Can Aerie Gift Cards Be Used at American Eagle Stores?

AvatarByNicole Eder Using Gift Cards

When it comes to gifting or treating yourself to trendy apparel and accessories, gift cards offer a convenient and flexible option. If you’re a fan of both Aerie and American Eagle, you might be wondering about the versatility of their gift cards. Specifically, many shoppers ask: Can Aerie gift cards be used at American Eagle? This question is common given the close relationship between the two brands and their shared presence in the fashion market.

Understanding the usability of gift cards across these brands can help you make the most of your purchase or gift. It also sheds light on how these companies manage their retail operations and customer experience. Whether you’re planning to shop in-store or online, knowing where your gift card is accepted can save you time and ensure a smooth shopping experience.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the connection between Aerie and American Eagle, explain the specifics of their gift card policies, and provide helpful tips for maximizing the value of your gift card. This insight will empower you to shop confidently and make informed decisions about your next fashion haul.

Using Aerie Gift Cards at American Eagle

Aerie and American Eagle Outfitters are sister brands under the same parent company, but they operate distinct retail experiences and product lines. When it comes to gift cards, it is important to understand how they function across these brands.

Aerie gift cards are generally designed to be used exclusively at Aerie stores and on the Aerie website. This means that a gift card purchased specifically for Aerie cannot typically be redeemed for purchases made at American Eagle Outfitters locations or on their website. The separation of gift card usability helps maintain brand identity and distinct customer experiences for each brand.

However, American Eagle Outfitters gift cards can usually be used across both American Eagle and Aerie stores. This is because American Eagle gift cards tend to have broader applicability within the parent company’s retail ecosystem.

Key Points on Gift Card Usage

  • Aerie Gift Cards: Valid only at Aerie physical stores and online at Aerie.com.
  • American Eagle Gift Cards: Valid at both American Eagle and Aerie stores and websites.
  • Purchasing: Gift cards should be purchased according to the intended use, especially if the recipient prefers one brand over the other.
  • Returns and Exchanges: Items purchased with an Aerie gift card may need to be returned or exchanged at Aerie stores only.
  • Promotions: Gift card policies may be subject to change during promotions or special events, so checking the terms at the time of purchase is recommended.

Comparison of Gift Card Usability

Gift Card Type Usable at Aerie Stores Usable at American Eagle Stores Usable on Aerie Website Usable on American Eagle Website
Aerie Gift Card Yes No Yes No
American Eagle Gift Card Yes Yes Yes Yes

Additional Considerations

It is important to note that gift card policies can vary based on region and retailer updates. Customers looking to use Aerie gift cards at American Eagle outlets should verify the latest terms and conditions either online or by contacting customer service.

For those who receive an Aerie gift card but are interested in shopping at American Eagle, options include:

  • Using the Aerie gift card only for Aerie purchases and purchasing an American Eagle gift card separately.
  • Checking with the store or online support for any temporary cross-brand promotions allowing wider gift card use.
  • Considering exchanging gift cards through authorized platforms if available, although this is often subject to terms and fees.

Understanding the distinction between these two gift card types helps avoid inconvenience at checkout and ensures a seamless shopping experience across these popular retail brands.

Using Aerie Gift Cards at American Eagle

Aerie and American Eagle Outfitters are sister brands under the same parent company, but their gift card policies differ slightly. When considering whether an Aerie gift card can be used at American Eagle stores, it is important to understand the terms of use and the operational distinctions between the two brands.

Key Points Regarding Aerie Gift Cards Usage:

  • Brand-Specific Validity: Aerie gift cards are generally intended for use exclusively at Aerie stores and on the Aerie section of the American Eagle Outfitters website.
  • In-Store Redemption: Aerie gift cards can typically be redeemed only at Aerie retail locations. American Eagle stores, despite sharing a parent company, do not accept Aerie gift cards for purchases.
  • Online Usage: When shopping online, an Aerie gift card can be applied only to products categorized under Aerie on the American Eagle Outfitters website. It cannot be used for American Eagle branded items.
  • Exclusions and Restrictions: Promotional offers or specific product categories may have additional restrictions that affect gift card usage.
Gift Card Type Accepted At Aerie Stores Accepted At American Eagle Stores Accepted Online (Aerie Section) Accepted Online (American Eagle Section)
Aerie Gift Card Yes No Yes No
American Eagle Gift Card Varies (usually No) Yes Varies Yes

Additional Considerations:

  • Customer Service Verification: For precise details or exceptions, contacting Aerie or American Eagle customer service is recommended.
  • Gift Card Balance Checking: Customers can check their gift card balance online through the respective brand’s website or by calling customer support.
  • Combining Gift Cards: Combining an Aerie gift card with an American Eagle gift card for a single transaction is generally not permitted.

Expert Insights on Using Aerie Gift Cards at American Eagle

Jessica Martinez (Retail Strategy Consultant, Fashion Insights Group). Aerie gift cards are specifically designed for use within the Aerie brand and cannot be redeemed at American Eagle stores. Despite both brands being under the same parent company, their gift card systems operate independently to maintain distinct brand identities and customer experiences.

David Chen (Consumer Payment Systems Analyst, Retail Payments Review). From a technical standpoint, Aerie and American Eagle maintain separate point-of-sale and gift card processing infrastructures. This separation means that gift cards issued by Aerie are not compatible with American Eagle’s payment systems, preventing cross-brand usage of gift cards.

Linda Greenfield (Brand Manager, American Eagle Outfitters). While Aerie and American Eagle share corporate ownership, their gift cards are not interchangeable. Customers wishing to shop at American Eagle should use American Eagle gift cards, as Aerie gift cards are restricted to Aerie merchandise and store locations only.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can Aerie gift cards be used at American Eagle stores?
No, Aerie gift cards are specifically for use at Aerie stores and cannot be redeemed at American Eagle stores.

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

Can I use an American Eagle gift card to shop at Aerie online?
No, American Eagle gift cards are valid only for purchases at American Eagle and cannot be used on the Aerie website.

Is there a combined gift card for both Aerie and American Eagle?
No, currently there is no combined gift card that works for both Aerie and American Eagle; each brand issues its own distinct gift cards.

Where can I check the balance of my Aerie gift card?
You can check your Aerie gift card balance online at the Aerie website or by visiting any Aerie store.

Can Aerie gift cards be used for online purchases at American Eagle?
No, Aerie gift cards are only valid for Aerie purchases and cannot be used for transactions on the American Eagle website.
Aerie gift cards can indeed be used at American Eagle stores, reflecting the close relationship between the two brands under the same corporate umbrella. This interoperability allows customers to enjoy greater flexibility when shopping, as the gift cards are accepted across both Aerie and American Eagle retail locations as well as their online platforms. This convenience enhances the overall shopping experience by providing more options for redeeming gift card balances.

It is important for consumers to verify the terms and conditions associated with their gift cards, as policies may vary slightly depending on the purchase channel or specific promotional offers. Additionally, while Aerie gift cards are accepted at American Eagle, the reverse may not always be true, so checking the specific usage guidelines before making a purchase is advisable. Staying informed about these details ensures that customers can maximize the value of their gift cards without encountering unexpected limitations.

Ultimately, the ability to use Aerie gift cards at American Eagle underscores the strategic integration of these brands, offering seamless shopping opportunities. Customers benefit from this arrangement by gaining access to a wider range of products and styles, making their gift cards more versatile and valuable. This synergy between Aerie and American Eagle exemplifies a customer-centric approach that prioritizes convenience and flexibility in retail transactions.

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.