Gift cards are a popular way to give and receive money, but what do you do if you don't want to spend the money on the card? There are a few ways to get cash from a gift card, but not all of them are created equal.
Some methods, such as selling the gift card to a third-party website or using a gift card exchange, will give you less money than the value of the card. Other methods, such as using a gift card to buy a money order or prepaid debit card, will give you the full value of the card.
In this article, we'll discuss the different ways to get cash from a gift card and how to choose the best method for your needs.
How to Get Cash From Gift Card
There are a few different ways to get cash from a gift card. Some of the most common methods include:
- Sell the gift card to a third-party website
- Use a gift card exchange
- Buy a money order or prepaid debit card with the gift card
- Use the gift card to make purchases and then return the items for cash
- Contact the gift card issuer and ask for a refund
- Use a gift card to pay for a service that can be converted into cash, such as a massage or gift certificate
- Donate the gift card to charity and then claim the donation on your taxes
The best method for you will depend on the type of gift card you have, the amount of money on the card, and your own personal circumstances.
Sell the gift card to a third-party website
Selling your gift card to a third-party website is one of the most common ways to get cash from a gift card. There are many different websites that offer this service, so it's important to do your research and compare rates before choosing a website.
How it works:To sell your gift card to a third-party website, you will need to create an account and provide the website with the gift card information. The website will then give you a quote for the gift card. If you accept the quote, the website will send you a payment via PayPal, check, or other method.
Pros:Selling your gift card to a third-party website is a quick and easy way to get cash. You can usually get a quote for your gift card within minutes, and the payment process is usually very fast.
Cons:The biggest downside to selling your gift card to a third-party website is that you will not get the full value of the card. Most websites will only offer you a percentage of the card's value, typically between 50% and 90%. Additionally, some websites may charge a fee for their services.
Tips:When selling your gift card to a third-party website, it is important to do your research and compare rates. You should also read the website's terms and conditions carefully before agreeing to sell your gift card.
If you are looking for a quick and easy way to get cash from your gift card, selling it to a third-party website is a good option. However, it is important to keep in mind that you will not get the full value of the card.
Use a gift card exchange
A gift card exchange is a website or service that allows you to trade in your gift cards for cash or other gift cards. Gift card exchanges typically offer a lower exchange rate than selling your gift card to a third-party website, but they may be a good option if you want to get cash for your gift card without having to sell it to a stranger.
How it works:To use a gift card exchange, you will need to create an account and provide the website with the gift card information. The website will then give you a quote for the gift card. If you accept the quote, you will need to send the gift card to the website. Once the website receives the gift card, it will send you a payment via PayPal, check, or other method.
Pros:Using a gift card exchange is a relatively safe and easy way to get cash for your gift card. Gift card exchanges are typically regulated by the government, so you can be sure that you will get paid for your gift card.
Cons:The biggest downside to using a gift card exchange is that you will not get the full value of the card. Gift card exchanges typically offer a lower exchange rate than selling your gift card to a third-party website. Additionally, some gift card exchanges may charge a fee for their services.
Tips:When using a gift card exchange, it is important to do your research and compare rates. You should also read the website's terms and conditions carefully before agreeing to trade in your gift card.
If you are looking for a safe and easy way to get cash for your gift card, using a gift card exchange is a good option. However, it is important to keep in mind that you will not get the full value of the card.
Buy a money order or prepaid debit card with the gift card
Buying a money order or prepaid debit card with a gift card is a good way to get cash without having to sell the gift card to a third-party website or use a gift card exchange. Money orders and prepaid debit cards can be used to make purchases anywhere that accepts debit cards.
How it works:To buy a money order or prepaid debit card with a gift card, you will need to go to a store that sells money orders or prepaid debit cards. Once you are at the store, you will need to ask the cashier if they accept gift cards as payment. If they do, you will need to provide the cashier with the gift card and the amount of money that you want to put on the money order or prepaid debit card. The cashier will then process the transaction and give you the money order or prepaid debit card.
Pros:Buying a money order or prepaid debit card with a gift card is a relatively safe and easy way to get cash. Money orders and prepaid debit cards are widely accepted, so you can use them to make purchases anywhere that accepts debit cards.
Cons:The biggest downside to buying a money order or prepaid debit card with a gift card is that you will not get the full value of the card. Most stores will charge a fee for processing the transaction. Additionally, some money orders and prepaid debit cards may have fees associated with them.
Tips:When buying a money order or prepaid debit card with a gift card, it is important to compare fees before choosing a store. You should also read the terms and conditions of the money order or prepaid debit card carefully before purchasing it.
If you are looking for a safe and easy way to get cash from your gift card, buying a money order or prepaid debit card is a good option. However, it is important to keep in mind that you will not get the full value of the card.
Use the gift card to make purchases and then return the items for cash
Using the gift card to make purchases and then returning the items for cash is a way to get the full value of the gift card. However, this method is only possible if the store has a generous return policy.
How it works:To use this method, you will need to purchase items with the gift card and then return the items to the store for a refund. The refund will be issued in the form of cash.
Pros:The biggest pro of this method is that you can get the full value of the gift card. Additionally, this method is relatively easy to do.
Cons:The biggest con of this method is that it is not always possible. Many stores have strict return policies, and they may not allow you to return items that have been purchased with a gift card. Additionally, some stores may charge a restocking fee for returned items.
Tips:Before using this method, it is important to read the store's return policy carefully. You should also make sure that the items you are purchasing are eligible for return. Additionally, it is a good idea to keep the receipt for your purchases in case you need to return the items.
If you are looking for a way to get the full value of your gift card, using it to make purchases and then returning the items for cash is a good option. However, it is important to keep in mind that this method is not always possible.
Contact the gift card issuer and ask for a refund
Contacting the gift card issuer and asking for a refund is a good option if you are unable to use the gift card or if the gift card has been lost or stolen. However, it is important to note that not all gift card issuers offer refunds.
How it works:To contact the gift card issuer, you will need to find the issuer's contact information on the gift card or on the gift card's website. Once you have the contact information, you can call or email the issuer and ask for a refund. The issuer may ask you to provide the gift card number and the amount of the refund.
Pros:The biggest pro of contacting the gift card issuer is that you may be able to get a full refund for the gift card. This is especially helpful if you have lost or stolen a gift card.
Cons:The biggest con of contacting the gift card issuer is that not all issuers offer refunds. Some issuers may only offer refunds for lost or stolen gift cards, while others may not offer refunds at all.
Tips:Before contacting the gift card issuer, it is important to read the issuer's terms and conditions carefully. You should also make sure that you have all of the necessary information, such as the gift card number and the amount of the refund.
If you are unable to use a gift card or if the gift card has been lost or stolen, contacting the gift card issuer and asking for a refund is a good option. However, it is important to keep in mind that not all gift card issuers offer refunds.
Use a gift card to pay for a service that can be converted into cash, such as a massage or gift certificate
Using a gift card to pay for a service that can be converted into cash is a good way to get cash from a gift card without having to sell it or use it to buy something that you don't need. There are many different services that can be converted into cash, such as massages, gift certificates, and even Uber rides.
To use this method, you will need to find a service that accepts gift cards as payment. Once you have found a service, you can purchase the service with the gift card. The service provider will then give you a gift certificate or another form of payment that can be converted into cash.
This method is a good option if you are looking for a way to get cash from a gift card without having to sell it or use it to buy something that you don't need. However, it is important to keep in mind that not all services accept gift cards as payment.
Here are some tips for using this method:
- Make sure that the service accepts gift cards as payment before you purchase the service.
- Compare the prices of different services before you purchase a service.
- Read the terms and conditions of the service before you purchase it.
If you are looking for a way to get cash from a gift card, using it to pay for a service that can be converted into cash is a good option. However, it is important to keep in mind that not all services accept gift cards as payment.
Donate the gift card to charity and then claim the donation on your taxes
Donating a gift card to charity is a great way to get rid of a gift card that you don't want or need. It is also a tax-deductible donation, which means that you can claim the donation on your taxes.
To donate a gift card to charity, you can simply mail the gift card to the charity of your choice. You can also donate gift cards online through websites like CharityChoice.com and NetworkForGood.org.
When you donate a gift card to charity, you will need to keep a record of the donation for tax purposes. This record should include the name of the charity, the date of the donation, the amount of the donation, and a description of the gift card.
You can claim the donation on your taxes by itemizing your deductions on Schedule A of your tax return. The amount of the donation that you can claim is limited to the fair market value of the gift card.
Donating a gift card to charity is a great way to get rid of a gift card that you don't want or need. It is also a tax-deductible donation, which means that you can claim the donation on your taxes.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about how to get cash from a gift card:
Question 1: What is the best way to get cash from a gift card?
Answer: The best way to get cash from a gift card depends on the type of gift card you have, the amount of money on the card, and your own personal circumstances. Some of the most common methods include selling the gift card to a third-party website, using a gift card exchange, buying a money order or prepaid debit card with the gift card, using the gift card to make purchases and then returning the items for cash, contacting the gift card issuer and asking for a refund, using a gift card to pay for a service that can be converted into cash, and donating the gift card to charity and then claiming the donation on your taxes.
Question 2: Can I get cash from a gift card without paying a fee?
Answer: Yes, there are some ways to get cash from a gift card without paying a fee. One way is to use a gift card exchange that does not charge a fee. Another way is to buy a money order or prepaid debit card with the gift card. You can also use the gift card to make purchases and then return the items for cash. However, it is important to note that some stores may charge a restocking fee for returned items.
Question 3: What is the maximum amount of cash I can get from a gift card?
Answer: The maximum amount of cash you can get from a gift card depends on the type of gift card you have and the method you use to get cash. If you sell the gift card to a third-party website, you will typically get less than the full value of the card. If you use a gift card exchange, you will typically get a higher percentage of the card's value. If you buy a money order or prepaid debit card with the gift card, you will get the full value of the card. However, you may have to pay a fee for the transaction.
Question 4: Can I get cash from a gift card that has been lost or stolen?
Answer: Yes, you may be able to get cash from a gift card that has been lost or stolen. If you have the gift card number, you can contact the gift card issuer and ask for a refund. The issuer may ask you to provide proof that the gift card was lost or stolen.
Question 5: Are there any risks associated with getting cash from a gift card?
Answer: Yes, there are some risks associated with getting cash from a gift card. One risk is that you may not get the full value of the card. Another risk is that you may be scammed by a third-party website or gift card exchange. It is important to do your research and compare rates before choosing a method to get cash from a gift card.
Question 6: What is the best way to avoid getting scammed when getting cash from a gift card?
Answer: The best way to avoid getting scammed when getting cash from a gift card is to do your research and compare rates before choosing a method. You should also read the terms and conditions of the website or gift card exchange before using their services.
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These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about how to get cash from a gift card. If you have any other questions, you can contact the gift card issuer or visit a website that specializes in gift cards.
Tips
Here are a few tips for getting cash from a gift card:
1. Compare rates before choosing a method. There are many different ways to get cash from a gift card, and each method has its own pros and cons. It is important to compare rates before choosing a method to ensure that you get the best possible value for your gift card.
2. Read the terms and conditions carefully. Before using a third-party website or gift card exchange, be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully. This will help you to avoid any unexpected fees or surprises.
3. Consider using a gift card exchange that offers a high percentage of the card's value. If you are looking to get the most cash possible from your gift card, consider using a gift card exchange that offers a high percentage of the card's value. However, it is important to keep in mind that some gift card exchanges may charge a fee for their services.
4. Be aware of the risks of selling your gift card to a third-party website. There are some risks associated with selling your gift card to a third-party website. One risk is that you may not get the full value of the card. Another risk is that you may be scammed by a fraudulent website.
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By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting the most cash possible from your gift card.
Conclusion
Getting cash from a gift card can be a quick and easy way to get rid of a gift card that you don't want or need. There are many different ways to get cash from a gift card, so it is important to compare rates and choose the method that is best for you. Some of the most common methods include selling the gift card to a third-party website, using a gift card exchange, buying a money order or prepaid debit card with the gift card, using the gift card to make purchases and then returning the items for cash, contacting the gift card issuer and asking for a refund, using a gift card to pay for a service that can be converted into cash, and donating the gift card to charity and then claiming the donation on your taxes.
No matter which method you choose, it is important to be aware of the risks involved. Some methods, such as selling the gift card to a third-party website, may result in you getting less than the full value of the card. Other methods, such as using a gift card exchange, may charge a fee for their services. It is also important to read the terms and conditions carefully before using any method to get cash from a gift card.
By following the tips in this article, you can increase your chances of getting the most cash possible from your gift card.