Gift cards are a favorite for birthdays, holidays, and rewards. But let’s be honest, many of us are left with cards we’ll never use. Whether it’s for a store you don’t frequent or a restaurant not found in your city, an unused gift card sits there, depreciating. That’s where the ability to sell gift cards for cash comes in.
Rather than allowing that card to collect dust, you can make it cash you can spend, via online marketplaces, mobile apps, or even local retailers. With increasing inflation and increasingly desperate individuals wanting to save every rupee or dollar, the resale of gift cards has become a handy side business or an intelligent budget adjustment.
Whether you are clearing out your wallet or just want to get cash quickly, this article will assist you in getting the most out of your gift cards.
Can You Really Sell Gift Cards for Cash?
Yes, absolutely, you can sell gift cards for cash, both online and off. In the last few years, more and more platforms have made it simpler than ever to turn unused gift cards into money. Whether you need instant payments, trade-ins, or just direct deposits to your bank, there are several options.
Here’s how:
- You go to a gift card resale website or app.
- Enter your card information (brand, amount, card number, and PIN).
- Get an immediate quote—typically 60% to 90% of the value of the card.
- Accept the offer and select a payment option such as PayPal, bank transfer, or even cryptocurrency
- After verification, you get paid—sometimes in minutes, sometimes within 24–48 hours.
Pro tip: The more mainstream the store (such as Amazon, Walmart, or Etsy), the better resale value you’ll receive. Regional or specialty brands can sell for less or sit on the shelf longer.
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So, next time someone gives you a card you’ll never use, don’t throw it away—sell your gift cards wisely and cash them out instead.
Best Online Platforms to Sell Gift Cards (US & Global)
When it comes to selling gift cards, choosing the right platform can help you get a better deal, faster payments, and peace of mind. Below are some of the most trusted and widely used platforms to sell gift cards both in the US and globally:
1. Cardpool
Cardpool is a long-running site where you can sell unwanted gift cards from major retailers like Target, Amazon, and Walmart. You can either get paid via check or direct deposit.
- Pros: Simple process, trusted brand
- Cons: Lower payout compared to peer-to-peer platforms
2. CardCash
CardCash is one of the most popular websites in the US to sell unused or partially used gift cards. You can earn up to 92% of the card’s value, depending on the brand. They also allow card-to-card exchange.
- Pros: Fast payouts via PayPal or check
- Cons: Some brands have lower resale value
3. Raise
Raise works more like a marketplace where you list your gift card for sale and set your own price. Once it sells, you receive payment via direct deposit or PayPal.
- Pros: Control over pricing
- Cons: May take time for cards to sell
4. Gift Card Granny
This platform aggregates deals from various resale websites. You can compare offers from multiple platforms in one place and choose the best rate to sell gift cards.
- Pros: Best for price comparison
- Cons: Doesn’t buy cards directly
5. Gameflip
Popular among gamers, Gameflip allows you to sell gift cards for platforms like Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, and Amazon. You can receive payment via Gameflip Wallet, which you can later withdraw.
- Pros: Ideal for digital gaming cards
- Cons: Requires account verification
6. eBay
While not a traditional gift card reseller, eBay allows users to auction off or sell gift cards. You must be cautious and list only physical cards due to restrictions on digital delivery.
- Pros: Wide reach, higher bids possible
- Cons: Risk of scams and selling restrictions
7. Paxful
For global users, Paxful is a peer-to-peer marketplace that lets you sell gift cards in exchange for Bitcoin or other digital currencies. Popular cards include Amazon, iTunes, and Google Play.
- Pros: Crypto payouts, international access
- Cons: High competition and potential fraud risk
8. Prepaid2Cash
This app-based platform allows you to convert Visa, MasterCard, and select store gift cards into cash, with funds transferred to your bank account.
- Pros: App-based, easy to use
- Cons: Service fees apply
9. Reddit Gift Card Exchange
Reddit’s r/giftcardexchange is a peer-to-peer marketplace where users can buy, sell, or trade gift cards. It’s ideal for people who want to negotiate directly with other users and possibly get better deals.
- Pros: Higher rates, many buyers
- Cons: Manual process, always check user reputation
10. Card Kangaroo
Card Kangaroo is another well-known platform where you can sell gift cards for cash or trade them for other cards. Simply enter your card details, get an offer, and mail in the card using their prepaid label.
- Pros: Offers both cash and card-for-card trades
- Cons: Payment takes a few business days after mail-in
Best Offline Places to Sell Gift Cards for Cash (India, Africa, US)
While online platforms are convenient, some people prefer the speed and certainty of offline transactions. Here are the most reliable offline places to sell gift cards for instant cash or trade-in value:
11. Local Mobile & Electronics Shops (India & Africa)
Many mobile and electronics shops in cities like Lagos, Nairobi, and Delhi now deal in gift cards. They often buy Amazon, Google Play, or Steam gift cards at slightly lower rates but offer instant cash or mobile money.
- Pros: Instant payout via UPI, cash, or M-Pesa
- Cons: Lower resale value, varies by location
12. Gaming Cafes or Cybercafes (US, Africa, Southeast Asia)
Gamers often trade gift cards for gaming credits or accessories. Visit a local gaming café or console repair shop — many are open to trading gift cards for cash or store credit.
- Pros: Good for PlayStation/Xbox/Steam cards
- Cons: Limited to gaming-related brands
13. Pawn Shops (US & Canada)
Some pawn shops accept gift cards from major stores like Walmart, Amazon, or Best Buy. They pay you cash instantly based on the card’s value and brand.
- Pros: Immediate cash payout
- Cons: Often offer 50–70% of card value
14. Supermarkets with Kiosks (US)
In the US, some stores like Walmart or Kroger partner with gift card kiosks (like Cardpool or Coinstar) where you can exchange select cards for cash or store credit.
- Pros: Easy to access and use
- Cons: Limited to certain card types
15. Street Traders (Africa & India)
In high-traffic areas, some individuals or kiosks openly buy gift cards, especially during the holiday season. This is common in African cities like Accra, Lagos, or Johannesburg.
- Pros: Quick exchange, often negotiable
- Cons: Risk of scams—deal with known vendors
16. Social Media & WhatsApp Groups (India, Nigeria, Ghana)
In regions like Nigeria or India, there are WhatsApp or Telegram groups where users buy and sell gift cards. You can often get better rates, but you must be very cautious.
- Pros: High payout, flexible
- Cons: Always verify before transacting — scams are common
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Tips to Get the Best Value When You Sell Gift Cards
If you want to get the most money when selling your gift cards, here are some smart tips to follow:
A. Compare Multiple Platforms
Not all websites offer the same rates. Before selling, check at least 3–4 trusted platforms like CardCash, Raise, and Gift Card Granny to compare the best offer.
B. Sell Popular Brands
Gift cards for high-demand brands like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Visa usually sell faster and at better rates.
C. Avoid Selling Expired or Used Cards
Make sure your card has a full balance and hasn’t expired. Most platforms will verify the amount before buying.
D. Sell Digitally for Faster Payouts
Selling eGift cards or uploading card details online usually gets you paid faster than mailing in physical cards.
E. Use Social Media Safely
If you’re selling on platforms like Reddit or Facebook, always use secure payment methods and trusted communities to avoid scams.
F. Look Out for Fees
Some platforms charge service fees or deduct a percentage of the balance. Read the terms before confirming the sale.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it legal to sell gift cards for cash?
Yes, selling gift cards is legal in most countries, including the United States. Just make sure you are the rightful owner of the card and use a trusted platform to avoid scams.
How much money can I get when I sell a gift card?
It depends on the card’s brand and condition. Popular cards like Amazon or Walmart can fetch up to 90–95% of their value, while less popular brands may sell for 60–80%.
Can I sell partially used gift cards?
Yes, you can. Just make sure you clearly mention the remaining balance when listing the card. Some platforms will verify it before finalizing the sale.
Which gift cards sell the fastest?
Gift cards from major retailers like Amazon, Visa, Target, Best Buy, and grocery stores usually sell the fastest because they are in high demand.
Are there any risks in selling gift cards online?
Yes, there can be risks, such as scams or selling to a dishonest buyer. To stay safe, always use trusted platforms and avoid direct sales unless you know the buyer personally.
How do I check the balance of my gift card before selling?
You can check the balance on the card issuer’s website or by calling their customer service number (usually listed on the back of the card).
How long does it take to get paid?
Payouts vary by platform. Some offer instant PayPal payments, while others take 24–72 hours. If you’re mailing in physical cards, it may take longer.
Conclusion
Selling gift cards is one of the smartest ways of making money by exchanging unused or unwanted cards for actual cash.There are several options available, like reputable sites like Raise or CardCash, employ a community market like Reddit, or go into a physical store. Just be sure to check the balance, select a reputable site, and shop around to receive the most value.
Editorial Team at 99BusinessIdeas is a team of experts led by Rupak Chakrabarty with over 25 years of experience in starting and running small businesses. Started in 2010, 99BusinessIdeas is now one of the largest free small business resources in the industry.