Selling gift cards for cash
Data as of Oct 21, 2026
Reviewed by Dimitry Apollonsky
Which brands AI mentions
Mentioned in · Jul 5 – Oct 21, 2026
ChatGPT SearchChatGPT SearchGoogle AI ModeGoogle AI Mode
Widest split: GCX, 59% on ChatGPT Search and 28% on Google AI Mode.
Questions and answers
ChatGPT SearchOct 20, 2026
My top recommendation is CardCash if you want to turn unused gift cards into cash without waiting for an individual buyer. I’d also compare GCX if you’re willing to list your cards and wait for a sale.
The best option depends on which gift cards you have, how quickly you need the money, and how much of the balance you want to keep. Current 2026 comparisons show that payout offers can vary considerably by retailer and platform.
Best gift card exchange websites in 2026
1. CardCash — Best overall for quick cash
(My top pick)
Sell unwanted gift cards for a quoted cash amount, with payment options including PayPal, ACH bank transfer, or check. You don't have to wait for an individual buyer.
Best for: Major retail, restaurant, and other accepted gift cards.
2. GCX — Best for setting your own price
GCX, formerly associated with Raise, lets you list eligible gift cards at a price you choose. You earn money when a buyer purchases your listing, minus applicable fees.
Best for: Sellers who are willing to wait for a buyer to potentially get a better price.
3. Gameflip — Best for gaming gift cards
A marketplace worth checking if you have eligible gaming or entertainment cards, such as Steam, Xbox, or PlayStation.
Best for: Gaming gift cards rather than general retail cards.
How much cash can you get?
These are rough estimates, not guaranteed offers. Your actual payout depends on the brand, balance, and current demand.
Gift card balance Estimated cash at 70–85% $25 $17.50–$21.25 $50 $35–$42.50 $100 $70–$85 $200 $140–$170 A direct-buy site may pay less than you would get selling it yourself, but it's generally more convenient. Compare actual quotes before handing over your card details.
How to get the best deal safely
- Check the balance on the retailer's official website first.
- Compare at least two offers for the same card.
- Check the final payout method, fees, and payment timeline.
- Never pay an upfront fee to unlock your payout.
- Avoid sending your gift card number and PIN to strangers through social media or messaging apps.
Let me narrow it down for your cards
I can help you find the best option for the specific cards you have.
1. What type of gift cards do you have?
Walmart, Amazon, Target, or other retail
Visa or Mastercard prepaid gift cards
Restaurants, such as Starbucks
Gaming, such as Steam, Xbox, or PlayStation
A mix of different gift cards
2. What's the approximate total balance?
Under $50
$50–$200
$200–$500
Over $500
3. What's most important?
Get cash as quickly as possible
Get as much cash as possible
A balance of speed and payout
[Find my best exchange option]
Sources cited in this answer8
- thrifle.comSell Gift Cards for Cash: What Still Works in 2026 | Thrifle
- flip.giftWhat a $100 Gift Card Actually Pays: 2026 Site Comparison
- cardcash.comSell Gift Cards for Cash Online - Up to 92% | CardCash
- cardcash.comSell Gift Cards for Cash Online - Up to 92% | CardCash
- gcx.appSell Gift Cards Online - Instant Cash, Fast & Trusted | GCX
- help.raise.comSeller Teirs
Google AI ModeOct 20, 2026
When you want to turn unused gift cards into cash, the "best" website depends on whether you prefer speed and convenience (selling to a trusted buyer) or getting the most money back (setting your own price on a marketplace).
Expect to lose a percentage of the face value—most reputable sites pay between 70% to 92% of the card's value.
Top Gift Card Exchange Websites
- CardCash (Best Overall & Highest Trade Value)
- How it works: You enter the retailer and balance to get an immediate cash offer.
- The Perk: Instead of taking a lower cash payout, CardCash often lets you trade your card for a different gift card at a higher conversion rate (sometimes up to 92% or more of your card's value).
- Payout: PayPal, direct deposit, or ACH.
- GiftCash (Best for Fast, Straightforward Cash Offers)
- How it works: Provides an instant online quote for major retail brands. They have a high minimum card value requirement (usually 25 or more per card), but they are known for reliable direct cash payouts.
- Payout: Direct deposit or wire transfer.
- Raise (Best if You Want to Set Your Own Price)
- How it works: Unlike CardCash or GiftCash (which buy the card from you directly), Raise is a marketplace where you list the card and choose the selling price.
- The Perk: You can potentially make more money back if it’s a high-demand brand.
- The Catch: Raise takes a small percentage fee once the card successfully sells, and your cash won't arrive until after a buyer purchases it.
- eBay (Highest Potential Return, but More Legwork)
- How it works: List your gift card via auction or "Buy It Now".
- The Perk: For high-demand retailers (like Amazon, Walmart, or Apple), you can often get close to face value.
- The Catch: Standard eBay seller fees apply, and you have to watch out for online buyer scams (always ship with tracking or use secure digital delivery protocols).
Quick Comparison: Which Should You Choose?
- Choose CardCash if you want a guaranteed, fast offer—and check their swap rates in case a gift card to a store you actually use gives you more value than cash.
- Choose Raise or eBay if your card is for a massive brand (like Walmart or Target) and you have time to wait for a buyer to get a higher return.
What brand of gift card and dollar amount do you have? I can give you a better idea of what kind of payout percentage to expect.
ChatGPT SearchOct 21, 2026
If you want to turn unused gift cards into cash, CardCash is one of the main established options to check first, but there’s an important catch: many popular gift-card exchange sites have changed or discontinued their selling services, and customer reviews for the remaining options are mixed.
For a US-based seller, I’d compare the actual cash offer, payout method, and recent seller reviews before handing over a card.
Best sites to check in 2026
1. CardCash
(Best starting point)
Best for standard retail and restaurant gift cards
- Accepts eligible gift cards through an online quote process.
- Pays by check, ACH bank transfer, or PayPal, according to its website.
- Advertises offers of up to 92% of card value, though actual offers vary by brand.
My take: Start here, but read recent seller reviews carefully. Trustpilot currently shows approximately 2.6/5, with complaints about delayed payments and disputes over card balances.
2. GCX (formerly Raise)
A name to verify, not a first choice
GCX has historically allowed users to sell unwanted gift cards, but current resale availability is unclear. Its Trustpilot rating is approximately 1.6/5, with reports of withdrawal delays and poor customer support.
My take: I would verify that selling and withdrawing funds currently work before signing up.
3. ClipKard
Unverified alternative
ClipKard appears in gift-card resale recommendations, but I couldn't verify that its selling process is currently operational.
My take: Don't send a physical card or reveal its code until you have confirmed the service is active and received a clear offer.
Sites that are no longer reliable recommendations
Site Current status Cardpool Reported no longer operating GiftCardGranny Its selling comparison tool is reportedly discontinued Coinstar Gift-card exchange is no longer listed among its kiosk services Raise Its current resale availability is unclear www.trustpilot.comwww.trustpilot.comthrifle.com
How much cash can you expect?
As a rough guide, a popular retailer's gift card may receive a better offer than a less commonly traded card. An independent 2026 review estimates that typical CardCash payouts can fall around 65–85% of face value, but that's not a guaranteed rate.
For example, a $100 card might bring in $65–$85. Always check your actual quote before committing.
Three ways to protect yourself:
- Never pay an upfront fee to unlock a payout.
- Keep screenshots of the card balance and the offer you accepted.
- Never give a buyer your gift-card number or PIN before you've verified the buyer and agreed to the transaction.
Want me to narrow it down?
The best option depends heavily on which gift card you have. Which brand is it?
Gift card brand
Amazon
Visa or Mastercard prepaid
Walmart or Target
Restaurant
Other retailer
Remaining balance
Under $25
$25–$50
$50–$100
Over $100
What matters most?
Highest cash payout
Fastest payment
Most trustworthy option
[Find the best options]
Sources cited in this answer8
- thrifle.comSell Gift Cards for Cash: What Still Works in 2026 | Thrifle
- trustpilot.comCardCash.com Reviews | Read Customer Service Reviews of cardcash.com
- cardcash.comSell Gift Cards for Cash Online - Up to 92% | CardCash
- trustpilot.comGCX Reviews | Read Customer Service Reviews of raise.com
- cardcash.comSell Gift Cards for Cash Online - Up to 92% | CardCash
- trustpilot.comGCX Reviews | Read Customer Service Reviews of raise.com
Google AI ModeOct 21, 2026
The top-rated and most reliable platforms for turning unused gift cards into cash include CardCash, GCX (formerly Raise), and Gameflip for specific digital formats. Expect payouts to range between 70% and 92% of your card's face value depending on the retailer's popularity.
Top Gift Card Exchange Platforms
- CardCash : A trusted market leader that lets you sell cards directly or trade them for another brand at a higher value (up to 92%), paying out via direct deposit, check, or PayPal.
- GCX (formerly Raise): Operates as a peer-to-peer marketplace where you set your own listing price, though they take a small commission percentage once the card sells.
- Gameflip : Highly specialized and top-rated if you are selling digital or gaming-specific gift cards like Xbox, Steam, or Nintendo, offering payouts up to 90% before fees.
If you can share the specific retailer/brand of the gift card and its dollar amount , I can help you figure out which platform offers the best payout estimate.
Sources cited in this answer5
- nerdwallet.com11 Legit Ways to Get Cash Quickly (Without Selling Plasma) - NerdWallet
- clark.comHow To Sell Gift Cards Online for Cash
- nerdwallet.comGift Card Exchange Options that Pay Cash - NerdWallet
- choosefi.comHow to Sell Gift Cards for Cash: Best Sites & Apps in 2026
- finance.yahoo.comBest Places to Sell Gift Cards for Cash: Compare Payouts and Payment Speed
Also asked as
- I'm looking to turn my unused gift cards into cash. Which exchange platforms are recommended?