Got an unwanted gift card collecting dust in your drawer? You’re not alone. Americans leave billions of dollars in unused gift cards every year. The good news? You can easily sell gift cards for cash — and this guide will show you exactly how.
Whether you received a gift card for a store you never shop at or simply prefer cash, there are multiple ways to turn that plastic (or digital code) into money you can actually use.
Quick Answer: Best Ways to Sell Gift Cards for Cash
If you’re in a hurry, here are the top options:
- Online exchange platforms — Best rates, most convenient (we recommend SwapSwift)
- Gift card kiosks — Instant cash at Walmart, grocery stores
- Peer-to-peer selling — eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Reddit
- Retailer trade-in programs — Target, Walmart, Best Buy
Now let’s dive into each method in detail.
Method 1: Online Gift Card Exchange Platforms (Best Option)
Online platforms are the most popular way to sell gift cards because they offer the best combination of convenience and value. Here’s how they work:
How It Works
- Visit an exchange platform
- Enter your gift card details (retailer, balance)
- Get an instant quote (typically 70-92% of face value)
- Accept the offer and submit your card
- Receive payment via PayPal, direct deposit, or check
Best Gift Card Exchange Platforms
SwapSwift — Our top recommendation for selling gift cards online. They offer competitive rates and fast, reliable payments.
CardCash — One of the largest platforms, accepting cards from 1,100+ retailers. Pays up to 92% of card value.
Raise — A marketplace where you set your own price. Better rates possible, but takes longer to sell.
GiftCardGranny — Aggregates offers from multiple buyers so you can compare rates.
What Percentage Will You Get?
The payout depends on the retailer:
| Gift Card | Typical Payout |
|---|---|
| Amazon | 85-92% |
| Walmart | 80-90% |
| Target | 80-88% |
| Starbucks | 75-85% |
| iTunes/Apple | 75-85% |
| Restaurant cards | 60-80% |
| Lesser-known stores | 50-70% |
Popular retailers with broad appeal (Amazon, Walmart, Target) get the highest rates. Niche or regional stores get lower offers.
Method 2: Gift Card Exchange Kiosks
Want cash in your hand today? Gift card kiosks offer instant payment, though at lower rates than online platforms.
Where to Find Gift Card Kiosks
- Walmart — Many locations have gift card exchange at the Money Center
- Grocery stores — Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons
- Shopping malls — Check near ATMs or customer service
How Kiosks Work
- Find a kiosk near you
- Insert your gift card or enter the card number
- The machine checks the balance and makes an offer
- Accept the offer
- Receive a cash voucher (redeem at customer service)
Kiosk Payout Rates
Expect 60-85% of your card’s value at kiosks — lower than online platforms, but you get cash immediately.
Pro tip: Check the balance of your gift card before visiting a kiosk. Some kiosks have minimum balance requirements (usually $10-20).
Method 3: Sell Directly to Other People
Cutting out the middleman can get you better rates, but requires more effort.
Options for Peer-to-Peer Selling
eBay — List your gift card at a slight discount (5-15% off face value). eBay fees apply.
Facebook Marketplace — Sell locally for cash. Meet in safe public places.
Reddit (r/giftcardexchange) — Active community for trading gift cards. Use established traders and follow the subreddit rules.
Risks of Peer-to-Peer Selling
- Scams are common
- No buyer protection
- Requires time and effort
- Harder to sell obscure cards
If you go this route, only deal with verified buyers, use secure payment methods, and never give the card code before receiving payment.
Method 4: Retailer Trade-In Programs
Some stores let you trade unwanted gift cards for store credit.
Target
Target accepts gift cards from other retailers through their trade-in program. You’ll receive Target store credit in return.
Best Buy
Best Buy’s trade-in program accepts select gift cards. Payout comes as Best Buy store credit.
Amazon
While Amazon doesn’t buy gift cards directly, some third-party sellers on Amazon trade gift cards.
Note: Retailer programs are best if you already shop at that store. Otherwise, you’re just trading one gift card for another.
How to Get the Best Rate for Your Gift Card
Follow these tips to maximize your payout:
1. Compare Multiple Platforms
Don’t accept the first offer you get. Check 2-3 platforms to compare rates. Sites like GiftCardGranny aggregate offers to help you find the best deal.
2. Sell Popular Cards
Gift cards from Amazon, Walmart, Target, and major retailers get the highest rates. Niche or regional cards are harder to sell.
3. Sell Quickly
Gift card values can fluctuate based on demand. Don’t wait months to sell — rates may drop, and some cards expire.
4. Keep the Card Unused
Partially used cards get lower offers (if they’re accepted at all). Sell gift cards while they still have the full balance.
5. Verify the Balance First
Always confirm your card balance before selling. Wrong balance info will delay your payment or void the transaction.
Gift Cards That Get the Best Rates
These gift cards typically sell for 85%+ of face value:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Target
- Visa/Mastercard prepaid
- Home Depot
- Lowe’s
- Best Buy
- Apple/iTunes
Gift Cards That Are Harder to Sell
These cards typically get lower offers (60-75%):
- Restaurant chains (Applebee’s, Chili’s)
- Regional stores
- Small retailers
- Gas station cards
- Specialty stores
Avoiding Gift Card Selling Scams
The gift card market has its share of scammers. Protect yourself:
Red Flags to Watch For
- Offers significantly higher than market rate
- Requests to pay upfront fees
- Pressure to act immediately
- Unsecured websites (no HTTPS)
- Requests to send card info via email or text
How to Stay Safe
- Use established platforms with reviews
- Never share card details before confirming the buyer
- Check Better Business Bureau ratings
- Read terms and conditions
- Keep records of all transactions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to sell gift cards?
Yes, selling gift cards is completely legal. You own the card and can sell it to whoever you choose.
Can I sell partially used gift cards?
Some platforms accept partially used cards, but the offer will be based on the remaining balance. Full-balance cards get better rates.
How fast will I get paid?
Online platforms typically pay within 1-3 business days via PayPal or direct deposit. Kiosks pay instantly in cash.
What if my gift card has no PIN?
Most platforms accept cards without PINs, but you may need to mail physical cards for verification.
Do gift cards expire?
Federal law prevents most gift cards from expiring within 5 years. However, inactivity fees may reduce the balance over time.
Start Selling Your Gift Cards Today
Don’t let unused gift cards go to waste. Whether you choose an online platform like SwapSwift, a local kiosk, or peer-to-peer selling, you can turn that unwanted gift card into cash today.
Our recommendation: For the best combination of rates, speed, and reliability, use SwapSwift to sell your gift cards online.
Have questions about selling gift cards? Check out our other guides or contact us for help.