Gift cards are the easiest gift to get for someone, but they always end up not being used or only being partially used. It turns out, that is a lot of money thrown away. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get rid of those unwanted or unused gift cards.

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What Can You Do?

Sell Unwanted Gift Cards

Many sites, like CardCash and Raise, will purchase your unwanted gift cards to sell at a discount to their customers. They will buy it anywhere from 60% to 92% of its value. Most physical and eGift cards can be sold, even if they have been partially used.

Swap Unwanted Gift Cards

There are also some gift card sites (e.g. CardCash) that will give you the option to trade your gift card for a different one. If you swap your gift card out with one of CardCash’s partner gift cards, you may get a higher payout rate.

Target also offers a trade-in program very similar to this, allowing you to receive a Target gift card in exchange for select merchants.

Visit a Cardpool Exchange Physical Location

Cardpool is an exchange program that allows you to physically exchange a gift card for cash or another gift card, This can be done through a kiosk or cashier in convenience stores, grocery stores, and big-box retailers.

All you need to do is go to the location with your ID. You’ll then be given an offer and you can either accept or decline. Find a location here.

Donate Unwanted Gift Cards

Philanthropic organizations (such as Goodwill or CharityChoice), schools, and churches will accept retail and restaurant gift cards as donations. You may possibly qualify for a tax deduction when donating a gift card, so be sure to keep your receipt or letter confirming the donation safe.

Re-Gift Unused Gift Cards

There is always the option of gifting your gift card to someone else, because they may like the place but you don’t. Rather than having the gift card go to waste, you can give it to someone who may like it, given that the card is unused.

Use a Gift Card to Buy a Gift

You may not need anything at the place you received a gift card at, but you can save the gift card to purchase a gift for someone else. It can come in handy for those celebrations you need a present for.

Get a Refund for Unwanted Gift Cards

In certain states, you may be able to receive a refund on your gift card balance if it falls below a certain amount.

In California, you can get a refund from the store if the card has a balance below $10. Similarly, in Maine, New Jersey, Montana, Oregon, and Washington you can get a refund on a card with a balance under $5. Be sure to check your state’s gift card laws to see if this applies to you.

Bottom Line

Gift cards are just like money, but they are not seen that way. They are always hidden and unused, collecting dust. There is no need to let gift cards go to waste! Follow these tips and tricks to make the most out of those gift cards that are just laying around.

Furthermore, if you would like to purchase gift cards that you will actually use, check out our best gift card deals!