How To Sell Gift Cards Online – Step-by-Step Guide

Searching for ways to sell gift cards online? You’ve found the right resource.

Though the thought behind gift cards certainly counts, sometimes they simply miss the mark. When you’re stuck with numerous gift cards you’ll never use—a common situation after holiday gift exchanges—it’s time to turn those unwanted presents into something valuable.

Whether you’ve received cards for restaurants you don’t visit or stores outside your area, there’s no point holding onto gift cards that will collect dust in your drawer.

This comprehensive guide covers proven strategies for selling gift cards, plus several alternatives worth considering if selling doesn’t suit your situation. Let’s dive in!

Safe Strategies for Selling Gift Cards

Here’s a striking statistic: roughly 6% of all gift cards sold never get used. Once a gift card sits unused for several months, the likelihood of ever using it drops dramatically.

Rather than letting these cards waste away in a drawer, selling them makes financial sense. While you typically won’t receive full face value, getting 70-90% of the card’s worth beats getting nothing at all.

Several online platforms facilitate gift card sales between buyers seeking discounts and sellers wanting cash. However, prioritizing safety throughout this process is crucial.

Essential Question: How Will I Get Paid?

Before engaging with any gift card exchange platform, clarify their payment methods.

Reputable gift card companies typically offer multiple payout options: PayPal transfers, mailed checks, direct deposits, or even gift card exchanges for more useful brands.

Choose platforms that provide payment methods aligning with your preferences and needs.

Top Platforms for Selling Unwanted Gift Cards

Ready to transform those birthday or holiday gift cards into cash? Multiple platforms facilitate selling gift cards safely and efficiently. Here are the most reliable options available.

1. CardSell

CardSell features both digital and physical gift cards from over 250 retailers spanning restaurants, entertainment venues, and retail stores.

Converting unwanted cards into cash is straightforward: input your card’s code, remaining balance, and brand information. Once CardSell verifies these details, they’ll present a competitive offer.

A convenient mobile app streamlines the entire process!

2. Raise

Raise operates as an extensive marketplace where users buy and sell gift cards without listing fees. The platform empowers sellers to set their own pricing.

The trade-off involves waiting for buyers to purchase your card, which introduces some uncertainty. Raise deducts a 15% commission from successful sales, then distributes payment via check, PayPal, or direct deposit.

3. Gift Card Granny

This charmingly-named platform provides a streamlined approach to gift card sales. Simply enter your card’s brand and balance information on their website. Payment processes immediately upon your card’s arrival at their facility.

4. CardCash

CardCash accepts gift cards from numerous major retailers, offering up to 92% of your card’s face value in cash. Alternatively, you can exchange your unwanted card for a different brand that better suits your needs while retaining more value.

5. GameFlip

GameFlip markets itself as the “safest way to sell gift cards for cash.” While other recommended platforms also maintain strong security standards, GameFlip implements comprehensive measures to protect user information and prevent fraudulent activities.

Payments arrive within days of completing transactions, and their mobile app simplifies gift card listings from anywhere.

Avoiding Fraud and Scams

Stay vigilant against potential fraud when selling gift cards online. Stick with the reputable platforms mentioned above, and consider receiving payments through PayPal rather than providing direct bank account access.

Here’s an important warning: avoid selling gift cards on eBay. Despite eBay’s reputation as a reliable marketplace for most items, gift cards present unique challenges. High insertion fees, performance charges, final value fees, and PayPal cashout costs significantly reduce your profits, making specialized gift card exchanges far more profitable.

Dedicated online exchange platforms consistently deliver better returns on your unwanted cards.

Alternative Approaches for Unwanted Gift Cards

Converting gift cards to cash online isn’t your only option. These alternatives can help you extract value from cards for businesses you don’t patronize—even when that value isn’t monetary.

Regifting

Regifting represents the most popular alternative to selling unwanted gift cards. Pass the card to someone who would genuinely appreciate that particular brand or store, and you’ll derive value while saving money on future gift purchases.

Exercise caution when regifting: never return the card to its original purchaser. It’s safer to give regifted cards to people outside the original giver’s social circle—if a coworker gave you the card, consider passing it to a family member instead.

This approach prevents awkward situations and potential social missteps.

Returning

Some retailers accept returns on unused gift cards, though this policy remains uncommon. It’s worth investigating whether your specific retailer offers this option.

Certain stores, like Target, accept completely unused gift cards when accompanied by the original purchase receipt (though requesting this from the gift-giver can create uncomfortable situations).

Donate

Donating unused gift cards creates meaningful impact for others. Platforms like CardCash facilitate donations, as do specialized services including Charity Choice and GiftCards4Change.

Additional donation options include CharityGiftCertificates.org and GiftCardBank.org. Local organizations—schools, shelters, and churches—often welcome gift card donations for community programs.

Purchase and Resell Items

Though more labor-intensive, you can use gift cards to purchase merchandise, then sell those items for cash. Platforms like eBay or Amazon make this possible. While time-consuming, this strategy works well when you’re determined to monetize every unused card.

Clear Out Your Wallet by Selling Gift Cards

Gift cards make thoughtful alternatives to cash gifts, but sometimes gift-givers don’t consider whether recipients will actually use cards for specific brands or services.

When this happens, you need strategies to extract value without appearing ungrateful to the original gift-giver.

Any of the platforms and methods discussed above will help you successfully sell gift cards online while maintaining discretion.

FAQ: Selling Gift Cards

How can I get cash for gift cards immediately?

Gift card exchange kiosks provide the fastest cash conversion option. These machines, formerly operated by Coinstar but now independently managed, instantly evaluate your card and provide cash offers. While you won’t receive full face value, the immediate payout offers significant convenience.

How can I sell gift cards online?

Use one of the recommended platforms above for online gift card sales. CardCash, CardSell, and Gift Card Granny provide secure, efficient ways to convert unwanted cards into cash.

Is it illegal to sell gift cards?

Selling gift cards is completely legal—it’s equivalent to selling any personal property like books or clothing. However, duplicating gift cards for fraudulent sales constitutes counterfeiting and is illegal. Legitimate sales of legitimately-obtained cards remain perfectly legal.

How do I sell a gift card to PayPal?

Convert gift cards to PayPal credit through CardCash’s exchange platform. This service transforms unwanted gift cards into PayPal funds you can use for online purchases or transfer to your bank account.