
Selling unused gift cards can be a great way to earn some extra cash, but it can also be a bit tricky. According to the article, there are over $1 billion in unused gift cards in circulation.
First, you need to check the balance on your gift card to see how much cash you can get. You can usually do this by visiting the card issuer's website or by calling their customer service number.
With the balance in hand, you can start looking for places to sell your gift card. Some popular options include online marketplaces like Raise and Cardpool, which can give you up to 92% of the card's value.
Where to Sell
You can sell your gift cards online through various platforms, such as CardCash, Raise, and Gift Card Granny. These platforms connect sellers with buyers looking for discounted gift cards.
CardCash is one of the most popular options, allowing you to sell gift cards for up to 92% of their total value without hassle or extra fees. You can also trade in unwanted gift cards for gift cards from other retailers and get up to 11% more.
CardSell is another convenient app that lets you sell gift cards quickly and easily, with payments sent to your PayPal account within 48 hours.
CardCash

CardCash is a trustworthy site where you can sell gift cards directly to them. They offer a convenient way to sell unwanted or unused gift cards.
You can get paid via a check, direct deposit, or PayPal with CardCash. Alternatively, you can trade in your gift card in exchange for a gift card at another retailer you're more likely to shop at.
Selling gift cards with CardCash is easy and secure. Just enter the brand name of your gift card, the balance amount, and other details to get an offer.
CardCash processes payments within two business days of receiving your gift cards. With CardCash, you can sell unwanted or unused gift cards for up to 92% of their total value without hassle or extra fees.
CardCash operates on a different model whereby they verify your gift card and offer you a price for it. They take on the onus of selling the card themselves.

You can sell physical or electronic gift cards to CardCash. They have more than 1100 retailers to choose from, making it a great option for those who want to trade in their gift card for a gift card from a different brand.
CardCash allows a user to buy and sell gift cards within its marketplace. You can sell cards to CardCash for less than the balance and buy discounted gift cards from more than 1,100 brands.
What you get in return for selling a gift card varies with CardCash. If the card is popular, sellers can get around 90% of its face value.
Use Kiosks
If you need immediate cash, gift card kiosks can be a fast and hassle-free option. They're often found in grocery stores, shopping malls, or big-box retailers.
To use a kiosk, simply insert your gift card, and the machine will assess its balance before providing an instant cash offer. Kiosk payouts are usually lower than what you would receive through selling online, often ranging from 50% to 70% of the card's value, depending on the retailer.
Kiosk offers are often non-negotiable, and the machines may not accept all types of gift cards, particularly those from smaller or less popular retailers.
Where to Sell Online

You can sell your gift cards online through various platforms, including CardCash, Raise, and Gift Card Granny. Each platform offers different payout rates, ranging from 70% to 92% of the card's face value.
CardCash is one such platform that allows you to sell your gift cards directly to them, and you can get paid via a check, direct deposit, or PayPal. They also offer a trade-in option where you can exchange your gift card for a gift card at another retailer.
Raise is another platform where you can sell your gift cards, and they often offer higher payouts for cards from popular retailers like Amazon or Walmart. However, the payout time can range from a few days to a week, depending on the platform's policies.
CardSell is an app that offers a secure and convenient way to sell your gift cards and make a profit quickly. You can enter your card details into the app and see what offer you receive, and CardSell will send a payment to your PayPal account within 48 hours if you accept the offer.
It's worth noting that some websites may charge a transaction fee, so be sure to check the terms and conditions before selling your gift card online. By comparing offer prices from several sites, you can find the highest value for your card and get the best deal.
How to Sell

To sell a gift card for cash, start by using trustworthy sites like CardSell, which offers a secure and convenient way to sell gift cards and make a profit quickly.
CardSell accepts gift cards from hundreds of merchants and sends a payment to your PayPal account within 48 hours if you accept the offer.
You can also sell gift cards on CardCash, which processes payments within two business days of receiving your gift cards.
With CardCash, you can sell unwanted or unused gift cards for up to 92% of their total value without hassle or extra fees.
To get the best offer, compare prices from several sites, including CardCash and QuickCashMI, which allows you to sell any type of gift card, from popular retail cards to restaurant cards.
QuickCashMI offers different payout options, including a check in the mail, which can get you more for your gift cards.
By using these sites and apps, you can easily and securely sell your gift cards for cash and get a good deal.
Pre-Sale Considerations

Before you start selling your gift card, it's essential to check the balance and any remaining value. This will help you determine how much cash you can expect to receive.
Gift cards with high balances or popular brands tend to sell for more, so consider the type of card you have and its value. For example, a $100 Amazon gift card might be more valuable than a $50 Target card.
Consider the fees associated with selling your gift card, which can range from 5% to 15% of the card's value.
Check Expiration and Restrictions
Before selling your gift card, it's essential to check for any expiration dates. Some gift cards may come with a limited time frame in which they can be used.
Expiration dates can significantly reduce the card's value, so it's crucial to be aware of this condition. You don't want to sell a card that's about to expire and then have it become worthless.
Gift cards may also have geographic limitations, making them unusable in certain locations. This can impact the card's resale potential.
To get the most out of your gift card, always check the platform's guidelines for restrictions. Each platform has its own rules regarding expiration dates, locations, and product range.
Keep Transaction Details

Keeping transaction details is crucial when selling gift cards. This includes screenshots, confirmation emails, and receipts.
Having these documents on hand can help resolve disputes or issues with payout quickly. In fact, keeping a record of transactions can make a big difference in resolving issues.
You can use platforms like CardCash, Raise, and Gift Card Granny to sell gift cards online, but it's essential to keep a record of your transactions. These platforms facilitate the process, but you'll still need to keep track of your sales.
Make sure to note the payout rates, which can range 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.
Some platforms may charge a transaction fee, and payout times can vary from a few days to a week. It's essential to be aware of these details when selling your gift cards online.
CardSell is an app that allows you to sell gift cards and make a profit quickly. If you use CardSell, you'll receive a payment to your PayPal account within 48 hours if you accept the offer.
Benefits of Removing Cards

You can sell your gift card online instantly on platforms built specifically for the purchase, sale, and exchange of gift cards.
Selling your gift card can mobilize your resources into cash, which can then be used for any of your needs or put aside as savings.
The recipient of the gift card can utilize the full market value of the gift card by selling it, ensuring it doesn't go unused.
By selling your gift card for a slight discount, you can put your resources to good use and create resources for yourself that would have otherwise gone unutilized.
Other Methods:
You can re-gift unwanted gift cards to friends and family, or use them as a last-minute gift when you forget to buy a present.
CharityChoice is a non-profit organization that allows you to turn a gift card into a donation for over 1,000 charities, taking 10% of the donation for marketing and administrative costs.

In some states, you can exchange low-balance gift cards for cash, but only if they're less than $5 and issued by retailers or restaurants, not banks like Visa or American Express.
Many online marketplaces, such as giftcards.com, Raise, CardCash, and Gift Card Granny, offer discounted gift cards for purchase, but be sure to check their guarantee policies to protect yourself from faulty purchases.
CardCash offers a 45-day money-back guarantee on all discounted gift cards, and Gift Card Granny provides a lifetime guarantee to give you peace of mind when making a purchase.
Physical
If you're looking to sell your gift card for cash, you have a few options for physical locations where you can do so.
Some retailers like GameStop and Best Buy will buy back gift cards from their own stores, but the amount you'll get is typically lower than what you'd get through an online service.
You can also try selling your gift card at a local pawn shop or a second-hand store, but be prepared for a lower offer.

The amount you'll get for your gift card can vary greatly depending on the retailer and the location.
Some gift cards, like those from restaurants or coffee shops, may be more difficult to sell than others, like those from popular retail stores.
Keep in mind that some retailers may have specific rules or restrictions for buying back gift cards, so it's a good idea to call ahead and check before making a trip.
The physical locations you choose to sell your gift card at will likely have varying levels of expertise and knowledge about gift cards, so be prepared to answer questions and provide information about your card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell my gift card to Coinstar?
Yes, you can sell your gift card to Coinstar at a Coinstar Gift Card Exchange kiosk, also known as the yellow kiosk. Look for it near the green kiosk that accepts coin deposits.
Who pays the best for gift cards?
CardCash pays up to 92% of the cash value of your gift cards, making them a top contender for the best gift card reseller. They take care of the reselling process, making it hassle-free for you.
Is Raise or CardCash better?
Raise charges a $1 listing fee and 15% commission on sales, while CardCash buys gift cards outright with no commission or waiting. If you want a hassle-free sale, CardCash might be the better choice, but if you're looking to list and sell your card at a potentially higher price, Raise could be the way to go.
Sources
- https://www.wbaltv.com/article/cash-unused-gift-cards/62921755
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/truetamplin/2024/10/09/here-are-4-easy-ways-on-how-to-cash-out-a-gift-card/
- https://us.flash.co/blog/how-to-sell-gift-cards
- https://www.turnto23.com/sell-gift-cards-online-reputable-sites
- https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/national-international/how-to-sell-unused-gift-cards-for-cash-and-buy-them-at-discount-2/3498906/
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