Where to sell gift cards and how fast you get paid
You can sell unused gift cards through online marketplaces, local resale shops, or directly to the card issuer. The speed of payment depends on the platform: some sites deposit money within one business day, while others take a week or longer. The amount you receive is usually 70 to 92 percent of the card's face value, though this varies by the card brand, how much is left on it, and current demand.
The three main routes are online gift card exchanges (Raise, CardCash, Decluttr), retail buyback programs (Best Buy, Target, Walmart), and peer-to-peer marketplaces (Facebook Marketplace, eBay). Each has different payout speeds, fees, and the types of cards they accept. Understanding what each offers helps you choose based on how quickly you need the money and which cards you have.
Key Takeaways
- Online gift card exchanges typically pay within one to three business days by direct deposit or PayPal, though they take a percentage of the card's value as a fee.
- Retail stores that issued the card sometimes buy them back at the customer service desk, but not all retailers offer this and rates vary widely.
- Peer-to-peer sales through Facebook or eBay are often fastest for cash pickup but carry the highest risk of fraud or chargebacks.
- Gift cards with lower balances, obscure retailers, or expiration dates approaching sell for less than cards with high balances from major chains.
- You will need the card number, PIN, and remaining balance before you list or sell, and the buyer receives the card details directly.
Online gift card exchanges and their payout timelines
Websites like Raise, CardCash, and Decluttr let you list gift cards and receive offers from buyers. You enter the card details (card number, PIN, remaining balance), set a price, and wait for someone to purchase it. Once sold, the site transfers the funds to your bank account or PayPal account, usually within one to three business days. Some sites offer when ready payment options for a lower payout percentage.
These platforms charge a selling fee that ranges from 1 to 15 percent of the sale price, depending on the site and card type. High-demand cards from major retailers (Amazon, Target, Walmart) typically sell faster and at higher percentages of face value. Less common cards or those with small balances may sit unsold or require you to lower the price. CardCash and Raise both allow you to set your own price, while Decluttr makes you an offer upfront based on the card's current market value.
The main risk with online exchanges is that you send the card details before receiving payment confirmation. Most platforms hold the funds in escrow until the buyer confirms they received and tested the card, which adds a few days to the timeline. Read the site's dispute policy before selling, because if a buyer claims the card was already used or has a lower balance than stated, the platform may reverse the payment.
Retail store buyback programs
Some retailers buy back gift cards at their customer service desk, though this is not a standard practice across all chains. Best Buy, Target, and Walmart sometimes offer in-store buyback, but rates and availability vary by location and card type. You typically receive store credit or cash on the spot, making this the fastest option if your store participates. Call ahead to confirm your location offers the service and what percentage of face value they will pay.
The downside is that most retailers only buy back their own gift cards, not cards from competitors. Even then, some locations refuse cards with very low balances or cards that are several years old. Payment is usually when ready, but the rate is often lower than online exchanges—typically 80 to 90 percent of face value. If you need cash today and have a card from a major retailer, this is often your fastest route.
Peer-to-peer sales through social media and marketplaces
Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Craigslist let you sell gift cards directly to local buyers or ship them nationally. You set the price, and once someone buys, you send them the card details. Payment can be cash in person, PayPal, Venmo, or other digital wallets. Local cash sales are the fastest—you can complete the transaction in minutes—but national shipping adds several days.
The trade-off is security. Peer-to-peer sales carry higher fraud risk than established platforms. A buyer can claim they never received the card or that it was already used, then request a chargeback through PayPal or their bank. You have little recourse once you send the card number. To reduce risk, use PayPal Goods & Services (which offers seller protection) rather than Friends & Family payments, and photograph the card details before sending them. For local sales, meet in a public place and have the buyer test the card on their phone before you leave.
Factors that affect how much you receive
The payout percentage depends on the card brand, remaining balance, and current demand. Amazon and Target cards typically sell at 85 to 92 percent of face value because they are widely used and straightforward to spend. Restaurant or specialty store cards sell at lower percentages—sometimes 60 to 75 percent—because fewer people want them. A card with $100 remaining will sell faster and at a higher percentage than a card with $5 left.
Expiration dates also matter. Cards expiring within six months sell at a discount because the buyer has less time to use them. Cards with no expiration date or years remaining command higher prices. Seasonal cards (like holiday gift cards in January) may sit unsold or require a steeper discount. Check the card's terms before listing to see if there is an expiration date, and be honest about it in your listing.
Information you need before you sell
Before listing a gift card anywhere, gather the card number (usually on the front), the PIN or security code (often on the back), and the remaining balance. You can check the balance on the retailer's website or by calling their customer service line. Some platforms require a photo of the card to verify it is real, so have that ready. Never share the card details with a buyer until the sale is confirmed and payment is in transit.
Keep records of the card number and PIN until the buyer confirms they received the funds and the card works. If a dispute arises, you may need to prove you owned the card and that the balance was accurate at the time of sale. Screenshot the balance check and the listing details for your records.
Comparing payment speed across platforms
| Platform Type | Payment Method | Typical Timeline | Payout Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online exchanges (Raise, CardCash) | Direct deposit or PayPal | 1–3 business days | 70–92% of face value |
| Retail buyback (Best Buy, Target) | Cash or store credit | Same day, in-store | 80–90% of face value |
| Peer-to-peer local (Facebook, Craigslist) | Cash in person | Minutes to hours | Negotiated (often 75–95%) |
| Peer-to-peer shipped (eBay) | PayPal or digital wallet | 3–7 business days | Negotiated (often 70–90%) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to sell a gift card online?
Established platforms like Raise and CardCash use escrow to hold payment until the buyer confirms the card works, which reduces risk. Peer-to-peer sales are riskier because a buyer can claim fraud after receiving the card details. Use PayPal Goods & Services for protection, and never send card details before payment is confirmed.
What happens if the buyer says the card doesn't work?
On established exchanges, the platform investigates and may reverse payment if the card was already used or had a lower balance than stated. On peer-to-peer platforms, you have limited recourse unless you used a payment method with buyer protection. This is why photographing the balance before sale and keeping records is important.
Can I sell a partially used gift card?
Yes. You list the remaining balance, not the original amount. A card with $30 left will sell for roughly 70 to 92 percent of $30, depending on the platform and card type. Lower balances take longer to sell because buyers prefer larger amounts.
Do I have to pay taxes on the money I receive?
Selling a gift card you received is generally not taxable income because you are selling an asset you already own, not earning money. However, if you sell gift cards as a business or receive a 1099 form from the platform, you may owe taxes. Consult a tax professional if you sell cards regularly or in large quantities.
What if the gift card is from a store that closed?
Cards from closed retailers are difficult to sell because they have no value. Some online exchanges will not accept them. If the retailer was acquired by another company, the card may still be valid under the new owner—check the retailer's website or call to confirm before listing.