Creative Ways to Use Those Unwanted Gift Cards

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There’s a good chance you’ve received one or more gift cards as presents this Christmas or throughout the year. While some popular gift cards are really useful, others from specialty stores might never get used by you or your family. So, what can you do with those unwanted gift cards? Given that there are approximately $43 billion worth of unused gift cards issued since 2008, it’s important to figure this out. Some issuers charge inactivity fees, some cancel their gift card programs, and others go out of business, reducing or eliminating the card’s value. To avoid this, here are seven things you can do with those unused gift cards:

1. Sell Your Unused Gift Cards for Cash
   You can sell them on websites like GiftDeals.com, which promises high prices and reliable service. Just enter the store name on your gift card, and the site will show you the best offer. For example, a $100 Target gift card might get you $90, while a specialty store’s $100 card might get you only $78. Another option is Gift Card Granny, where you can sell many types of gift cards and either mail in or redeem them online. Popular cards can fetch up to $92 on a $100 card, with free shipping included.

2. Regift the Card
   If the issuing store’s refund policy isn’t helpful, simply regift the card to someone who might actually use it. This doesn’t get you the card’s full value, but it helps you meet a gift obligation without spending extra money.

3. Sell or Exchange Them With People You Know
   Ask friends and family if they want to exchange unwanted gift cards. Someone might need the card you have, and you can each recover the full value of your gift cards.

4. Donate the Gift Card to Charity
   Charities can often use your gift cards. Instead of cash, donate your extras, and you could benefit from a tax write-off equivalent to the card’s face value. For instance, a $100 gift card donation could result in a $35 tax benefit if you’re in a 35% tax bracket.

5. Use the Gift Card to Purchase Items That You Can Sell
   If you don’t want anything from the gift card’s store, consider buying a popular item and reselling it on eBay, Amazon, or Craigslist. This approach won’t get you the full value but helps you recover some of the card’s worth.

6. Return the Gift Card to the Issuing Retailer
   Some retailers might buy back the card at a discount or provide a store credit. However, they might require the purchase receipt, which can be tricky. Before returning the card, check the retailer’s policy online, or ask the gift-giver for the receipt to unlock more options.

7. Use Gift Card Exchange Websites
   Websites like Cardpool, CardCash, CardHub, Raise, and Junkcard allow you to exchange or sell your gift card for one you’ll use. Depending on the discount fees, you might pay a small fee for the exchange or even earn a little extra.

Whatever you decide to do with your unwanted gift cards, don’t just stash them away. The best time to deal with these cards is right after you receive them. The holidays are over, so now’s the perfect time to sort them out!