Americans hold more than $23 billion in unused gift card balances, according to a recent study. The good news is, there are plenty of savvy ways to cash them out.
For example, if you receive a gift card for Home Depot and don’t 문화상품권매입 have any upcoming home projects, ask your contractor or neighbor to buy it from you.
Sell It Online
If someone gives you a gift card that is for somewhere you don’t like or can’t use, there are online options to turn those unwanted cards into cash. You can sell them on websites like Card Swap, Raise and ClipKard. These sites all have varying policies and payout times but promise at least 93% of the card’s value.
These sites also offer a variety of payment methods such as PayPal, Amazon e-gift card or even check. The subreddit r/giftcardexchange is another option to buy and sell gift cards. This site has strict rules in place to protect users and has a reputation system that helps ensure buyers are legitimate.
An app that offers instant payouts is CardSell. You simply input your card details and it will give you a offer for it. You can accept the offer and then receive the money in your PayPal account or Venmo within 48 hours. Some of these apps have a higher fee than others but it can be worth it for the convenience and speed.
Sell It to a Friend
Many people lose hundreds of dollars each year by not using or selling their gift cards. Instead, you can cash out some or all of that monetary value and use it for something you actually want.
There are a variety of websites and apps that will buy your unused gift card for cash. Some will pay you immediately via PayPal, direct deposit or another electronic means while others will send you a check that can take days – or sometimes weeks – to clear. If speed is your primary concern, choose an option that pays electronically.
Another quick option is to sell a card to a friend. If they’re interested, you can meet up or make a deal online. You can also bring your card to a Coinstar Exchange Kiosk, which will give you instant cash for the card. Search Google Maps for one near you, and then follow the instructions to complete the transaction.
Sell It to a Retailer
You may be able to get more for your gift card at a physical retailer. For example, you can sell it to a retailer like CardCash, which accepts both online and physical cards from about 100 retailers. You can use their online tool to find out what your card is worth, and you can mail it in for free using a pre-supplied label.
Another option is Gameflip, which accepts digital and physical cards from more than 150 brands and pays you immediately for your listing. However, they take a 12% cut once the card sells to someone else.
EBay is another place where you can sell your gift cards for cash, but you’ll generally only get about 80% to 90% of the face value. Additionally, you’ll likely be responsible for eBay’s insertion fee and final value fees, which will eat into your earnings. Also, remember that many stores don’t allow you to turn gift cards in for cash.
Donate It
Whether it’s an unwanted gift card or an old one from a favorite store, don’t let it go to waste. Regift the card to someone else who would like it, ideally before the expiration date on the card or in time for a holiday, birthday or anniversary. Ask friends, family and coworkers if they want the gift card, or post a plea on social media.
You can also donate the gift card to a charity. Many local organizations, such as schools and houses of worship, accept donations of gift cards for use in fundraiser baskets or giveaways. Large charities like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, as well as nonprofits such as CharityChoice, take gift card donations and turn them into a donation to a specific charity of your choice.
Using an online service to sell or trade your gift cards is risky, Jenkin warns, and some services have poor customer service ratings. Before using one, he recommends doing some comparison shopping.