cashdHow to Sell Gift Cards for Cash (and What You'll Actually Get)
Billions of dollars in gift cards go unused every year. If you have one for a store you won't shop at, you can sell it for cash. You won't get the full balance, because exchange sites resell the card at a discount and keep the difference, but some cash usually beats an unused card.
Price something you own
Here's how it works, what affects the payout, and how to stay safe.
Updated Oct 5, 2026. General information, not financial or tax advice; offers and terms change, so check the provider's site before you act.
At a glance
- Exchange sites pay a percentage of the balance, not the full amount.
- Big-box and grocery cards get the best rates; restaurant cards the worst.
- Never give card numbers to a stranger who contacted you.
How gift card exchanges work
You enter the retailer and balance, the site quotes a payout as a percentage of the balance, and you send them the card number and PIN (or mail a physical card). Once they verify the balance, they pay you, usually by bank transfer, PayPal or check.
The payout depends on demand for that retailer. Cards for big, popular stores (grocery, big-box, home improvement) get the highest rates. Restaurant, niche and nearly expired cards get lower ones.
Other ways to use an unwanted gift card
Before selling at a discount, check whether you can use the card for something you'd buy anyway, such as household basics at a big-box store or a gift for someone else. Spending it at full value beats selling it at a discount.
Some states let you cash out small remaining balances at the register, often under $5 or $10. Ask the store, since rules vary by state.
Avoid gift card scams
Gift cards are a favorite tool of scammers because they work like cash. Only sell through established exchange sites, never to a stranger who asks you to read the numbers over the phone or text a photo of the back of the card.
- No legitimate company, government agency or utility asks to be paid in gift cards.
- Don't buy gift cards from strangers at a big discount; they're often stolen or already drained.
- Keep the receipt and card until the exchange confirms payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I get for a gift card?
Usually a percentage of the balance. Popular retailers get the highest rates, and restaurant or niche cards get less. Get quotes from more than one exchange before you sell.
Is it safe to sell gift cards online?
Yes, through established exchange sites. Never give card numbers to individual strangers, and never use gift cards to pay someone who contacted you unexpectedly.
Can I get cash back for a gift card at the store?
Some states require stores to cash out small remaining balances, often under $5 or $10. Ask at the register; rules vary by state.