You can sell unused gift cards through online marketplaces, retail buyback programs, or local resale shops, and receive payment within days rather than weeks.

Gift cards you won't use have real value, and several platforms will pay you cash or store credit for them. The fastest payment comes from online marketplaces like Raise, CardCash, and Decluttr, which can deposit money to your bank account or PayPal within 1 to 3 business days. Retail stores like Target and Best Buy also run their own buyback programs, though those typically issue store credit rather than cash. Local options—pawn shops, consignment stores, or Facebook Marketplace—can sometimes close a sale the same day, but the price you receive will usually be lower than online platforms.

The amount you receive depends on the card's brand, remaining balance, and current demand. Popular retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart typically sell for 80 to 95 percent of face value. Niche or regional cards, or those with small balances, may fetch 50 to 70 percent. You'll need the card number, PIN (if there is one), and proof of the remaining balance before you list it.

Key Takeaways

  • Online marketplaces like Raise and CardCash deposit payment to your bank account or PayPal within 1 to 3 business days, faster than retail buyback programs.
  • You will receive 50 to 95 percent of the card's face value depending on the retailer and current demand for that brand.
  • You need the card number, PIN, and current balance before you can list or sell the card to any buyer.
  • Retail store buyback programs (Target, Best Buy) offer the fastest in-person transaction but usually pay in store credit, not cash.

Online Marketplaces That Pay Fastest

Raise, CardCash, and Decluttr are the largest platforms for selling gift cards online. All three let you list a card in minutes, and both the buyer and the platform verify the balance before payment is released. Raise typically deposits funds within 1 to 3 business days after a buyer purchases your card. CardCash offers a similar timeline and also accepts cards with lower balances that other platforms reject. Decluttr focuses on bulk sales and may offer slightly lower rates, but payment is reliable and fast.

To sell on these platforms, you create an account, enter the card details (number, PIN, and current balance), and set a price. The platform handles the buyer match and verification. Once a buyer purchases your card, you receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to deliver the card information. Payment arrives after the buyer confirms the card works. None of these platforms charge you an upfront fee, though they take a small percentage of the sale price (typically 1 to 15 percent, depending on the platform and card type).

Retail Store Buyback Programs

Target, Best Buy, Walmart, and GameStop all run in-store buyback programs for gift cards. The advantage is speed: you can walk in, sell the card, and leave with payment the same day. The disadvantage is that most of these programs pay in store credit rather than cash, and the rate is often lower than online marketplaces. Target's program, for example, typically offers 85 to 95 percent of face value but pays in Target gift cards or account credit, not cash.

Best Buy's trade-in program accepts Best Buy cards and cards from other retailers, paying in Best Buy store credit. GameStop focuses on gaming-related cards. If you need cash rather than store credit, ask the store associate whether they offer a cash option—some locations do, but it is not may provide. Rates and policies vary by location, so call ahead or check the store's website before you visit.

Local Resale Options and Same-Day Sales

Pawn shops, consignment stores, and Facebook Marketplace can close a sale on the same day you list the card. Pawn shops typically pay 50 to 70 percent of face value in cash, and the transaction takes minutes. Consignment stores may hold the card and pay you only after it sells, which can take weeks. Facebook Marketplace lets you set your own price and meet a local buyer, but you bear the risk that the buyer disputes the card's balance after the sale.

The trade-off for same-day payment is a lower price. Local buyers know they are taking on risk (the card could be reported stolen, or the balance could be wrong), so they discount accordingly. If you need cash immediately and can accept a lower payout, local options work. If you can wait a few days, online marketplaces will pay you more.

What Information You Need Before You Sell

Every platform and buyer will ask for three pieces of information: the card number (usually the 15 or 16 digits on the front), the PIN or security code (if the card has one), and the current balance. You can check the balance by visiting the retailer's website, calling their customer service line, or visiting a store. Write down the exact balance—if you list a higher balance than the card actually has, the buyer will reject it and you will lose the sale.

Keep the physical card until the buyer confirms the balance is correct. Some platforms ask you to photograph the card or provide the last four digits as proof of ownership. Never give out the full card number to anyone except the platform or buyer you are working with. If a platform asks you to mail the physical card, use tracked shipping and keep the receipt.

Fees and What You Actually Receive

Online marketplaces take a commission ranging from 1 to 15 percent of the sale price. Raise typically charges 1 to 2 percent. CardCash charges a higher percentage on lower-value cards (up to 15 percent) and a lower percentage on high-value cards. Decluttr's fees are built into their quoted price, so you see the exact amount you will receive before you confirm the sale. Retail store programs do not charge a fee, but they pay in store credit, which limits how you can use the money.

If you sell a $100 Amazon card on Raise for 90 percent of face value ($90), Raise takes roughly $1 to $2 in commission, and you receive $88 to $89 in your bank account. If you sell the same card to a local pawn shop, you might receive $60 to $70 in cash with no fees, but the payout is lower. Calculate the net amount you will receive, not just the percentage, before you choose a platform.

Avoiding Scams and Protecting Yourself

Legitimate platforms (Raise, CardCash, Decluttr) verify the card balance before releasing payment to you. If a buyer claims the balance is wrong after purchase, the platform investigates and either refunds the buyer or pays you the difference. This protection is why established platforms are safer than private sales. Never sell a card to someone who asks you to send the card information first and promises to pay later—that is a common scam.

If you sell on Facebook Marketplace or to a local buyer, meet in a public place and verify the buyer's identity. Ask them to check the balance on their phone while you are present, so there is no dispute afterward. Do not accept payment via wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency—use cash or a payment app like PayPal or Venmo that offers buyer protection. If the buyer backs out after you have given them the card information, you have limited recourse outside of a platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Online marketplaces like Raise and CardCash deposit payment within 1 to 3 business days after a buyer confirms the card balance is correct. Retail store programs pay immediately in store credit. Local sales can close the same day if you meet a buyer in person. The longest wait is consignment stores, which may hold the card for weeks before it sells.

Can I sell a gift card with a low balance?

Yes, but you will receive a lower percentage of face value, and some platforms may reject cards under $5 or $10. CardCash accepts lower-balance cards that Raise might decline. Local pawn shops and consignment stores also buy low-balance cards. Expect to receive 40 to 60 percent of the balance rather than 80 to 95 percent.

What if the gift card has a PIN I don't know?

Most platforms can sell the card without a PIN if you have the card number and balance. Some retailers (like American Express gift cards) require the PIN for security. If you do not have the PIN, contact the retailer's customer service with proof of purchase or ownership, and they can reset it or provide it to you.

Is it safe to sell gift cards online?

Established platforms like Raise, CardCash, and Decluttr are safe because they verify the card balance before releasing payment and offer buyer protection if there is a dispute. Never sell to unknown buyers outside of a platform, and never send card information before receiving payment. Stick to platforms with reviews and a track record of resolving disputes.

Can I sell a gift card I received as a gift?

Yes. Gift cards are yours to use or sell once you receive them. There is no restriction on reselling a gift card you own. The only exception is if the card was issued with specific terms (like a corporate gift card tied to an employee), but standard retail gift cards have no resale restrictions.