
You've got a gift card but no way to use it, and you're wondering how to convert it to cash. One way to do this is by selling it online through websites like Raise or Cardpool, which can give you up to 92% of the card's value.
Another option is to trade it in for cash or store credit at a physical location like a GameStop or Best Buy. These retailers often have a list of accepted gift cards and will give you a store credit or cash value in exchange.
If you're short on time, you can also use an app like Cardpool or Raise to instantly sell your gift card for cash. These apps often have a lower payout rate than selling in-person, but they're convenient and can get you cash quickly.
You can also try using a service like CoinOut, which allows you to upload a photo of your gift card and receive cash via PayPal or direct deposit.
Selling Gift Cards
You can sell your gift card to a website, such as GCX or CardCash, and get cash in return. Some websites, like GCX, will give you up to 85 cents on the dollar, but they'll take a 15% fee.
Other websites, like CardCash, will give you up to 92% of the cash value of your cards, but the return will fluctuate greatly from one retailer to the next. For example, a $100 gift card to Walmart will get you $85.50.
Some websites will remove the hassle of selling the card yourself, like CardCash, which will pay you and take care of the reselling themselves.
You can also use an app to sell your gift card, such as Cardtonic, which will give you cash for your gift card.
If you don't want to sell your gift card to a website, you can list it on an e-commerce website, like eBay or Craigslist. You can sell your gift card for the same price it is valued as, but it will typically sell better if you sell it for slightly less than the value.
Here are some popular options for selling your gift card:
You can also sell your gift card to a friend, which is probably the easiest and safest way to sell your card. Ask around to see if any of your friends would be interested.
It's always a good idea to search for reviews of the website or app before committing to selling your card.
Understanding Gift Card Details
Before you can convert your gift card to cash, it's essential to understand the details of your card. Check the expiration date and any other restrictions that may affect the card's value or usability.
Some gift cards may have geographic or merchant-specific limitations, so it's crucial to be aware of these conditions to get the most out of your card.
To avoid transaction errors, always check the balance on your gift card before proceeding with any cash-out method.
You can check the balance by visiting the retailer's website, calling the customer service number on the back of the card, or using an online gift card balance checker.
Here's a step-by-step guide to checking your gift card balance:
- Visit the retailer's website
- Call the customer service number on the back of the card
- Use an online gift card balance checker
Understanding Restriction
Some gift cards may come with expiration dates, which can reduce their value. Always check the expiration date before cashing out.
Be aware that some gift cards have geographic and merchant-specific limitations, making them harder to sell or trade. These factors can affect the usability or resale potential of your card.
Before cashing out, check for any terms that could affect your gift card's value. This will help you get the most out of your card.
It's essential to check the balance on your gift card before proceeding with any cash-out method. You can do this by visiting the retailer's website, calling the customer service number, or using an online gift card balance checker.
Here are some common restrictions to watch out for:
- Expiration dates
- Geographic limitations
- Merchant-specific limitations
Knowing the exact balance will help you avoid transaction errors and ensure you're getting the correct payout.
Transferring Money FAQs
You can transfer money from a gift card to your bank account, but check the card's terms and conditions to see if this is allowed.
Some gift cards have a reloadable option, which allows you to add funds to the card after it's been purchased.
You can transfer money from a gift card to another person's account, but you'll need to follow the card issuer's instructions for doing so.
Gift cards can be transferred to a bank account or another payment method, such as a PayPal account, but the process may vary depending on the card issuer.
You should receive a confirmation email or notification after transferring money from a gift card, which may include a transaction ID or other details.
Some gift cards have a transfer fee, which can range from 1% to 3% of the transferred amount.
The transfer process may take a few days to complete, depending on the card issuer and the payment method you're using.
You should check the card's balance and any applicable fees before transferring money from a gift card.
Converting to Cash
You can sell or exchange gift cards online through platforms like CardCash, Raise, and Gift Card Granny, which connect sellers with buyers looking for discounted cards. These platforms offer different payout rates, ranging from 70% to 92% of the card's face value.
Gift cards for popular retailers like Amazon or Walmart tend to fetch higher returns, while those for niche stores may yield lower offers. This option doesn't offer instant cash, but it allows you to reach a broader audience and increase your chances of securing a better payout.
Some platforms also allow you to swap a card for another one, giving you greater control over the outcome. This can be particularly useful if you don't need immediate cash but want more spending options.
Online Sales/Exchanges
If you want to sell or exchange your gift cards online, you have several options to consider. 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. This means you can earn a higher payout than other methods, but it may take a few days to a week to receive your money.
Gift cards for popular retailers like Amazon or Walmart tend to fetch higher returns, while those for niche stores may yield lower offers. For example, a gift card for Amazon might sell for 92% of its face value, while a card for a smaller store might only sell for 70%.
Some platforms also allow you to swap a card for another one, giving you more control over the outcome. This can be particularly useful if you don't need immediate cash but want more spending options.
PayPal Money Transfer
You can use PayPal to transfer money from a gift card to your Cash app. This is a convenient option if you have a prepaid gift card.
To link your gift card to PayPal, you'll need to add it to your account. This will allow you to transfer funds from your PayPal account to your Cash app.
PayPal can be a lifesaver when you need to convert a gift card to cash quickly. It's a widely accepted payment method, making it easy to use.
To transfer funds from your PayPal account to your Cash app, simply log in to your PayPal account and follow the prompts.
Methods for Out

You can sell or exchange gift cards 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.
Gift cards for popular retailers like Amazon or Walmart tend to fetch higher returns, while those for niche stores may yield lower offers. For example, a gift card for Amazon might get you 90% of its face value.
You can also swap a card for another one on some platforms, giving you greater control over the outcome. This option can be particularly useful if you don't need immediate cash but want more spending options.
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. It's essential to factor these details into your decision.

If you have a prepaid gift card, you can use PayPal to transfer cash to your Cash app. This method is convenient and efficient, but it's not always the best option for everyone.
Methods for cashing out gift cards vary in terms of convenience, payout, and effort involved. Choosing the right method depends on the type of gift card, your need for cash, and how much value you're willing to sacrifice in exchange for liquidity.
Managing Gift Card Balance
To manage your gift card balance effectively, check the remaining balance first. Several states, including California, Colorado, Maine, and Washington, require retailers to cash out gift cards if the balance falls below a certain threshold, typically $5 to $10.
Before proceeding with any cash-out method, check the balance on your gift card. You can do this by visiting the retailer's website, calling the customer service number on the back of the card, or using an online gift card balance checker. Knowing the exact balance will help you avoid transaction errors and ensure you're getting the correct payout.
It's also essential to check the expiration date and any other restrictions on your gift card. Some gift cards may be limited to specific merchants or geographic locations, which can reduce their value or make them harder to sell or trade.
Use Kiosks
Using kiosks to manage your gift card balance is a convenient option. You can insert your gift card into the machine, and it will assess its balance to provide an instant cash offer.
The payout from kiosks is usually lower than selling online, often ranging from 50% to 70% of the card's value, depending on the retailer.
Kiosks are a fast and hassle-free way to convert gift cards into cash, especially for major brands. However, the offers are often non-negotiable, so be prepared to accept the amount displayed.
Not all gift cards are accepted by kiosks, particularly those from smaller or less popular retailers.
Check Balance First
Before you start thinking about cashing out your gift card, it's essential to check the balance first. You can do this by visiting the retailer's website, calling the customer service number on the back of the card, or using an online gift card balance checker.
Knowing the exact balance will help you avoid transaction errors and ensure you're getting the correct payout. This is crucial, especially if you're trying to cash out a small balance that's not enough to buy anything.
Some states, like California, Colorado, Maine, and Washington, have regulations that require retailers to cash out gift cards if the remaining balance falls below a certain threshold, typically $5 to $10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you transfer a gift card to your bank account?
Most companies allow you to transfer prepaid card balances to your bank account, but check your card issuer's policies first
Sources
- https://www.cnbc.com/select/how-to-sell-gift-cards-for-cash/
- https://www.wikihow.com/Turn-Gift-Cards-Into-Cash
- https://cardtonic.com/read/transfer-money-gift-card-to-cash-app
- https://prestmit.io/blog/converting-gift-card-balance-cash-app-funds-comprehensive-tutorial
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/truetamplin/2024/10/09/here-are-4-easy-ways-on-how-to-cash-out-a-gift-card/
Featured Images: pexels.com