3 Simple Steps to Cash In Unused Gift Cards
Here's how to sell cards you don't want.
Step 1
If you have a gift card you won’t use, check online sites that buy unwanted cards. At GiftCardGranny.com, you can compare offers from several sites, including ABCGiftCards.com, Cardpool.com and GiftCards.com. Cash paybacks are typically about 50% to 90% of a card’s value. Cards for gas station, grocery and retail chains (such as Exxon, Safeway and Walmart) often bring the best offers.
Step 2
Match your gift card to the best deal. Recently, you could get 84% of a Macy’s gift card’s value in cash through Cardpool.com -- but just 70% through Junkcard.com. Plus, Cardpool.com was willing to pay 88% if you exchanged your Macy’s card for Amazon.com credit rather than cash.
Step 3
Follow the directions on the site for making the transaction. Depending on the gift card you’re selling and the site’s policies, you may be able to enter the card number online rather than shipping the card to the buyer. But some sites offer a higher payback if you use snail mail. After the buyer has received your card and verified the value, you may be able to choose among various payment methods, such as a check, direct deposit or PayPal (fees depend on the method).
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
The payoff
You’ll get money to put toward something you really want.
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
-
Here's How To Get Organized And Work For Yourself
Whether you’re looking for a side gig or planning to start your own business, it has never been easier to strike out on your own. Here is our guide to navigating working for yourself.
By Laura Petrecca Published
-
How to Manage Risk With Diversification
"Don't put all your eggs in one basket" means different things to different investors. Here's how to manage your risk with portfolio diversification.
By Charles Lewis Sizemore, CFA Published
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2024 and 2025
Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up. Here's what you need to know.
By Jackie Stewart Last updated
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnb
real estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
By Miriam Cross Published
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute Vacation
Travel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
By Vaishali Varu Last updated
-
How to Figure Out How Much Life Insurance You Need
insurance Instead of relying on rules of thumb, you’re better off taking a systematic approach to figuring your life insurance needs.
By Kimberly Lankford Last updated
-
Five Reasons You Shouldn't Shop on Amazon Prime Day
Smart Buying Think twice before getting lured into buying a bunch of stuff you don't need just because it's on sale.
By Andrea Browne Taylor Last updated
-
Amazon Big Deal Days Is Coming! We’ve Got All the Details
Amazon Prime To kick off the holiday season with a bang, Amazon Big Deal Days runs Tuesday, October 8 and Wednesday, October 9.
By Bob Niedt Last updated
-
How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Steps
insurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.
By Kaitlin Pitsker Published
-
Five Ways to Shop for a Low Mortgage Rate
Becoming a Homeowner Mortgage rates are high this year, but you can still find an affordable loan with these tips.
By Daniel Bortz Last updated