Internet, Networking, & Security Around the Web How to Redeem Amazon Gift Cards Grab some necessities, or take the sting off a big purchase By Jordan Baranowski Writer Jordan Baranowski is a former Lifewire writer and educator with experience writing for SVG, The Nerd Stash, and Feast Magazine. our editorial process Twitter LinkedIn Jordan Baranowski Updated June 04, 2019 apcuk / Getty Images Around the Web How to Get a VPN Tweet Share Email Amazon gift cards are a perfect way to say thank you, congratulations, or just let someone know you care. With their fast shipping and huge selection, it would be almost impossible not to put an Amazon gift card to good use. If you've received one, there are multiple ways to apply your gift card to an Amazon purchase. Apply Your Gift Card Balance Directly to Your Amazon Account The easiest way to make sure you're using all of your gift card balance is by applying it directly to your Amazon account. Login to your Amazon account. If you're not logged in automatically when you load the Amazon page, select Sign In near the top-right corner. Locate the Claim Code on your Amazon gift card. On physical cards, you may need to scratch off a coating or pull a tab to reveal it. The Claim Code and the card's Serial Number are two different things. The serial number is usually at the very bottom of the card and is a series of sixteen or more numbers. The Claim Code is usually shorter, and has a combination of letters and numbers. On your Amazon Account Page, select Gift cards, located near the top of the page. Select Redeem a Gift Card, enter the Claim Code, then select Apply to your balance. On your next Amazon purchase, the gift card will automatically be applied. You can always return to the Gift Card Account Page to see if you have any balance remaining in your account. When going through the Checkout process of an Amazon purchase, you can select the option to not use the gift card balance if you'd prefer to hold on to it for a later purchase. How to Apply Amazon Gift Card Directly to a Purchase It's recommended you apply the gift card directly to your account as soon as you can so you won't have to locate the card when you want to use it. That said, you can use a gift card directly during the checkout process, if you're so inclined. Add whatever items you are purchasing to your Amazon Cart. When you are finished shopping, select Checkout. Once on the Checkout page, you'll have several options to enter shipping and payment information. The first step listed will be your payment information; Step 2 will give you the option to input a gift card or promotional code. Locate the Claim Code on your Amazon gift card and enter it in the appropriate field, then select Apply. The gift card's balance is automatically deducted from your total. If you have leftover balance on your gift card, it will remain in your Amazon account for your next purchase.