Why does iTunes say timeout error occured, when i try to check for purchaces or redeem gift cards?

Question

I got 100$ in iTunes gift cards today, and i also bought 3 movies last night. When i logged into iTunes today then clicked check for purchaces in about thirty seconds it said a timout error had occured check your network connection and try again or something like that. So i ran a diagnostics check and everything was fine according to the test. Then i went into the iTunes store to try to redeem my gift cards, and i have an account and everything but after i type in the code it says the same timeout error message. I just want to download some stuff, plz help.

Answer 1

Today is Christmas. There are two possible answers to this question. First, your internet connection may be slow right now. More likely, however, the itunes server is completely overloaded right now. Its Christmas and there are probably thousands and THOUSANDS of other people trying to redeem gift cards as well.
Sit down
Relax
Make yourself a drink
and try again late tonight when everyone else is sleeping

Answer 2

Create a new account that is in the US. If you are in the US, create a new account and add the gift card. I suggest you do not do this if you want to keep your music onto 1 full account. I think you can transfer license music from a US account to a Canadian account. This you must call their customer support I suggest calling Itunes first before going this route. Thats your best answer to this question. There are good answers here but there is a way for you to use this card, just you got to call up Itunes and they will credit your account to your canadian account. If they don't they will find a solution to this