You’ve finally opened that drawer—the one stuffed with a little bit of everything. Among the random chargers, takeout menus, and a tangle of earbuds, there they are: forgotten gift cards. You’re not going to use them, but they could be worth cash in your pocket.
Before you rush to sell them, though, it’s important to know the risks, the red flags, and the smart moves to make. Selling your gift cards can be easy, but only if you know what to watch out for.
Selling gift cards online can seem like a quick solution, but it comes with its own set of risks. Here’s what you need to know before listing that $25 coffee card on an app or website:
Fraud is Everywhere
Scammers are a crafty bunch. They might ask for the card number and PIN under the guise of verifying the balance—then poof, they’re gone, along with your money.
Delayed Payments
Many platforms don’t pay instantly. You might wait days (or even weeks) for your money, and that’s assuming the buyer doesn’t back out halfway through the process.
Hefty Fees
Online marketplaces often charge a chunk of your card’s value as their fee. A $50 card might net you only $25, if you’re lucky.
Privacy Concerns
Selling online often requires sharing personal information like your name, email, or even bank details. And once your info is out there, it’s hard to get it back.
The convenience of online selling isn’t always worth the potential headaches.
Selling your gift cards to a local buyer, such as a pawn shop, offers a faster and safer alternative. But even this option has its own rules of the road. Here are some tips to make the process smooth:
Not all buyers will accept every gift card. Policies vary depending on the retailer, the card’s condition, and even the buyer’s inventory levels. Call ahead to confirm if your card will be accepted and get an idea of its value.
Why your card might be rejected:
Before you head out, verify the remaining balance on your gift card. Most buyers will check this themselves, but knowing the amount ahead of time saves everyone time—and avoids awkward surprises.
A damaged or scratched card is less likely to be accepted. Keep your cards in good condition, with the PIN code concealed, to avoid any issues during the sale.
Reputable buyers often require identification to complete the transaction. This policy is in place to protect both you and the buyer from potential fraud.
The value offered for your gift card may not be the full balance. Buyers need to leave room for their own profit margins, so be realistic about the offer. If it seems fair, take it. If not, shop around.
Turning unused gift cards into cash isn’t just about the money—it’s about reclaiming value from something you’d otherwise leave unused. It’s about saying goodbye to clutter and hello to practicality.
Whether it’s a card to a steakhouse you’ll never visit or a retailer store that you don’t prefer, selling it locally is often the smartest move. And when you work with a trusted buyer, the process is quick, safe, and straightforward.
If you’re in the Ocala area, consider stopping by a reputable local shop like Shores Pawn and Jewelry to sell your gift cards for cash. A quick phone call before your visit can save you time and help you feel confident about the process.
Take those forgotten cards out of your drawer or wallet, put them to good use, and turn “someday” into “today.”