Gift cards are one of the most versatile and popular ways to shop or give gifts, but paying full price for them isn’t always necessary. With the right strategies, you can score gift cards for less than face value, stretching your money further. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or buying gifts for others, here are some of the best ways to get gift cards for less than face value.
Contents
- 1. Buy Discounted Gift Cards Online
- 2. Look for Seasonal Promotions
- 3. Earn Gift Cards Through Cashback and Rewards Apps
- 4. Use Store Loyalty Programs
- 5. Buy in Bulk at Warehouse Clubs
- 6. Trade or Sell Unwanted Gift Cards
- 7. Check Daily Deal and Flash Sale Sites
- 8. Use Credit Card Perks
- 9. Take Advantage of Employer or Membership Discounts
- 10. Watch for Clearance Gift Cards in Stores
- Final Thoughts
1. Buy Discounted Gift Cards Online
Websites like CardCash and Gift Card Granny let you purchase unwanted gift cards from others at a discount. Depending on the retailer, you can save anywhere from 2% to 30% off the card’s value. For example, you might pay $90 for a $100 Target gift card.
If you buy secondhand cards, always check the remaining balance before using them. Here’s a guide on where to check gift card balances.
2. Look for Seasonal Promotions
During the holidays, many retailers and restaurants run bonus gift card deals. For example:
- Buy a $50 gift card and get a free $10 bonus card.
- Buy one, get one 25% off.
These promotions are common around Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and graduation season.
3. Earn Gift Cards Through Cashback and Rewards Apps
Apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, and Fetch Rewards give you cashback or points for purchases, which can often be redeemed for gift cards. Survey sites and cash-back portals also offer free or discounted gift cards when you accumulate rewards.
4. Use Store Loyalty Programs
Retailers such as Kroger, Safeway, and CVS sometimes offer discounts or fuel points when you buy gift cards. For instance, buying a $50 gift card might earn you double or triple fuel points, and that savings quickly adds up.
5. Buy in Bulk at Warehouse Clubs
Stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale often sell multipacks of gift cards at a discount. A common deal is paying $80 for $100 worth of restaurant gift cards. These are great if you dine out often or want to stock up for gifts.
6. Trade or Sell Unwanted Gift Cards
If you’ve received a gift card you won’t use, trade it for one you will. Sites like CardCash or even local Facebook groups allow you to swap cards at a fair value. This way, you avoid waste and still get value for your gift card.
7. Check Daily Deal and Flash Sale Sites
Websites like Groupon occasionally run promotions on gift cards, offering them at a discount or bundled with bonus vouchers. These deals are limited, but they can lead to big savings.
8. Use Credit Card Perks
Some credit card reward programs let you redeem points for gift cards at a discounted rate. For example, a $25 gift card might only cost 2,200 points instead of 2,500. Keep an eye on your credit card’s rewards portal for special promotions.
9. Take Advantage of Employer or Membership Discounts
Check if your workplace offers an employee perks program. Many companies partner with services like PerkSpot or Corporate Perks, where you can purchase discounted gift cards. Membership programs like AAA also provide gift card savings.
10. Watch for Clearance Gift Cards in Stores
It’s less common, but sometimes grocery stores or big-box retailers will discount physical gift cards that are seasonal or overstocked. Always scan the clearance section or end caps when shopping.
Final Thoughts
Gift cards don’t have to cost face value. From online marketplaces to store promotions and loyalty programs, there are plenty of ways to get gift cards for less. Whether you’re stocking up on holiday presents or treating yourself, these strategies can stretch your budget further.
