Amazon’s official terms and conditions regarding the use of credit, gift cards, and promotional balances. These documents are the definitive source for what is and isn’t permitted. Amazon’s policies can change, so it’s always best to check the most current version.

Specific offer details

If your credit came from a particular promotion (e.g., “get $10 credit when you buy X”), carefully read the fine print of that offer. These details will outline any limitations on using the credit, such as whether it can be used for gift cards or if it’s restricted to certain product categories.

Step-by-step (simple workflow)

Step 1: Identify your Amazon credit balance

What to do: Navigate to your Amazon account and find the section that displays your available credit balance. This is usually found in your account settings or payment options.
What “good” looks like: You can clearly see a numerical value representing your available Amazon credit.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Not knowing where to find your credit. Avoid this by familiarizing yourself with your account dashboard before you need to use the credit.

Step 2: Understand the credit’s origin

What to do: Recall or check the transaction history that led to the credit. Was it a refund, a promotional bonus, or something else?
What “good” looks like: You have a clear understanding of why you have this credit.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Assuming all credit is the same. Avoid this by noting the source of any credit you receive.

Step 3: Review the credit’s terms and conditions

What to do: If the credit is from a specific promotion, find and read the associated terms. If it’s a general balance, review Amazon’s general credit usage policies.
What “good” looks like: You understand any restrictions, expiration dates, or specific eligible purchases for your credit.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Skipping the fine print. Avoid this by actively looking for and reading the terms, even if they seem lengthy.

Step 4: Attempt to purchase an Amazon gift card

What to do: Go to the Amazon gift card section and try to add a digital or physical Amazon gift card to your cart. During checkout, see if your Amazon credit balance is an option for payment.
What “good” looks like: The option to apply your Amazon credit to the gift card purchase appears and is selectable.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Assuming it will work without trying. Avoid this by proceeding to the checkout stage to test the payment option.

Step 5: Observe the checkout screen

What to do: Carefully examine the payment options presented during the gift card purchase checkout.
What “good” looks like: Your Amazon credit balance is listed as a payment method that you can apply.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Not noticing if the credit option is grayed out or unavailable. Avoid this by paying close attention to the details of the payment selection.

Step 6: If credit is not an option, note the reason

What to do: If your Amazon credit cannot be used for gift cards, acknowledge this limitation.
What “good” looks like: You have confirmed that this specific use case is not supported for your credit.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Forcing the issue or looking for loopholes that don’t exist. Avoid this by accepting Amazon’s stated limitations.

Step 7: Explore eligible purchases

What to do: Browse Amazon.com for items that you genuinely need or want and can purchase using your Amazon credit.
What “good” looks like: You find suitable items and can successfully complete a purchase using your credit.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Trying to buy non-eligible items. Avoid this by sticking to categories or products that are known to be covered by your credit.

Step 8: Use your credit before it expires

What to do: If your credit has an expiration date, make a purchase before that date to avoid losing it.
What “good” looks like: Your credit is successfully used on an eligible purchase before its expiration.
A common mistake and how to avoid it: Forgetting about the credit until it’s too late. Avoid this by setting a reminder or marking the expiration date on your calendar.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Assuming all Amazon credit is interchangeable	Inability to use specific credit for desired purchases (like gift cards)	Always check the terms of the specific credit source.
Trying to cash out promotional credit	Violation of terms of service, potential account suspension	Use promotional credit only for eligible purchases as specified by the offer.
Ignoring expiration dates on credit	Loss of the credit balance	Track credit expiration dates and use the credit before it expires.
Attempting to “game the system” for gift cards	Account limitations or closure, loss of all credit	Adhere to Amazon’s stated policies for credit usage.
Not reading the fine print on offers	Misunderstanding restrictions, leading to disappointment or missed opportunities	Always read the full terms and conditions of any promotion that grants Amazon credit.
Using credit for ineligible items	Transaction failure or removal of credit from your account	Verify that the item you intend to purchase is eligible for payment with your specific type of Amazon credit.
Overlooking the source of the credit	Applying the wrong usage rules, leading to frustration	Make a note of where your credit came from (e.g., “Amazon Survey Credit,” “Refund for Order #123”) to recall its specific terms.
Believing unofficial advice about credit usage	Incorrect expectations and potential policy violations	Rely solely on official Amazon documentation and customer service for guidance on credit usage.
Not checking credit balance regularly	Forgetting about available funds, potentially missing expiration dates	Periodically check your Amazon account for available credit balances.
Trying to transfer credit to another person	Violation of terms of service, potential account issues	Amazon credit is generally non-transferable and tied to your account.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If your Amazon credit is from a general refund or gift card redemption, then it can likely be used for most Amazon purchases, but check specific terms to confirm it can be used for buying other gift cards.
• If your Amazon credit is promotional (e.g., “get $10 credit for buying X”), then it is almost certainly restricted to specific product categories and cannot be used for gift cards.
• If the Amazon checkout screen does not present your credit balance as an option for gift card purchase, then you cannot use that credit for gift cards.
• If you are trying to buy an Amazon gift card with Amazon credit, and the option to apply your credit is grayed out, then that specific credit cannot be used for this purpose.
• If you want to convert Amazon credit to cash, then you generally cannot do this directly, as Amazon credit is meant for purchases on Amazon.
• If your Amazon credit has an expiration date, then you must use it before that date or it will be forfeited.
• If you received credit for returning an item, then it usually functions like a gift card balance and can be used for most Amazon purchases, but verify its specific terms.
• If you are unsure about the terms of your Amazon credit, then check the “Gift Cards & Amazon Pay” section of your account or contact Amazon customer service.
• If you are trying to buy a third-party gift card sold on Amazon using your Amazon credit, then this is also usually restricted to purchases directly from Amazon.
• If you have a large balance of Amazon credit that you cannot use, then consider purchasing items you will need in the future, such as household staples or subscription renewals.
• If Amazon’s terms of service are unclear regarding a specific credit type, then err on the side of caution and assume it cannot be used for gift cards.

FAQ

Can I buy Amazon gift cards with promotional Amazon credit?

Generally, no. Promotional credit is usually restricted to specific product purchases and cannot be used to buy gift cards. Always check the terms of the specific promotion.

What if I have a refund balance on my Amazon account?

Refund balances typically function like gift card balances and can be used for most Amazon purchases. However, whether they can be used to purchase other Amazon gift cards depends on Amazon’s current policies, which can vary.

Can I transfer my Amazon credit to another person?

No, Amazon credit is tied to your account and is generally non-transferable. You cannot send it to someone else or use it to buy a gift card for them to redeem elsewhere.

What happens if I try to use restricted credit for a gift card?

Your transaction will likely be declined, or if it somehow goes through, Amazon may reverse the transaction, remove the credit from your account, or even suspend your account for violating their terms of service.

How do I find out if my Amazon credit expires?

Check the terms and conditions associated with the specific credit you received. If it’s a general balance, it may not expire, but promotional credits almost always have expiration dates.

Is there any way to “cash out” my Amazon credit?

Amazon credit is designed for use on Amazon.com. There is no official, legitimate way to convert it into cash or external gift cards.

What if Amazon’s website allows me to buy a gift card with credit?

If the website allows it during checkout, it may be a temporary allowance or a specific type of credit that permits it. However, Amazon’s terms of service are the ultimate authority, and they generally prohibit using credit for gift card purchases.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Specific legal loopholes or workarounds: This page focuses on legitimate uses within Amazon’s terms. Attempting to find loopholes can lead to account issues.
• Third-party gift card resale markets: This page does not endorse or discuss services that claim to convert Amazon credit to cash, as these can be risky and violate Amazon’s terms.
• International Amazon credit usage: This information pertains to Amazon.com for US users. Policies may differ for other Amazon regional sites.

Where to go next:

• Review Amazon’s official Gift Card Terms & Conditions.
• Consult Amazon Customer Service for specific inquiries about your account’s credit balance.
• Explore other ways to save money on Amazon purchases.