Amazon.com has grown to be a commonly known, and now commonly used site to shop for just about anything one could want. This being the case, Amazon gift cards, or gift codes in any number of denominations, have become just as popular. Not only are these given as gifts, or used to "bank" money for one's personal shopping, they are quite frequently offered as prizes in giveaways.
Even so, not everyone has yet had the chance to experience the thrills of shopping or using a gift code on Amazon.com. These things can sometimes be intimidating to a new user. So, today's post will help those who've never tried it before.
What is a gift code?
Often, gift code and gift card are used interchangably. Another term often used is eGift card. The one difference in the three terms is that the gift card can be in physical form, much like a credit card. Gift codes and eGift cards are generally received by email. The email will contain in it a code, which is a combination of letters and numbers. The physical gift card will have a similar code on the back. Both codes can be used in the same way.
What do you do with one?
In order to use an Amazon gift code, you will need to have an Amazon account. You can log into it
HERE. If you don't yet have an account, you can create one through the same link.
Your gift card will be for a specific amount, designated by its purchaser. For example, if you've won a giveaway for a $100 Amazon gift card, then the gift code you receive will be in the amount of $100. The gift code will allow you to purchase goods through Amazon and to pay for shipping, without having to pay anything out of pocket, until you reach its limit.
How do you use it?
Log into your account with Amazon.com. Near the top right of the page, you will see a menu item labeled "Your Account." Once you click it, a drop-down menu will appear. You will see a heading called "Orders & Account." Under this heading, click on the drop-down label that again says "Your Account."
Once the next page loads, you will see a list of menu items on the left side of the screen, each within a box containing more menu items. Look for "Amazon Wallet." This will be the second box from the top. Within this box, to the far right, you will see the heading "Gift Cards." Under this heading, click on the link that says "Apply a Gift Card to Your Account."
The next page displays a heading which states "Redeem or check value of a gift card." The long, rectangular box you see in this area is where you will enter the series of letters and numbers that comprise your gift code.
Once you've entered that series of numbers and letters into the box, you can check your gift card's balance by clicking the "Check" button. Then, click the button labeled "Apply to your balance." This will credit your Amazon account with the amount of the gift card.
What then?
Once the amount shows as being credited to your account (which should generally take only a moment), then go shopping! Your gift card will automatically show up in your shopping cart when you're ready to check out. It will become the first payment option chosen, automatically. If you wish to save it for some time later, you can choose another form of payment, and it will stay in your account for as long as you'd like!
Now, you can freely enter all of those giveaways for Amazon gift cards, armed with the knowledge that you, too, can use these!
Good Luck!
