AMAZON gift cards are a popular alternative to a Christmas present when you just don’t know what to get for someone.
They can easily be spent online, not to mention the millions of items to choose from that are likely to satisfy even the fussiest of people.
Shoppers should do their research before buying a gift card though as purchasing one comes with a few risks.
Here, we take you through everything you need to know about Amazon gift cards, from where to buy one to what to look out for.
Amazon gift cards can be purchased directly from the online retail giant.
If you go to the online retailer’s gift cards section, you can choose what style of card you want and the occasion it’s celebrating, whether that’s Christmas, a Birthday, wedding or just a simple thank you.
There’s a range of other ways you can present the gift card too – from a tin to a teddy bear.
Or you can choose to print the card yourself at home.
You can even dispense of the real life card altogether, instead sending an e-gift voucher via email or text message.
After you’ve decided whether you want to go for an e-gift card, gift box, gift bag, print at home or any other kind of Amazon voucher, then, decide how much credit you want on the card.
You can choose between £1 and £1,000 and you can also pick any add-ons, then you’re good to go.
You don’t have to get your gift cards from Amazon directly, although it’s where you’ll find the greatest range of options.
Elsewhere, you can pick up Amazon gift cards at any of the following stores in person, usually at the checkout.
Gift cards from shops can be found in denominations of £5, £10, £20 & £25.
Amazon gift cards expire 10 years after the date they are issued.
This goes for whether you buy them direct from Amazon or if you get them from another store.
It also applies to e-gift vouchers and ones you print out yourself.
Gift cards are not cash and they rely on the retailer honouring the money you’ve paid.
They can expire, meaning you lose out, although Amazon vouchers do last longer than many.
If a retailer goes bust they can change the terms and conditions and stop accepting them entirely in the worst case.
Gift vouchers for Topshop, Dorothy Perkins and Miss Selfridge for example, are only being accepted for 50% of the purchase after Arcadia went into administration.
Martin Lewis has warned shoppers not to give gift vouchers as presents for this very reason.
He also warned anyone with a Topshop voucher of gift card for other Arcadia-owned stores should use them up as soon as possible.
As always when shopping – online or otherwise – it’s important to keep your eyes peeled for gift card scams.
Amazon offers its own advice for avoiding fraudsters, including never giving any gift card details to someone you don’t know or trust.
Many scammers now take advantage of coronavirus. These scams could involve people asking for your voucher codes for specific health treatments.
Another one is links on social media offering free Amazon vouchers. Don’t be tempted – they will ask you for personal and financial information and you’ll end up out of pocket.
Amazon adds that gift cards can only be used for payments on Amazon.com, and should not be used to pay anyone else or another business.
Another key tip to remember is that if something seems to good to be true, then it probably is.
Avoid Amazon scammers this Christmas with our handy A-Z guide.
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