Step 1
If you have a gift card you won’t use, check online sites that buy unwanted cards. At GiftCardGranny.com, you can compare offers from several sites, including ABCGiftCards.com, Cardpool.com and GiftCards.com. Cash paybacks are typically about 50% to 90% of a card’s value. Cards for gas station, grocery and retail chains (such as Exxon, Safeway and Walmart) often bring the best offers.
Step 2
Match your gift card to the best deal. Recently, you could get 84% of a Macy’s gift card’s value in cash through Cardpool.com -- but just 70% through Junkcard.com. Plus, Cardpool.com was willing to pay 88% if you exchanged your Macy’s card for Amazon.com credit rather than cash.
Step 3
Follow the directions on the site for making the transaction. Depending on the gift card you’re selling and the site’s policies, you may be able to enter the card number online rather than shipping the card to the buyer. But some sites offer a higher payback if you use snail mail. After the buyer has received your card and verified the value, you may be able to choose among various payment methods, such as a check, direct deposit or PayPal (fees depend on the method).
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.
The payoff
You’ll get money to put toward something you really want.
-
Here's Why Walmart Deals are Better Than Amazon Prime DayWith sales for Walmart Deals and Amazon Prime Day running comparable on price, one factor separates them.
-
How to Get Rid of the Things Your Kids Don't Want While DownsizingWhether moving by necessity or choice, downsizing means deciding what to do with your stuff. Here's what to do if the kids and grandkids don't want it all.
-
Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online BargainsFeature Amazon Resale products may have some imperfections, but that often leads to wildly discounted prices.
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2025Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up. Here's what you need to know.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnbreal estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute VacationTravel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
-
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?insurance When assessing how much life insurance you need, take a systematic approach instead of relying on rules of thumb.
-
Five Reasons You Shouldn't Shop on Amazon Prime DaySmart Buying Is Amazon Prime Day still a good deal? We'll break it down.
-
When Is Amazon Prime Day? Everything We Know So Far, Plus Early DealsAmazon Prime Amazon Prime Day is four days this year - July 8 through 11, 2025. Here are the key details you need to know, plus some of our favorite early deals to shop ahead of and during the sale.
-
How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Stepsinsurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.
