Gift cards, often intended as the perfect present, can sometimes miss the mark. Instead of a thoughtful treat, you might find yourself holding plastic for a store you rarely visit or a service you don’t need. While regifting might come to mind, there’s a more direct and often more satisfying solution: selling your unwanted gift cards for cash. If you’re wondering “Where Do I Sell Gift Cards?”, you’re in luck. The digital marketplace offers numerous platforms designed to turn those plastic disappointments into spendable money.
This guide will walk you through the best options for selling your gift cards online, helping you understand how these services work and how to maximize your return. Whether you received a stack of cards during the holidays or have a drawer full of unused plastic, it’s time to unlock their cash value.
Top Online Marketplaces to Sell Gift Cards
Several reputable online marketplaces specialize in buying and selling gift cards. They provide a convenient way to exchange your unwanted cards for cash, albeit usually at a discounted rate. Here are a couple of leading platforms to consider:
GCX (Gift Card Exchange)
GCX, a subsidiary of Raise, operates as a marketplace connecting gift card sellers and buyers. This platform puts you in control of your listing, allowing you to set the discount you’re willing to offer. You can browse existing listings for similar gift cards to gauge competitive pricing.
Alt text: A stack of various branded gift cards tied with a festive red bow, symbolizing gift card exchanges.
Selling on GCX:
- You list your card: You’ll create a listing with the gift card’s details, including its value and the discount percentage you’re offering.
- Marketplace dynamics: Your card becomes available alongside others, and buyers choose based on the discount and merchant.
- Payment upon sale: You only receive payment once your gift card is purchased by someone else.
- Fees: GCX charges a 15% fee on the selling price. This means for every dollar of gift card value you sell, the maximum you can expect is 85 cents.
- Payout Methods: GCX offers payouts via ACH direct deposit and PayPal.
Pros of GCX:
- Reputation: GCX and its parent company Raise are well-established in the gift card marketplace.
- Control over pricing: You decide the discount, offering flexibility.
- Established platform: User-friendly interface and established processes.
Cons of GCX:
- Higher fees: The 15% selling fee is relatively high compared to some competitors.
- No immediate sale: You have to wait for a buyer to purchase your card.
- Lower return: Due to fees and potential need for deeper discounts to sell quickly, your cash return might be lower.
CardCash
CardCash offers a different model. Instead of a marketplace, CardCash directly buys gift cards from you. This eliminates the waiting period and hassle of managing your own listing. Once they verify your gift card, CardCash pays you directly and handles the reselling process themselves.
Alt text: Screenshot of the CardCash website interface showing options to sell gift cards online instantly.
Selling on CardCash:
- Instant offer: You enter your gift card details on their website, and CardCash provides an immediate offer.
- Direct sale: If you accept the offer, you sell your card directly to CardCash.
- Fast payment: Payment is typically processed quickly after verification.
- Variable rates: The percentage you receive varies depending on the retailer and current demand. CardCash states you can receive up to 92% of the card’s value, but this is not always the case.
Pros of CardCash:
- Faster process: Receive an instant offer and get paid quickly.
- Convenience: No need to manage listings or wait for a buyer.
- Potentially higher return: Can offer better rates than GCX in some cases (up to 92%, but often lower).
- Wide acceptance: CardCash accepts a wide range of gift cards from various retailers.
Cons of CardCash:
- Lower control over price: You accept their offer, which may be lower than what you could potentially get on a marketplace.
- Variable rates: Payout percentages fluctuate and can be significantly lower for some retailers. For example, a $100 Walmart gift card might fetch a better percentage than an Apple Store card on CardCash, depending on current market conditions.
- Lower offers for some popular brands: In some instances, offers for high-demand gift cards might be surprisingly lower due to their own resale margin strategies.
Maximizing Your Return When Selling Gift Cards
While selling gift cards is convenient, understanding how to maximize your return is key:
- Compare offers: Don’t settle for the first offer you see. Check multiple platforms like GCX and CardCash to compare rates for your specific gift card.
- Consider retailer demand: Gift cards from popular retailers with broad appeal (like Amazon, Target, Walmart) often fetch better rates. Niche or less popular store cards might have lower resale value.
- Check current rates frequently: Gift card resale rates can change based on demand and platform inventory. Monitor rates for a short period to identify optimal selling times.
- Be aware of fees: Factor in selling fees when comparing platforms. A slightly higher offer might be negated by higher fees.
- Understand payout methods and timing: Check how and when you’ll receive payment. Faster payouts might be worth slightly lower rates for some.
- Sell sooner rather than later: Gift cards can sometimes lose value over time due to retailer changes or platform market fluctuations. Selling sooner ensures you capture the highest possible value.
- Read platform reviews: Check user reviews and ratings for different platforms to ensure a smooth and trustworthy selling experience. Look for feedback on payment speed, customer service, and overall reliability.
Beyond Cash: Trading for Different Gift Cards
Some platforms, like CardCash, offer an alternative to cashing out: trading your gift card for a different one. Often, you can receive a bonus value (e.g., up to 11% more on CardCash) when you choose to trade for a gift card to a popular retailer like Amazon, Airbnb, or Chewy.
Trading can be a smart option if you know you’ll use a gift card from a different merchant. Swapping an unwanted store-specific card for a versatile Amazon gift card can be almost as good as cash, offering flexibility and utility.
Buying Discounted Gift Cards: A Double-Edged Sword
The same platforms that allow you to sell gift cards also offer discounted gift cards for purchase. Buying discounted gift cards can be a way to save money on your own spending. However, be cautious:
- Verify card balance immediately: Upon purchase, immediately verify the gift card balance to ensure it matches the advertised value.
- Use reputable platforms: Stick to well-known and trusted marketplaces to minimize the risk of fraudulent cards.
- Understand terms and conditions: Check for any expiration dates or restrictions on the discounted gift cards.
- Credit card rewards: If buying discounted gift cards, use a credit card that maximizes rewards on everyday purchases, as these transactions typically don’t fall into bonus categories. Flat-rate cash-back cards like Citi Double Cash® Card, Chase Freedom Unlimited®, or Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card are good choices.
FAQs About Selling Gift Cards
Do Coinstar machines buy gift cards?
No, Coinstar no longer offers gift card exchange services. Coinstar Exchange, which previously allowed gift card exchanges, has been discontinued.
What gift cards does Prepaid2Cash accept?
Prepaid2Cash primarily focuses on prepaid cards (MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover) but also accepts gift cards from many major retailers. They accept both physical and electronic gift cards. 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 or dormancy fees. Always check their website for the most up-to-date list of accepted cards and terms.
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 and your gift card is verified. Refer to the CardCash website for the most current payment timelines.
Conclusion: Turning Plastic into Possibilities
Unwanted gift cards don’t have to be a source of frustration. By understanding the options available, you can confidently answer the question “where do I sell gift cards?” and turn those plastic cards into cash you can actually use. Online marketplaces like GCX and CardCash offer convenient solutions, each with its own pros and cons. By comparing offers, understanding fees, and considering your priorities (speed vs. potential return), you can make informed decisions and unlock the value trapped in your unwanted gift cards. So, instead of letting them gather dust, take action and convert those gifts into something truly useful for you.
