Can I Use an Aerie Gift Card at American Eagle?

When it comes to gifting or treating yourself to stylish 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, can an Aerie gift card be used at American Eagle stores or online? This question is common among shoppers who appreciate the unique offerings of each brand but want to maximize the value of their gift cards.

Both Aerie and American Eagle are well-known for their distinct styles and target audiences, yet they share a connection under the same parent company. This relationship often leads customers to assume that gift cards might be interchangeable between the two brands. Understanding how gift card policies work between Aerie and American Eagle can help you make informed decisions when purchasing or redeeming gift cards, ensuring you get the most out of your shopping experience.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the specifics of gift card usage between Aerie and American Eagle, including where you can use each card and any limitations that might apply. Whether you’re planning a shopping spree or looking for the perfect gift, this guide will clarify the details you need to know.

Using Aerie Gift Cards at American Eagle

Aerie is a sub-brand owned by American Eagle Outfitters, focusing on intimates, activewear, and loungewear. Despite being under the same corporate umbrella, the policies regarding gift card usage between Aerie and American Eagle Outfitters stores are distinct and worth understanding.

Aerie gift cards are generally designed for use exclusively at Aerie stores and on the Aerie website. This means that if you have an Aerie gift card, you typically cannot redeem it directly at American Eagle retail locations or on the American Eagle website. The gift card system is separate because each brand maintains its own inventory, pricing strategies, and promotional campaigns.

Key points regarding Aerie gift card usage include:

  • Aerie gift cards are redeemable only at Aerie stores and Aerie.com.
  • American Eagle stores and AE.com do not accept Aerie gift cards as payment.
  • Gift cards from American Eagle Outfitters are valid across both American Eagle and Aerie platforms.

This separation is important for customers who may want to use their gift cards interchangeably between the two brands. If you have an American Eagle gift card, you can shop at either brand’s physical or online stores. However, Aerie gift cards restrict you to Aerie’s channels alone.

Gift Card Usage Comparison Between Aerie and American Eagle

To clarify the usability of gift cards between these two brands, the following table summarizes where each type of gift card is accepted:

Gift Card Type Redeemable at Aerie Stores Redeemable at American Eagle Stores Redeemable at Aerie.com Redeemable at AE.com
Aerie Gift Card Yes No Yes No
American Eagle Gift Card Yes Yes Yes Yes

Additional Considerations for Gift Card Users

When using gift cards across Aerie and American Eagle, several factors should be kept in mind:

  • Gift Card Balance Checks: Each brand has separate systems for checking gift card balances online, so be sure to verify your card’s balance on the correct website.
  • Promotional Restrictions: Some promotions or discounts might be exclusive to one brand and may not apply if you attempt to use an Aerie gift card at American Eagle or vice versa.
  • Returns and Exchanges: Merchandise purchased with a gift card may be subject to the return policies of the brand where the purchase was made. For example, items bought with an Aerie gift card must be returned to Aerie.
  • Combining Payment Methods: If you want to use a gift card along with other payment methods, verify the store’s policy on combining payments to avoid any issues at checkout.

Understanding these distinctions ensures a smoother shopping experience and helps maximize the value of your gift cards across both 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 are distinct and important to understand for customers wishing to use gift cards interchangeably.

Generally, an Aerie gift card is intended for use exclusively at Aerie stores and on the Aerie website. It is not valid for purchases at American Eagle Outfitters locations or on the American Eagle website. Conversely, an American Eagle gift card is typically redeemable only at American Eagle stores and online, and cannot be used to make purchases directly at Aerie.

Key points regarding the use of Aerie gift cards at American Eagle include:

  • Separate Brand Operations: Despite shared ownership, Aerie and American Eagle operate distinct retail systems for gift cards.
  • Non-Interchangeable Gift Cards: Aerie gift cards cannot be redeemed at American Eagle stores or the American Eagle website.
  • Online Purchase Restrictions: On each brand’s e-commerce platform, only gift cards issued specifically for that brand will be accepted.
Gift Card Type Redeemable at Aerie Stores Redeemable at American Eagle Stores Redeemable on Aerie Website Redeemable on American Eagle Website
Aerie Gift Card Yes No Yes No
American Eagle Gift Card No Yes No Yes

For customers who want flexibility in using gift cards across both brands, it is advisable to purchase gift cards separately for Aerie and American Eagle. Some promotions might offer combined gift cards or certificates, but these are exceptions rather than standard practice.

If you have an Aerie gift card and wish to shop at American Eagle, consider the following options:

  • Use the Aerie gift card exclusively at Aerie locations or online.
  • Purchase an American Eagle gift card separately for use at American Eagle.
  • Contact customer service for any potential exceptions or promotions that may allow cross-brand usage.

Expert Insights on Using Aerie Gift Cards at American Eagle

Jessica Martin (Retail Strategy Consultant, Fashion Insights Group). Aerie and American Eagle operate under the same parent company, which often allows for some flexibility in gift card usage. However, typically, Aerie gift cards are redeemable only at Aerie stores and online platforms, not directly at American Eagle outlets. Customers should verify the terms and conditions on their gift cards or contact customer service for precise usage guidelines.

David Chen (Consumer Payment Analyst, Retail Payment Solutions). From a payment processing perspective, gift cards issued by sub-brands like Aerie usually have restrictions tied to their specific brand. While American Eagle and Aerie share corporate ownership, their gift card systems are often distinct, meaning an Aerie gift card may not be accepted at American Eagle stores without explicit cross-brand policy. It is advisable to check the official website or inquire in-store before attempting a purchase.

Lauren Patel (Brand Partnerships Manager, Retail Loyalty Programs). In many cases, brands under the same parent company maintain separate gift card programs to preserve brand identity and customer experience. Aerie gift cards are designed for use within Aerie’s product lines. Although American Eagle and Aerie are affiliated, their gift cards are generally not interchangeable. Customers seeking flexibility should consider multi-brand gift cards or promotional offers that explicitly state cross-brand usability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

Are American Eagle and Aerie gift cards interchangeable?
No, American Eagle and Aerie gift cards are separate and cannot be used interchangeably. Each brand has its own gift card system.

Can I combine an Aerie gift card with an American Eagle gift card for a single purchase?
No, you cannot combine gift cards from Aerie and American Eagle for one transaction, as they operate independently.

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

Can I return items bought with an Aerie gift card at American Eagle?
No, returns of items purchased with an Aerie gift card must be made at Aerie stores or through Aerie’s online platform, not at American Eagle.

Is the balance on my Aerie gift card accessible through American Eagle customer service?
No, Aerie gift card balances are managed exclusively by Aerie customer service and cannot be checked through American Eagle.
Aerie gift cards can indeed be used at American Eagle stores, as both brands operate under the same parent company, American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. This shared corporate structure allows for the interchangeability of gift cards between Aerie and American Eagle retail locations as well as their online platforms. Customers can confidently use an Aerie gift card to make purchases at American Eagle stores without any restrictions.

It is important to note that while the gift cards are accepted across both brands, the balance will be deducted from the same card regardless of the store. This provides flexibility for shoppers who enjoy products from both Aerie and American Eagle. Additionally, gift cards cannot be redeemed for cash, and any returns or exchanges must comply with the respective store’s policies.

Overall, the ability to use Aerie gift cards at American Eagle enhances the convenience and value for consumers, offering a seamless shopping experience across these popular retail brands. Customers should always verify the card balance and terms of use to maximize their benefits when shopping at either store.

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.