Gift cards, often given with the best intentions, can sometimes miss the mark. Instead of letting them gather dust in your wallet, you might be wondering, “Can I actually sell Gift Cards For Cash?”. The answer is yes! If you’re holding onto gift cards for stores you don’t frequent, or prefer cash in hand, converting those plastic presents into spendable money is a smart move. This guide will walk you through the best ways to sell your gift cards for cash, maximizing your return and turning unwanted gifts into financial flexibility.
Top Platforms to Exchange Gift Cards for Cash
Several online marketplaces specialize in buying and selling gift cards, offering a convenient way to turn your unused balances into cash. These platforms act as intermediaries, connecting sellers like you with buyers looking for discounted gift cards. While you won’t receive the full face value of your card, these services provide a quick and relatively hassle-free solution. Let’s explore some of the popular options:
GCX (Gift Card Exchange)
GCX, a subsidiary of Raise, operates as a marketplace where you are in control of your gift card listing. Think of it like eBay, but specifically for gift cards. You set your desired discount, and your card is listed alongside others for sale. This platform allows you to see what similar gift cards are selling for, giving you an idea of competitive pricing.
However, with this control comes responsibility. You are responsible for setting a price that attracts buyers, and you only get paid when your gift card sells. GCX also charges a 15% fee for using their platform. This means the highest return you can expect is around 85% of the gift card’s value. While the fee is on the higher side compared to some competitors, GCX boasts a strong reputation and user-friendly interface, which can be appealing, especially for first-time sellers. Payout options include ACH direct deposit and PayPal, providing flexibility in how you receive your funds.
Image alt text: The Raise.com website interface displayed on a laptop, showcasing gift card selling and buying options.
CardCash: A Faster, More Direct Approach
For those seeking a quicker and more direct selling experience, CardCash offers a streamlined alternative. Unlike GCX, CardCash buys gift cards directly from you. You simply enter your gift card details on their website, and they provide an instant offer. If you accept, CardCash verifies your card and processes your payment. This eliminates the waiting period associated with marketplace selling, offering a faster turnaround time.
CardCash often boasts higher payout percentages than GCX, sometimes reaching up to 92% of the card’s value. However, the actual percentage you receive can vary significantly depending on the retailer and current market demand. For example, a $100 Walmart gift card might fetch around $85.50, while an Apple Store card could get you $77.50, and a Microsoft card even less. It’s crucial to check the specific offer for your gift card to understand the exact return.
A significant advantage of CardCash is its broad acceptance of gift cards. They generally accept gift cards from a wide range of merchants, making it a potentially good option even for less common or niche store cards. While they adhere to industry standards, such as rejecting expired or promotional cards, their list of accepted retailers appears more extensive than some competitors. This inclusivity means you’re more likely to find a buyer for your unwanted gift cards, even if the return on lesser-known brands might be lower.
Beyond cash, CardCash also offers the option to trade your gift cards for other gift cards from popular brands like Amazon, Airbnb, and Chewy. In some cases, trading can net you up to 11% more value compared to cashing out. Exchanging for an Amazon gift card, in particular, can be a practical alternative to cash, given Amazon’s vast product selection, making it a useful way to utilize a gift card you might otherwise not use.
Maximizing Your Return When Selling Gift Cards
While selling gift cards for cash provides a valuable service, understanding how to maximize your return is key. Here are a few tips to consider:
- Compare Offers: Don’t settle for the first offer you see. Check multiple platforms like GCX, CardCash, and others to compare payout rates for your specific gift card. Small differences in percentages can add up, especially for higher-value cards.
- Consider Demand: Gift cards from popular retailers with high demand generally fetch better prices. Think about brands like Target, Walmart, Amazon, and major department stores. Niche or less popular store cards might have lower resale values.
- Timing Can Matter: While not always predictable, demand for certain gift cards can fluctuate seasonally. For example, restaurant gift cards might be more in demand around holidays or special occasions. However, generally, it’s best to sell sooner rather than later to avoid the risk of the retailer going out of business or changes in gift card policies.
- Read the Fine Print: Before committing to a platform, understand their fees, payout methods, and processing times. Be aware of any terms and conditions, especially regarding card verification and potential rejection.
- Check for Promotions: Some platforms occasionally offer promotional bonuses or increased payout rates. Keep an eye out for these deals to potentially boost your return.
Buying Discounted Gift Cards: The Flip Side
The same platforms that allow you to sell gift cards for cash also operate as marketplaces for discounted gift cards. Savvy shoppers can leverage these sites to purchase gift cards for less than their face value, effectively saving money on their everyday spending.
If you’re considering buying discounted gift cards, using a rewards credit card is a smart strategy to amplify your savings. While gift card marketplace purchases might not fall into specific bonus categories like travel or dining, using a credit card that offers a solid flat-rate cash back on all purchases is ideal. Cards like the Citi Double Cash® Card, Chase Freedom Unlimited®, and Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (mentioned in the original article and below) are excellent choices for maximizing rewards on everyday spending, including discounted gift card purchases.
[
Citi Double Cash® Card](https://oc.brcclx.com/t?lid=26664494)CNBC Select Rating
5.0
Learn More
On Citi’s site
[
Chase Freedom Unlimited®](https://oc.brcclx.com/t?lid=26664483)CNBC Select Rating
5
Learn More
On Chase’s site
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Learn More
On Wells Fargo’s site
Frequently Asked Questions About Gift Cards for Cash
Do Coinstar machines buy gift cards?
No, Coinstar no longer offers gift card exchange services. Their Coinstar Exchange program has been discontinued.
What gift cards does Prepaid2Cash accept?
Prepaid2Cash primarily accepts prepaid cards (MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover) and gift cards from many major retailers, including Starbucks, Walmart, and Best Buy. Cards must have a balance between $25 and $1,000 and cannot have restrictions. They do not accept registered, non-transferable, promotional, or paper cards, or merchandise credits with expiration dates.
Does Cash App buy gift cards?
No, Cash App does not currently offer a service to buy gift cards for cash.
How quickly does CardCash pay you?
CardCash typically processes payments within one to two business days after your order is approved.
Conclusion: Unlock the Value of Unwanted Gift Cards
Selling gift cards for cash is a practical solution for turning unwanted presents into usable funds. Platforms like GCX and CardCash offer convenient ways to exchange your gift cards, each with its own pros and cons. By comparing offers, understanding market dynamics, and choosing the right platform, you can maximize your return and convert those plastic cards into cash you can actually use. So, before those gift cards expire or get lost in the shuffle, consider selling them for cash and unlock their financial potential!
