Gift cards — they’re the thoughtful present from someone who means well, but doesn’t quite know you well enough to pick out something you’d actually love.
This holiday season, you might end up with a pile of gift cards that you can’t really use or just don’t want.
Maybe your boss gave you a Starbucks gift card, but you don’t drink coffee. Or your Aunt Rita gave you a generous $75 to a steakhouse, but you’re a vegetarian.
But just because the gift doesn’t suit you doesn’t mean it has to go to waste. Rather than letting it gather dust in a drawer or an unopened email, you can sell those gift cards for cash.
You’ll learn everything you need to know about how to sell gift cards for cash. We’ll cover:
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Top Platforms: The best websites and apps where you can sell your gift cards for cash quickly and securely.
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Maximizing Value: Tips on how to get the highest payout for your gift cards, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
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Fast Payout Options: How to get paid fast through PayPal, bank transfers, or digital wallets, depending on the platform.
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Step-by-Step Process: A simple, easy-to-follow guide to selling your gift cards, ensuring you get the best deal with minimal effort.
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How to Avoid Fees: Learn which services offer the best deals and how to minimize fees when exchanging gift cards for cash.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to turn your unwanted gift cards into cash, with no hassle and maximum profit!
Ways to Earn Extra Money Without Selling Gift Cards
Not being too thrilled with the gift cards you receive can be frustrating. Fortunately, there are ways to sell them and still earn some cash. However, if you’d prefer to keep your gift cards or want more ways to make extra money, here are some alternatives:
| Offer | What You Can Earn | What You Have to Do | Take Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| InboxDollars | $225/month | Complete short surveys | [Complete Surveys] |
| FreeCash | $1,000/month | Simple online tasks | [Get Started] |
| GoBranded | Up to $140/month | Share your honest opinion | [Start Sharing] |
| Kashkick | $1,000/month | Try out apps | [Register Now] |
| Solitaire Cash | Up to $83 per win | Compete against other players | [Download Here] |
4 Best Sites to Sell Gift Cards for Cash or Discounts
Ready to sell your unwanted gift cards? Start with these top five websites:
1. CardCash
Founded in 2009, CardCash is a simple marketplace for buying and selling gift cards. It accepts cards from over 1,300 retailers, including popular department stores, restaurants, and grocery chains. While the site advertises you can earn up to 92% of a card’s value, each card receives a unique quote, which could be lower. CardCash pays out via check, ACH, or PayPal once your card is accepted.
You can use CardCash’s quote tool to see how much your gift card is worth and learn whether you need to mail it in. You also have the option to exchange the gift card for one from a different store, which could be worth more. The minimum balance for a card is $10.
2. Gameflip
Gameflip offers a unique way to sell unused digital gift cards. The site functions like a mix of eBay and Upwork for gamers. To sell a card, you’ll need to create a Gameflip profile and list the gift card for sale.
You can sell prepaid and non-reloadable gift cards for gaming platforms or retailers such as Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, iTunes, and Google Play. You set the price, but it’s recommended to list your card at a discount of 2% to 15%. Once sold, you’ll receive your payment through Gameflip’s wallet, which can be withdrawn via Wise, Payoneer, Skrill, or Bitcoin (PayPal is no longer supported).
Gameflip charges an 8% fee for listings and an additional 2% for digital-only listings.
3. GiftCash
GiftCash allows you to sell both physical and digital gift cards from over 150 brands, with the potential to earn up to 93% of the card’s value. You can get a quote before deciding to sell, though GiftCash doesn’t offer gift card swaps.
Gift cards must have a minimum balance of $25, with some brands requiring even higher values, like $100 for Apple, iTunes, or Air Canada. The maximum card value is $2,000. GiftCash also runs a cash reward program for any gift cards purchased from the site.
4. Raise
Launched in 2013, Raise is a mobile payment app and marketplace where you can sell unwanted gift cards with at least a $5 balance. Like any marketplace, the more demand there is, the higher the price you can ask for. Gift cards for popular stores like Walmart and Target usually sell for around 95% of their value.
You have control over your listing, and if your card doesn’t sell in a few days, you can adjust the price or remove it from the marketplace. Raise charges a 15% seller fee, so the most you can earn is 85% of the card’s value if it sells at full price.
Comparing Your Gift Card’s Value Across Sites
If you’re curious how much you can earn for your gift cards, here’s a comparison of five popular gift card selling platforms based on recent estimates:
| Site | $25 Walmart Card | $25 Target Card | $25 Starbucks Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| CardCash | $21.95 | $20.50 | $20.50 |
| Gameflip | $22.37 | $20.25 | $14.40 |
| GiftCash | $20.00 | $18.75 | $17.25 |
| Raise | $21.25 | $20.72 | $20.57 |
Tips for Selling Gift Cards Online
When selling gift cards online, keep these tips in mind to get the most out of your sale:
1. Choose Your Payment Method Wisely
Different sites offer different payment options. You can choose a check, PayPal, or another digital payment method. If you prefer the quickest payout, digital payment options like PayPal are fast but might have small transaction fees. Checks might take longer to arrive but come with no fees.
2. Avoid eBay
While eBay is a popular marketplace, it’s often not the best place to sell gift cards. Sellers rarely get more than 80% to 90% of the card’s value, and eBay charges insertion, final value, and performance fees, which can eat into your earnings. Stick to dedicated gift card-selling websites like the ones listed above for better rates and smoother transactions.
Need Extra Cash Fast?
If you’re in need of quick cash, there are many ways to make some extra money. From quick gigs to side hustles, there are plenty of opportunities that can help you boost your income. Check out these resources to start earning today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I exchange gift cards for cash?
To exchange gift cards for cash, you can use gift card resale websites like CardCash, Gameflip, GiftCash, or Raise. These sites let you sell your unwanted gift cards in exchange for cash or a payment through platforms like PayPal, bank transfers, or digital wallets. Some sites also offer the option to swap your gift card for one from a different retailer, potentially even getting a higher value.
How can I get cash for gift cards immediately?
If you want cash immediately, some gift card marketplaces offer quick payout options, like PayPal or digital wallet transfers. Websites like Gameflip and Raise can provide faster payouts compared to others. However, keep in mind that there may be transaction fees associated with the payment method, and the amount you get will typically be lower than the full value of the card.
Where can I sell unused gift cards?
There are several reliable websites where you can sell unused gift cards, including:
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CardCash: Sells a wide range of gift cards and offers payment via check, ACH, or PayPal.
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Gameflip: Specializes in digital gift cards, particularly for gaming platforms like Steam and Xbox.
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GiftCash: Offers up to 93% cash back for many popular brands and allows you to sell both physical and digital cards.
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Raise: A marketplace where you can list gift cards for sale and manage prices as needed.
These platforms typically give you a quote before you finalize the sale, so you know exactly how much you’ll receive.
How much do you get for gift cards at Coinstar?
Coinstar kiosks allow you to exchange gift cards for cash, but the exchange rate is often lower than other platforms. Depending on the kiosk, you may receive about 70% to 90% of the gift card’s value, and Coinstar charges a service fee. It’s a quick option if you’re in a hurry but may not be the most profitable compared to selling gift cards on dedicated marketplaces.