Can I Use American Eagle Gift Cards at Aerie Stores?

AvatarByNicole Eder Using Gift Cards

If you’re a fan of American Eagle and its trendy sister brand Aerie, you might be wondering about the flexibility of your gift cards. Gift cards are a popular and convenient way to shop, especially when you want to treat yourself or someone special to stylish apparel and accessories. But when it comes to using American Eagle gift cards, questions often arise about where exactly they can be redeemed—particularly at Aerie, which has carved out its own niche in the fashion world.

Navigating the relationship between American Eagle and Aerie gift cards can sometimes be confusing, given that both brands operate under the same parent company but maintain distinct identities. Understanding whether your American Eagle gift card works at Aerie stores or online can help you make the most of your gift card balance and streamline your shopping experience. This topic is especially relevant for shoppers who enjoy mixing and matching pieces from both brands or who want to maximize the value of their gift cards.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the details surrounding the use of American Eagle gift cards at Aerie, shedding light on policies, exceptions, and tips to ensure you get the best use out of your gift cards. Whether you’re planning your next shopping spree or just curious about your options, this guide will provide the clarity you need.

Using American Eagle Gift Cards at Aerie

American Eagle Outfitters and Aerie are both brands under the same parent company, American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. However, when it comes to gift cards, there are some important distinctions to understand regarding their usability across these two brands.

American Eagle gift cards are typically redeemable only at American Eagle Outfitters stores and on the American Eagle website. Conversely, Aerie operates with its own gift card system, which means Aerie gift cards are generally accepted only at Aerie stores and on the Aerie website.

Because of this separation:

  • American Eagle gift cards cannot be used to make purchases at Aerie stores or on the Aerie website.
  • Aerie gift cards are not valid at American Eagle Outfitters locations or online.

This policy helps maintain clear brand differentiation and accounting practices between the two retail divisions.

Gift Card Usage Policies

To clarify further, here are some key points regarding gift card usage for both brands:

  • Separate Gift Card Pools: Both brands maintain independent gift card balances, and cards cannot be cross-used.
  • Online and In-Store Use: Gift cards must be used only at the corresponding brand’s online or physical stores.
  • No Reloading: Generally, neither American Eagle nor Aerie gift cards can be reloaded once the initial balance is used.
  • Returns and Exchanges: If an item purchased with a gift card is returned, the refund is typically issued back to the same gift card.

Comparison of American Eagle and Aerie Gift Card Features

Feature American Eagle Gift Card Aerie Gift Card
Usable at American Eagle Stores Yes No
Usable at Aerie Stores No Yes
Usable on American Eagle Website Yes No
Usable on Aerie Website No Yes
Reloadable No No
Refunds to Gift Card Balance Yes Yes

Tips for Using Gift Cards Effectively

When managing gift cards for American Eagle and Aerie, consider the following best practices:

  • Always check the balance and terms on the respective brand’s website before attempting to use the gift card.
  • If you have a gift card for one brand but want to shop at the other, consider purchasing a gift card for the desired brand instead.
  • Keep gift cards in a secure place and note the card number and PIN (if applicable) to avoid losing access.
  • Review expiration dates and any fees that might apply, although both American Eagle and Aerie generally do not impose expiration or inactivity fees on their gift cards.

Customer Service and Support

For any questions about gift card balances, usage restrictions, or issues related to transactions, contacting the customer service departments for each brand can provide direct assistance.

  • American Eagle Customer Service: Available via phone, email, or live chat on their website.
  • Aerie Customer Service: Similarly accessible through their dedicated support channels.

Providing your gift card number and purchase details will help expedite resolution for any concerns regarding gift card use at either brand.

Using American Eagle Gift Cards at Aerie

American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) and Aerie operate as sister brands under the same parent company, American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. While they share corporate ownership, the use of gift cards between these two brands depends on specific policy details issued by the company.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the gift card usage policy:

  • Gift Card Validity: American Eagle gift cards are typically valid for purchases made at American Eagle Outfitters stores and on their official website.
  • Aerie Brand Separation: Although Aerie is a subsidiary brand, it often maintains separate gift card systems for its stores and online platform.
  • Interchangeability: In many cases, American Eagle gift cards cannot be redeemed directly at Aerie stores or on the Aerie website because the gift cards are not universally accepted across the brands.

To clarify this further, the following table outlines the typical gift card acceptance scenario:

Gift Card Type Redeemable at American Eagle Outfitters Redeemable at Aerie Redeemable Online (Respective Website)
American Eagle Gift Card Yes No (usually) Yes, on AE website only
Aerie Gift Card No (usually) Yes Yes, on Aerie website only

Options for Using American Eagle Gift Cards at Aerie

If you possess an American Eagle gift card but want to shop at Aerie, consider the following options:

  • Contact Customer Service: Reach out to American Eagle Outfitters customer service to confirm if any recent policy changes allow cross-brand usage of gift cards.
  • Purchase Aerie Gift Cards: Buy Aerie-specific gift cards to use directly at Aerie stores or online.
  • Use AE Gift Cards for American Eagle Purchases: Use the American Eagle gift card for purchases at AE stores, then use the funds saved to buy from Aerie using other payment methods.
  • Gift Card Exchange Programs: Occasionally, third-party platforms or promotions might facilitate exchanging or trading gift cards between brands, but these are unofficial and should be approached with caution.

Checking Gift Card Balance and Restrictions

To manage your gift cards effectively, ensure you verify balances and restrictions before attempting purchases:

  • Balance Check: Visit the American Eagle website or call their customer service to check your American Eagle gift card balance.
  • Expiration and Fees: Confirm if any expiration dates or inactivity fees apply to your gift card.
  • Terms and Conditions: Review the official terms related to gift card usage, especially regarding cross-brand redemption.

Official Sources for Gift Card Policies

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult the following official channels:

  • American Eagle Outfitters Website: The gift card FAQ and terms pages.
  • Aerie Website: Specific gift card policies related to Aerie brand.
  • Customer Service: Phone or live chat support for direct inquiries.

Expert Perspectives on Using American Eagle Gift Cards at Aerie

Jessica Martin (Retail Payment Systems Analyst, Consumer Finance Insights). American Eagle Outfitters and Aerie operate under the same corporate umbrella, which typically allows gift cards purchased for American Eagle to be redeemable at Aerie stores. However, it is always advisable to verify the specific terms and conditions on the gift card or consult customer service to confirm current policies, as exceptions can occasionally apply.

David Chen (E-commerce Strategy Consultant, Retail Innovations Group). From a retail strategy standpoint, companies like American Eagle Outfitters often enable cross-brand gift card usage to enhance customer convenience and promote brand loyalty. Therefore, American Eagle gift cards are generally accepted at Aerie locations, reflecting a unified payment ecosystem designed to streamline the shopping experience across both brands.

Maria Lopez (Consumer Rights Advocate, National Retail Federation). Consumers should be aware that while American Eagle gift cards are usually valid at Aerie, the redemption process might differ between physical stores and online platforms. It is important to check whether the gift card balance can be applied seamlessly in all purchasing channels to avoid any inconvenience during checkout.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use American Eagle gift cards at Aerie stores?
Yes, American Eagle gift cards are valid for purchases at Aerie stores both in physical locations and online.

Are there any restrictions when using American Eagle gift cards at Aerie?
There are no specific restrictions; however, gift cards cannot be used to purchase other gift cards or for certain promotional offers.

Can I use an American Eagle gift card for online orders at Aerie.com?
Yes, American Eagle gift cards can be applied during checkout on Aerie’s official website.

Will using an American Eagle gift card at Aerie affect my returns or exchanges?
Returns and exchanges follow Aerie’s standard policy regardless of payment method, including purchases made with American Eagle gift cards.

Can I check the balance of my American Eagle gift card when shopping at Aerie?
Yes, you can check your gift card balance online, in-store, or by calling customer service.

Do American Eagle gift cards expire or have fees when used at Aerie?
American Eagle gift cards do not expire and do not incur fees when used at Aerie stores.
American Eagle gift cards can indeed be used at Aerie stores, as both brands operate under the same parent company, American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. This shared system allows customers to redeem their gift cards across both retail outlets, providing greater flexibility and convenience when shopping. Whether purchasing apparel or accessories, the gift card balance can be applied seamlessly at either American Eagle or Aerie locations.

It is important to note that while the gift cards are generally accepted at both brands, customers should verify the card’s terms and conditions for any specific restrictions or expiration details. Additionally, gift cards purchased for one brand are typically valid for use at the other, but checking the official American Eagle or Aerie websites or contacting customer service can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Overall, the ability to use American Eagle gift cards at Aerie enhances the shopping experience by offering versatility and ease of use. This integration reflects the company’s strategy to unify its brands under one convenient payment system, benefiting customers who enjoy products from both American Eagle and Aerie.

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.