Can I Use an Aerie Gift Card at American Eagle (AE)?

If you’re a fan of Aerie’s stylish and comfortable apparel, you might be wondering about the flexibility of their gift cards—specifically, whether you can use an Aerie gift card for purchases at American Eagle (AE). Gift cards are a popular way to share the joy of shopping, but understanding where and how they can be redeemed is essential to making the most of them. This question often arises because Aerie and American Eagle share a close relationship under the same parent company, leading many to assume their gift cards might be interchangeable.
Navigating the nuances of gift card usage can sometimes be confusing, especially when brands are connected yet operate distinct retail experiences. Knowing whether an Aerie gift card is valid at AE stores or online can save you time and help you plan your shopping spree more effectively. This topic touches on the policies of both brands and how they manage their gift card systems in relation to one another.
In the following sections, we’ll explore the specifics behind Aerie gift card usage, clarify their relationship with American Eagle, and provide insights into how you can maximize the value of your gift cards. Whether you’re looking to shop across both brands or simply want to understand the limitations, this guide will equip you with the information you need.

Using Aerie Gift Cards at American Eagle Outfitters

Aerie is a sub-brand owned by American Eagle Outfitters (AEO), which means their gift cards share a level of compatibility. However, understanding the specifics of where and how you can use an Aerie gift card is important for maximizing its value.
Aerie gift cards can be used in the following ways:

• In-Store Purchases: Aerie gift cards are redeemable at Aerie retail locations nationwide. Since Aerie stores operate independently within the AEO brand family, the gift card will work seamlessly there.
• Online Shopping: You can use Aerie gift cards on the official Aerie website. This allows for convenient shopping from anywhere without needing to visit a physical store.
• American Eagle Outfitters Stores: Because Aerie is a subsidiary of AEO, the gift card is generally accepted at American Eagle Outfitters stores as well. This means you can purchase items from either brand using the same card.

It is important to note that while Aerie gift cards are accepted at American Eagle Outfitters locations, the reverse is not always true; AE gift cards may not be redeemable on the Aerie website or stores. Always check the terms and conditions printed on the card or provided online for the most accurate information.

Restrictions and Limitations of Aerie Gift Cards

While Aerie gift cards offer flexibility within the AEO family, some restrictions apply:

• Non-Transferable: Gift cards cannot be transferred for cash or used outside the designated brands. They are intended strictly for merchandise purchases.
• Expiration and Fees: Most Aerie gift cards do not expire and do not have fees, but it’s advisable to review the specific card details to confirm this.
• Online and In-Store Balance Synchronization: Balances are updated in real time; however, if you use the card online and then in-store (or vice versa), allow some time for the system to reflect the remaining balance.
• Promotions and Discounts: Using a gift card does not typically affect eligibility for sales or promotions. However, some promotional codes or offers may exclude gift card purchases.

Comparison of Gift Card Usability Across AEO Brands

The following table summarizes the usability of Aerie and American Eagle gift cards across the respective brands’ platforms and stores:

Gift Card	Redeemable at Aerie Stores	Redeemable at American Eagle Stores	Redeemable on Aerie Website	Redeemable on American Eagle Website
Aerie Gift Card	Yes	Yes	Yes	Sometimes* (Check Terms)
American Eagle Gift Card	Sometimes* (Check Terms)	Yes	Sometimes* (Check Terms)	Yes

*“Sometimes” indicates that usability depends on the specific card issuance or promotional conditions.

How to Check Your Aerie Gift Card Balance and Manage Your Card

To maximize convenience, it is useful to know how to check your gift card balance and manage your card effectively:

• Online Balance Check: Visit the official Aerie website and navigate to the gift card section. Enter your card number and PIN to view your remaining balance.
• In-Store Assistance: You can ask a cashier at any Aerie or American Eagle Outfitters store to check your gift card balance.
• Customer Service: Contact Aerie’s customer service via phone or email for help with lost cards, balance inquiries, or technical issues.
• Combining Balances: Some promotions or systems allow combining multiple gift cards into one account balance, but this is not universally available. Confirm with customer service if interested.

By maintaining awareness of your gift card balance and limitations, you can ensure a smooth shopping experience across Aerie and American Eagle Outfitters channels.

Using Aerie Gift Cards at American Eagle Outfitters

Aerie is a lingerie and lifestyle brand owned by American Eagle Outfitters (AEO). Despite their corporate connection, Aerie gift cards and American Eagle Outfitters gift cards typically have separate terms of use. Understanding whether you can use an Aerie gift card at American Eagle Outfitters or vice versa requires examining the specific policies of each brand.
Gift Card Usability Overview:

• Aerie Gift Cards: Designed primarily for use at Aerie stores and on the Aerie website.
• American Eagle Outfitters Gift Cards: Generally accepted at AEO stores and the American Eagle website.

While both brands fall under the same parent company, their gift cards are often not interchangeable due to separate point-of-sale and e-commerce systems.

Can Aerie Gift Cards Be Redeemed at American Eagle?

Most official Aerie gift cards are restricted to purchases made at Aerie locations and on the Aerie online platform. This means:

• In-Store Use: Aerie gift cards cannot be used at American Eagle Outfitters retail stores.
• Online Use: Aerie gift cards are valid only on the Aerie website (aerie.com), not on the American Eagle website.

Similarly, American Eagle gift cards usually cannot be redeemed at Aerie locations or on the Aerie website.

How to Verify Your Gift Card’s Usability

To ensure proper usage of your gift card, consider these methods:

Method	Details
Check the Back of the Card	Terms and conditions printed on the card often specify where the card is valid.
Visit Official Websites	Review the gift card FAQ or terms on Aerie or American Eagle websites.
Contact Customer Service	Call or email the respective customer support for confirmation about gift card usability.
Attempt Online Checkout	Try applying the gift card code during checkout on either site to test acceptance.

Additional Considerations for Gift Card Use

• Combining Gift Cards: Generally, Aerie and American Eagle gift cards cannot be combined for a single purchase unless explicitly stated.
• Promotional Offers: Some promotions may require purchases at specific brand websites, limiting gift card use accordingly.
• Gift Card Expiration and Fees: Check for any expiration dates or inactivity fees, though many gift cards in the U.S. comply with laws restricting such practices.
• Returns and Exchanges: Items purchased with an Aerie gift card typically require returns or exchanges to be credited back to the same gift card or account.

Expert Insights on Using Aerie Gift Cards for AE Purchases

Jessica Martinez (Retail Payment Systems Analyst, Shopper Insights Group). Aerie gift cards are specifically designed for use within the Aerie brand and cannot be directly redeemed at American Eagle (AE) stores. Although both brands fall under the same parent company, gift cards are typically issued separately and are not interchangeable at checkout.

David Chen (Consumer Finance Specialist, National Retail Federation). Customers should be aware that Aerie gift cards function exclusively within Aerie’s retail environment, including their online platform. If you wish to shop at AE, you will need an American Eagle gift card or another accepted form of payment, as the systems are not integrated for gift card use.

Emily Rogers (Brand Strategy Consultant, Retail Experience Advisors). While Aerie and AE share corporate ownership, their gift card policies remain distinct to preserve brand-specific marketing strategies. Therefore, using an Aerie gift card for AE purchases is generally not supported, and customers should verify gift card terms before attempting cross-brand transactions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use an Aerie gift card to shop at American Eagle (AE)? No, Aerie gift cards are specifically for Aerie stores and cannot be used for purchases at American Eagle retail locations or on the American Eagle website.
Are Aerie and American Eagle gift cards interchangeable? No, Aerie and American Eagle gift cards are separate and valid only at their respective brands. Each card must be used within its own store or online platform.
Can I combine an Aerie gift card with an American Eagle gift card for one purchase? No, since Aerie and American Eagle gift cards are distinct, they cannot be combined or used together for a single transaction.
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.
Is it possible to check the balance of my Aerie gift card online? Yes, you can check your Aerie gift card balance by visiting the Aerie website and entering your card details in the gift card balance section.
What should I do if my Aerie gift card is lost or stolen? Contact Aerie customer service immediately with your gift card information. They may assist you in replacing the card, subject to their policies and proof of purchase.
Aerie gift cards can generally be used for purchases at Aerie stores and on the Aerie section of the American Eagle (AE) website, as Aerie is a sub-brand of American Eagle Outfitters. However, it is important to verify the specific terms and conditions associated with the gift card, as usage policies may vary depending on the card type and the platform. Customers should review the gift card details or contact customer service to confirm if the card is valid for both Aerie and American Eagle purchases.

Key takeaways include understanding that while Aerie gift cards are primarily designed for Aerie merchandise, their integration with American Eagle’s retail system often allows for broader usability across both brands. This provides flexibility for shoppers interested in products from either Aerie or American Eagle. Nonetheless, staying informed about any restrictions or expiration dates is crucial to maximize the value of the gift card.

Ultimately, using an Aerie gift card for American Eagle purchases is typically feasible but not guaranteed in every case. To ensure a smooth shopping experience, customers should verify the gift card’s applicability beforehand and keep abreast of any updates to the retailer’s gift card policies. This approach helps avoid any inconvenience and ensures the gift card is used effectively.

Author Profile

Debra Hammond

Debra Hammond is the voice behind The Sister Market, where she shares practical advice and heartfelt insight on the art of giving. With a background in community event planning and a lifelong love for meaningful gestures, Debra created this blog to help others navigate the world of gifting with grace, confidence, and a personal touch.

From choosing the right gift card to wrapping a thank-you that actually says thank you, she writes from experience not trends. Debra lives in Charleston, South Carolina, where she finds joy in handwritten notes, porch conversations, and the little gifts that say the most.