Gift Card to Cash: Easy Ways to Convert Unused Cards

Two women enjoy reading a card and sharing a gift in a stylish café setting.
Credit: pexels.com, Two women enjoy reading a card and sharing a gift in a stylish café setting.

You've got a stash of unused gift cards collecting dust, and you're wondering how to turn them into cash. The average American has around $270 in unused gift cards lying around, so you're not alone.

You can sell your unused gift cards on websites like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace. According to a survey, 75% of people have sold a gift card online at some point.

You can also trade in your unused gift cards for cash or other rewards through websites like Raise or Cardpool. These websites offer competitive prices and a hassle-free process.

Some gift cards, like those from major retailers like Target or Walmart, can be exchanged for cash at participating store locations.

Cashing Out Methods

Cashing out gift cards can be done through various methods, each with its own convenience, payout, and effort level. Choosing the right method depends on the type of gift card, your need for cash, and how much value you're willing to sacrifice.

A yellow gift bag with a Mother's Day card and bracelet on a pink background, perfect for celebration themes.
Credit: pexels.com, A yellow gift bag with a Mother's Day card and bracelet on a pink background, perfect for celebration themes.

There are many places to sell your gift card, including gift card trading sites, e-commerce websites, and peer-to-peer platforms like social media communities or forums. Prestmit is a leading platform for buying and selling gift cards with multiple payment methods, offering an automated gift card rate calculator for real-time exchange values.

You can expect to get less than the full value of the gift card when trading it for cash, as the company will typically take a cut. Several states have enacted regulations requiring retailers to cash out gift cards if the remaining balance falls below a certain threshold, such as $5 to $10.

Claim Remaining Balances

Some states have laws that require retailers to cash out gift cards if the remaining balance is low, typically $5 to $10. This means you can request cash from the retailer directly if you've used most of your gift card.

California, Colorado, Maine, and Washington are among the states with these consumer-friendly regulations. You can check if your state has similar laws.

If you have a small gift card balance that's not enough to buy anything, you can ask the retailer to cash it out for you.

Prepaid2Cash

A Person Putting a Card in a Box
Credit: pexels.com, A Person Putting a Card in a Box

Prepaid2Cash is a company that aims to stop consumer waste by offering cash for unused gift cards. They'll send you offers for a variety of gift cards, and you can choose to accept the offer.

To use Prepaid2Cash, you'll need to give them your gift card details. This is a relatively easy process.

Prepaid2Cash typically sends offers within a few days of receiving your gift card details. You can then choose to accept the offer and receive the cash in your account.

Keep in mind that Prepaid2Cash will take a cut of the gift card value, so you can expect to get less than the full value of the gift card.

Turning Starbucks into Cash

You can sell your Starbucks gift card for cash on a platform like Prestmit, which offers one of the best gift card rates you can find. Prestmit is a leading digital trading platform where you can buy and sell gift cards with multiple payment methods.

Close-up Photo of Gift Boxes with Greeting Card
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up Photo of Gift Boxes with Greeting Card

Prestmit is efficient and effective to trade on, as your transactions are safe, fast, and accessible. Selling on Prestmit is hassle-free and gives you the best value for your gift card.

To start, visit the official Prestmit website or download the Prestmit app on the Google Play Store or Apple Store. You'll need to create a Prestmit account and log in to get started.

Here are the quick steps to sell your Starbucks card:

  • Click “Gift Cards” and choose “Sell Gift Cards.”
  • Choose your preferred payment in cash.
  • Select Starbucks from the “Gift Card Category” and choose your “Gift Card Type.”
  • Enter the “Amount” of the Starbucks gift card that you’re selling.
  • Upload the image of your Starbucks gift card or enter the code in the comment section.
  • Proceed to complete the transaction.

After completing the transaction, you'll receive payment immediately. Selling your Starbucks gift card on Prestmit is a fast and profitable way to make money, and you can get the best value for your card.

Quickcashmi

QuickcashMI is a great option if you want to turn your gift cards into cash. They offer different amounts for different retailers, so it's worth shopping around to see who's offering the best deal.

You may get a high percent back from selling a gift card like Amazon, but something lower from a retailer like Chilis. This depends on the demand for the gift card, so it's a good idea to check out multiple options.

Trading gift cards for cash is a relatively quick and easy way to make some money, and QuickcashMI is a solid choice.

Card Options

Gift Card in Shoppig Cart
Credit: pexels.com, Gift Card in Shoppig Cart

When you're looking to convert a gift card to cash, you have several card options to consider.

The most common type of gift card is a store gift card, which can be redeemed at a specific retailer. Some store gift cards can be converted to cash through various methods, such as selling them online or exchanging them for a cash equivalent.

Other options include prepaid debit cards and credit cards, which can be used to make purchases and then converted to cash.

CardCash

You can sell your unwanted gift cards on CardCash, a platform that allows you to trade in your cards for cash or other gift cards.

With CardCash, you can get paid via a check, direct deposit, or PayPal, giving you flexibility in how you receive your money.

You can trade in your Starbucks gift card on CardCash and get a gift card at another retailer you're more likely to shop at, making it a convenient option.

CardCash is a great alternative to waiting for a seller to buy your card, as you're selling directly to them.

Understanding Card Restriction

A blank card resting on elegant pinstripe fabric in a gift box.
Credit: pexels.com, A blank card resting on elegant pinstripe fabric in a gift box.

You can't directly transfer money from a gift card to your Cash app, but you can use PayPal as an intermediary to get the job done indirectly.

Cash app is compatible with various credit and debit cards, including American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa.

Most prepaid cards are supported, but depositing funds directly to these cards won't work.

Buying and Selling

Buying discounted gift cards can be a great way to save money, but it's essential to remember that the gift card industry is a target for scammers. To ensure the best purchase protection, use gift cards within the money-back guarantee window, such as the 90-day guarantee offered by GCX or the 45-day guarantee offered by CardCash.

You can buy discounted gift cards on platforms like GCX and CardCash, but be aware of the risks involved. It's also worth noting that some platforms may charge a transaction fee. If you're looking for a more secure option, consider buying from the retailer directly.

For more insights, see: How to Cash Money inside Gift Card

A beautiful Mother's Day card with floral design next to a pink gift box, perfect for gifting.
Credit: pexels.com, A beautiful Mother's Day card with floral design next to a pink gift box, perfect for gifting.

If you're looking to sell your gift cards, you have several options. You can sell them online through platforms like CardCash, Raise, and Gift Card Granny, which connect sellers with buyers looking for discounted gift cards. Each platform offers different payout rates, ranging from 70% to 92% of the card's face value, depending on the retailer and demand.

Some platforms, like Prestmit, offer a convenient and efficient way to sell your gift cards. You can sell your Starbucks gift card for cash on Prestmit, which offers a profitable experience with features like an automated gift card rate calculator.

Sell/Exchange Online

Selling your unwanted gift cards online is a great way to get some cash back. You can use platforms like CardCash, Raise, and Gift Card Granny to connect with buyers looking for discounted gift cards.

These platforms offer different payout rates, ranging from 70% to 92% of the card's face value, depending on the retailer and demand. For example, gift cards for popular retailers like Amazon or Walmart tend to fetch higher returns.

Greeting Card Beside Red Gift Box on Yellow Tie
Credit: pexels.com, Greeting Card Beside Red Gift Box on Yellow Tie

You can also use platforms like CardSell, which functions like an app, to share the specifics of your gift card and get an offer. CardSell deposits your money through PayPal and accepts hundreds of retailers.

Some platforms, like GiftCash, make it easy to get an offer by simply typing in your gift card numbers. GiftCash averages an 80% to 90% return, and they accept gift cards up to $2,500.

If you're looking for a quick and hassle-free way to sell your Starbucks gift card, Prestmit is a great option. You can sell your card for cash or cryptocurrency on the platform, and they offer an automated gift card rate calculator to give you a real-time exchange value.

Here's a comparison of some popular online gift card platforms:

Keep in mind that some websites may charge a transaction fee, and the payout time can range from a few days to a week, depending on the platform's policies.

Use Kiosks

Close-up Photo of Gift Boxes with Greeting Card
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up Photo of Gift Boxes with Greeting Card

Gift card kiosks are a convenient option for converting gift cards into cash.

You can find them in grocery stores, shopping malls, or big-box retailers.

They're often physical machines that assess the balance of your gift card and provide an instant cash offer.

Kiosk payouts are usually lower than what you'd receive through selling online, often ranging from 50% to 70% of the card's value.

The retailer's brand is a factor in determining the payout percentage.

Kiosk offers are often non-negotiable, so be prepared to accept the offer or walk away.

Not all gift cards are accepted by kiosks, particularly those from smaller retailers.

Major brands, however, have kiosks that provide a fast and hassle-free way to convert gift cards into cash.

Expand your knowledge: Gift Card Kiosk for Cash near Me

Conversion Methods

You can sell your Starbucks gift card for cash on various platforms, including gift card trading sites and peer-to-peer platforms like social media communities or forums.

To get the best value for your gift card, consider using Prestmit, a leading digital trading platform that allows you to buy and sell gift cards with multiple payment methods. Prestmit is a great option if you want a hassle-free experience.

Brown Gift Box
Credit: pexels.com, Brown Gift Box

Prestmit's innovative features, such as an automated gift card rate calculator, provide you with real-time exchange value for your card. This means you can quickly determine how much cash you'll get for your gift card.

If you live in Canada, you can also use CardSwap, a reputable platform that sends you an offer based on the total value of your gift card.

Platforms and Tools

Platforms and Tools are essential for redeeming gift cards for cash.

Some popular platforms that allow you to sell your unwanted gift cards include Raise, Cardpool, and GiftCardGranny.

These platforms connect buyers with sellers, making it easy to find a buyer for your gift card.

You can also use websites like eBay and Craigslist to sell your gift cards, but be cautious of scams and fees.

Additionally, some banks and credit unions offer services that allow you to convert your gift cards into cash or credit.

Gameflip

Gameflip is a versatile platform that offers benefits beyond just gaming. You can list a variety of gift cards on Gameflip.

Overhead Christmas composition of gingerbread man cookies placed near gift card with inscription Merry And Bright on white background with green pine tree branches
Credit: pexels.com, Overhead Christmas composition of gingerbread man cookies placed near gift card with inscription Merry And Bright on white background with green pine tree branches

To get started, you'll need to create a Gameflip account, which is a straightforward process. Once you have an account, you can list your gift card for your chosen amount.

Gameflip takes an 8% commission and a 2% digital fee when you sell your gift card. This means you'll receive the remaining balance after these fees are deducted.

You can use Gameflip to buy and sell NFTs, which is a unique feature of this platform.

For another approach, see: Add Cash to Account with Debit Card

Money Transfer FAQs

Money transfer fees can be a significant cost, with some services charging as much as 5% of the transferred amount.

You can often avoid these fees by using services that don't charge them, such as TransferWise, which charges a flat rate of 0.5% to 1% of the transfer amount.

Transfers can take anywhere from a few minutes to several days to process, depending on the service and the recipient's location.

Some services, like PayPal, offer instant transfers for an additional fee.

You might like: Apple Card 5 Cash Back

A Congratulatory Card with Gift for a Graduate
Credit: pexels.com, A Congratulatory Card with Gift for a Graduate

You can usually track the status of your transfer online or through a mobile app, allowing you to stay informed about its progress.

Keep in mind that some services may have specific requirements, such as a minimum transfer amount, to qualify for instant transfers.

Receiving money can be just as easy as sending it, with some services allowing recipients to receive funds directly into their bank accounts.

Maximizing Your Finances

You'd be surprised at how much money you can save by making better use of the gift cards you already have.

Gift cards can add up to a significant amount of cash if you convert them.

Try to create a pile of cards you can turn into money as you're cleaning up your house.

You can turn old gift cards into cash, and it's a great way to declutter your home at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Coinstar buy gift cards?

Yes, Coinstar buys gift cards through their Gift Card Exchange kiosks, allowing you to quickly sell unwanted cards for cash.

Timothy Gutkowski-Stoltenberg

Senior Writer

Timothy Gutkowski-Stoltenberg is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he has established himself as a versatile and reliable voice in the industry. His writing portfolio showcases a breadth of expertise, with a particular focus on the freight market trends.

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