You can sell gift cards on Cash App through third-party marketplaces, but Cash App itself does not have a built-in gift card selling feature
Cash App is primarily a money transfer and payment tool, not a gift card marketplace. If you want to convert a gift card to cash and deposit it into your Cash App account, you'll need to use a separate service that buys gift cards — such as Raise, CardCash, or Decluttr — then transfer the cash they pay you into Cash App.
The process takes a few steps: you list the gift card on the marketplace, the buyer purchases it, you receive payment to your bank account or PayPal, and then you move that money into Cash App. The whole timeline typically runs three to seven business days, depending on how quickly the marketplace processes your sale and how your bank handles the incoming transfer.
Key Takeaways
- Cash App does not buy gift cards directly, so you must use a third-party marketplace like Raise, CardCash, or Decluttr to sell them.
- Most gift card marketplaces pay you to a bank account or PayPal, not directly to Cash App, so you'll need to transfer the money afterward.
- You typically receive 70 to 90 percent of the gift card's face value, depending on the retailer and current demand.
- The entire process from listing to cash in hand usually takes three to seven business days.
How the gift card selling process works
When you sell a gift card on a marketplace, you're selling it to another person or to the platform itself. Most platforms operate as middlemen: they buy your card at a discount, then resell it to someone else at a higher price. You receive the lower amount, and the marketplace keeps the difference.
The steps are straightforward. You create an account on the marketplace, enter the gift card details (the retailer, the balance, and the card number), and list it for sale. The platform either buys it when ready at a set price, or it goes into a marketplace where individual buyers can purchase it. Once sold, the platform sends you payment — usually to a linked bank account or PayPal account. You then log into Cash App and transfer that money from your bank account into your Cash App balance.
Some platforms, like Raise, let you set your own price and wait for a buyer. Others, like CardCash, offer you an when ready quote and buy the card on the spot. when ready options are faster but typically pay less than waiting for a buyer on a marketplace.
Which marketplaces pay the most and fastest
The three largest gift card marketplaces are Raise, CardCash, and Decluttr. Each has a different payout structure and timeline.
| Marketplace | How it works | Typical payout | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raise | You set the price; buyers purchase from you | 70–95% of face value | 3–7 days after sale |
| CardCash | when ready quote; platform buys when ready | 60–85% of face value | 1–2 days |
| Decluttr | You mail the card; they inspect and pay | 50–80% of face value | 5–10 days after receipt |
Raise typically offers the highest payouts because you're selling directly to another buyer rather than to the platform. CardCash is faster if you want money within a day or two. Decluttr requires you to physically mail the card, which adds time but works if you don't have access to the card number online.
What gift cards sell best and what to expect
Popular retailers with broad appeal sell faster and for higher percentages. Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Starbucks gift cards typically sell for 85 to 95 percent of face value because many people want them. Niche retailers — like a local restaurant chain or a specialty store — may sell for 50 to 70 percent or may not sell at all if there's no demand.
The balance on the card also matters. A $100 gift card is easier to sell than a $5 card, because buyers are more likely to be looking for larger amounts. Partially used cards sell for less than full-balance cards, and some platforms won't accept cards below a certain minimum (often $5 or $10).
Seasonal demand affects price too. Gift cards for restaurants and retailers tend to sell better during the holiday season and after the new year, when people are more likely to be shopping or dining out. During slower months, you may receive a lower offer or wait longer for a buyer.
How to move the money from the marketplace into Cash App
Once the marketplace pays you, the money lands in your bank account or PayPal account, not in Cash App. To get it into Cash App, you have two options: transfer it from your linked bank account, or transfer it from PayPal.
If the marketplace paid your bank account directly, open Cash App and tap the Money tab. Select "Add Money" and choose the amount you want to transfer from your linked bank account into your Cash App balance. The transfer usually completes within one to three business days, though some banks process it faster.
If the marketplace paid PayPal, log into PayPal, transfer the money to your bank account (which takes one to three business days), then follow the same Cash App process. Alternatively, some people skip Cash App and keep the money in their bank account or PayPal, since both can be used to pay bills or send money just like Cash App can.
Fees and taxes to know about
The marketplaces themselves don't charge you a fee to sell — they make money by buying low and selling high. However, your bank or PayPal may charge a fee if you're transferring money frequently, though most personal accounts don't charge for standard transfers.
Cash App does not charge a fee to add money from your bank account. However, if you use Cash App to send the money to someone else, Cash App charges a 1.5 percent fee for when ready transfers to a debit card, or no fee if you're willing to wait one to three business days for a standard transfer.
From a tax perspective, the IRS considers the sale of a gift card to be a transaction, not income, so you typically don't owe taxes on it. However, if you're selling gift cards regularly as a business, that's different — you would need to report it as income. For occasional sales of unwanted gift cards, you should be fine.
What to do if a gift card won't sell
If you list a gift card on Raise and it doesn't sell after a few weeks, you have options. You can lower the price to make it more competitive. You can remove it and try a different marketplace — CardCash or Decluttr may have different buyer bases. Or you can straightforward use the gift card yourself at the retailer.
Some gift cards are genuinely hard to sell because demand is low. A card for a regional restaurant, a store that's closing, or a niche retailer may sit unsold for months. In those cases, it's often faster to use the card or give it to someone who shops there.
If you're selling a card from a major retailer and it's not moving, the price you're asking is probably too high relative to what other sellers are offering. Check what similar cards are selling for on the marketplace and adjust downward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell a gift card directly through Cash App?
No. Cash App does not have a gift card buying or selling feature. You must use a third-party marketplace like Raise, CardCash, or Decluttr, then transfer the payment into Cash App afterward.
What if the gift card has already been partially used?
Most marketplaces accept partially used gift cards, but they pay less for them. You'll need to know the remaining balance and enter it when you list the card. Some platforms have a minimum balance requirement, so a card with only $2 left may not be worth selling.
How long does it take to get cash from selling a gift card?
It depends on the marketplace and your bank. when ready-quote platforms like CardCash can pay within one to two days. Marketplace platforms like Raise take three to seven days after a buyer purchases your card. Then your bank may take another one to three days to process the transfer into Cash App.
Is it safe to sell a gift card online?
Yes, if you use an established marketplace. Raise, CardCash, and Decluttr are legitimate platforms with buyer protection policies. Never sell a gift card through a personal text message or social media — stick to official marketplaces that hold the money in escrow until the transaction is complete.
What percentage of the gift card value will I actually receive?
It varies by retailer and marketplace. Popular retailers like Amazon or Target typically pay 80 to 95 percent of face value. Less popular retailers may pay 50 to 70 percent. when ready-quote services pay less than marketplace sales because the platform is buying the card from you directly.