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If you bought a gift card intending to give it to someone, only to change your mind later, you might be wondering, "Can you return gift cards?" After all, returns are usually no big deal on regular merchandise, and you'd probably rather have that cash back in your bank account instead of sitting on an unwanted card.
Unfortunately, there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer as to whether you can return a gift card, as different stores all have their own return policies. But, even if you're not able to return your card, you might be able to exchange it online for a gift credit you can use. Here's what to know.
Can you return a gift card?
The ability to return a gift card depends on the store you bought it from.
A lot of retailers (like Amazon, Target, Lowe's, and Sephora) state in their terms and conditions that their gift cards, both physical and digital, are nonrefundable. And yes, that's even if you kept the receipt from the purchase. For the most part, companies tend not to allow the return of gift cards unless required by state law — more on that further below.
If you can't return your gift card, you might be able to exchange it.
Online services like Raise or CardCash let you trade in gift card money for cash or a gift credit to another store. Keep in mind that both these sites will take a portion of your unwanted gift card amount, so you won't get the full amount that's on your card. Here's a quick breakdown of the two services:
Raise lets you sell your own gift card at a discount and will pay you through PayPal or direct deposit if someone buys your card.
CardCash sells your card for you, and you can choose whether you want your refund in the form of a mailed check, PayPal Express payment, ACH payment, a prepaid Mastercard, or a gift card to a different retailer.
Another option for exchanging a gift card is to visit CVS's CardCash page. The process is nearly the same as using the standard CardCash site. You can select from over 200 eligible retailers to see what your gift card is worth in CVS e-credit, then trade it in to use at your local store.
Finally, in certain states, you can exchange your gift card balance for cash, but the payouts are very low. For example, in Colorado, there must be less than $5 on the card to cash it out. In Vermont, there must be less than $1 on it.
The ability to return a gift card depends on the store you bought it from. A lot of retailers (like Amazon, Target, Lowe's, and Sephora) state in their terms and conditions that their gift cards, both physical and digital, are nonrefundable. And yes, that's even if you kept the receipt from the purchase.
Gift cards do not expire. If lost, stolen, or damaged, the card can be replaced for any remaining value if satisfactory proof of purchase is provided. However, most states have mandatory cash-back requirements that can allow you to be refunded for the remaining balance on a partially used gift card.
Unless a Gift Card is faulty, Gift Cards and eGift Cards are non-refundable following the loading of funds onto the card. Gift Cards and eGift Cards cannot be exchanged for cash.
The ability to return a gift card depends on the store you bought it from. A lot of retailers (like Amazon, Target, Lowe's, and Sephora) state in their terms and conditions that their gift cards, both physical and digital, are nonrefundable. And yes, that's even if you kept the receipt from the purchase.
Notwithstanding anything contained in these Terms and Conditions, Walmart plastic Gift Cards and eGift Cards ("Walmart Gift Cards") are not returnable or refundable for cash except in states where required by law. Resale of Walmart Gift Cards is strictly prohibited.
Do you have a gift receipt? Without proof of purchase, you may not be able to secure a refund as return rights only apply to the person who actually paid for the item. A receipt can be used for proof of purchase, so check to see if a gift receipt has been included with your present.
Some companies do permit returning an item for its cash value. If the card is unused, however, many companies will not allow this. Check with the store before you attempt to return the gift card for cash. You will save yourself the hassle if they do not allow it.
Keep in mind that many retailers require the original receipt for any returns. Some stores charge a “restocking fee” if you return certain types of products, and others limit cash refunds but may offer exchanges or store credit. Certain items may be “final sale” or “as is” and cannot be returned.
Unlike credit cards, there typically isn't any recourse for consumers when a gift card is stolen or used without authorization, so it is very hard to reverse the purchases or get a refund in these situations.
Specialty gift cards, pre-paid gift cards and Target GiftCards cannot be returned or redeemed for cash or credit except where required by law. This includes Target GiftCards, Visa®, Mastercard®, or American Express® Gift Card, restaurant, entertainment, lottery cards.
Most shops have a returns policy, typically allowing for the return of unwanted items within 30 days, commonly on the proviso that the gifts were unused and use of the same payment method is provided to process a refund of the item (i.e., the same credit or debit card is used to process the refund) with retained ...
Gift cards do not expire. If lost, stolen, or damaged, the card can be replaced for any remaining value if satisfactory proof of purchase is provided. However, most states have mandatory cash back requirements that can allow you to be refunded for the remaining balance on a partially used gift card.
In California, any balance less than $10 can be redeemed. Colorado, Maine, Montana, New Jersey, Oregon, and Washington allow cash redemption for balances less than $5.
When in contact with the gift card company, ask for your money to be returned. This is often on an individual basis, but if the money was frozen or not yet accessed by the scammer they might be able to give you your money back.
Non-reloadable means you can not add more money to them. Refunds are not adding money to them, but have the transaction reversed. One adds new money, the other returns money to the card. In most cases, it can be refunded to the Visa Gift Card.
Introduction: My name is The Hon. Margery Christiansen, I am a bright, adorable, precious, inexpensive, gorgeous, comfortable, happy person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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