Do you have a stack of unused gift cards? Turning those cards into cash is simple.
You’re likely wondering, “Is there a gift card exchange kiosk near me?”
I can help you find one.
I wrote this guide to discuss swapping unwanted gift cards for cash using the nearest gift card exchange kiosk.
Let’s begin.
How To Find a Gift Card Exchange Kiosk Near Me
Are you looking for a gift card kiosk to exchange gift cards for cash?
You can use various tools to search and find nearby gift card exchange kiosks, shops, and grocery stores that buy and sell gift cards by entering your ZIP code or city.
Go To a Gift Card Retailer.
You can get cash back for gift cards with a low balance in the following states (as of October 2022).
| State | Cash on request if the balance below |
|---|---|
| California | $10 |
| Colorado | $5 |
| Connecticut | $3 |
| Maine | $5 |
| Massachusetts | $5 |
| Montana | $5 |
| Missouri | $5 |
| New Jersey | $5 |
| Oregon | $5 |
| Rhode Island | $1 |
| Vermont | $1 |
| Washington | $5 |
To get cash back:
Go to the store where you bought the gift card.
Ask the cashier for a cash refund.
Show them the gift card and tell them the balance.
They should give you cash for the remaining balance.
Note: Some stores may have different policies, so it’s always best to ask your preferred location before visiting.
Use Google Maps.
You can experiment with various search terms to find spots to sell unused gift cards.
You can incorporate your location: “gift card exchange kiosk Houston.”
You can also try the following phrases.
“Cash for gift cards kiosk”
“Gift card exchange machine”
“Gift card bin locations”
“Gift card exchange near me”
“Trade gift cards for cash near me”
“Gift card kiosk locations”
“Pawn shops that buy gift cards for cash near me”
“Who buys gift cards near me?”
Visit Reddit Exchange.
Subreddit r/giftcardexchange lets you list cards to sell and exchange. This option maximizes card value over commission-based gift card exchange kiosks and online gift card exchange platforms.
Be wary of the scammers and read the Subreddit’s trading guide to help you spot one.
Where Can You Find Gift Card Exchange Kiosks?
The following stores are gift card trading or selling sites. Call each location to ask about card prices and compare them to get the best deal:
Target Gift Card Exchange Kiosk
CVS Gift Card Exchange Kiosk
Meijer
Stop & Shop
Giant
Shoprite
Mall Shopping Centers
A store’s gift card kiosk is usually near the customer service desk, in front of the store, or near the pharmacy counter at the mall.
The exchange process is quick and easy; you can get instant cash back for your gift card within minutes.
However, some gift card machines may take longer than other stores because a cashier verifies your balance.
Some mall shopping centers have gift card exchange kiosks in common areas.
Third-party companies usually operate these kiosks, and the exchange rates may be lower than at other stores.
How To Find Coinstar Gift Card Exchange Kiosk Near Me
Go to the official Coinstar website using your browser.
Click the Kiosk Finder or Find a Kiosk option.
The system will prompt you to enter your location information. You can input either your ZIP code, city, or state.
Enter and search for your location. The website will provide a list of nearby Coinstar kiosk locations that offer gift card exchange services.
Click the specific kiosk locations to view more details, including the address, operating hours, and additional services offered.
Once you’ve identified a convenient location, visit the kiosk to exchange your gift cards for cash or store credits.
Places To Avoid When Exchanging Gift Cards
Walmart – This retailer used to have a gift card trade-in program, but it is no longer available.
Coinstar – Coinstar gift card exchange for cash is no longer available.
Kroger – Kroger stores have Coinstar kiosks, but Coinstar gift card exchanges are no longer available.
Safeway – Safeway stores also have Coinstar kiosks, so you cannot exchange gift cards there.
Walgreens – Walgreens does not buy gift cards.
Here are some other places to avoid when exchanging gift cards:
Private sellers – Many people sell gift cards online or in classified ads. However, be careful when buying from private sellers to avoid getting scammed.
Gift card exchange websites – A gift card exchange website lets you sell unwanted gift cards. However, the prices on these websites are often lower than what you would get if you sold the gift card yourself.
How Do Gift Card Exchange Kiosks Work?
A gift card exchange kiosk works like an ATM and gives cash in return for gift cards.
Here’s how most gift card exchange kiosks work:
Look for the gift card slot on the kiosk. Its position varies depending on the machine’s design.
Inset your unwanted gift card into the slot.
Allow the machine to scan and process your card.
Choose between the offers you see onscreen.
Receiving a discounted cash value for your gift card.
Swapping it for another gift card (with the same or lower value) from a different retailer.
Accept the offer and collect your cash or the new gift card if it suits you.
If you decline the offer, the machine will return your gift card.
Some kiosks issue vouchers instead of cash or cards. You can take the voucher to the store’s cash counter to get your compensation.
Can You Exchange Gift Cards Online?
You can conveniently sell or exchange your gift card online through various platforms.
These companies verify the authenticity of gift cards, which makes buyers more confident in their purchases. You’ll receive your money more quickly when you sell your gift cards through them.
They offer an alternative to physical kiosks with several benefits.
Online platforms provide access to a broader audience, increasing the chances of finding a buyer.
You don’t need to google “where to sell gift cards near me.” You can exchange gift cards from the comfort of your home.
Online platforms often accept various gift card brands, including those from less-known retailers.
You can compare offers from different buyers to secure the best deal.
Many online platforms offer quick payments through methods like PayPal or direct deposit.
CardSell
CardSell is a website that allows you to exchange your gift cards for cash.
Here’s how to use the website or app:
Go to the CardSell website and create an account. Alternatively, download the CardSell app on your phone.
Enter your gift card information, including the gift card number and pin.
CardSell will verify your gift card balance and offer you an amount.
CardSell will pay via PayPal within 48 hours if you accept the offer.
CardCash
CardCash provides you with various options. You can sell your unwanted or unused gift cards for up to 92% of their value with no hidden fees.
Here’s how to use the website:
Go to the website and enter essential information about your gift card, including the gift card brand, gift card balance, and card type (physical or electronic).
CardCash will generate an offer for your gift card. Review the offer carefully.
CardCash will process the payment after you accept the offer, which usually takes two business days after your gift cards.
Alternatively, you can trade your unwanted gift cards for cards from other retailers and potentially receive up to 11% more in value.
This site also accepts gift cards for trading with others for over 1,300 retailers.
If you have a $50 Bloomingdale’s gift card, you can exchange it for a $40.75 Walmart gift card or receive $42.53 in CVS credit.
A $50 Best Buy gift card is even more valuable. You can exchange it for for $44.10 at Home Depot.
It also features other popular gift cards, including Lowes, Foot Locker, Nike, Starbucks, Apple, and many more.
Explore these options to maximize the value of your gift cards.
ClipKard
ClipKard buys physical gift cards, even partly used ones, provided they have at least $15 on them.
Use ClipKard’s quote tool to discover the cash value of your gift card. Input your card details to see the offer.
Accept the amount the site offers if it suits you.
ClipKard simplifies the shipping process by providing a prepaid USPS shipping label and helping you securely package your gift card.
Choose how you’d like to receive payment:
PayPal – Opt for a quick and secure PayPal transfer.
Check by Mail – Select this option if you prefer a physical check.
CoinCola
You can sell gift cards for Bitcoin right away through CoinCola. Follow these steps to sell gift cards for Bitcoin on CoinCola:
Sign up for a CoinCola account.
Go to the market for trading gift cards.
Pick the gift card you’d like to sell.
Enter the gift card’s balance or value.
Choose Bitcoin as the type of cryptocurrency you’d like to get.
Type in how much Bitcoin you want to receive.
Click the Sell Now button.
Prepaid2Cash
Prepaid2Cash is a mobile application that can easily turn your prepaid cards and gift cards into cash through direct deposit.
Go to the Prepaid2Cash website and download their mobile application from the iTunes App Store or Google Play.
Scan the barcode of your gift card.
Enter the gift card number and PIN.
Prepaid2Cash will give you an offer for your gift card.
If you accept the offer:
You can get the money in 15 minutes with a debit card or the next business day with a bank account.
Expect two to three business days for the following gift cards.
Other Ways To Get Rid of Your Unwanted Gift Cards
While gift card exchange services and kiosks are popular, other innovative ways exist to turn your unwanted gift cards.
Trade with a Friend.
Exchange unwanted gift cards with a friend who might have one you’d prefer.
It’s a win-win situation where both of you can get more value from your cards.
Sell on Social Media.
Take advantage of your social media network.
Search “cash for gift cards near me” or “gift card buyers near me” on your social networks.
Post your gift cards on your profile or within relevant groups.
Mention what you’re offering and your selling price.
You might find someone in your network interested in buying or trading for your gift cards.
It’s a straightforward way to connect with potential buyers or online gift card exchanges in your community.
Use an Online Marketplace.
Explore online marketplaces to sell or trade your unwanted or discounted gift cards.
Here are some popular options.
Facebook Marketplace – Facebook Marketplace lets you create a listing for your gift cards, add details, and specify your price. Local buyers may reach out to you.
eBay – List your gift cards on eBay, where a global audience can bid on them.
Reddit – Subreddits like r/giftcardexchange provide a platform to post your available gift cards or to trade with other Redditors.
Gift Card Granny – Gift Card Granny allows you to sell or trade your gift cards for others. It’s known for offering competitive rates.
Raise – Raise is an online marketplace where you can list your gift cards for sale. Buyers purchase your cards at a discount, and you receive cash in return.
Top Up Your Bank Account.
To send the gift card balance to your bank account, connect it to money apps like Cash App, PayPal, or Venmo.
If your gift card is a prepaid debit card, link it to your bank account to transfer the balance.
Activation may require a fee, but the transfer is typically free.
Donate Your Gift Cards to Charity.
If you cannot sell unwanted gift cards, consider donating them to spread kindness and make a difference, whether it’s to help a good cause or to give someone a birthday gift.
Charities frequently welcome donated gift cards, even if some of the balance has been spent.
Plus, you can potentially receive a tax deduction.
Goodwill locations at many places actively accept unwanted or free gift cards.
Visit CharityChoiceGiftCards, a platform facilitating the conversion of your cards into cash donations for various charitable organizations.
Another option is CardFunder, where you can initiate a group collection drive, pooling your unused gift cards with others to create a substantial donation for a charitable cause.
If you have a chosen organization to accept gift cards as a charitable donation.
Here’s how it works.
Click Sign Up Now and provide your organization’s details. Wait until they contact you.
You will receive the tools to kickstart and promote the campaign.
Gather unused or partially used gift cards and send them to CardFunder.
CardFunder will confirm the eligibility of all gift cards and transfer funds from your campaign to your designated bank account.
You now have the money for your campaign.
Buy Discounted Gift Cards To Purchase Gift Cards You Like
You can use sites like Raise and CardCash to buy gift cards from other people at a price, just like you can use them to purchase gift cards you want.
If you want discounted gift cards through these sites, use a credit card that gives you the most points when buying.
Gift card sites don’t qualify for any bonuses, so the best way to spend your money is on a card that gives you a reasonable flat rate on everyday purchases.
Here’s how to maximize your discounted gift card buying:
Visit Raise and CardCash to browse discounted gift card offers for various retailers.
Choose the gift cards for the stores or brands to shop at.
Use a credit card that offers substantial rewards for everyday spending to optimize your savings.
Consider these options.
Citi® Double Cash Card – Earn 2% cash back (1% on all eligible purchases and an additional 1% after you pay your credit card bill).
Chase Freedom Unlimited® – Earn 1.5% back (equivalent to 1.5X Chase Ultimate Rewards® points) on non-bonus spending.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card – Earn 2% cash rewards on eligible purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where Can I Sell Gift Cards for Cash Instantly Near Me?
Gift Card Exchange Kiosks – They offer instant cash or a check in exchange for your gift card.
Online Marketplaces – Websites like Gift Card Granny, Cardpool, and Raise allow you to list your gift cards for sale. Buyers can purchase your selling gift cards, and you’ll receive payment.
Mobile Apps – Some apps, such as Cardpool’s mobile app, let you sell your gift cards quickly using your smartphone.
Gift Card Buyers – Search for local gift card buyers in your area. They might be willing to meet in person and pay you instantly for your gift cards.
What Is the Fee for a Gift Card Exchange?
The fees for gift card exchanges can vary depending on your chosen method or platform.
Most gift card kiosks may deduct a percentage of the gift card’s value as a fee, typically around 10-15%.
Can I Sell a Visa Gift Card?
Visa gift cards can be sold on Gift Card Granny, Cardpool, and Raise.
It may take longer to sell Visa gift cards than store-specific gift cards due to lower demand.
Can I Sell Expired Gift Cards?
It’s often impossible to sell outdated gift cards for their face value.
If you have expired gift cards, contact the issuer or store for reactivation or redemption.
Is There a Gift Card Kiosk at Walgreens?
Some of the most convenient locations to locate a gift card machine that buys gift cards are in grocery stores and drugstores such as Walgreens or CVS.
Is There a Visa Gift Card Exchange Kiosk Near Me?
You can find Visa gift card exchange kiosks in some locations.
These kiosks are typically part of gift card exchange services like Coinstar Exchange, allowing you to exchange various gift cards, including Visa gift cards, for cash.
Check the Coinstar Exchange website or contact them directly to see if a nearby kiosk accepts Visa gift cards.
Ensure you understand any associated fees before proceeding with the exchange.
How Do EJ Gift Cards Work?
Buyers and sellers can find the best deals on gift cards at EJ Gift Cards, where shoppers can save up to 50% on their favorite brands.
Here’s how to sell via EJ gift cards.
Search for or select the brand of your gift card from their list of accepted merchants.
Input the card’s current value in dollars.
Click Get Offer to receive a percentage payout for your card.
If you agree with the offer, click Add Card to the Order.
Provide the card number and PIN corresponding to the card’s value.
Create an account or log in to your existing one.
Enter your PayPal email address, as this will be the payment method.
Can I Exchange Digital Gift Cards For Cash?
You can exchange digital gift cards for cash through various online platforms.
However, this process has risks, including potential scams or receiving less cash than the gift card’s stated value. Therefore, using only trusted services when opting for this method is advisable.
Is There a Walmart Gift Card Exchange Kiosk Near Me?
Walmart does not have a gift card exchange machine. You can exchange different gift cards on Walmart’s partner website, CardCash.
However, you can still buy Walmart gift cards in-store and online.
How Much Money Will I Get for My Gift Card?
Most gift card kiosks give a percentage of the card’s value.
For instance, a $100 gift card may get $80. However, some machines charge $60 for a $100 gift card.
The Bottom Line
I hope I helped you locate the most convenient kiosks near you to exchange your unused gift card for cash or other valuable rewards.
Don’t hesitate to use the information in my guide to find the nearest gift card exchange kiosk and start reaping your rewards.
Your journey to smarter finances and better gifting awaits.
