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If you have ever received a gift card you didn’t want, chances are you tossed it into a drawer and forgotten about it.
What if I tell you this unwanted gift doesn’t have to be worthless?
You heard that right! These gift cards can help you make money – you can sell them for cash.
This article will discuss the best ways to turn gift cards into cash and show you who offers the most money for them.
How to Turn Gift Cards into Cash
If you have an unwanted gift card, the easiest way to turn a gift card to cash is to sell it through a reputable gift card exchange website or to someone you know.
Gift card resale services may offer a quote based on the retailer and the card’s remaining balance.
If you accept, you follow their verification process and receive payment through an available payout method.
Here are your main options:
| Method | Best For | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Gift card exchange websites | Selling unwanted store gift cards | Compare offers, payout methods, and processing times before accepting |
| Friends and family | Getting paid directly without marketplace fees | Agree on a fair price and verify the balance together |
| Online resale communities | Finding buyers for certain gift cards | Greater scam risk and potentially limited payment protection |
| Trading for another gift card | Getting value from a card you won’t use | You receive another gift card instead of cash |
| Regifting | Avoiding the cost of buying someone a present | Saves money but doesn’t put cash in your pocket |
You usually won’t receive the full balance when selling a gift card. For example, if someone offers you $80 for a $100 gift card, you’re giving up $20 in exchange for getting money you can spend elsewhere.
My advice is to compare at least two offers before selling.
Also, check the remaining balance through the retailer’s official website and never share your gift card number or PIN with an unverified buyer.
If you don’t need cash immediately, consider whether you could use the gift card for a purchase you were already planning to make. That way, you keep its full value.
Best Places to Sell Gift Cards for Cash
If you have an unwanted gift card sitting in a drawer, you don’t have to let that money go to waste.
There are several ways to turn gift cards into cash, from selling them through online exchange websites to finding someone who wants to buy them.
The trick is knowing where to sell your card, how much money you’ll actually receive, and how to avoid getting scammed.
Here are the options I’d consider.
#1. CardCash
CardCash is one of the first places I’d check if I wanted to sell an unwanted gift card.
What makes it convenient is that you can get an offer without waiting for another person to buy your card.
To get started, visit the website and select the retailer associated with your gift card.
Enter the requested information, including the card’s value, and CardCash will show you how much it’s willing to pay.
If you like the offer, follow the instructions to complete the sale.
Depending on the card, you may be able to submit its information online or need to mail in the physical card.
CardCash verifies the card before issuing payment.
You can choose from available payment methods, including:
- PayPal
- Direct deposit to your bank account
- A check by mail
According to CardCash, payments are typically sent within one or two business days after your order is approved.
However, verification and mailing times can make the overall process longer.
How much can you get?
CardCash advertises offers of up to 92% of a gift card’s value, but your actual offer depends on the retailer and other factors.
For example, if you have a $100 gift card and receive an $85 offer, you’re giving up $15 to get cash you can use elsewhere.
CardCash also offers the option to trade an unwanted gift card for one from another retailer.
This can be worth considering if you don’t need cash but would rather have a card for a store where you regularly shop.
My advice: Start here if you want a straightforward offer and don’t want to wait for an individual buyer.
#2. GCX (Formerly Raise)
GCX, formerly known as Raise, works differently from CardCash.
Instead of accepting an offer from a company, you list your gift card for sale and choose your asking price.
Here’s how it works.
First, create an account and enter your gift card information.
Then choose how much you want to sell the card for.
Once your listing is approved, potential buyers can purchase it through the marketplace.
The advantage is that you have more control over the selling price.
The downside is that you don’t get paid until someone buys your gift card.
GCX also charges a selling commission.
Its published standard commission is 15% of the selling price, so you need to account for that when deciding how much to charge.
For example, let’s say you list a $100 gift card for $90.
If it sells at that price and a 15% commission applies, you’ll receive $76.50 before any other applicable charges.
That’s why I recommend comparing your expected earnings with an offer from CardCash before listing your card.
GCX currently pays sellers through ACH direct deposit. Once a card sells, funds are subject to the platform’s payout rules before you can withdraw them.
My advice: Consider GCX if you’re comfortable waiting for a buyer and want to set your own selling price. Just calculate what you’ll receive after fees.
#3. GiftCash
GiftCash is another gift card resale service worth comparing.
Like CardCash, it allows you to request an offer for an unwanted gift card.
You start by selecting the retailer and entering the card information requested by the website.
If the service accepts your card, you can review the offer and decide whether to proceed.
One thing to keep in mind is that not every retailer or gift card balance will qualify.
The amount offered also varies considerably by brand.
Before accepting, pay close attention to the payment method, verification requirements, and estimated payout time.
I wouldn’t assume you’ll receive money within a few days just because you’ve accepted an offer.
My advice: Check GiftCash as a comparison option, but read the current payment terms carefully. A slightly higher offer might not be worth it if you have to wait significantly longer to receive your money.
#4. Sell Your Gift Card to Someone You Know
This is one of the simplest ways to get cash from gift cards, and it’s an option people often overlook.
Let’s say you receive a $100 gift card to a restaurant you never visit.
But your brother loves eating there.
You could offer to sell him the card for $90.
He saves $10 on a restaurant visit he was already planning, and you get $90 in cash to spend however you want.
Neither of you has to pay a marketplace commission.
You might even be able to get closer to the card’s full value than you would through an online exchange.
The key is finding someone who already shops at that store.
I would start with family members, close friends, or coworkers you know well.
Before exchanging money, check the balance through the retailer’s official website or customer service number so everyone knows exactly how much the card is worth.
My advice: If you have a popular gift card, ask someone you trust whether they’d be interested before accepting a lower offer online.
#5. eBay
eBay is another potential option, although I wouldn’t make it my first choice.
The biggest advantage is that you can reach a large audience of potential buyers.
However, eBay has restrictions on gift card listings, and not every type of gift card is eligible to be sold.
You also have to consider selling fees, competition from other sellers, and the possibility of disputes.
For example, a buyer could claim that the gift card doesn’t have the advertised balance.
That can create a difficult situation if you’ve already provided the card information.
Before listing anything, review eBay’s current gift card policy and seller protection rules.
Make sure your specific card is eligible and that you understand what documentation you may need if a buyer disputes the transaction.
My advice: I’d use a dedicated gift card exchange service first. eBay is worth considering only if your card is permitted and you’re comfortable with the additional selling risks.
#6. Craigslist
Craigslist gives you another way to find someone in your area who wants to purchase your gift card.
Unlike a dedicated gift card exchange service, you’re responsible for finding a buyer, agreeing on a price, and arranging payment.
The advantage is that you may avoid marketplace selling commissions.
But there are some significant drawbacks.
First, your potential buyers are limited to people in your area.
Second, buyers may negotiate aggressively because they know you’re trying to get rid of an unwanted card.
And most importantly, there’s a risk of getting scammed.
Someone might ask you to send the gift card number and PIN before paying.
Or they could send a fake payment confirmation and claim the money is on its way.
Never provide your gift card information to a stranger before you’ve received and verified payment.
If you decide to meet someone, choose a safe public location and avoid transactions that make you uncomfortable.
Personally, I’d rather accept a slightly lower offer from an established gift card exchange service than take unnecessary risks with a stranger.
#7. Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is another way to reach potential local buyers.
You may already use Facebook to buy or sell household items, so listing an unwanted gift card might seem convenient.
However, gift cards can be especially risky to sell through person-to-person marketplaces.
You need to check whether your listing is permitted under the platform’s current commerce policies.
And even if you find an interested buyer, you still have to protect yourself from fake payments, stolen accounts, and requests for gift card numbers.
Don’t assume a buyer is trustworthy simply because they have a Facebook profile.
If you choose this route, deal with someone you can verify and avoid sending gift card codes or PINs through Messenger.
My advice: Treat Facebook Marketplace as a higher-risk alternative, not a safer replacement for a dedicated gift card exchange website.
#8. Reddit Gift Card Trading Communities
Reddit has communities where people discuss buying, selling, and trading gift cards.
This can be another way to find someone interested in a card you don’t want.
Depending on the community, there may be rules about who can participate, how trades work, and what payment methods are allowed.
However, Reddit itself doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get paid.
You’re generally dealing directly with another person, which means you need to be particularly careful about scams.
Before participating, read the community’s rules and look for established trading histories and scam warnings.
Don’t assume that positive comments or an account’s age guarantee a safe transaction.
I would also avoid anyone who pressures you to send your gift card details before payment or asks you to move the conversation somewhere less transparent.
My advice: This option is better suited to people who already understand online trading risks. For most readers, I’d recommend starting with a dedicated gift card resale service instead.
Which Option Should You Choose?
If you’re trying to convert a gift card to cash, I’d start by getting an offer from CardCash.
Then compare it with other available exchange services or calculate what you’d receive after fees on GCX.
If the offers seem too low, ask a trusted friend or family member whether they’d like to buy the card.
I would only consider selling through Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Reddit if you understand the risks and can protect yourself during the transaction.
Remember, the goal isn’t just to sell your gift card.
It’s to get the most money possible without paying unnecessary fees or putting the entire balance at risk.
Other Ways to Get Value From Unwanted Gift Cards
Selling your gift card isn’t the only way to get value from it.
In fact, depending on the retailer, you might be better off keeping the card or finding another way to use it.
Remember, when you sell a gift card for cash, you’re usually getting less than its full value.
For example, if you sell a $100 gift card for $80, you’re losing $20 in purchasing power.
That’s not necessarily a bad deal if you need the money or have no use for the card.
But before selling, here are a few alternatives worth considering.
#1. Trade Your Gift Card for One You’ll Actually Use
One option is to exchange your unwanted gift card for a gift card to a different retailer.
For example, let’s say someone gives you a $100 gift card to a clothing store where you never shop.
Instead of selling it for $80, you might be able to trade it for a gift card to a grocery store or restaurant you regularly visit.
CardCash offers a gift card trading option, although the exchange value depends on the cards involved.
You could also ask a friend or family member whether they want to trade gift cards.
Maybe they have a gift card to your favorite restaurant, while you have one for a store they love.
If both cards have the same balance, you might be able to make an even trade.
My advice: If you don’t need cash immediately, see whether trading your gift card will give you more value than selling it. Just make sure you verify both gift card balances before agreeing to a trade.
#2. Regift Your Unwanted Gift Card
Here’s an option that can save you money without requiring you to sell anything.
Regift your unwanted gift card to someone who will appreciate it.
Let’s say you receive a $50 gift card to a restaurant you don’t like.
Instead of selling it for $40, you could give it to a friend or family member for their birthday.
Now you’ve saved $50 that you might otherwise have spent buying a present.
And the recipient gets a gift card they can actually use.
It’s a win for both of you.
Of course, you want to make sure the gift card is appropriate for the person receiving it.
Giving someone a gift card to a store they never visit doesn’t solve the problem.
Also, check the balance and make sure the card hasn’t been used before giving it away.
I recommend keeping unwanted gift cards in a safe place and checking them when birthdays, holidays, or other gift-giving occasions come around.
This is especially helpful if you’re trying to save money during the holidays.
#3. Use the Gift Card for Something You Already Need
Before trying to convert a gift card to cash, think about whether you can use it to cover an expense that’s already in your budget.
For example, if you have a $100 Walmart gift card, you could use it to buy groceries, toiletries, cleaning supplies, or other household essentials.
That’s $100 you won’t have to spend from your checking account.
In a practical sense, you’ve freed up $100 of your own money for other expenses.
And unlike selling the gift card, you haven’t lost any of its value.
The same idea works with gift cards to grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, and other retailers where you regularly shop.
You might also be able to use a restaurant gift card for a meal you were already planning to buy.
The key is to use the card for planned purchases, not to buy extra things simply because you have a gift card.
If you wouldn’t have spent the money otherwise, you’re not really saving anything.
#4. Use It to Buy Gifts for Other People
Another option is to use your unwanted gift card to purchase presents.
This is slightly different from regifting the card itself.
For example, let’s say you have a $75 gift card to a department store where you don’t normally shop.
You could use it to buy birthday or Christmas gifts for friends and family.
If you were already planning to spend $75 on presents, you’ve effectively freed up that amount in your budget.
I especially like this strategy when the store is running a sale.
You might be able to stretch the gift card further by purchasing discounted merchandise.
Just remember to stick to your gift budget.
The goal is to reduce how much money comes out of your pocket, not to spend more because you have store credit available.
#5. Donate Your Unwanted Gift Card
If you don’t need the money, consider donating your unwanted gift card to a charity or nonprofit organization.
Many organizations can use gift cards to purchase food, clothing, school supplies, and other necessities.
For example, a local food pantry might appreciate a grocery store gift card.
An animal shelter could potentially use a gift card to a pet supply store.
And a family assistance organization might be able to use a Walmart or Target gift card to purchase everyday essentials.
Before donating, contact the organization and ask whether it accepts gift cards and which retailers would be most useful.
Also, check the remaining balance so you can tell the organization exactly how much is available.
Depending on your circumstances, a charitable donation may qualify for a tax deduction, but the rules vary. Don’t assume that donating a gift card automatically makes it deductible.
Even if you don’t receive a tax benefit, you’re still putting an unwanted gift card to good use.
Which Option Makes the Most Sense?
It really depends on your situation.
If you need money to pay bills or cover an unexpected expense, selling your gift card might be the best choice.
But if you don’t need cash immediately, I’d look for ways to preserve the card’s full value.
Using a $100 gift card for $100 worth of groceries is generally better than selling it for $80 and then spending that $80 on groceries.
And if you have no use for the card, trading it, regifting it, or donating it can still be worthwhile.
The bottom line is that an unwanted gift card doesn’t have to be wasted money.
Whether you sell it, trade it, spend it, or give it away, there are plenty of ways to make sure it doesn’t sit forgotten in a drawer.
How to Get the Most Cash From Gift Cards
Before selling an unwanted gift card, take a few minutes to make sure you’re getting a good deal.
#1. Check the Remaining Balance
Visit the retailer’s official website or call the customer service number on the back of the card.
Make sure you know exactly how much money is available before requesting an offer.
#2. Compare Offers From More Than One Buyer
Different gift card buyers may offer different amounts for the same card.
For example, one service might offer $75 for a $100 gift card while another offers $85.
That’s an extra $10 for a few minutes of comparison.
#3. Check How and When You’ll Get Paid
Some services make an offer and pay after verifying your card. Others let you list a card for sale and pay only after someone buys it.
That’s an important difference if you need money quickly.
Also, check whether payment is available through bank deposit, PayPal, or another method you can actually use.
#4. Calculate What You’ll Receive After Fees
Don’t focus only on the selling price.
If you list a $100 gift card for $90 but pay a 15% selling commission, you’ll receive just $76.50.
Compare the final amount you’ll take home, not the advertised price.
#5. Protect Your Gift Card Information
Never share a gift card number or PIN with someone who hasn’t been verified through a trusted selling process.
Scammers can use that information to drain your card before paying you.
For person-to-person transactions, be especially careful about screenshots, payment confirmations, and buyers who pressure you to act quickly.
#6. Consider Using the Gift Card Instead
Before accepting a discounted offer, ask yourself whether you could use the card for something you already need.
If you have a $100 grocery store gift card and regularly shop there, using it for groceries gives you the full $100 in value.
Selling it for $80 means losing $20 unnecessarily.
My advice: Sell gift cards you genuinely won’t use. Keep the ones that can replace expenses already in your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Turn a Gift Card Into Cash Instantly?
The fastest way to turn a gift card into cash may be to sell it to a trusted friend or family member who already shops at that retailer.
You can verify the balance together, agree on a price, and exchange the gift card for cash right away.
If you prefer selling online, CardCash is worth checking because it provides an offer without requiring you to wait for an individual buyer.
However, online gift card exchange services generally need to verify your card before sending payment, so you shouldn’t expect instant cash.
If you need money today, selling to someone you know may be your best option.
How Do You Get Cash Out of a Gift Card?
For most store gift cards, you can’t withdraw money directly from the card.
Instead, you need to sell the gift card to someone who wants to use it.
You can do this through a gift card exchange service such as CardCash, by listing an eligible card on GCX, or by selling it to someone you know.
Keep in mind that you’ll usually receive less than the card’s remaining balance.
For example, if you sell a $100 gift card for $85, you’ll receive $85 in cash but give up $15 in value.
Some states also require retailers to redeem small remaining gift card balances for cash under certain conditions. Check your state’s rules if you only have a few dollars left on a card.
What Apps Turn Gift Cards Into Cash?
CardCash and GCX are two services worth checking if you want to sell gift cards online.
CardCash provides an offer for eligible gift cards, while GCX lets you list a card for sale and wait for a buyer.
Both services can be accessed online, so you don’t necessarily need to download an app.
Before using either service, check which gift cards are accepted, how much you’ll receive, and which payment methods are currently available.
I recommend comparing offers instead of choosing a service simply because it has an app.
Can I Sell Partially Used Gift Cards?
Yes, some gift card exchange services accept partially used gift cards.
However, eligibility depends on the retailer, the remaining balance, and the service’s minimum balance requirements.
For example, if you have a $100 gift card with $35 remaining, you may still be able to sell it.
Before requesting an offer, check the balance through the retailer’s official website or customer service number.
Then enter the correct remaining value when submitting your card.
Don’t assume every exchange service accepts partially used cards or that every card with a small balance will qualify.
Can I Sell Unused Gift Cards at a Coinstar Kiosk?
No. Coinstar no longer offers its former gift card exchange kiosk service.
In the past, certain kiosks allowed people to exchange unwanted gift cards for cash.
However, that program was discontinued.
Coinstar’s regular coin-counting kiosks are designed to convert loose change into cash vouchers or other available rewards, not to purchase your unwanted store gift cards.
If you want to sell a gift card, consider an online gift card exchange service or someone you know who shops at that retailer.
Can I Sell a Visa Gift Card for Cash?
Yes, you may be able to sell an unused Visa gift card to someone who wants it, but converting it directly into cash can be difficult.
Unlike a reloadable prepaid debit card, a standard Visa gift card generally doesn’t allow ATM withdrawals, cash back at checkout, or transfers to your bank account.
Some gift card exchange services also don’t accept Visa or Mastercard prepaid gift cards, so check their eligibility rules before submitting one.
One option is to sell the card to a trusted friend or family member.
For example, you might sell a $100 Visa gift card for $95 to someone who plans to use it for everyday purchases.
You get cash, and they save $5.
Another option is to use the gift card to pay for groceries, gas, or other planned expenses. That lets you keep the full value of the card while freeing up money in your checking account.
My advice: Don’t try to get around cash withdrawal restrictions by purchasing money orders or using complicated payment-app transactions. These methods may be blocked, incur fees, or violate the service’s terms.
How Can I Get Cash From Gift Cards Without Getting Scammed?
The safest approach is to use an established gift card exchange service with clear seller terms and payment procedures.
Before submitting your card, check its balance, compare the amount you’ll receive, and read the service’s payment and verification policies.
Avoid anyone who asks you to send a gift card number or PIN before you’ve agreed to a protected transaction.
Be especially cautious of strangers offering to pay full face value for a gift card. If the deal seems unusually generous, it could be a scam.
You can also sell an unwanted gift card to a trusted friend or family member. That may be a simpler option, especially if you both verify the balance before exchanging money.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are several ways to turn unwanted gift cards into cash.
If you’re looking to convert a gift card to cash, you can sell it through CardCash, list it on GCX, or find a friend or family member who wants to buy it.
The important thing is to compare your options before selling.
For example, if one company offers you $75 for a $100 gift card and another offers $85, that’s an extra $10 in your pocket just for taking a few minutes to shop around.
You also want to pay attention to selling fees, payment methods, and how long it will take to receive your money.
And if you decide to sell directly to someone through Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Reddit, be especially careful about scams.
Never give someone your gift card number or PIN without making sure you’re dealing with a legitimate buyer and a secure transaction.
One final thing to remember is that getting cash from gift cards isn’t always your best financial move.
If you have a $100 gift card to a store where you regularly shop, using it for groceries, household essentials, or other planned purchases gives you the full $100 in value.
Selling that same card for $80 means giving up $20.
Of course, if you have no use for the card or need money for something more important, accepting a reasonable offer can make sense.
My advice is simple: Start by comparing offers from reputable gift card exchange services, then decide whether selling, trading, or using the card gives you the most value.
You might not get the full balance in cash, but with a little research, you can turn an unwanted gift card into money you can actually use instead of letting it go to waste.
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