What to Do With Gift Cards You Don't Want: Trading Unused Plastic for Pure Cash Back
If you have gift cards sitting in a drawer that you know you will never use, you are not alone. Whether it was a holiday gift for a store you never shop at or a reward card for a brand that does not fit your lifestyle, unused gift cards are one of the most common forms of wasted value. The good news is that there are several practical ways to turn them into something useful. Here are six things you can do when you are figuring out what to do with gift cards you don't want.
1. Sell Them on a Gift Card Resale Platform
The most direct way to convert an unwanted gift card into cash is to sell it through a specialized online resale platform. These marketplaces connect sellers with buyers who actually want the card, and they typically offer 60% to 93% of the card's face value depending on the brand's popularity.
The process is usually straightforward: enter the brand, the card balance, and the card details. The platform either makes you an instant offer or lets you list the card at a price you set. Once the card is verified and sold, you receive payment through direct deposit or a digital payment method, often within one to two business days.
Cards from major, widely recognized retailers tend to command higher resale percentages, often 80% to 90% or more. Cards from smaller or more niche brands may bring less, but getting 60% to 70% back is still far better than letting the card go to waste.
Before listing, always check your exact remaining balance through the retailer's official website. Listing a card with an inaccurate balance can delay or cancel the transaction.
2. Trade It for a Card You Actually Want
If you would rather keep your value in gift card form but simply want a different brand, many resale platforms also offer a trade-in option. You submit the card you do not want and receive a replacement card for a brand you prefer, usually at a slightly reduced value to cover the exchange fee.
This is a practical choice when you do not necessarily need cash but would rather spend the balance somewhere you actually shop. For example, if you received a card for a home improvement store but would prefer one for a coffee chain or a grocery store, a direct trade gets you there without losing too much value.
The key is to compare exchange rates across platforms before committing. A few percentage points of difference in the conversion rate can add up, especially on higher-balance cards.
3. Regift It to Someone Who Will Actually Use It
Sometimes the simplest solution is also the best one. If you know someone who shops at the brand on your card, passing it along as a gift is a zero-loss option. You do not lose any value to fees or exchange rates, and the recipient gets something they will genuinely enjoy.
This works especially well for birthdays, holidays, or casual "thinking of you" moments. Just make sure you know the remaining balance before handing it over, and avoid regifting back to the person who originally gave it to you.
Regifting is not about being cheap. It is about making sure the value ends up with someone who can use it, rather than letting it sit unused indefinitely.
4. Donate It to a Charitable Organization
Several nonprofit organizations accept unused gift cards and distribute them to individuals and families in need. Donating an unwanted card is a meaningful way to make sure the value does not go to waste, especially if the balance is too small to bother selling or trading.
Some charities specifically focus on collecting gift cards and redistributing them as part of assistance programs. Others accept them as part of broader donation drives. Either way, a card that has no value to you could make a real difference to someone else.
If you choose to donate, make sure the organization is reputable, and confirm they accept the type of card you have. Some programs only accept cards from specific categories or with a minimum balance.
5. Use an In-Person Exchange Kiosk for Instant Cash
In some locations, automated kiosks allow you to insert a gift card and receive cash or a voucher on the spot. This is the fastest option if you want immediate value and do not want to wait for an online transaction to process.
The trade-off is that kiosk rates tend to be lower than what you would get from an online resale platform. You might receive 60% to 75% of the card's face value rather than the 80% to 93% available online. But for people who value speed and simplicity over maximizing every dollar, a kiosk can be a convenient choice.
Before using one, check that the kiosk accepts the brand and balance on your card. Not all kiosks support all retailers, and some have minimum balance requirements.
6. Turn Your Preferred Spending into Cashback with a Gift Card Platform
If selling or trading your unwanted card has reminded you how useful gift cards can be when they match your actual spending habits, consider buying future gift cards through a cashback platform. Snaplii, headquartered in Canada and serving the North American market, covers 500+ brands and offers 5-12% instant cashback on every purchase. Visit the Snaplii website for full details. Please note that Snaplii Cash can only be used for future gift card purchases and cannot be withdrawn to bank accounts.
Stay Safe When Selling or Trading Gift Cards
Before you hand over any card information, a few safety habits are worth building. Stick to well-known, reputable platforms with verified reviews and transparent processes. Never share your gift card number and PIN on public forums, social media, or unencrypted websites. Only enter card details on secure checkout pages. Take photos of both sides of the card and keep any confirmation emails or receipts until the payment has cleared and is securely in your account.
These precautions take just a few seconds but can prevent the most common forms of gift card fraud.
Make the Most of Every Unwanted Gift Card
We hope these six points help you out. Whether you sell, trade, regift, donate, or convert to cash at a kiosk, the important thing is to not let unused gift cards sit and lose their practical value. The right choice depends on how much is on the card, how quickly you want the value back, and how much effort you are willing to put in. For high-balance cards from popular brands, selling online typically gets you the best return. For smaller balances, regifting or donating keeps things simple. And if you want every future gift card purchase to earn something back automatically, a cashback platform is worth exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do with gift cards you don't want?
You have several options: sell them on a resale platform for 60% to 93% of face value, trade them for a card you prefer, regift them to someone who shops at that brand, donate them to a charitable organization, or use an in-person kiosk for instant cash. The best choice depends on the card's balance and how quickly you want the value returned.
How much can I get for selling an unwanted gift card?
It depends on the brand and the platform. Cards from major, widely recognized retailers typically sell for 80% to 93% of face value. Cards from smaller or niche brands may bring 60% to 75%. Using a comparison site to check multiple resale platforms at once can help you find the best offer.
What is Snaplii?
Snaplii is a digital gift card cashback platform headquartered in Canada, serving the North American market. It partners with 500+ brands and offers instant cashback of typically 5-12% when you purchase gift cards through the app. Payment methods include debit cards, credit cards, WeChat Pay, and Alipay.
Can I withdraw Snaplii Cash to my bank account?
No. Snaplii Cash can only be used for future gift card purchases within the platform. It cannot be withdrawn to a bank account.
Is it safe to sell gift cards online?
Yes, as long as you use reputable platforms with verified reviews and secure checkout processes. Never share your card number and PIN publicly, always confirm the exact balance before listing, and keep photos and receipts until the payment has cleared.
