Have you ever been so excited to receive a gift card for your birthday, the holidays, or maybe just as a thank you? You use it to treat yourself to something nice, but you end up not using the whole balance. You have 2.14 left on the card, but no idea how to use up that last little bit of change. There is a really easy way to get that money off of that gift card and into something that you will use it for. Here’s the kicker: it involves Amazon. Here’s a quick tutorial on how to use up low balance gift cards.
Disclaimer: This tutorial only works for gift cards from major credit card companies like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Since these cards are already viewed as pre-paid credit, they work well for this tutorial. There is a great way to use up store gift cards. If you would like to see that tutorial posted, leave a comment below.
Step 1: Find out the balance of your card
This is the most difficult part of the whole process. You will have to tediously call each phone number on the back of each gift card to find out the balance. Either write the balance in marker on the back or front, or write it on a sticky note and place that on the card.
Step 2: Sign into your Amazon.com account
While Amazon does force you to do this step later, why not get it out of the way now? It’s important to log in so your “purchase” is documented on your account.
Step 3: Click on the “Gift Cards” link above the search bar
You could also type in “Gift Cards” in the search bar, but just click the link. It’s easier.
Step 4: Choose “Email” under Instant Delivery
Step 5: Choose your delivery type and design
You will be emailing this to yourself, so no need to pick anything fancy or specific.
Step 6: Choose “set my own” on the Amount drop-down, then add the amount that is on the gift card.
Step 7: Type in your email address under “Recipient E-mail” and your name under “Your Name.”
Also, set the delivery date to “Now” and click purchase.
Step 8: Choose “add new card” and type in all pertinent information
It will ask for a first and last name, so just put your name there. Click continue.
Step 9: Confirm your purchase
Step 10: Look for an email from amazon with your new amazon gift code!
There will have interactions on how to add the code to your account, and utilize it for a future purchase.
After completing these steps, you’ll have those balances waiting for you the next time you log into Amazon to make a purchase.
My friend Robyn has a great tutorial sharing how to transfer small gift card balances to bank or paypal accounts. Be sure to check that out, as well.
I hope this helps you in some way. If it does, please use the share buttons below to share with friends and family.