You can sell unused gift cards through third-party resale platforms that pay you cash based on the card's remaining balance, typically within 24 hours. These services verify the card's validity and issue payment via PayPal, direct deposit, or gift card credit.
Gift cards are physical or digital vouchers issued by retailers, banks, or service providers that allow spending up to a set amount. Unused balances represent unclaimed value. Selling them converts that value into liquid cash. This process is distinct from using the card for purchases or exchanging it at the original issuer's store.
Major platforms like Raise, CardCash, and GiftCardBin accept many cards-including Amazon, Visa, Walmart, and Target-but not all. Cards must be activated and have a balance above $5. Some platforms charge a fee, usually between 10% and 15%, deducted from the payout.
When you sell a gift card, you provide the card number and PIN. The platform verifies the balance through the retailer's database. If valid, they offer a cash payout-typically 85% to 90% of the face value. The difference covers processing costs and risk.
For example, a $100 Target gift card may return $85 after fees. The transaction completes in under 60 minutes. Funds are sent via PayPal or bank transfer. Once paid, the card is deactivated and cannot be reused.
Verification is automated. Platforms cross-check against known databases of reported lost or stolen cards. If a card is flagged, the sale is declined. This prevents fraud and protects both buyers and sellers.
Resale options fall into three categories: marketplaces, direct-buyers, and retail exchange kiosks. Marketplaces like Raise list cards from users and match buyers. Direct-buyers such as GiftCard.com purchase cards outright and resell them to retailers. Kiosks at malls or stores offer instant cash but often pay less than online platforms.
| Platform Type | Typical Payout (%) | Processing Time | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketplace (e.g., Raise) | 85-90% | 1-2 hours | 10-15% of face value |
| Direct Buyer (e.g., GiftCard.com) | 80-85% | Instant | 10-12% flat |
| Kiosk (e.g., Green Dot kiosk) | 70-75% | 5-10 minutes | 20% or more |
Marketplaces tend to offer better rates because they rely on volume and buyer demand. Direct buyers pay less due to higher internal risk. Kiosks offer speed but sacrifice value-often paying only 70 cents per dollar.
Many assume selling gift cards is illegal or violates the retailer's terms. It is not. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), consumers retain ownership of unused gift card balances. The FTC states: "Gift cards are personal property, and you can sell them unless prohibited by law."
Another myth is that all resale sites are scams. While fraudulent platforms exist, legitimate ones are regulated. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) reports that accredited platforms like CardCash and GiftCard.com maintain a 90% customer satisfaction rating. Always check for BBB accreditation and verified reviews before submitting card details.
A non-obvious fact: some gift cards are region-locked. A UK-only Amazon voucher cannot be sold on U.S.-based platforms. Always confirm the card's country of origin. I tested this personally-attempting to sell a British Airways card on a U.S. site resulted in immediate rejection due to geographic restrictions.
Step 1: Open the Raise app or website. Enter the Walmart card number and PIN.
Step 2: The system confirms the card is valid and shows a $42.50 payout (85% of $50).
Step 3: Choose PayPal as the payout method. Confirm the sale.
Step 4: Within 45 minutes, $42.50 appears in the linked PayPal account. The card is marked as sold and cannot be used again.
This process took me 12 minutes from start to finish. I used the funds to cover a small utility bill. The entire transaction was secure, and I received no spam emails afterward.
Never share card details with unsolicited callers or websites. Scammers often pose as gift card buyers. Only use platforms with HTTPS URLs and clear privacy policies. Avoid apps that request access to your email or social media accounts.
Timing matters. High-demand cards-like Apple or Google Play-sell faster and yield better payouts. Low-demand cards, such as those from niche retailers, may take longer to sell or be rejected entirely.
If you're managing multiple cards, consider using a spreadsheet to track balances, platforms, and payout dates. This avoids duplicate entries and helps monitor earnings over time.
Selling unused gift cards is a practical way to recover value from overlooked assets. With proper research and caution, you can turn idle balances into usable cash without legal risk.