"Amazon Gift Card Already Redeemed" — What to Do
Seeing "already redeemed" when you try to use an Amazon gift card is frustrating, especially if you just bought it or received it as a gift. As of August 2026, this issue remains one of the most common problems Amazon gift card users face in Nigeria and worldwide. The message means someone has already applied the card's value to an Amazon account—but that doesn't always mean you're out of options.
This guide explains why cards show as redeemed, what you can do about it, and how to protect yourself from buying used cards in the future.
Why a Card Shows "Already Redeemed"
When you enter a gift card code at amazon.com and see "already redeemed," it means the code has been previously added to an Amazon account. Here are the most common reasons:
Someone else used it before you. If you bought the card from a third-party seller, marketplace, or reseller, they may have already redeemed it or sold the same code multiple times. This is common with physical cards purchased outside official retail channels or digital codes bought from unverified sources.
It was redeemed by mistake. The person who gave you the card might have accidentally applied it to their own Amazon account instead of leaving it unused. This happens more often than you'd think, especially with e-gift cards sent via email.
The card was compromised. Gift card codes can be stolen through card tampering (scratching off the code in stores and resealing the card) or phishing scams. Once the code is exposed, scammers redeem it before the legitimate buyer tries to use it.
You already redeemed it yourself. If you've received multiple Amazon gift cards recently, you might have already added this one to your account and forgotten. Check your Amazon account balance and gift card activity to confirm.
The seller scammed you. Some fraudulent sellers provide codes they've already used or codes that were never valid. This is especially common on informal platforms, social media marketplaces, and peer-to-peer transactions.
For Nigerians looking to verify or sell Amazon gift cards instead of using them, Cardhorse provides real-time rates at https://www.cardhorse.com/
What to Do If You Bought It Yourself
If you purchased the card directly from a store or authorized retailer and it shows as redeemed, follow these steps:
Step 1. Check your Amazon account activity. Log in to amazon.com, go to Account > Gift Cards, and review your balance and redemption history. If the card appears there, it was already added to your account and the value is available to use.
Step 2. Contact the retailer. If you bought a physical card from a store (supermarket, electronics shop, etc.), return to the store with your receipt. Explain that the card was already redeemed when you tried to use it. Most authorized retailers will investigate and issue a replacement or refund if the card was tampered with before purchase.
Step 3. Contact Amazon support. Go to amazon.com/contact-us and select "Gift Cards" as your issue. Provide the card number, purchase receipt, and any packaging. Amazon can check redemption history and may issue a replacement if the card was compromised before you bought it. Response time is typically 24-48 hours.
Step 4. File a dispute with your payment method. If the retailer and Amazon both decline to help, and you paid by card or mobile money, contact your bank or payment provider to dispute the charge. Provide documentation showing the card was already redeemed.
What to Do If Someone Gave It to You
If you received the card as a gift and it shows as redeemed:
Step 1. Ask the sender to check their account. The person who gave you the card may have accidentally redeemed it themselves. Ask them to log in to amazon.com and check their gift card balance and activity. If the code appears there, they can transfer the value to you by purchasing an item and shipping it to you, or by sending you a new e-gift card.
Step 2. Verify how they bought it. If they purchased the card from a third-party seller or marketplace, the card may have been used before they bought it. Ask where they got it and whether they have proof of purchase. If they bought it from an unauthorized source, they should contact that seller for a refund or replacement.
Step 3. Contact Amazon together. If the sender has the original purchase receipt and packaging, they can contact Amazon support on your behalf. Amazon is more likely to assist if the original purchaser makes the claim.
How to Avoid Buying Redeemed Cards
Protect yourself from already-redeemed cards by following these precautions:
1. Buy from authorized retailers only. Purchase Amazon gift cards directly from amazon.com, the Amazon app, or verified physical retailers like supermarkets, pharmacies, and electronics stores. Avoid buying from street vendors, social media sellers, or unverified online marketplaces.
2. Inspect physical cards before buying. Check that the protective scratch-off panel covering the code is intact and shows no signs of tampering. If the panel looks disturbed, resealed, or the packaging is damaged, do not buy the card. Choose a different card from the rack.
3. Avoid peer-to-peer sales. Do not buy Amazon gift cards from individuals on WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, or Facebook. Even if the price seems attractive, there is no way to verify the card hasn't already been used. Many scammers sell the same code to multiple buyers.
4. Test the code immediately. If you buy a physical card, redeem it as soon as you get home. If it shows as already redeemed, you can return it to the retailer immediately with your receipt. Waiting days or weeks makes it harder to prove the card was compromised before purchase.
5. Request receipts and packaging. Always keep your purchase receipt and the card's original packaging until you've successfully redeemed the code. These are required if you need to contact the retailer or Amazon for a replacement.
6. Use e-gift cards when possible. E-gift cards sent directly from amazon.com to your email are harder to tamper with and come with a digital transaction record. They're generally safer than physical cards purchased in stores.
If you have an Amazon gift card you'd rather convert to cash than use, Cardhorse offers competitive rates and allows you to check the card's validity before completing a sale. Visit https://www.cardhorse.com/ or download the app at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cardhorse.app to get started.
Still Having Trouble? Convert Your Amazon Gift Card to Cash
If your Amazon gift card issue persists, selling it on Cardhorse is a straightforward option. Check the current rate, submit your card details, and receive payment directly to your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an Amazon gift card that shows as already redeemed?
No. Once a gift card code has been redeemed and applied to an Amazon account, it cannot be used again. The value is permanently tied to the account that redeemed it first. Your only options are to contact the seller or Amazon support for a replacement if the card was compromised.
How do I check if an Amazon gift card has been redeemed?
Log in to amazon.com, go to Account > Gift Cards, and enter the card code. If it shows as already redeemed, you'll see an error message. If it hasn't been used, you can apply it to your account balance. You cannot check redemption status without attempting to redeem the card.
Will Amazon replace an already redeemed gift card?
Amazon may replace the card if you can prove it was compromised before you purchased it. You'll need the original receipt, packaging, and card number. Contact Amazon support at amazon.com/contact-us and select "Gift Cards." Replacements are decided case-by-case and typically take 24-48 hours.
What should I do if I bought a redeemed card from a reseller?
Contact the reseller immediately and request a refund or replacement. If they refuse or are unresponsive, report them to the platform where you made the purchase (if applicable) and consider filing a dispute with your bank or payment provider. Avoid buying from that seller again.
Can I sell an Amazon gift card that I can't use?
Yes. If you have a valid, unredeemed Amazon gift card that you'd rather convert to Naira, platforms like Cardhorse allow you to sell it for cash. You'll need the card code and proof of purchase. Rates vary depending on the card's denomination and current market demand (as of August 2026).
If you have a valid Amazon gift card you'd rather convert to cash instead of dealing with redemption issues, Cardhorse provides real-time rates and fast payment. Funds typically arrive within minutes once your card is verified.
Sell Your Amazon Gift Card on Cardhorse →
Part of: Amazon Gift Cards
Related Guides
- How to Buy Amazon Gift Card in Nigeria – Step-by-Step Guide
- How to Sell Amazon Gift Card in Nigeria for Instant Cash
- Top Amazon Gift Card Scams to Avoid in Nigeria
Prev : Where Can I Sell a UC Uber Card Gift Card?
Next : Amazon Gift Card Pros and Cons for Nigerian Users
Seeing "already redeemed" when you try to use an Amazon gift card is frustrating, especially if you just bought it or received it as a gift. As of August 2026, this issue remains one of the most common problems Amazon gift card users face in Nigeria and worldwide. The message means someone has already applied the card's value to an Amazon account—but that doesn't always mean you're out of options.
This guide explains why cards show as redeemed, what you can do about it, and how to protect yourself from buying used cards in the future.
Why a Card Shows "Already Redeemed"
When you enter a gift card code at amazon.com and see "already redeemed," it means the code has been previously added to an Amazon account. Here are the most common reasons:
Someone else used it before you. If you bought the card from a third-party seller, marketplace, or reseller, they may have already redeemed it or sold the same code multiple times. This is common with physical cards purchased outside official retail channels or digital codes bought from unverified sources.
It was redeemed by mistake. The person who gave you the card might have accidentally applied it to their own Amazon account instead of leaving it unused. This happens more often than you'd think, especially with e-gift cards sent via email.
The card was compromised. Gift card codes can be stolen through card tampering (scratching off the code in stores and resealing the card) or phishing scams. Once the code is exposed, scammers redeem it before the legitimate buyer tries to use it.
You already redeemed it yourself. If you've received multiple Amazon gift cards recently, you might have already added this one to your account and forgotten. Check your Amazon account balance and gift card activity to confirm.
The seller scammed you. Some fraudulent sellers provide codes they've already used or codes that were never valid. This is especially common on informal platforms, social media marketplaces, and peer-to-peer transactions.
For Nigerians looking to verify or sell Amazon gift cards instead of using them, Cardhorse provides real-time rates at https://www.cardhorse.com/
What to Do If You Bought It Yourself
If you purchased the card directly from a store or authorized retailer and it shows as redeemed, follow these steps:
Step 1. Check your Amazon account activity. Log in to amazon.com, go to Account > Gift Cards, and review your balance and redemption history. If the card appears there, it was already added to your account and the value is available to use.
Step 2. Contact the retailer. If you bought a physical card from a store (supermarket, electronics shop, etc.), return to the store with your receipt. Explain that the card was already redeemed when you tried to use it. Most authorized retailers will investigate and issue a replacement or refund if the card was tampered with before purchase.
Step 3. Contact Amazon support. Go to amazon.com/contact-us and select "Gift Cards" as your issue. Provide the card number, purchase receipt, and any packaging. Amazon can check redemption history and may issue a replacement if the card was compromised before you bought it. Response time is typically 24-48 hours.
Step 4. File a dispute with your payment method. If the retailer and Amazon both decline to help, and you paid by card or mobile money, contact your bank or payment provider to dispute the charge. Provide documentation showing the card was already redeemed.
What to Do If Someone Gave It to You
If you received the card as a gift and it shows as redeemed:
Step 1. Ask the sender to check their account. The person who gave you the card may have accidentally redeemed it themselves. Ask them to log in to amazon.com and check their gift card balance and activity. If the code appears there, they can transfer the value to you by purchasing an item and shipping it to you, or by sending you a new e-gift card.
Step 2. Verify how they bought it. If they purchased the card from a third-party seller or marketplace, the card may have been used before they bought it. Ask where they got it and whether they have proof of purchase. If they bought it from an unauthorized source, they should contact that seller for a refund or replacement.
Step 3. Contact Amazon together. If the sender has the original purchase receipt and packaging, they can contact Amazon support on your behalf. Amazon is more likely to assist if the original purchaser makes the claim.
How to Avoid Buying Redeemed Cards
Protect yourself from already-redeemed cards by following these precautions:
1. Buy from authorized retailers only. Purchase Amazon gift cards directly from amazon.com, the Amazon app, or verified physical retailers like supermarkets, pharmacies, and electronics stores. Avoid buying from street vendors, social media sellers, or unverified online marketplaces.
2. Inspect physical cards before buying. Check that the protective scratch-off panel covering the code is intact and shows no signs of tampering. If the panel looks disturbed, resealed, or the packaging is damaged, do not buy the card. Choose a different card from the rack.
3. Avoid peer-to-peer sales. Do not buy Amazon gift cards from individuals on WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, or Facebook. Even if the price seems attractive, there is no way to verify the card hasn't already been used. Many scammers sell the same code to multiple buyers.
4. Test the code immediately. If you buy a physical card, redeem it as soon as you get home. If it shows as already redeemed, you can return it to the retailer immediately with your receipt. Waiting days or weeks makes it harder to prove the card was compromised before purchase.
5. Request receipts and packaging. Always keep your purchase receipt and the card's original packaging until you've successfully redeemed the code. These are required if you need to contact the retailer or Amazon for a replacement.
6. Use e-gift cards when possible. E-gift cards sent directly from amazon.com to your email are harder to tamper with and come with a digital transaction record. They're generally safer than physical cards purchased in stores.
If you have an Amazon gift card you'd rather convert to cash than use, Cardhorse offers competitive rates and allows you to check the card's validity before completing a sale. Visit https://www.cardhorse.com/ or download the app at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cardhorse.app to get started.
Still Having Trouble? Convert Your Amazon Gift Card to Cash
If your Amazon gift card issue persists, selling it on Cardhorse is a straightforward option. Check the current rate, submit your card details, and receive payment directly to your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an Amazon gift card that shows as already redeemed?
No. Once a gift card code has been redeemed and applied to an Amazon account, it cannot be used again. The value is permanently tied to the account that redeemed it first. Your only options are to contact the seller or Amazon support for a replacement if the card was compromised.
How do I check if an Amazon gift card has been redeemed?
Log in to amazon.com, go to Account > Gift Cards, and enter the card code. If it shows as already redeemed, you'll see an error message. If it hasn't been used, you can apply it to your account balance. You cannot check redemption status without attempting to redeem the card.
Will Amazon replace an already redeemed gift card?
Amazon may replace the card if you can prove it was compromised before you purchased it. You'll need the original receipt, packaging, and card number. Contact Amazon support at amazon.com/contact-us and select "Gift Cards." Replacements are decided case-by-case and typically take 24-48 hours.
What should I do if I bought a redeemed card from a reseller?
Contact the reseller immediately and request a refund or replacement. If they refuse or are unresponsive, report them to the platform where you made the purchase (if applicable) and consider filing a dispute with your bank or payment provider. Avoid buying from that seller again.
Can I sell an Amazon gift card that I can't use?
Yes. If you have a valid, unredeemed Amazon gift card that you'd rather convert to Naira, platforms like Cardhorse allow you to sell it for cash. You'll need the card code and proof of purchase. Rates vary depending on the card's denomination and current market demand (as of August 2026).
If you have a valid Amazon gift card you'd rather convert to cash instead of dealing with redemption issues, Cardhorse provides real-time rates and fast payment. Funds typically arrive within minutes once your card is verified.
Sell Your Amazon Gift Card on Cardhorse →
Part of: Amazon Gift Cards
Related Guides
- How to Buy Amazon Gift Card in Nigeria – Step-by-Step Guide
- How to Sell Amazon Gift Card in Nigeria for Instant Cash
- Top Amazon Gift Card Scams to Avoid in Nigeria
Prev : Where Can I Sell a UC Uber Card Gift Card?
Next : Amazon Gift Card Pros and Cons for Nigerian Users
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