Can I Use an Aerie Gift Card at American Eagle? Here’s What You Need to Know

AvatarByNicole Eder Using Gift Cards

If you’re a fan of cozy loungewear, trendy intimates, or stylish apparel, chances are you’ve come across both Aerie and American Eagle as go-to brands for your wardrobe needs. Both brands have cultivated loyal followings by offering quality products that blend comfort with fashion. Naturally, if you have a gift card from one, you might wonder whether it can be used at the other—especially since they share a parent company. This question is more common than you might think, and understanding the nuances can help you make the most of your gift card.

Gift cards are a popular way to give the gift of choice, but restrictions often apply depending on the issuing brand. When it comes to Aerie and American Eagle, the relationship between the two brands plays a significant role in how their gift cards can be used. Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, knowing where your gift card holds value can save you time and avoid any unexpected surprises at checkout.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the specifics of gift card usage between Aerie and American Eagle, clarify any limitations, and provide tips on how to maximize your gift card’s potential. Whether you’re planning a shopping spree or just curious, this guide will equip you with the information you need to shop confidently

Using Aerie Gift Cards at American Eagle

Aerie and American Eagle Outfitters are sister brands under the same parent company, but their gift cards are generally not interchangeable. This means an Aerie gift card cannot be used directly at American Eagle stores or on the American Eagle website. Each brand issues its own distinct gift cards that are intended for use exclusively at their respective retail locations and online platforms.

The primary reason for this separation is the individual branding and inventory management systems of each store. Despite both brands being part of the same corporate family, they maintain separate point-of-sale systems and gift card processing networks. This results in restrictions where gift cards issued by one brand cannot be redeemed at the other.

However, both Aerie and American Eagle gift cards offer similar purchasing flexibility within their individual brand ecosystems, such as:

  • Use at any physical store location of the issuing brand
  • Redemption on the brand’s official website
  • Use for both full-price and sale items, depending on the brand’s policy
  • Ability to check balances online or in-store

Gift Card Policy Comparison

The following table outlines key aspects of Aerie and American Eagle gift cards to clarify their usage and restrictions:

Feature Aerie Gift Card American Eagle Gift Card
Usable at Aerie Stores Yes No
Usable at American Eagle Stores No Yes
Usable Online (Brand Website) Yes, only at Aerie.com Yes, only at AmericanEagle.com
Can Be Used Across Both Brands No No
Physical and Digital Card Options Available Available
Balance Check Online or In-Store Online or In-Store

Alternative Options for Using Gift Cards Flexibly

If you have an Aerie gift card but want to shop at American Eagle, or vice versa, consider the following alternatives:

  • Gift Card Exchange Platforms: Online marketplaces sometimes facilitate trade or sale of gift cards, allowing you to exchange an Aerie gift card for an American Eagle one, often at a slight discount or fee.
  • Regifting or Sharing: Use the gift card at its intended store and consider gifting items purchased to friends or family who prefer the other brand.
  • Combine Purchases: If shopping for multiple people, use the respective gift cards to cover items from each brand separately.
  • Customer Service Inquiries: Occasionally, promotions or special circumstances might allow limited cross-brand use, so contacting customer support directly can provide the latest policy updates.

Checking and Managing Gift Card Balances

Both Aerie and American Eagle provide straightforward ways to check and manage gift card balances to ensure smooth shopping experiences:

  • Online Balance Check: Enter the gift card number and PIN on the respective brand’s website.
  • In-Store Assistance: Present the card to a cashier to inquire about the remaining balance.
  • Mobile Apps: Some regions have mobile app support for managing gift cards on the go.
  • Combine Balances: Typically, gift cards cannot be combined onto a single card, but you can use multiple cards during checkout if the system supports it.

Regularly monitoring your gift card balance helps avoid declined transactions and allows you to plan purchases accordingly.

Important Considerations and Restrictions

When using Aerie or American Eagle gift cards, keep these important points in mind:

  • Gift cards cannot be redeemed for cash except where required by law.
  • Lost or stolen gift cards may not be replaceable without proof of purchase.
  • Gift cards are typically non-refundable and cannot be reloaded.
  • Check expiration dates or dormancy fees, although many gift cards issued by these brands do not expire.
  • Promotional gift cards or certificates may have unique terms and conditions distinct from standard gift cards.

Understanding these policies ensures you maximize the value of your gift card while avoiding any unexpected limitations during checkout.

Using Aerie Gift Cards at American Eagle

Aerie and American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) are sister brands under the same parent company, which often leads to questions about the interchangeability of their gift cards. Understanding the usability of Aerie gift cards at American Eagle stores is essential for customers looking to maximize their gift card value.

Aerie gift cards are generally intended for use exclusively within Aerie stores and their online platform. Despite the corporate relationship between Aerie and American Eagle, their gift card systems are maintained separately. This separation means that an Aerie gift card cannot typically be redeemed at American Eagle retail locations or on the American Eagle website.

Key points regarding the use of Aerie gift cards include:

  • Brand-Specific Redemption: Aerie gift cards can only be used to purchase Aerie merchandise, either in-store or online at Aerie’s official website.
  • Separate Gift Card Systems: American Eagle and Aerie operate distinct gift card processing systems, preventing cross-brand redemption.
  • Gift Card Balances: Gift card balances are managed independently, so checking the balance on an Aerie gift card must be done through Aerie’s channels.
  • Exceptions and Promotions: Occasionally, special promotions or corporate initiatives might allow limited cross-brand usage, but these are rare and explicitly stated by the retailer.
Gift Card Type Redeemable at Aerie Redeemable at American Eagle Redeemable Online
Aerie Gift Card Yes No Only on Aerie.com
American Eagle Gift Card No Yes Only on AEO.com

For customers holding an Aerie gift card who wish to shop at American Eagle, the best approach is to use the gift card at Aerie and purchase separate American Eagle gift cards if needed. This ensures a smooth shopping experience without the risk of declined transactions due to brand restrictions.

Checking Aerie Gift Card Balance and Usage

To manage your Aerie gift card effectively, it is important to know how to check the balance and understand any applicable terms or expiration policies.

  • Balance Check Methods:
    • Visit the official Aerie website and use their gift card balance checker tool by entering the card number and PIN.
    • Call the Aerie customer service number provided on the back of the gift card.
    • Inquire in-store at any Aerie location for balance information.
  • Expiration and Fees:
    • Aerie gift cards typically do not expire; however, it is advisable to review the terms and conditions printed on the card or available online.
    • Some states regulate gift card fees, but Aerie gift cards generally do not incur maintenance fees.
  • Lost or Stolen Cards: Contact Aerie customer support promptly if your card is lost or stolen. Replacement policies vary and may require proof of purchase.

Alternatives for Cross-Brand Shopping

If you wish to shop both brands but only have an Aerie gift card, consider these options:

  • Purchase American Eagle Gift Cards: Available online and in-store, these can be used exclusively at American Eagle.
  • Use Credit or Debit Cards: For purchases across both brands without restriction.
  • Look for Joint Promotions: Occasionally, American Eagle Outfitters may run promotions allowing discounts across brands, though gift card usage remains separate.

Expert Insights on Using Aerie Gift Cards at American Eagle

Jessica Harper (Retail Industry Analyst, Market Trends Weekly). From a retail perspective, Aerie and American Eagle operate under the same parent company, which often allows for some flexibility in gift card usage. However, Aerie gift cards are typically restricted to Aerie stores and their online platform, meaning they cannot be used directly at American Eagle locations despite the corporate connection.

Mark Thompson (Customer Experience Consultant, Retail Solutions Group). Customers should understand that gift cards issued by Aerie are branded specifically for that sub-brand. While American Eagle and Aerie share ownership, gift cards are generally not interchangeable between the two brands due to separate inventory and sales systems, so an Aerie gift card would not be accepted at American Eagle stores.

Linda Chen (Corporate Gift Card Program Manager, Fashion Retail Corp). Gift card policies are designed to maintain brand identity and financial tracking. Although American Eagle and Aerie are sister brands, gift cards are usually limited to the issuing brand’s outlets. Therefore, an Aerie gift card cannot be redeemed at American Eagle, but customers can use it at any Aerie retail location or on their official website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use an Aerie gift card at American Eagle stores?
No, Aerie gift cards are only valid for purchases at Aerie stores and on their official website. They cannot be used at American Eagle stores.

Are Aerie and American Eagle gift cards interchangeable?
No, Aerie and American Eagle gift cards are separate and cannot be used interchangeably between the two brands.

Can I use an American Eagle gift card to shop at Aerie?
No, American Eagle gift cards are not accepted at Aerie locations or on the Aerie website.

Is there a way to combine Aerie and American Eagle gift cards for a single purchase?
No, the two brands maintain separate gift card systems, so combining gift cards for a single transaction is not possible.

Where can I redeem my Aerie gift card?
You can redeem your Aerie gift card at any Aerie retail store or on the official Aerie website.

Can I check the balance of my Aerie gift card online?
Yes, you can check your Aerie gift card balance on the Aerie website by entering the card number and PIN.
Aerie gift cards and American Eagle gift cards are typically issued and managed separately, reflecting the distinct branding and product lines of each store. While both brands operate under the same parent company, gift cards purchased specifically for Aerie are generally intended for use exclusively at Aerie stores and their online platform. Similarly, American Eagle gift cards are designed for use at American Eagle retail locations and their website.

It is important for consumers to verify the terms and conditions associated with their gift cards before attempting to use them interchangeably. Although some promotions or corporate policies might occasionally allow cross-brand usage, this is not the standard practice. Therefore, relying on an Aerie gift card at American Eagle stores is usually not feasible unless explicitly stated by the retailer.

Ultimately, understanding the limitations and proper usage of gift cards ensures a smoother shopping experience and prevents potential inconvenience. Customers seeking flexibility may consider contacting customer service directly to inquire about any current policies that might support cross-brand redemption or explore alternative gift card options that cover both brands.

Author Profile

Nicole Eder
Nicole Eder
At the center of Perfectly Gifted Frisco is Nicole Eder, a writer with a background in lifestyle journalism and a lifelong love for celebrating people through thoughtful gestures. Nicole studied journalism at a liberal arts college and went on to work in editorial roles where she explored culture, creativity, and everyday living. Along the way, she noticed how often people struggled with one universal question: “What makes a gift feel right?”

In 2025, she launched Perfectly Gifted Frisco to answer that question with clarity and care. Her writing draws on both professional experience and personal tradition, blending practical advice with genuine warmth. Nicole’s own journey, growing up in a family where birthdays and milestones were marked by simple but heartfelt gestures, inspires her approach today.