You probably have a couple hundred dollars lying around your house and don't even know it. No, I'm not talking about some secret stash the previous owners might have hidden under the floorboards or a buried treasure in the backyard. I'm talking about unused gift cards.
"The average household has about $300 in unspent gift cards in their house," says Gary Briggs, chief executive of Plastic Jungle, a Web site that lets you buy, sell, exchange or donate gift cards. With sites such as Plastic Jungle, SwapaGift.com and Gift Card Granny you can turn those cards into cash. "Consumers don't realize they have as much money in their sock drawers as they do," Briggs says.
You won't get the full value of your card (up to 92% at best). But if someone gave the gift card to you, it's like getting free money. And you don't have to pay for shipping if you sell your unwanted cards to Plastic Jungle, which will send you a prepaid postage label.
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.
Money saving tip: Later this summer Plastic Jungle will be launching a service that will let you use a branded store gift card at a different retailer's site. Plastic Jungle is working with several top retailers (Briggs wouldn't say which ones) to offer this service. When consumers get to the check-out page of a retailer's site, they'll be given the opportunity to use another retailer's card. Plastic Jungle will buy that card at a discount, and the consumer gets the credit instantly on his or her purchase. The consumer will have to send the gift card to Plastic Jungle, which will require a secondary form of payment -- such as a credit card -- until it can verify that the gift card is legitimate.
-
-
Stung by Netflix Password Sharing Fees? You're Far From Alone
A new streaming survey shows Netflix password sharing changes could affect a surprising percentage of American subscribers.
-
Stock Market Today: Stocks Close Lower Ahead of Key Debt Ceiling Vote
The major benchmarks spent most of Wednesday in the red as the House prepares to vote on the debt ceiling deal this evening.
-
How to Appeal an Unexpected Medical Bill
health insurance You may receive a bill because your insurance company denied a claim—but that doesn’t mean you have to pay it.
-
Amazon Prime Fees Are Rising. Here’s How to Cancel Your Amazon Prime Membership
Amazon Prime Amazon Prime will soon cost $139 a year, $180 for those who pay monthly. If you’re a subscriber, maybe it’s time to rethink your relationship. Here’s a step-by-step guide to canceling Prime.
-
How to Haggle for Almost Anything
Smart Buying Learning how to haggle is an invaluable skill. These strategies will help you negotiate a better price for just about any product or service.
-
Disability Insurance Can Provide COVID Coverage
Coronavirus and Your Money If you are concerned about long-term complications from COVID-19, consider disability insurance coverage.
-
19 Things You Can't Return to Amazon
Amazon Prime Before tossing these items into your virtual shopping cart, be sure to read Amazon's return policy first.
-
How to Avoid a Charity Scam
personal finance Scammers never quit, even when you're trying to be altruistic. But you can avoid getting duped if you do your homework.
-
Where to Find the Best Mother's Day Gift Deals and Free Shipping Offers
Smart Buying Get an early start on your Mother's Day shopping so shipping delays don't thwart your best intentions.
-
Coronavirus Car Insurance Rebates for the Road Less Traveled
insurance People are driving less, and that means big auto insurance companies such as State Farm, Allstate and Geico are giving coronavirus-related rebates.
