Everybody loves a good deal. It feels good to purchase an item for a reasonable price or to get cash back for shopping at one of your favorite stores. One way to get the most out of your purchases is to utilize discounted gift cards.
Many people don’t know they can save money by purchasing discounted gift cards online.
Whether you’re purchasing a gift card to actually give to someone as a gift or you want to use it for yourself, it’s worth it to look into discounted gift card websites to save yourself some cash.
Every website for discounted gift cards works a little differently, so we’re going to break down some of the best options and share how they work.
What Are Discounted Gift Cards?
Discounted gift cards offer a convenient way to save money. Basically, you can purchase a gift card for a certain value and pay less than the card’s actual value.
So, for example, you may be able to get a $50 gift card to a store or restaurant for $45 instead.
Every discounted gift card site functions a little differently. There are a few different ways that these websites can offer gift cards at a discounted rate.
One method is by reselling gift cards. They allow customers to sell unused gift cards for less than the card’s value. This allows individuals who received a gift card that they don’t plan to use to get some money back for it.
It also allows the business to resell the card for cheaper than it’s worth since they could buy it for less than what it’s worth.
Another way that websites can offer discounted gift cards is by purchasing gift cards in bulk and reselling them individually.
By buying multiple gift cards at once, these companies can get them at a cheaper rate, then resell them for less than they’re worth.
Some discounted gift card sites also offer cash back rewards options, so you can get significant discounts at some of your favorite retailers and make a certain percentage of cash back every time you shop.
You may also want to use one of the following sites to sell your unused gift cards.
Reselling a gift card is a good move if you have some laying around that you never ended up using and don’t plan to use. You can resell the gift card for slightly less than what it’s worth to get some money back.
Some websites offer trading options, too, so you can swap your unused gift cards for ones that you’ll actually use.
Best Places To Buy Discounted Gift Cards in 2023
1. Raise
How it works
Raise is an online marketplace for buying and selling gift cards. If you’re purchasing a gift card, simply search the website for the store you’d like to shop at.
Raise has many retailers on its site, including restaurants, clothing stores, and even grocery stores.
If you have a gift card to sell, simply list it for a price lower than the value of the card, and you’ll be direct deposited when it sells.
Raise charges a 15% commission for gift cards sold and an additional $1 or 1% if it is a physical gift card rather than an eGift card.
Pros
- Easily buy and sell gift cards online
- The rewards program allows you to build cash back from repeat purchases
- Hundreds of different retailers to choose from
Cons
- Additional fee for physical gift cards
2. Gift Card Granny
How it works
Gift Card Granny sells gift cards for cash back rewards. This site allows you to build up reward points from purchasing gift cards so it can save money on planned purchases and gifts for others.
Earn 1% back for each gift card purchased, so $1 for every $100 spent.
Pros
- Earn cash back rewards for purchasing gift cards
- Build custom gift cards for gifting to others
Cons
- It takes multiple purchases to build up significant cash back
3. MyGiftCardsPlus
How it works
MyGiftCardsPlus allows users to buy gift cards and build up rewards points. You can later redeem rewards points for additional gift cards as well.
This service doesn’t sell discounted gift cards but allows you to earn rewards points for items you might have bought.
Pros
- Build up reward points for shopping at your favorite stores
- Redeems points for additional gift cards to use later on
Cons
- Gift cards aren’t discounted
- This website doesn’t buy unused gift cards
4. CardCash
How it works
CardCash allows users to buy, sell, and trade gift cards. If you’re looking to purchase a gift card, you can search from hundreds of different stores to find gift cards at a discounted rate.
For sellers, you can list the name of the store for which your gift card is, and CardCash will offer a rate to buy it back.
You can also choose to trade a gift card for another store; this can sometimes offer a higher value than selling the card.
Gift card discounts vary depending on the retailer. You will always receive less than the value of the gift card, but you may be able to get a higher value back if you choose to trade for another gift card rather than sell it for cash.
Pros
- Easily buy and sell gift cards
- Trade gift cards for new ones from other retailers
Cons
- You can’t name your price when selling gift cards; instead, CardCash will offer you a price
5. Gift Card Spread
How it works
Gift Card Spread sells discounted gift cards and buys unused gift cards to resell for a cheaper price.
They don’t have a rewards program like some other sites on this list, but they offer an easy way to sell unused gift cards and save money by buying them at a discounted rate.
Pros
- Save money by getting gift cards for your favorite stores at a discounted rate
- Easily sell unused gift cards for cash
- Name your price when selling gift cards
Cons
- There is no cash back option like some of the other websites
6. Rakuten
How it works
Rakuten is a great way to earn cash back for shopping online. Simply sign up and start earning when you shop online. You’ll have to shop through the Rakuten website or use an app on your browser or phone.
You’ll slowly build up a cashback balance each time you shop at an eligible retailer. Then, you’ll get paid via a mailed check or PayPal.
The cash back percentage varies for each retailer.
Pros
- Earn cash back for shopping online
- Find online coupons to get the best price on an item
Cons
- Not a way to buy and sell gift cards
7. Gameflip
How it works
Gameflip offers discounted gift cards for gamers for sites like Google Play and Xbox Live. They also have discounted video games and gift cards for other websites like Amazon, Target, and Best Buy.
This site is a great resource for gamers hoping to save money on recent video game releases. Gameflip sells discounted gift cards that range from 2% to 15% off the original price.
Pros
- Save on video game purchases
- Seller ratings help you see that you’re buying from a credible source
- Purchases are protected, so you don’t have to worry about losing your money if your gift card ends up being faulty
Cons
- If you’re not looking to save money on gaming, you may not find much value in Gameflip
8. Swagbucks
How it works
Swagbucks offers various methods to save money and earn cash back for shopping online.
You can earn points by shopping at designated retailers, which can then be exchanged for gift cards to your favorite stores. They also offer paid surveys you can take to earn money as well.
Pros
- Earn extra money in a variety of different ways
- Get cash back for shopping at your favorite stores
Cons
- They don’t offer an option for selling your own gift cards
9. eBay
How it works
Many people know eBay as a site to buy and sell used items. You can also buy and sell gift cards on eBay as well.
Search for gift cards for any of your favorite stores, and the results page will show relevant options. You may find gift cards that are listed at the same price as the card’s value, or there may be some that are discounted, too.
Sellers list gift cards for whatever price they want. You can also use the bidding feature to bid on a gift card as well.
Pros
- Sell your unused gift cards for any price you choose
- Bid on discounted gift cards to get them for a competitive rate
- Many different gift cards are listed often
Cons
- Some gift cards are physical cards, so you’ll have to wait for them to be shipped to you
10. Cardflip
How it works
Cardflip buys and sells gift cards. You can buy gift cards for up to 40% off the original price and sell them for up to 92% of the face value.
Cardflip purchases gift cards in bulk so they can resell them to buyers for a discounted rate.
Pros
- An easy way to buy and sell gift cards
- Competitive rates for discounts and buy-back pricing
Cons
- There is no cash back reward option
- You can’t trade gift cards like some of the competitors
11. Costco
How it works
Costco is a popular grocery store where members can buy discounted items in bulk. They also offer discounted bulk gift cards.
For example, rather than buying a single gift card for a cheaper price (like the other sites), you could buy multiple gift cards for a cheaper value, such as five $25 gift cards for $100 (rather than the full price of $125).
This is a great option if you plan to buy multiple gifts or if you are getting gift cards for a store that you shop at frequently.
Anyone can buy gift cards from Costco if you order online, but if you’d like to purchase them in the store, you’ll have to be a Costco member.
Pros
- Discounts on multiple gift card purchases
- Available to anyone when purchasing online
Cons
- Limited retailer options when compared with other sites
12. Groupon
How it works
Groupon provides digital coupons, cash back, and other savings options for restaurants, travel, and other leisure activities.
Groupon doesn’t offer discounted gift cards at this time, but it is a great way to save money on various activities, including spa services, museums, subscription services, and more.
Pros
- Save money on various different outings and activities
- Provides digital coupon codes for online stores
- A great way to save money while travelling
Cons
- They don’t have discounted gift cards available at this time
- Deals vary depending on location
13. RebatesMe
How it works
RebatesMe is very similar to Rakuten because it offers cash back for online shopping. Simply make an online account and browse the different deals from a number of different online shops.
Select the discounts you’d like to redeem, make your purchase, and you’ll slowly build up a cash back balance. You can also purchase gift cards through the website and get cash back for those as well.
Pros
- Offers cash back for shopping online
- Get additional cash back for referring friends
Cons
- It may take up to 7 days following your purchase for cash back to appear in your account
- You must earn at least $10 before you can redeem your cash back rewards
14. Giftcards.com
How it works
Giftcards.com is an online store that sells gift cards for various retailers. Giftcards.com doesn’t sell discounted gift cards but offers a cash back option that allows you to earn points for each gift card purchase.
This can be a great option if you frequently purchase gift cards as gifts for others because you can slowly earn rewards over time. The cash back amount is 1% for most of the retailers.
Pros
- A simple way to get cash back for gift card purchases
- Many different retailers offer gift cards through this site
Cons
- The cash back percentage is lower than some of the other options
15. Amazon
How it works
Amazon is a great place to purchase gift cards from many different retailers.
They don’t offer discounted gift cards or a method of reselling gift cards as some other sites do, but you can purchase gift cards at face value and quickly redeem them or have them shipped through Prime shipping.
If you have an Amazon credit card, you can earn 3% to 5% back on gift card purchases, which is significant compared to other websites on this list.
Pros
- Many different retailers to choose from
- Fast shipping for physical gift cards
- Earn cash back if you have an Amazon credit card
Cons
- All gift cards are sold at face value, not at a discounted rate
How To Spot Discount Gift Card Scams
You need to be careful when purchasing discounted gift cards online, as various scams center around gift cards.
Here are some of the most common gift card scams and how to identify when one might be happening to you.
Phone scam
One common gift card scam occurs when scammers call you, requesting you to pay for something with a gift card.
Someone may call you saying they’re from the government or tech support and ask that you purchase a gift card and give them the information to pay them.
Remember, no store will require you to pay them with a gift card. If a store tells you that you must pay with a gift card, it is probably a scam.
Unusable gift card
It is possible to get scammed when purchasing discounted gift cards online. You may receive a gift card for a certain amount, which is not usable when you try to use it.
This sometimes happens if the gift card was purchased with a stolen credit card and the value was voided.
Make sure to review the refund policy with the site you buy from if you choose to buy a discounted gift card.
Conclusion
Buying gift cards online from discounted retailers is a great way to save money and earn cash back at the same time. However, you need to be wary of gift card scams and be sure that you’re getting the best value for your money.
Take a look at a few of these websites on our list, and you’ll be sure to find discounted gift cards for retailers like Starbucks, Amazon, Google Play, Best Buy, and more.
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