2017 RANKING & REVIEWS
BEST PLACES TO BUY & SELL GIFTCARDS
Finding the Top Places to Buy & Sell Gift Cards
Have you ever received a gift card to a store you don’t like? Or maybe you received a gift card to a technology store like Best Buy, but what you really need is a new outfit for an upcoming event. Websites have been popping up as platforms for gift card exchanges for cash (normally in the form of a check) and are convenient for a number of reasons.
These sites function as places that buy gift cards, or you can list, buy, or swap gift cards. This way, you can use the value of the card toward a purchase more aligned to your particular needs.
Many websites allow you to swap or sell your unwanted cards, but every site has varied options, terms, conditions, and benefits. This article has organized the best places to sell gift cards and outlined some of the major features and options.
This list may help you understand where to sell gift cards and determine which website works best for you.
Award Emblem: Best Places to Buy & Sell Gift Cards
AdvisoryHQ’s List of Top 6 Places to Buy & Sell Gift Cards
List is sorted alphabetically (click any of the names below to go directly to the detailed review section for that advisor):
Features to Consider When Choosing a Website to Buy or Sell Gift Cards
When determining which gift card site to use, there are a number of factors and issues that you should consider.
1. Fees
In order to trade in gift cards for cash, the sites will offer you a price they are willing to pay you for your card. The price will always be lower than the card is worth. Be sure to fully understand the applicable fees before selling your card.
When listing cards, fees will apply. Sellers list their cards for sale at face value or lower, and the site will take a percentage of the sale, so be sure to understand the applicable fees if you choose to list your card.
2. Options
Some sites offer several options for sellers while others offer fewer options. Some sites only allow customers to list cards, others will exchange gift cards for cash (in the form of a check), some are aggregate sites that send you to partner sites, and others offer a platform for swapping gift cards.
You’ll want to be fully aware of the platforms for selling and buying before committing to a site.
Image Source: BigStock
3. Return Policies
Customers should also be aware of a site’s return and guarantee policies when buying cards or selling gift cards for cash. Some sites only guarantee purchases for physical gift cards and not for eGift cards. Others don’t guarantee any purchases. Know your rights.
4. Customer Reviews
Many gift card exchange sites have negative reviews. If you look online, you’ll notice that some users have lost the value of their gift cards without being compensated.
There are also many positive reviews, but keep this potential for loss in mind when determining whether you should simply keep your card and use it or if you’d like to use the sites anyway.
Selection Methodology
What methodology does AdvisoryHQ use in selecting and finalizing the firms, services, and products that are ranked on its various top rated lists?
Please click here “AdvisoryHQ’s Ranking Methodologies” for a detailed review of AdvisoryHQ’s selection methodologies for ranking top rated firms, products, and services.
Detailed Review – Top Ranking Gift Card Exchange Websites
Below, please find the detailed review of each website on our list of best places to buy and sell gift cards. We have highlighted some of the factors that allowed these websites to score so high in our selection ranking.
Cardpool Review
Cardpool is a website that allows customers to buy gift cards with a discount of up to 35% or sell unwanted gift cards for a check or Amazon.com credit. Cardpool only deals with gift cards that have no attached fees and no expiration dates.
Key Factors That Enabled This Website to Rank as a Top Website to Buy and Sell Gift Cards
Below are primary reasons we selected Cardpool to be rated as one of the best gift card exchanges.
Cardpool Review
Selling Gift Cards
The process at Cardpool starts with people selling unwanted gift cards to Cardpool.com. If the card qualifies for purchase, Cardpool will give the seller a USPS label so that the physical card may be sent to Cardpool. Payment will be sent within one day of receiving the card, or two days during peak holiday times. They accept some electronic and mobile gift cards as well.
Sellers can choose to sell for cash or for an Amazon gift card. Cardpool will then list the card for sale.
At most, a seller can receive up to 92% of the card’s value, but the sale price depends on the card sold, and the prices change constantly. Sellers can enter their card information on the Cardpool website to receive an offer for their cards.
Cardpool also offers a bulk seller profile option for those who would like to sell over $5,000 in gift cards.
Buying Gift Cards
Purchases are made from Cardpool itself and not from listings by individual sellers. Cardpool buys cards from sellers and then verifies the card’s legitimacy and value before selling them to buyers.
After a purchase is made, Cardpool sends the card with free USPS shipping. Only cards that have no expiration or related fees are sold on Cardpool.
Purchase Guarantee Program
Cardpool allows buyers to return unused gift cards for a refund and up to $1,000 within 100 days of purchase. The purchase guarantee program applies to physical gift cards only and not to any electronic or mobile cards.
Customer Reviews
Customer review sites do have some negative feedback from Cardpool users. Some users were very happy with the service and had smooth transactions with the site. Other reviewers, however, indicate that they gave gift card info to Cardpool, and the card was accepted, then later rejected, and ownership of the card returned but with the value drained.
Others explain that customer service was extremely poor.
Be sure to check out the website to view all the terms, conditions, and benefits of using Cardpool.
Gift Card Granny Review
Gift Card Granny is an aggregate site that lists available gift cards from multiple exchange sites. This site allows customers to compare prices from multiple sites in order to find the best available price. Both buyers and sellers may compare prices.
Key Factors That Enabled This Website to Rank as a Top Website to Buy and Sell Gift Cards
Below are primary reasons we selected Gift Card Granny to be rated as one of the best gift card exchanges.
Image Source: Gift Card Granny
Buying Gift Cards
Gift Card Granny lists cards from sites like Cardpool, SaveYa, Gift Card Zen, ABC Gift Cards, Gift Card Spread, Gift Card Rescue, Gift Card Bin, and many, many more.
Both physical cards and eCards and listed on this site. Bulk buyer profiles are available for customers who would like to purchase more than $2,500 in gift cards.
The brokers charge a transaction fee to be listed on Gift Card Granny. Customers using Gift Card Granny do not pay fees to the site, but fees may apply from the site to which the customer is directed.
Flash Deals
The site also has a flash deals page that lists high percentage discounted cards that are currently available across multiple websites.
Selling Cards
Potential sellers may enter their card information, and the site will display the prices multiple sites are willing to pay for the gift card. This allows users to choose the site that is willing to pay the most for their card. This service works when a seller wants to sell the card for cash and not when listing a card.
Buyer Protections
Gift Card Granny does not guarantee purchases or offer any returns. Purchases made through Gift Card Granny are subject to the return policies from the other sites through which a particular purchase has been made. Each site has varied return policies and terms. Gift Card Granny provides a webpage with links to each of the individual sites’ return policies.
Rewards Program
Gift Card Granny has a rewards program that allows buyers to earn points for purchases made from sellers with gold stars attached to their listing. Rewards points may then be used to discount certain purchases made with Gift Card Granny.
Be sure to check out the website to view all the terms, conditions, and benefits of using Gift Card Granny.
Giftcards.com Review
Giftcards.com is a website that sells customizable traditional Visa gift cards as well as discounted gift cards. Some purchases on the site allow customers to earn rewards points.
Key Factors That Enabled This Website to Rank as a Top Website to Buy and Sell Gift Cards
Below are primary reasons we selected Giftcards.com to be rated as one of the best gift card exchanges.
Visa Gift Cards
The site allows you to purchase Visa gift cards that can be customized with photos you upload yourself or choose from the giftcards.com gallery. You can use your small business logo or a family photo that adds some heart to a gift.
You can load cards with up to $500 and orders should ship within one day of purchase.
eGift Cards
Buyers may also purchase eGift cards for particular merchants. These are great when you need to get a last minute gift because the eGift will be sent to the recipient’s email address shortly after you purchase it or on a particular day that you schedule.
Discount Cards
The site also has a discount gift card buy and sell feature. Both ecards and physical gift cards are available for purchase with varied discounts and from different merchants. Discounted gift cards on giftcards.com are made available through their partner website, Cardpool.com.
Check out the site to view all the discount gift card terms, conditions, and benefits.
Rewards
Customers can also earn “G-Money” points when making transactions on this site. Certain (not all) purchases on the site allow customers to accrue points. G-Money points may be used toward other gift card purchases. The site explains that they are setting up a feature so that in the future points may be donated to a charity of your choice.
Be sure to check out the website to view all the terms, conditions, and benefits of using Giftcards.com.
Raise Review
Raise is a service that allows customers to list their unwanted gift cards for sale at a discounted price. Sellers choose at what price to list their gift cards; however, Raise claims that cards discounted by at least 5% sell the best. When the card sells, Raise will take a fee from the seller’s profit. If the card does not sell, Raise does not take a fee.
Key Factors That Enabled This Website to Rank as a Top Website to Buy and Sell Gift Cards
Below are primary reasons we selected Raise to be rated as one of the best gift card exchanges.
Image Source: Raise
Selling Gift Cards
Raise permits the sale of physical gift cards and merchandise credits with a minimum value of $10 and eGift cards with a minimum value of $1.00. The maximum value that can be sold on the site is $2,000. Cards may be partially used.
A potential seller enters the gift card information on Raise’s website and then verifies the card’s value. A seller must also enter his/her debit or credit card information in order to list a gift card. This is to provide assurance to a buyer: if a buyer purchases a card which turns out to have no or reduced value, Raise will debit the amount from the seller’s bank account or credit card to cover the cost.
If the card sells, Raise will take a 15% fee from the selling price. Physical gift cards are subjected to an additional fee: either $1.00 or 1% of the transaction, whichever is greater.
Sellers can modify prices after listing, if desired.
Buying Gift Cards
Raise accepts purchase payments though MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express, and Apple Pay. They do not accept PayPal.
After purchasing a card, you should receive a notification within 24 hours. Physical gift cards are normally delivered in 3-14 business days, and eGift cards are normally transferred immediately, but if additional processing is needed, a 24 hour verification period may occur.
Returns and Guarantees
Raise offers a 100-Day Money Back guarantee that applies to some purchases. Purchases eligible for the 100-day guarantee include:
- Inactive cards
- Cards with inaccurate balances
- Incorrect cards received
- Cards not received within 30 days from purchase
There are a number of circumstances for which the guarantee does not apply. Such circumstances include, but may not be limited to:
- Request for return 100 days or more after purchase
- Buyer’s remorse
- Misunderstandings regarding gift card delivery or timing of delivery
- Misunderstanding of how a gift card is redeemed
- Neglecting to apply a promo code before purchase
- Buyer lost or misplaced card
- Cards resold through a service other than Raise
- Retailer goes out of business or files for bankruptcy
Raise does not buy cards for cash; the site only allows you to list cards. If you are looking for a site to sell gift cards online instantly, you may want to choose a different site.
Be sure to check out the website to view all the terms, conditions, and benefits of using Raise.
SaveYa Review
SaveYa allows customers to buy and sell discounted gift cards. The site allows sellers to choose between listing cards for sale and accepting cash payouts for the cards. They also offer bulk seller options for qualifying customers.
Key Factors That Enabled This Website to Rank as a Top Website to Buy and Sell Gift Cards
Below are primary reasons we rated SaveYa as one of the best gift card exchanges.
Image Source: SaveYa
Buying Gift Cards
At SaveYa, buyers can sort through cards merchant by merchant. Each merchant normally has a few cards listed for varied values to choose from, but availability changes from day to day. Discounts rage from 1% to 40% depending on the card. The most popular cards will have lower discounts.
Clearance Cards
SaveYa also has a page dedicated to clearance cards with high percentage discounts. Cards on that page are normally discounted from 25% or more from a varied selection of merchants.
Selling Gift Cards
Sellers may choose from listing a card on SaveYa or using the sell it now feature. Sell it now allows sellers to get instant payout from the card without waiting for a customer to purchase the card; however, the payout will be much lower. Payout rates depend on the day and the card merchant.
When listing a card, SaveYa will take a percentage of the price as a service fee. A seller must first enter credit card information in order to sell a card. SaveYa explains that this is to protect buyers from illegitimate cards.
In the event that a buyer receives a card without a balance, SaveYa will take the amount the buyer paid from the seller’s credit card to protect the transaction.
Refunds and Guarantees
SaveYa will guarantee physical gift cards for up to 90 days. Ecards or printable codes are not subject to the guarantee. SaveYa does not accept returns for buyer’s remorse, and only cards with value issues are eligible for the guarantee.
Bulk Buyers and Sellers
Customers who desire to spend over $10,000 in gift cards may be eligible for a bulk buyer account. Customers who desire to sell over $1,000 in gift cards may be eligible for a bulk seller account.
Potential bulk buyers and sellers should contact SaveYa to learn all the terms and benefits of a bulk account.
Be sure to check out the website to view all the terms, conditions, and benefits of using SaveYa.
Swappable Review
Swappable is an app that allows users to swap eGift cards. Only the app offers swapping, and no services are available on the desktop website.
Key Factors That Enabled This Website to Rank as a Top Website to Buy and Sell Gift Cards
Below are primary reasons we selected Swappable to be rated as one of the best gift card exchanges.
Image Source: Swappable
App Based Services
Swappable is not available on desktop and only works through the app. The app allows customers to buy eGift cards and earn rewards that may be used on the site for later purchases.
If purchasing the card for another person, the app allows you to send the eGift by email or text with a customized message attached. You can add a customized text message, video, or photo collage.
The person whom you have purchased the gift for may use the card or they may sign up for Swappable and swap the card for a different gift card they choose.
At this time, customers may only purchase one card at a time.
eGifts and Physical Cards
Swapping only works for eGift cards that were gifted to you by others. If you have purchased a gift card for yourself, the gift card is not eligible for swapping.
Physical cards are also available for purchase on the site; however, a $1 shipping fee will apply for these purchases. Physical cards may not be uploaded and swapped.
Return Policy
According to the Swappable desktop site, gift card purchases may not be canceled and are non-refundable.
Be sure to check out the website to view all the terms, conditions, and benefits of using Swappable.
Conclusion—Top 6 Best Places to Buy & Sell Gift Cards
If you have decided that you’d like to sell or list your gift card on one of these sites, this article should help you understand your options.
Keep in mind that as a seller, ultimately you will lose some of the card’s value, even in a best-case scenario. Also, because of the negative reviews online about many of these sites, be sure to fully understand all of the risks you are taking.
As a buyer, these websites can offer you wonderful discounts and benefits. Be sure to stay aware of the reviews and the return policies. Many people have successfully used these sites to buy or sell cards, but there are many unsatisfied customer reviews that are worth looking into before committing to a site.
AdvisoryHQ (AHQ) Disclaimer:
Reasonable efforts have been made by AdvisoryHQ to present accurate information, however all info is presented without warranty. Review AdvisoryHQ’s Terms for details. Also review each firm’s site for the most updated data, rates and info.
Note: Firms and products, including the one(s) reviewed above, may be AdvisoryHQ's affiliates. Click to view AdvisoryHQ's advertiser disclosures.
