Have you ever received a gift card you know you’ll never use? Maybe it’s for a store you don’t shop at, a restaurant you don’t like, or an online service you’ll never try. Instead of letting it gather dust in a drawer, you can turn that unused gift card into fast cash.
Millions of dollars in gift cards go unused every year—but with the right approach, you can sell yours and put that money toward something you actually want. In this guide, we’ll explore the best ways to convert unwanted gift cards into cash, how to avoid scams, and tips for getting the best value.
Why Sell Unused Gift Cards?
Gift cards are a popular gift choice, but they don’t always match the recipient’s preferences. According to a Bankrate survey, 47% of U.S. adults have at least one unused gift card lying around, with an average value of $175 per person. That’s a lot of money sitting idle!
Selling unwanted gift cards is a smart move because:
- You get cash instead of store credit – Use the money for bills, groceries, or other essentials.
- Avoid expiration or fees – Some gift cards lose value over time due to inactivity fees.
- Help someone else – Buyers may be looking for discounted gift cards to save on purchases.
Now, let’s look at the best ways to sell your gift cards for quick cash.
Best Places to Sell Gift Cards for Cash
1. Gift Card Exchange Websites
Several reputable online platforms specialize in buying and selling gift cards. They typically offer 50-92% of the card’s value, depending on demand.
Top sites to consider:
- Raise – One of the largest marketplaces for gift cards, with a secure selling process.
- CardCash – Offers instant payment options, including PayPal and check.
- Gameflip – Great for gaming-related gift cards (Steam, PlayStation, Xbox).
- GiftCardSpread – Competitive rates and fast payouts via direct deposit or PayPal.
How it works:
- Enter the card details (retailer, balance).
- Get an offer.
- If accepted, you’ll receive payment within 1-3 business days.
2. Sell to Gift Card Resellers
Some companies buy gift cards directly rather than listing them on a marketplace. They often provide instant quotes and same-day payments.
Popular resellers:
- CardSell – Buys a wide variety of gift cards with quick PayPal payouts.
- JunkCard – Accepts partially used cards and pays via check or bank transfer.
- ClipKard – Specializes in e-gift cards with fast transactions.
3. Local Sales (Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp)
If you prefer face-to-face transactions, selling locally can be a good option.
Pros:
- No fees (unlike online marketplaces).
- Potential to negotiate a higher price.
Cons:
- Risk of scams (always meet in a public place).
- Slower sale process.
Tip: Only accept cash or secure payment apps (like PayPal Goods & Services) to avoid fraud.
4. Trade for Other Gift Cards
If you don’t need cash but want a different gift card, some platforms allow swaps:
- CardSwap (Canada-based but accepts U.S. cards)
- Gift Card Granny (trade or sell)
This is useful if you prefer shopping at another retailer.
5. Use a Gift Card to Buy & Resell Items
For entrepreneurial sellers, you can purchase items with the gift card and resell them on eBay, Amazon, or Facebook Marketplace. This works best with high-demand products (electronics, appliances, etc.).
How to Get the Best Price for Your Gift Card
Not all gift cards sell for the same value. Follow these tips to maximize your payout:
1. Check the Balance
Buyers will verify the balance, so ensure your card is active and has the full amount you claim.
2. Sell High-Demand Cards
Popular retailers (Amazon, Walmart, Target, Visa prepaid cards) fetch 80-92% of face value. Niche stores may only get 50-70%.
3. Avoid Fees & Expiration
Some cards lose value over time—sell them before they depreciate.
4. Compare Multiple Sites
Get quotes from at least 3 platforms to find the best deal.
5. Consider Discounted Sales for Faster Cash
If you need money immediately, you might accept a slightly lower offer for a quick sale.
Avoiding Gift Card Scams
Unfortunately, scams are common in the gift card resale market. Protect yourself by:
- Never sharing the card details before payment.
- Only using trusted platforms with buyer/seller protections.
- Avoiding buyers who ask for “verification” by sending them the code.
- Checking reviews of reseller websites before selling.
Final Thoughts
Unused gift cards don’t have to go to waste. By selling them through reputable websites, local marketplaces, or resellers, you can turn them into quick cash in just a few steps. Whether you need extra money for bills or just want to declutter, selling gift cards is a simple and effective solution.
Ready to cash out? Check out the platforms mentioned above and turn your unwanted plastic into real money today!
Have you sold a gift card before? Share your experience in the comments!