When it comes to gifts, everyone enjoys a gift card or gift cheque. But which should you choose to give? We offer both American Express Gift Card and American Express Gift Cheques for your convenience.
Our Frequently Asked Questions below for American Express Gift Cardsand Gift Cheques can help you make the right choice.
Gift Card FAQsWhat Gift Card denominations are available at Chevy Chase Bank?
You may select from five preloaded denominations of $25, $50, $100, $200, and $500 at Chevy Chase Bank branches to make it easy for you to give the right gift for various occasions.
Do Gift Cards include the gift recipient's name on the Card?
Gift Cards purchased at a Chevy Chase Bank branch are generically embossed with "Gift Card Recipient." The Gift Card comes packaged in an elegant gold envelope along with a note card that can be used to personalize the gift. Special occasion envelopes are also available at Chevy Chase Bank branches to offer added opportunities for personalization.
Is the American Express Gift Card a credit card or a debit card?
Neither. The Gift Card is a prepaid card with a set dollar value that is embossed on the front. It offers you credit/debit card-like conveniences for making purchases.
Does the Gift Card come ready to use?
Yes, it is ready to use. You do not need to activate the Gift Card before you use it.
Can I use the Gift Card anywhere?
American Express Gift Cards can be used at most U.S. merchants and restaurants that accept the American Express Card, both in-store and online. The Card is not for use for the following: airline, hotel, car rental, telecom, gasoline merchants or ATMs.
What do I need to do to use my Gift Card?
Simply sign the back of the Card and present the Gift Card at the time of payment and sign the receipt.
Does the Gift Card expire?
The Card itself expires, but the funds do not. The expiration date is embossed on the Card. After the Card expiration date, any remaining funds on the Card can either be refunded or the Card can be replaced. To do this, you should call American Express Gift Card Customer Service at 1-877-AXP-GIFT (1-877-297-4438).
How do I obtain a refund for a lost, stolen or damaged Card?
If a Card is ever lost, stolen or damaged, the remaining funds on the Card can be replaced, usually within 24 hours. You may call American Express Gift Card Customer Service at 1-877-AXP-GIFT (1-877-297-4438) to open a refund claim. After the lost, stolen, or damaged Card is cancelled, American Express will send a new one with the value of the amount left on the original Card at the time of notification. There is a $5.95 replacement fee.
Note: It is important that you have a copy of the Purchase Record and that you keep it separate from the Gift Card. The Gift Card’s 15-digit number is required in case of loss or theft.
How do I obtain information about remaining funds available on my Gift Card?
You may obtain balance information by calling American Express Gift Card Customer Service at 1-877-AXP-GIFT (1-877-297-4438) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Or, you may visit the American Express website at www.americanexpress.com, click on Gift Cards and then click on "See Available Funds and History."
How do I learn about the Card details such as how to obtain balance information or report lost/stolen Cards?
The Gift Card comes with a Cardholder Booklet that provides the terms and conditions, FAQs, and toll-free Customer Service numbers.
What is the service fee for American Express Gift Cards at Chevy Chase Bank?
There is no Gift Card service fee for Platinum Banking Package customers. For non-Platinum Banking Package customers, the nominal service fee is $3.95.
What is an American Express Gift Cheque?
A Gift Cheque is a pre-paid paper-based product similar to Travelers Cheques but for gift giving purposes. Gift Cheques are popular for those who give monetary gifts because they are attractive, prestigious, and safer than cash.
What Gift Cheque denominations are available at Chevy Chase Bank?
You are able to choose from three popular Gift Cheque denominations – $25, $50, and $100.
Where are Gift Cheques accepted?
Gift Cheque may be used at most US retail locations, hotels, and restaurants - anywhere that checks are accepted. In addition to having the ability to use a Gift Cheque to purchase a gift of your choice, you may also use gift cheques to obtain cash or to make a deposit into a bank account.
What happens if a Gift Cheque is lost or stolen?
Gift Cheques are refundable to either the gift giver or the recipient if lost or stolen, making them safer than cash or other gift certificates.
What do I need to do to use my Gift Cheque?
You should sign the upper left corner of the Gift Cheque immediately upon receipt. Then present it as payment at any US merchant where checks are accepted or deposit it into a bank account.
Do Gift Cheques have an expiration date?
No. Gift Cheques do not have an expiration date and may be used at any time.
In what scenario might a Gift Cheque be a better choice than a Gift Card?
The key difference between Gift Cheques and Gift Cards is the ability to deposit cheques into a bank account. Therefore, Gift Cheques may be the better choice if you would like to contribute toward a larger purchase (e.g., wedding gift that helps with household furnishings, graduation gift that helps with college expenses).
What is the service fee for American Express Gift Cheques at Chevy Chase Bank?
No-fee Gift Cheques are one of the rewards for Platinum Banking Package customers. Non-Platinum Banking Package customers may purchase Gift Cheques for a nominal service fee of $2.95.