Sell Gift Cards For Cash Online [Instant Payment, Where and How] (2024)

Do you have a drawer full of unused gift cards? Perhaps birthday or lunch cards you'll never use, or store credits you don't intend to use. Don't worry anymore. You may easily transform those plastic rectangles into cash using the magic of online gift card marketplaces.

This article will walk you through the fascinating world of selling gift cards for cash (instant payment) including the various platforms, and things to think about before completing your first transaction.

A gift card, also known as a gift certificate, gift voucher, or gift token, is essentially a prepaid stored-value card that functions like a substitute for cash at specific retailers or groups of businesses.

Gift cards often come in two forms: Closed-loop gift cards [Valid only at the issuing store or affiliated businesses (e.g., Starbucks gift card)], and Open-loop gift cards [ Accepted at a wider range of retailers or have network logos like Visa or Mastercard (e.g., Visa gift card)].

Sell Gift Cards For Cash Online

Selling gift cards for cash online is a convenient way to turn unwanted gifts into usable funds. However, it's important to choose a reputable platform and understand the process to ensure a smooth experience. Here are some things to consider:

Where to sell gift cards for cash online (Platforms):

• Direct Buy Sites: These sites, like CardCash, GiftCash, and Raise, offer instant quotes and buy your gift cards directly. You'll receive payment via check, ACH, or PayPal, typically within a few days.
• Marketplaces: Sites like Gameflip and eBay allow you to list your gift card and set your own price. While you may get a higher payout, it can take longer to sell and requires managing the listing and sale.

Factors to Consider:

• Price: Different platforms offer varying payout percentages depending on the retailer and current demand. Compare offers before choosing a platform.
• Fees: Some platforms charge processing or listing fees, so factor those into your final payout.
• Payment Methods: Choose a platform offering a convenient payment method that suits your needs.
• Security: Ensure the platform uses secure transactions and has a good reputation to protect your information.

How to Sell Gift cards online:

1. Direct Buy Sites:

• Visit a direct buy site like PayPal Zettle, CardCash, GiftCash, or Raise.
• Select your gift card retailer and enter the card details (value, brand, etc.).
• The platform will provide an instant offer based on current market demand.
• If you accept the offer, send your gift card (physical or digital) following the platform's instructions.
• Once they receive and verify your card, you'll receive your payment within the specified timeframe (usually a few days).

2. Marketplaces:

• Choose a marketplace like eBay or Gameflip.
• Create a listing for your gift card, including photos, description, and desired price.
• Set your asking price or choose an auction format.
• Respond to potential buyers' inquiries and manage the sale process.
• Once your gift card sells, ship it to the buyer and receive your payment through the platform.

Best Places To Sell Your Gift Card

Determining the "best" place to sell your gift card depends on several factors, including:

1. Your priorities:

• Speed and convenience: If you prioritize a quick and hassle-free process, direct buy sites like CardCash, GiftCash, or Raise are ideal.
• Highest payout: Marketplaces like eBay or Gameflip offer the potential for higher payouts, but require more effort and time.
• Specific retailer: Some platforms specialize in certain retailers, like Gameflip for gaming gift cards.

2. The gift card itself:

• Brand and popularity: Popular brands like Amazon or Target typically fetch higher payouts compared to lesser-known brands.
• Remaining balance: The full value of the card will influence the offer you receive.
• Physical or digital: Some platforms only accept physical cards, while others handle both.

Here's a breakdown of some popular options:

Direct Buy Sites:

• Pros: Quick offers, instant quotes, secure transactions, various payment methods.
• Cons: Lower payout percentages.
• Recommended for: Convenience, popular brands, smaller values.

Marketplaces:

• Pros: Potentially higher payouts, flexible pricing.
• Cons: May take longer to sell, requires managing listings and sales.
• Recommended for: Higher value cards, less popular brands, willingness to invest time.

Specific Recommendations:

1. For popular brands and quick sales: CardCash, GiftCash, Raise.
2. For potentially higher payouts and flexibility: eBay, Gameflip (for gaming cards).
3. For lesser-known brands or niche markets: Specialized platforms like ClipKard or Cardpool.

Additional Tips:

• Compare offers from multiple platforms before selling.
• Consider fees associated with each platform.
• Ensure your gift card is valid and has a remaining balance.
• Read reviews and compare ratings of different platforms.
• Follow the platform's terms and conditions for secure transactions.

Raise Sell Gift Card

Raise is a popular platform for selling unwanted gift cards online. Here's a breakdown of using Raise to sell your gift card:

To sell gift card on Raise,

Visit Raise: Go to their website.

1. Select "Sell Gift Cards": Click the "Sell Gift Cards" button and enter the store name of your gift card (e.g., Amazon, Best Buy).
2. Enter card details: Enter the gift card serial number, PIN (if applicable), and current balance.
3. Get an offer: Raise will instantly provide you with an offer based on the brand, current demand, and card value.
4. Review and accept: Review the offer details and terms, then choose to accept or decline.
5. Verification and listing: If you accept, Raise will verify your card and list it on their marketplace.
6. Receive payment: Once a buyer purchases your card, Raise will process the transaction and send you your payment via direct deposit, ACH, or PayPal (within 3-5 business days).

Pros of using Raise:

• Quick and easy process: Get instant offers and sell your card within minutes.
• Secure transactions: Raise uses secure payment processing and buyer protection.
• Multiple payment options: Choose your preferred method to receive your cash.
• Free to list: There are no upfront fees for listing your card.

Cons of using Raise:

• Lower payout compared to marketplaces: You may get a lower price than on platforms like eBay.
• Limited control over pricing: Raise determines the offer price, though you can set a minimum.
• May take longer to sell: Depending on the brand and demand, it might take some time for your card to sell.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

• Ensure your card is valid and has a remaining balance.
• Read through Raise's terms and conditions for selling gift cards.
• Compare Raise's offer with other platforms before deciding.
• Raise may request additional verification for certain cards or transactions.

PayPal Zattle

PayPal Zettle, now known as Zettle by PayPal, is a suite of point-of-sale (POS) solutions designed to help small businesses accept payments, manage inventory, and track sales. It offers various tools and features, including:

Hardware:

• Mobile card reader: Connects to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth and allows you to accept chip and swipe payments on the go.
• Zettle Terminal: An all-in-one card reader and POS system with a touchscreen display, built-in receipt printer, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Software:

• Zettle by PayPal app: Available for iOS and Android, it turns your phone or tablet into a POS system, allowing you to accept payments, manage inventory, track sales, and create invoices.
• Online store: Create a simple online store to sell products and services directly from your website.

Features:

• Accept various payment methods: Credit and debit cards, contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay), and PayPal.
• Inventory management: Track stock levels, set reorder points, and manage product variations.
• Sales reporting: Get detailed reports on your sales, including trends, performance, and customer data.
• Employee management: Assign roles and permissions to your employees and track their activity.
• Marketing tools: Create and send email marketing campaigns to your customers.

Benefits of using Zettle by PayPal:

• Easy to use: The platform is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, even for non-technical users.
• Affordable: No monthly subscription fees, just pay per transaction.
• Flexible: Choose the hardware and software that best suit your needs.
• Integrated with PayPal: Manage your POS transactions and PayPal account in one place.

PayPal Zettle Sell Gift Card

Yes, you can sell gift cards through PayPal Zettle (now Zettle by PayPal).

You can either sell it on the PayPal Zettle app or in your your online PayPal Zettle account.

1. Set up in the PayPal Zettle app:  

• Go to Gift cards.
• Tap Continue to start.
• Select how you'd like to sell gift cards (sent via email, handmade physical cards, or pre-made physical cards that are scannable).
• Choose to generate random card codes or create your own custom codes.
• Set the expiry date and confirm the terms.
• Tap See how it works to learn more about gift cards or Skip.

2. Set up in your online PayPal Zettle account:

• Go to Products and select Gift cards.
• Click Set up gift cards.
• Select how you'd like to sell gift cards (sent via email, handmade physical cards, or pre-made physical cards that are scannable).
• Choose to generate random card codes or create your own custom codes.
• Set the expiry date and confirm the terms.
• Tap See how it works to learn more about gift cards or Skip.

Whether you sell a physical gift card or one via email, the code on it should match the one that you enter into your PayPal Zettle app.

You should assign a unique identifying code to each gift card for tracking and redeeming.

Once you’ve set up the gift card feature, you’ll find Gift cards in your product library. Tap it to add it to your cart.

Selling Gift Cards with Zettle by PayPal:

1. Method of sale: Currently, gift cards can only be sold in-person through the Zettle Go app, not online through a webstore.
2. Payment options: Customers can purchase gift cards with card, cash, or payment links. They cannot be purchased with PayPal QRC or Venmo.
3. Redeeming gift cards: Customers can redeem their gift cards in-person at your store or online if you have an integrated webstore.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

• Gift cards cannot be combined with other products in the same purchase.
• There are no discounts available for gift card purchases.
• You can track gift card sales and balances through the Zettle app.
• Customer support is available through the Zettle help center or live chat.

Conclusion

Selling gift cards for cash online can be a convenient and quick way to turn unwanted plastic into valuable funds. Whether you received a gift you won't use or have leftover store credit, several platforms allow you to easily convert them into cash online.

Platforms like PayPal Zettle, Raise, GiftCash, CardSell, CliPKard, Gameflip, Cardpool will allow you to sell gift card for cash online.