3 Simple Steps to Cash In Unused Gift Cards
Here's how to sell cards you don't want.
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.
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
-
President Trump Makes Markets Move Again: Stock Market Today
The White House is moving ahead with plans to reshape the Federal Reserve and to buy shares in more sectors and stocks.
-
Are Tariffs and the ‘Pumpkin Spice Tax’ Coming for Your Fall Coffee Budget?
Food Taxes Inflation pressures, tariffs, and talk of the so-called 'pumpkin spice tax' have some wondering about rising coffee prices.
-
Texas Sales Tax-Free Weekend 2025
Tax Holiday Here's what you needed to know about the Texas sales tax holiday.
-
Alabama Tax-Free Weekend 2025
Tax Holiday Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 back-to-school Alabama sales tax holiday.
-
Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online Bargains
Feature Amazon Resale products may have some imperfections, but that often leads to wildly discounted prices.
-
Best States to Buy Chocolate Candy Tax-Free
State Taxes There’s something spooky this Halloween, and it’s not just the ghouls. Find out if your state’s sales tax takes a bite out of sweet savings.
-
Florida Back-to-School Tax-Free Holiday 2025
Sales Taxes Everything you need to know about the two-week tax-free holiday in Florida.
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2025
Roth IRAs Roth IRAs allow you to fund your retirement with after-tax dollars while you're working, and then withdraw those contributions and earnings tax-free when you retire. Here's a look at 2025 limits and income-based phaseouts.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnb
real estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute Vacation
Travel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.