What to Do With Your AMEX Gift Card in Nigeria 

If I hand you an Amazon or a Visa gift card, chances are that you already know what to do and where to use them, i.e., shop at Amazon, eBay, and the like. 

But what if I give you an AMEX gift card instead? My guess is that besides selling for cash, you may struggle to determine what to do with it. Quite understandably, American Express gift card usage isn’t as popular as its counterparts in Nigeria. As a result, most people don’t know too much about them, how to identify them or even where they are accepted.

Speaking of acceptance, there are many places where AMEX gift cards are accepted, and several things to do with them in Nigeria. Therefore, swapping them for cash isn’t your only option. To find out more, you may want to continue reading.

5 Things to Do with an American Express Gift Card in Nigeria

As someone who lives in Nigeria, you can use your AMEX gift card to pay on both international and local platforms, book flights, sell it for cash, or give it to someone.

1. Pay on International Platforms:

If you love gadgets and electronics like I do, then global retailers, like Amazon, eBay, and Walmart, are solid options for putting your AMEX gift card to work. Nevertheless, you can also shop from prestigious clothing brands like Zara and Macy’s or home improvement stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot. 

Considering that AMEX gift cards are accepted at over 160 million merchants across the world, these examples only scratch the surface. Notwithstanding, you can purchase items from the available options and have them delivered to Nigeria in two weeks.

Another solid thing you can do with an AMEX gift card is pay for digital entertainment. Netflix, Spotify, and Google Play allow you to enjoy streaming online music while staying subscribed with an AMEX gift card. The process is straightforward. The only concern is that your service may be interrupted once the gift card balance runs out.

2. Pay on Local Platforms:

AMEX gift cards are accepted at select locations in Nigeria, including supermarkets, restaurants, and hotels, primarily in major cities such as Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt. 

This advantage is especially true if you are paying online; for example, if you want to book a hotel reservation, shop, or order a meal online in Nigeria. Your AMEX gift card will come in handy. Be sure to look out for the American Express logo at checkout. 

3. Book Flights and Travel:

If you travel abroad often, it will interest you to know that major carriers like American Airlines and Delta Airlines allow you to book flights with your AMEX gift cards. 

Many other international carriers also offer this service; some operators even provide the added flexibility of split payments, allowing you to cover any remaining balance with your credit card. That’s like having a solid backup option in case plan A fails.

Hotel booking is another solid use case. Let’s say you’re planning a vacation; you would need to book not only a flight but also a hotel. In this scenario, your AMEX gift cards will be very useful. You don’t need to expose your credit card, which is linked to your bank account, to any unnecessary risks.

4. Sell for Cash:

While you have many options for using your AMEX gift card, you can always sell it if you feel stuck. However, selling your AMEX gift card for cash is not only a default option but also a fantastic one as well.

This is even more so when you leverage platforms like Cardtonic that make the entire process straightforward. Best of all, you get the best rate and speedy payout once your gift card has been reviewed.

Cardtonic lets you trade gift cards with high reliability and dependability. The app is not only intuitive but also seamless, boasting advanced encryption to protect your data. Moreover, you feel protected and secure with Cardtonic.

To sell your AMEX gift card, simply log into the Cardtonic platform, tap “Sell Gift Card”, and then select the gift card type and category. In this instance, an AMEX gift card. Then, enter the gift card amount, supply the code, or upload images, and hit submit. That’s very much it. Your request will be reviewed, and you will be able to withdraw if deemed successful.

You can watch the full guide below to see how to sell your AMEX gift card on Cardtonic.

5. Gift to Someone:

You can actually gift your card to someone, either locally or abroad. In the first case, it could be a friend, relative, or even someone who needs help or is involved in a charitable cause.

In the second case, you can actually gift someone, say, in the US, where AMEX gift cards are highly popular. Your giftee can use it to shop online or sell it for cash.

Advantages of Having an AMEX Gift Card

AMEX gift cards come with several benefits: first, they are widely accepted; second, your credit card balance does not expire; and third, they charge no redemption fees.

1. They are Widely Accepted: 

Ask me for a gift card that is accepted across millions of locations globally, and I will hand you an AMEX gift card. Indeed, the latest research indicates that 99% percent of US merchants who take credit cards now accept AMEX. 

I’m sure you know what that means. It indicates that most US merchants are highly likely to accept AMEX gift cards just like their credit card counterparts. You can use them to shop online globally and not be stuck with a designated store or brand. And then, like other open-loop cards, AMEX gift cards can be used to pay for items practically everywhere American Express is accepted.

In Nigeria, it’s no different; AMEX gift cards are accepted at select locations within the country. Just look out for the American Express logo.

2. Your Credit Doesn’t Expire: 

AMEX gift cards do not expire, but they do have a valid-through date. What that means is that once this date is reached, you cannot use the current card, but you are eligible to get a replacement if you still have funds left.

Thus, the balance on your gift card is timeless; it never gets lost. You can request to replace your expired gift card and add the funds to your new card. 

3. No Extra Fees:

AMEX gift cards have zero redemption fees, unlike regular debit cards, which often incur maintenance expenses and other fees. Once you purchase them, you enjoy your digital asset without worrying about other costs. 

In contrast, popular names like Visa or Mastercard gift cards charge an activation fee. And these fees often vary with the card value, i.e., the higher the value of your card, the more fees you’re charged.

Frequently Asked Questions About AMEX Gift Cards Usage

1. How Much is an AMEX Gift Card $100 to Naira?

The value of a $100 American Express (AMEX) gift card in Nigeria usually ranges between ₦23,000 and ₦30,000, depending on the current exchange rate and card type. To know the exact and most up-to-date rate, it’s best to use the Rate Calculator on the Cardtonic website or app.

2. Can I Use an AMEX Gift Card for Everyday Purchases in Nigeria?

While AMEX gift cards are not quite popular in the country, they are accepted at a few select retailers. You must look out for the American Express logo or places where American Express credit cards are accepted; there, you can use your AMEX gift card for everyday purchases.

3. How Do I Activate My AMEX Gift Card?

To activate your AMEX gift card, head to the AMEX gift card website. Then fill out your card information in the boxes provided. Be sure to follow the prompt, confirm and submit. Then wait for a confirmation message, and you’re good to go.

4. What is the Limit on American Express Gift Cards?

American Express gift cards typically come with preloaded limits ranging from $25 to $3,000, depending on where and how they’re purchased. For personal use, most AMEX gift cards sold online or in retail stores fall between $25, $50, $100, $250, and $500 denominations.

However, for business or bulk purchases, American Express allows higher-value cards, up to $3,000 per card.

5. How Can I Use an American Express Gift Card on Amazon?

The first step to using an American Express gift card on Amazon is to activate it. Once done, add your AMEX gift card as a payment option on Amazon. You will be required to fill out the card details. Upon completion, proceed to shop on Amazon and select an AMEX gift card as a payment option at checkout.

Conclusion

American Express gift card usage isn’t limited to cashing out for high rates on Cardtonic. You could use them to shop online, both locally and internationally; book flights and hotels; sell them for cash; or even give them out if you feel generous.

They may not be as popular as Amazon gift cards, but they are highly sought after in Nigeria and certainly offer several advantages. Most importantly, their open-loop nature allows them to be accepted anywhere American Express is accepted.