Gift cards are a popular gift for all kinds of occasions, but what if you’ve got a stack of them you don’t need or know how to use? Don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to get cash or use those cards, including exchanging them for cash at a gift card exchange kiosk.
In this post, we’ll walk you through how these kiosks work and how you can get the most out of your gift cards.
What is a Gift Card Exchange Kiosk?
A gift card exchange kiosk is a self-service machine where you can swap your unwanted gift cards for cash or other gift cards. These kiosks are commonly found in shopping malls, grocery stores, and other high-traffic areas, offering a quick and convenient way to convert your unused gift cards into something more useful.
If you’ve got gift cards for stores you never shop at, or ones with low balances that aren’t worth your time, gift card exchange kiosks can help. You can trade those cards in for cash, or even pick up other gift cards to use at places you actually like shopping.
When you trade in your gift card, the kiosk offers you a percentage of its value in cash, usually somewhere between 60-85%. In some lucky cases, you could even get up to 90% back.
How to Use a Gift Card Exchange Kiosk
So, how does it work? It’s pretty simple! Here’s what you need to do:
- Insert Your Gift Card: Start by putting your unwanted gift card into the kiosk.
- Enter Card Information: Most kiosks will require you to enter the card’s information. This is usually on the back of the card, either printed or embossed.
- Receive an Offer: The machine will check the card’s balance and give you an offer. If you’re happy with the amount, you can accept the offer.
- Get a Voucher: Once you accept, you’ll get a receipt or voucher that you can take to a cashier for your cash.
- Reject the Offer: If the amount isn’t what you expected, simply reject the offer, and you’ll get your card back.
That’s it! It’s a quick and easy way to get cash for gift cards you won’t use.
Where to Find Gift Card Exchange Kiosks Near Me\
Looking for a gift card exchange kiosk nearby? Here are some popular places where you might find them:
- Coinstar: With over 20,000 locations across the U.S., Canada, and the UK, Coinstar kiosks let you exchange your gift cards for cash. Simply insert your card, and you’ll get a voucher that you can redeem for cash at the store.
- CVS: Many CVS locations offer gift card exchange services. Just ask at the counter to exchange your unwanted card for cash. There’s usually a $500 daily limit.
- Walmart: Some Walmart stores allow you to exchange gift cards for cash at the customer service desk.
- Target: While Target doesn’t offer cash for gift cards, you can use their gift card exchange kiosks to swap for other store gift cards.
- Safeway: If you’re near a Safeway, ask at the customer service desk to see if they offer gift card exchanges.
- Kroger: Many Kroger stores offer exchanges for gift cards, and they provide the option to get a Kroger gift card.
- Walgreens: Some Walgreens locations offer gift card exchanges at their customer service desks.
- Best Buy: Best Buy will let you exchange unwanted gift cards for cash, depending on the location.
Online Gift Card Exchange Options
If you prefer not to visit a physical kiosk, there are also online options where you can exchange gift cards for cash.
- Raise: This platform lets you sell your unused gift cards for cash. You can list your cards and sell them for a price that’s below the face value to attract buyers. Once sold, the cash goes into your account, and you can request a PayPal payout or check.
- GiftCardBin: Here, you can sell your gift cards, and they’ll offer you the best available price for it. You’ll receive an offer from various buyers and can choose the best one to get paid.
- GiftCard Zen: An easy-to-use site where you can exchange gift cards for cash or shop for other gift cards. It’s fast, and you can usually get your money within 24 hours.
- Gift Card Granny: Just enter your card’s brand and balance, and they’ll give you an offer to exchange it for cash or another card.
- CardCash: CardCash allows you to sell unwanted gift cards by entering their details on the site. You’ll get offers from buyers, and once you accept an offer, you’ll get paid.
- GC Spread: Another online option where you can sell your unwanted gift cards for cash. You’ll get paid through PayPal once the card sells.
Other Things You Can Do with Unwanted Gift
If you have a gift card you don’t want to use, there are still a few things you can do with it:
- Link It to PayPal: For Visa or Mastercard gift cards, you can link them to your PayPal account. Just log into your PayPal, go to the wallet, and add the card.
- Donate It: If you don’t need the card, consider donating it. Charitable organizations like The Salvation Army, Goodwill, and the Red Cross may accept gift card donations to help those in need.
- Gift It to Someone: If the gift card is from a store or service a friend or family member likes, consider passing it along as a gift. It’s an easy way to show you care!
- Swap It: Websites and apps like CardSwap, GiftCardBin, and CardCash allow you to trade one gift card for another that you’ll actually use.
With all these options, there’s no reason to let a gift card go to waste. Whether you use a kiosk, go online, or trade it, you can make sure it doesn’t gather dust and start getting some cash or store credit instead!
