Gift cards, often intended as the perfect present, can sometimes miss the mark. If you’re holding onto gift cards you won’t use, the question naturally arises: where can I exchange gift cards for cash? It’s a common dilemma for many, especially after holidays and birthdays. While directly returning a gift card for cash to the retailer is rarely an option due to store policies, there are viable alternatives.
This guide will explore various avenues to convert your gift cards into cash, both online and in physical locations, with a spotlight on Gift Card Kiosks. We’ll delve into how these kiosks work, where to find them, and whether they offer the best value for your cards.
Beyond kiosks, we’ll also touch upon other methods for exchanging gift cards for cash and introduce you to innovative ways to earn cash and gift cards through platforms like Mode Mobile, which rewards you for everyday smartphone use.
Navigating the Gift Card Exchange Landscape: Kiosks and Beyond
Before diving into specific locations, it’s crucial to understand that exchanging gift cards for cash usually means accepting less than the card’s face value. The resale market for gift cards fluctuates based on brand popularity and demand. Think of it like selling anything secondhand – you likely won’t get the original price. Gift cards from well-known retailers generally fetch a higher percentage of their value compared to those from niche or less popular stores.
When seeking to exchange your gift card for cash, you primarily have these options:
- Utilizing a Gift Card Kiosk
- Selling Gift Cards In-Person
- Leveraging Gift Card Exchange Websites and Apps
Let’s begin by focusing on gift card kiosks, a convenient physical option for many.
Gift Card Kiosks: Your Instant Cash Converters
Gift card exchange kiosks are self-service machines designed to buy your unwanted gift cards in exchange for cash. Resembling ATMs, these kiosks provide a quick and accessible way to convert gift cards into usable currency. They are typically located in high-traffic retail environments such as grocery stores, shopping malls, department stores, and drugstores, offering convenience for shoppers.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a gift card kiosk:
- Locate the Gift Card Slot: Identify the designated slot for inserting gift cards, which may vary depending on the kiosk model.
- Insert Your Gift Card: Carefully insert your gift card into the machine.
- Card Scanning and Processing: The kiosk will automatically scan and assess the value and brand of your gift card.
- Review the Offer: An offer will appear on the screen, presenting you with two primary choices:
a. Cash Offer: Accept a reduced cash value for your gift card.
b. Gift Card Swap: Exchange your card for a different gift card, often of the same or lesser value, from a different retailer. - Accept or Decline: Choose to accept the offer to receive cash or a new gift card, or decline to have your original gift card returned.
It’s important to note that some in-store kiosks may issue vouchers instead of direct cash or gift cards. These vouchers must then be redeemed at the store’s customer service or cash register.
Brand Acceptance and Value Considerations:
Gift card kiosks typically prioritize gift cards from major, reputable brands like Best Buy, Target, Walmart, Macy’s, Nike, and Apple. If your gift card is from a less recognized or smaller retailer, the kiosk might not make an offer. Furthermore, the cash value offered by kiosks is usually lower than the card’s face value, reflecting the kiosk operator’s profit margin and the resale market.
Gift card kiosk machine accepting gift cards for cash exchange
Finding a Gift Card Exchange Kiosk Near You
To find a gift card kiosk near me, a simple online search is often the quickest method. Using search engines like Google Maps and entering terms like “gift card kiosk near me,” “cash for gift cards kiosk,” or “gift card exchange locations” can yield results.
However, it’s worth noting that the landscape of gift card kiosks has changed. Many kiosks, particularly those operated by Coinstar (previously a significant player in the gift card exchange kiosk market), have been discontinued or repurposed. Coinstar kiosks, once known for gift card exchanges, now primarily focus on coin-to-cash services and, ironically, selling gift cards for a fee, rather than buying them back. This shift means that finding a readily available and operational gift card kiosk might require a bit more effort than in the past.
Exploring In-Person Gift Card Sales
If a gift card kiosk isn’t easily accessible or doesn’t offer a satisfactory value, selling your gift card in person presents another option. The most straightforward approach is to offer the gift card to someone you know who might actually use it. Friends, family members, or colleagues who frequent the store or brand on the gift card might be willing to buy it from you, potentially at a slightly discounted rate.
For broader in-person selling, options are more limited but could include local classifieds or community marketplaces, though these methods may require more effort and time to find a buyer.
The Convenience of Online Gift Card Marketplaces
Selling gift cards online provides a wider reach and often better value compared to kiosks or in-person sales. Online gift card exchange platforms connect sellers with a vast network of potential buyers, increasing the likelihood of a sale and potentially fetching a higher percentage of the card’s value.
When choosing an online platform to sell your gift cards, consider these factors:
- Platform Reputation and User Base: Opt for established platforms with a large, active user base and positive customer reviews.
- Cashout Options and Fees: Ensure the platform offers convenient cashout methods and transparent, reasonable commission fees. Some platforms may charge high commissions that significantly reduce your payout.
- Security and Customer Support: Prioritize platforms with secure transaction processes and reliable customer support in case of any issues.
Person selling gift cards online using a laptop
Top Online Platforms for Exchanging Gift Cards
Several reputable websites facilitate gift card sales and exchanges. Here are a few popular options:
| Website | Description |
|---|---|
| Raise | A well-known platform for buying and selling secondhand gift cards. Raise charges a commission (around 15%), and sellers typically receive 60%–80% of the gift card’s value. |
| Gameflip | Ideal for gaming and entertainment gift cards (e.g., Nintendo, Xbox, Steam, Spotify, Roblox). Gameflip also handles other retail gift cards like Walmart and DoorDash. They recommend discounting cards by 2%–15% for quicker sales and charge around 8% commission plus a 2% digital fee. |
| ClipKard | ClipKard offers a quote tool where you input your gift card details to receive an offer. If accepted, they provide a prepaid shipping label (or accept digital codes) for your gift card. |
| Gift Card Outlets | This website allows you to submit a quote request for your gift card. Their team reviews the offer and assists with the sale process. |
| GiftCash | Similar to ClipKard, GiftCash provides a quote tool but focuses on gift cards from a select range of major retailers. |
Tip for Visa, Mastercard, and American Express Gift Cards: If you possess prepaid gift cards from major payment networks like Visa, Mastercard, or American Express, you may be able to cash them out directly via PayPal and then transfer the funds to your bank account, offering a potentially more direct route to accessing cash.
Beyond Gift Card Exchange: Earning Real Cash with Mode Mobile
While exchanging gift cards can provide a quick cash boost, consider exploring consistent income-generating opportunities. Mode Mobile offers a unique way to earn supplemental income simply by using your smartphone.
The Mode Earn App and Mode Earn Phone allow you to earn rewards for everyday phone activities:
- Listening to Music
- Browsing the Web
- Playing Games
- Charging Your Phone
- Watching Videos
- Reading News
- And More!
Mode Earn App interface showing various earning activities
Rewards accumulate as points that can be redeemed for cash, gift cards, prepaid cards, and other prizes. Mode Mobile provides a reliable way to monetize your daily phone usage.
Maximize Your Earnings with the Mode Earn Phone
For even greater earning potential, the Mode Earn Phone is designed to double your rewards. This Android smartphone features a built-in earn-as-you-go widget and pre-loaded Mode Earn App, accelerating your earning rate.
With over 16 earning modes, including Music Mode, Games Mode, News Mode, and more, the Mode Earn Phone unlocks opportunities to earn significantly, potentially exceeding $1,200 in rewards annually.
Mode Earn Phone device showcasing earning modes on screen
The Mode Earn Phone is compatible with major carriers and comes equipped with impressive features. You can choose to purchase the phone outright or subscribe for a low monthly fee, making it an accessible and rewarding option.
In Conclusion
While gift card kiosks offer a physical and immediate solution for exchanging gift cards for cash, exploring online platforms often yields better value and a wider range of options. Ultimately, the best method depends on your priorities: convenience, speed, or maximizing the return on your unwanted gift cards. For those seeking ongoing earning opportunities beyond one-time gift card exchanges, Mode Mobile’s products provide a compelling avenue to generate consistent rewards from your everyday smartphone use.
Featured image source: Emil Kalibradov
