You’ve received a gift card as a present that you can’t use and can’t return. On the flip side, there’s a specific gift card you want to buy for yourself or someone else but can’t find it. Either way, you can turn to the web. Certain websites allow you to buy, sell, and swap gift cards. You can even purchase specific gift cards at a discount. Here's how to get started.
Buy a Gift Card on CardCash
At CardCash, you can buy, sell, or trade in gift cards. The homepage offers a few different ways to dive in. At the top, type and select the name of a specific store or retailer, enter the amount for the card you want, and then click the Search button.
You can also scroll through a list of retailers and brands in the middle of the page and select the one you need, enter the card amount, and then click the Find Gift Cards button. Or scroll down the homepage for more options, then select the retailer and amount you want.
Choose a Card
After conducting your search, the site displays the card amount for the retailer you picked. It may also show you other card amounts for the same retailer. For certain retailers, you can opt to receive your gift card either electronically or through the mail as a physical card.
Alternatively, if you're not quite sure what you want, click the Buy Gift Cards link at the top of the homepage to browse through cards for different retailers. By default, the page shows you the most popular gift cards, but you can sort the list.
Checkout
When you find a card you want, click the Buy button or the Add to Card button and proceed to checkout. You're prompted to create an account with the site if you don't already have one. The bill can be paid via credit card, PayPal, other gift cards, or even Bitcoin via BitPay.
Sell a Gift Card on CardCash
Want to sell a card instead? At the top of the homepage, click Sell Gift Cards. Type the retailer name and the amount to receive a cash offer that’s less than the total value of the card. You can also add additional cards if necessary. Either take the money and run or opt to trade it in for another card and score a better deal. If you choose the money, you can get paid via a printed check, ACH direct deposit, or PayPal Express.
Enter Card Information
The site asks you to add the number and PIN of the card you're selling, as well as your credit card details to verify your address. You’ll then receive a printable order page with instructions on mailing your gift card.
Buy a Gift Card on Cardpool
Cardpool is another site that buys and sells gift cards. At the site's homepage, click Find a Gift Card Now to look for cards to purchase. You can also type the name of a specific retailer and card amount in the search field at the top. Alternatively, scroll down the homepage to view top selling brands or browse all brands.
Choose a Card
Click the Buy Gift Cards link at the top or the View All link at the bottom to view everything the site offers. You can browse cards by name and category or search for a specific type of card. The site also gives you the option to choose between getting a card in the mail and receiving it electronically.
After you select a brand, choose the card and amount you wish to purchase. Click the Buy It Now button to advance to the checkout screen.
Checkout
Proceed to checkout where you can set up an account or complete your purchase as a guest. You can pay with a credit card or with another gift card from Cardpool. The site then displays your receipt. Click the button to Confirm Purchase.
Sell a Gift Card on Cardpool
To get rid of a card on CardPool, click the Sell Gift Cards link at the top of the homepage. Type in the name and amount of your card. You can opt to receive your payment via a bank account deposit, a Walmart gift card, or an Amazon gift card.
Finalize Offer
Fill out your contact information and then enter the card number and PIN to finalize the offer. You can choose whether you want to be paid immediately by Cardpool or put your card up for grabs on the marketplace where a buyer may offer you more for it.
Buy a Gift Card on Raise
At Raise, you can buy a gift card by browsing the available stock and sorting through your options. The site allows you to choose between receiving a card by mail and getting it electronically.
Choose a Card
Select the card and amount you want to purchase. At the shopping cart, click the Proceed to Checkout button. You’re asked to create an account at the site, which you confirm via email. You then pay by credit card.
Sell a Gift Card on Raise
To sell a gift card on Raise, click the Sell Gift Cards link at the top of the homepage. Enter the name of the retailer and click the Get Started button. At the next page, type the number and PIN for the card along with the amount. The site tells you how much money your card will fetch.
Click the Continue Listing button to list the card for sale. If it sells, you receive your money through direct deposit into a bank account, through a check, or through PayPal.