What you can do with a gift card besides spending it at the store

A gift card is a prepaid balance issued by a retailer or bank that you can spend at their locations or website. Most people use them as intended — buy something, swipe the card, done. But if you have a card you don't want to use at that store, or you have a small balance left over, you have other options: transfer the balance to someone else, sell it for cash at a discount, use it to buy something you can resell, or in some cases convert it directly to cash through the issuer.

The path that makes sense depends on how much money is on the card, how urgently you need cash, and whether you're willing to take a discount. A $2 balance on a restaurant card is worth less effort than a $75 card you'll never use. This guide walks you through each option and explains what to expect at each step.

Key Takeaways

  • You can transfer a gift card balance to another person, sell it on a resale marketplace for 70 to 90 percent of face value, or ask the issuer whether they offer cash-out options.
  • Selling a gift card online takes one to three days and involves uploading a photo of the card or providing the card number to a marketplace like CardCash or Raise.
  • Some retailers and banks allow you to convert unused balances to cash or store credit, but policies vary widely — call the customer service number on the back of the card to ask.
  • Gift card resale sites take a commission (usually 5 to 15 percent) and may hold your payment in escrow until the buyer confirms the card works.
  • If a card has less than $5 on it, the time and effort to sell it usually costs more than the balance itself.

Transferring your balance to someone else

The simplest option, if you know someone who shops at that store, is to give or sell the card to them directly. You keep 100 percent of the value, and they get a discount if you negotiate a lower price. This works best for cards with high balances or cards from popular retailers.

If you want to sell it to someone you know, agree on a price first. Many people offer 90 to 95 percent of face value — so a $100 card sells for $90 to $95. Meet in person, let them test the balance on their phone or at a register before handing over cash, and keep a receipt or text confirmation of the sale in case there's a dispute later.

Some retailers also let you transfer a balance between accounts without involving a third party. Target, for example, allows you to combine multiple gift card balances into one account through their website or app. Check the retailer's website or call their customer service line to see whether balance transfers are an option.

Selling your gift card on a resale marketplace

If you don't know anyone who wants the card, or you need cash quickly, gift card resale sites let you sell to strangers. The largest platforms are CardCash, Raise, and Decluttr. Each works roughly the same way: you list the card, a buyer purchases it, you provide the card details, and the site releases payment to you once the buyer confirms the card works.

The process takes these steps. First, visit the resale site and search for your retailer — most major chains are listed. The site will show you the current offer price, which is usually 70 to 90 percent of face value depending on demand. Walmart and Amazon cards typically fetch 85 to 95 percent; restaurant and specialty store cards often fetch 60 to 80 percent. Accept the offer and create an account if you don't have one.

Next, you'll be asked to provide the card details. Some sites let you upload a photo of the front and back of the card; others ask you to type in the card number and PIN. Do not share the card number with anyone except the resale platform itself. Once you submit the details, the site holds your payment in escrow — meaning they don't send you the money yet.

A buyer then purchases your card. After they confirm the balance is available, the site releases your payment, usually within one to three business days. You'll receive the money via direct deposit, PayPal, or a check, depending on the site. The resale platform takes a commission of 5 to 15 percent, so a $100 card might net you $75 to $85 after fees.

Asking the issuer for a cash-out option

Some retailers and banks will convert an unused gift card balance directly to cash or store credit, though policies vary. Visa and Mastercard gift cards are more likely to offer this than store-specific cards, but it's worth asking regardless.

Call the customer service number on the back of the card and ask whether they offer cash redemption or balance transfer to a bank account. If they do, they'll walk you through the process — usually providing your bank details and confirming your identity. If they don't, they'll tell you directly, and you can move to another option.

Some retailers will refund the balance to the original payment method if the card was purchased with a credit or debit card. Others offer store credit as an alternative to cash. Ask specifically what options are available before you commit to selling the card elsewhere.

Using your card to buy something you can resell

If the retailer doesn't offer cash redemption and you can't sell the card itself, you can use the balance to buy something and resell that item. This works best for cards from retailers that sell popular, resalable goods — electronics, clothing, sporting goods.

Buy an item that holds its value well and that you can resell quickly. Electronics and brand-name clothing are easier to move than store-brand items. List the item on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or a specialty resale site like Poshmark or Mercari. You'll take a loss because the resale site takes a commission and you may not get full retail price, but you'll recover some cash.

This option takes more time and effort than selling the card itself, so it only makes sense if the card balance is large enough to justify the work — usually $30 or more.

What to do with small balances under $5

If your card has less than $5 remaining, the time and fees involved in selling it usually cost more than the balance itself. Your best options are to spend it at the store, give it to someone else, or let it sit until you have another reason to shop there.

Some retailers will let you combine a small balance with a purchase — you use the card for part of the transaction and pay the rest with another payment method. Others require you to spend the full balance in one transaction. Check the retailer's policy before you go to the store.

Understanding fees and what you'll actually receive

When you sell a gift card, the amount you receive is less than the card's face value. Resale sites take a commission, and the offer price itself is already discounted because buyers know they're getting a used card.

Here's what a typical transaction looks like. You have a $100 gift card to a restaurant. CardCash offers you 75 percent of face value, which is $75. You accept. A buyer purchases your card for $75. CardCash takes a 10 percent commission from the buyer (not you), so you receive $75 and the buyer pays $82.50. The buyer gets a discount, CardCash gets paid, and you get cash instead of a card you weren't going to use.

The discount varies by retailer and current demand. Check the offer price on the resale site before you commit — don't assume all cards sell at the same percentage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to sell my gift card online?

Yes, if you use an established resale platform like CardCash, Raise, or Decluttr. These sites hold your payment in escrow until the buyer confirms the card works, so you're protected if the card is declined. Never sell a gift card through a personal ad or to someone you don't know outside of an escrow platform — you have no recourse if they don't pay or if the card is already used.

Can I sell a gift card that's already been partially used?

Yes. Resale sites accept cards with any remaining balance. The offer price will be based on the remaining balance, not the original face value. If you have a $100 card with $60 left on it, the site will offer you a percentage of $60, not $100.

What happens if I sell a gift card and the buyer says it doesn't work?

The resale platform will investigate. If the card was already used or the balance was wrong, the site will refund the buyer and deduct the amount from your payment. This is why you should never sell a card you've already spent part of without disclosing the remaining balance. Most platforms require you to confirm the exact balance before listing.

How long does it take to get paid after I sell a gift card?

Usually one to three business days after the buyer confirms the card works. Some sites offer faster payment for a small fee, or you can choose slower payment methods like check or bank transfer if you're not in a hurry. The resale site will show you the timeline when you list the card.

Can I return a gift card if I change my mind about selling it?

Once a buyer has purchased your card and the resale site has released it to them, you cannot get it back. Before you submit your card details, make sure you're ready to complete the sale. If you haven't been matched with a buyer yet, most sites let you cancel the listing.