Introduction
Do you have unused gift cards sitting in your wallet or at the bottom of your drawer? Don’t let them go to waste! Many people are unaware that they can cash out their gift cards for real money. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about cashing out gift cards, including the types of gift cards available, how to check your gift card balance, and legal considerations. We’ll also provide tips and tricks for maximizing the value of your gift card, as well as the dos and don’ts of cashing out your card.
Everything You Need to Know About Cashing Out Your Gift Card
Before we dive into the steps for cashing out your gift card, let’s first define what gift cards are and how they work. Gift cards are prepaid cards with a specific amount of money loaded onto them. They can be used at the retailer or store specified on the card to purchase goods or services up to the value of the card. Some gift cards have nominal fees, and others expire after a certain period of time.
There are two main types of gift cards – closed-loop and open-loop gift cards. Closed-loop gift cards can only be used at a specific retailer or chain of stores, while open-loop gift cards are branded with a financial payment network such as Visa, Mastercard, or American Express and can be used at any merchant that accepts that network.
It’s important to know how much money is remaining on your gift card before you can cash it out. Most gift cards have a website or phone number printed on them where you can check the balance. Alternatively, you can check the balance in-store by asking the cashier to scan the card.
There are several reasons why someone may want to cash out their gift card. Perhaps the recipient doesn’t shop at the store or online retailer, or they don’t like the products that the store sells. In some cases, people may need the cash for other expenses.
There are legal considerations for cashing out your gift card, too. In some states, it’s illegal to sell gift cards for less than their face value, while other states allow the practice. It’s essential to research the laws in your state if you’re considering cashing out your gift card.
5 Simple Steps to Turn Your Gift Card Into Cash
Cashing out your gift card can be a straightforward process if you follow these five simple steps:
Step 1: Check the balance of your gift card
As mentioned earlier, you need to know how much money is left on the gift card before you can cash it out. Check the balance either online or in-store.
Step 2: Find a reputable gift card buyback program
There are several gift card buyback programs available online. Do your research and find a reputable program that offers good rates and has positive reviews. Some popular gift card buyback sites include Cardpool, Giftcard Zen, and Raise.
Step 3: Submit your gift card information
To initiate the cash-out process, you’ll need to enter the gift card’s information, including the retailer, card value, and card number. You’ll also be asked to provide your personal information to receive the cash offer.
Step 4: Receive a cash offer from the buyback program
Once you’ve submitted your gift card information, the buyback program will evaluate the card’s value and offer you a cash payout. You’ll typically receive the offer within a few days via email or through the program’s website.
Step 5: Accept the cash offer and receive payment
If you’re happy with the cash offer, you can accept it and receive payment within a few days. Most gift card buyback programs will pay through PayPal, check, or direct deposit.
The Pros and Cons of Cashing Out Your Gift Card
Before you decide to cash out your gift card, it’s essential to consider the pros and cons.
Advantages of cashing out a gift card
- Turn your unused gift card into cash that you can use for other expenses
- Get a higher payout than the store or retailer would offer for returning a product
- No need to worry about the gift card expiring
Disadvantages of cashing out a gift card
- You may receive a lower value than the face value of the gift card
- Potential scam sites or buyback programs that may not provide legitimate payouts
- Legal considerations in some states
If you’re considering using a gift card buyback program, it’s essential to compare different programs to find the best one that suits your needs.
Maximizing the Value of Your Gift Card: Tips and Tricks
If you’re not interested in cashing out your gift card, there are other ways to maximize its value.
Sell your gift cards online
You can sell your gift card online on websites such as eBay or Craigslist. Be wary of scam sites and people who may offer less than the gift card’s value.
Exchange your gift card for another gift card
Some stores allow you to exchange your unwanted gift card for another retailer’s gift card.
Regift your gift card
Do you have a friend or family member who would enjoy using the gift card? Regifting can be a thoughtful way to make use of the card.
Give a portion of the gift card balance to charity
You can donate part of the gift card balance to a charitable cause of your choice.
Gift Card Do’s and Don’ts: How to Properly Cash Out Your Card
Here are a few dos and don’ts to keep in mind when cashing out your gift card:
Dos: Research gift card buyback programs
Do your research on the gift card buyback program you’re considering to ensure that it’s reputable and will provide you with a fair payout.
Dos: Be aware of gift card scams
Be aware of websites or individuals who offer to buy your gift cards for a suspiciously low price. These scams can result in you losing the gift card’s balance and personal information.
Don’ts: Use gift cards to pay for illegal activities
It’s illegal to use gift cards to pay for illegal activities such as drugs, gambling, or other prohibited purchases.
Don’ts: Share gift card information with strangers
Protect yourself from scams by not sharing your gift card information with strangers or unsolicited calls or emails.
Getting Rid of Your Gift Card: Options for Converting to Cash
Here are a few additional options for converting your gift card into cash:
Sell your gift card on online marketplaces
You can sell your gift card on websites like Gift Card Granny, eBay, or Craigslist. Be cautious of scams, and check the seller’s feedback and ratings before making a transaction.
Trade your gift card for cash with a friend or family member
If you have a friend or family member who shops at the store or retailer, you can trade your gift card with them for cash.
Use your gift card to buy a money order or cashier’s check
You can use your gift card to purchase a money order or cashier’s check, which can be deposited into your bank account or used to pay for other expenses.
Return items purchased with the gift card for cash or store credit
If you’ve used your gift card to purchase goods or services and still have the receipt, you may be able to return the items for cash or store credit.
Conclusion
Cashing out your gift card can be a simple process if you know where to look and what to consider. Before cashing out your gift card, research several gift card buyback programs to find the best rate for your gift card. Alternatively, consider maximizing the gift card’s value by selling it online or exchanging it for another gift card. Remember to protect yourself from gift card scams and illegal activities when cashing out your gift card.
