Top-performing organizations understand that the power of rewards lies not only in cost but also in choice, flexibility, and meaningful impact.
While many companies lean toward versatile reward options like gift cards, travel, and merchandise, the type of gift card chosen can significantly influence recipient satisfaction and perceived value.
Among these, American Express (Amex) gift cards are a recognizable and trusted option for rewarding employees, clients, and partners.
But can Amex gift cards be used internationally, and how do they compare with other global reward solutions like Mastercard or Visa?
In this guide, we’ll break down what international Amex gift cards are, their unique benefits, the limitations you need to be aware of, and where you can purchase them.
Whether you’re designing a global recognition program or simply sending a meaningful gift across borders, this article will help you decide if Amex gift cards are the right solution for your needs.
In most cases, American Express gift cards are limited to use within the United States and its territories, meaning they cannot be used for purchases abroad.
Unlike Mastercard or Visa gift cards—which are widely accepted worldwide—Amex gift cards generally do not function as international payment tools due to network restrictions and merchant acceptance differences across countries.
Because of this, Amex gift cards are best suited for U.S.-based recipients. Businesses should carefully consider this limitation when planning global reward programs, as participants outside the U.S. will often be unable to redeem Amex gift cards.
If your goal is to provide rewards that work seamlessly across borders, international options such as Mastercard or Visa prepaid cards are a better fit.
With Toasty, you can launch an international gift card program in minutes—completely free—empowering recipients to spend flexibly wherever they are.
American Express gift cards are widely available in the United States and can be purchased through various channels, both online and offline. These cards are typically offered in fixed denominations, ranging from $25 up to $3,000, depending on the provider.
You can get an Amex gift card from:
American Express website – The most direct option, offering both personal and business gift cards with customization features. If you’re interested in purchasing larger denominations (generally anything over $100), the Amex website is usually the best place to go.
Retail stores – Many major retailers and grocery chains carry physical Amex gift cards in-store. Be aware that these purchases often include a purchase fee, typically ranging from $3 to $5 depending on the card’s denomination.
Banks and financial institutions – Select U.S. banks offer Amex-branded gift cards as part of their product lineup, though availability can vary by institution.
Keep in mind the cards are not designed for international use, and applicable fees should be factored in when planning your gifting program.
With Toasty, sending and receiving international gift cards is incredibly simple. All you need is the recipient’s email address, and the gift card is delivered directly to their inbox, accessible from anywhere in the world.
Alternatively, senders can choose to download the gift card links and share them via SMS or other messaging platforms at their convenience.
Recipients can redeem their gift cards easily on any desktop or mobile device with just a few clicks—no account registration or complicated steps required. This effortless delivery and redemption process makes global gifting straightforward and stress-free.
Toasty offers three main types of prepaid cards designed to meet different needs:
Visa Reward Virtual Account:
For the best all-in-one alternative, consider the Toasty Choice Card. It offers recipients the flexibility to select from hundreds of popular brands across more than 90 countries.
With this option, there’s no need to worry about what to send or where your recipients are located—everyone gets to choose the gift that suits them best.
No, American Express gift cards are generally not reloadable. Each card is issued with a fixed value that cannot be added to after purchase.
No, Amex gift cards cannot be used to withdraw cash at ATMs. They are designed for purchases only and do not support cash advances.
No, balances from multiple Amex gift cards cannot be transferred or combined onto a single card. Each gift card maintains its own separate balance.
Fees vary by issuer but typically include a purchase fee ranging from $3 to $5.
Amex gift cards usually come in fixed denominations, commonly ranging from $25 up to $3,000 or more, depending on the provider.
Popular alternatives include international Mastercard and Visa prepaid cards, which offer wider global acceptance and more flexibility for cross-border use.
No, Toasty is completely free to use.