5 Things You Can Do With Your Unwanted Gift Cards

Before you lose out on your gift card’s value, here are a few tips on what can you do with a gift card you don’t want:

1. Trade it in for cash

Yes, it is possible to trade in your gift card for money, but be prepared to lose a percentage of its face value.

If you’d like to trade in your card, check out these websites:

Raise -- choose your own price to sell your gift card in an online marketplace.

Cardpool -- sell your card for up to 92 percent cash back.

CardCash -- sell your sell your card for a percentage of its value.

2. Trade it for a card you do want

So you don’t shop at Victoria’s Secret, but you do shop at Target? Many of the websites listed above not only allow consumers to buy and sell cards, but they also allow you to trade your cards in for others. But please, make sure you actually trade in your unwanted card for one you plan to use this time.

3. Donate it

The website GiftCardGiver allows consumers to mail in their unwanted (and even partially used) cards and finds nonprofits to donate them to. Even if you don't want to use a third-party website, consider donating your card anyway. There are countless charities and nonprofits that could use the card to buy supplies, attire, and other items to benefit Americans in need.

4. Re-gift it

It’s free. It’s easy. It gets rid of your card without much work and takes care of another trip to the store to find a gift. Just make sure the person you're re-gifting to didn't give you the card in the first place!

5.  Sell it on eBay or Craigslist

Everyone is looking for a deal these days. While you may not get the full value of your gift card back, you should be able to earn a good portion of it. But keep in mind that you will have to add the costs of mailing and shipping the card off to whoever wins it.