It can be tough to find the perfect gift, especially when you don’t know what the person wants. You don’t want your gift to end up in the back of a closet or collecting dust on a shelf, do you? Why not give the gift of choice with a gift card?
Gift cards are always appreciated and can be used for anything from clothes and accessories to food and entertainment. But what if you don’t know what store the person you’re buying for likes? No problem! You can use a gift card to buy another gift card. Want to know why? Keep on reading!
What is a Gift Card?
A gift card is a prepaid, stored-value card that can be used as an alternative to cash for purchases. Gift cards are usually issued by major retailers or banks and can be used at any store that accepts credit cards. Most gift cards are reloadable, which means they can be reused after the initial value has been depleted.
While gift cards are convenient and easy to use, there are some things you should know before you purchase or use one. For example, many gift cards have expiration dates and fees that can reduce the card’s value over time. Also, lost or stolen cards may not be replaced, so keeping your gift card safe is important.
Types of Gift Cards
There are two main types of gift cards: store-based and open-loop. Store-based gift cards can only be used at the specific retailer that issues them, while open-loop cards can be used anywhere that accepts the card network shown on the card.
Open Loop Gift Cards
These are the most popular type of gift cards, which can be used at any merchant that accepts the card network. Open loop cards are issued by banks or debit card companies, such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, etc. These cards usually have no fees and can be used anywhere, which makes them quite convenient.
Closed Loop Gift Cards
These cards can only be used at the specific retailer or business where they are issued. Closed loop cards are generally issued by retailers or brands, and usually have some sort of branding on them. These cards usually have no fees associated with them.
Reloadable Gift Cards
Reloadable gift cards can be refilled with funds once they have been depleted. These types of cards are convenient for people who want to use them multiple times or for larger purchases. Reloadable cards are typically issued by banks or credit card companies.
Non-reloadable Gift Cards
Non-reloadable gift cards cannot be refilled with funds once they have been depleted. These types of cards are generally less expensive than reloadable cards and are typically issued by retailers or brands.
Banks/Credit Card Companies
Gift cards that are issued by banks or credit card companies are typically open-loop cards that can be used anywhere that accepts the card network. These types of cards usually have no fees associated with them.
Retailer Or Brand Gift Cards
Gift cards that retailers issue, brands, or individual businesses are typically closed-loop cards that can only be used at a specific issuer. These types of cards may have fees associated with them.
How to Use a Gift Card?
If you’ve never used a gift card before, or if you’re not sure how to use one, don’t worry – it’s actually quite simple. In most cases, using a gift card is just like using a credit card. You can use it to make purchases online or in stores, and you can usually check your balance online or by phone.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using gift cards.
- Many cards have expiration dates, so be sure to use them before they expire.
- Some cards may have fees associated with them, so be sure to read the terms and conditions before using the card.
- Always keep your gift card number and PIN (if applicable) safe and secure – you don’t want anyone else to be able to use your card!
Now that you know the basics let’s take a look at how to use a gift card in detail.
How to Use a Gift Card Online?
If you’re making an online purchase, using a gift card is just like using a credit card. Simply enter the gift card number and PIN (if applicable) when prompted, and the funds will be applied to your purchase. In most cases, you’ll also be able to check your balance online before making a purchase.
How to Use a Gift Card In-Store?
Using a gift card in-store is also quite simple. Just hand the cashier your card when prompted and they will swipe it just like a credit card. In some cases, you may need to sign a receipt (just like you would with a credit card). You can usually check your balance at the register before making a purchase.
Can You Buy a Gift Card with Another Gift Card?
It depends on the merchant and the type of gift card. Some merchants, like Target and Walmart, allow you to use a Visa gift card or Mastercard branded gift card to purchase gift cards. However, not all stores allow this. Other merchants may have their own policies regarding using one type of gift card to purchase another type of gift card. It’s always best to check with the merchant before attempting to do so.
Even if the retailer does allow it, you may only be able to use a certain amount of the gift card value of your original gift card towards the purchase of the second gift card. For example, let’s say you have a $100 gift card from Store A. You want to use it to buy a $50 gift card from Store B. Store A may only allow you to use $20 of your Store A gift card towards the purchase of the Store B gift card.
Before using your gift card to buy another card, be sure to check the terms and conditions of both cards to avoid any unwanted surprises.
Gift Card Exchange Websites
There are a few different gift card exchange websites that allow you to sell or trade your unwanted gift cards. CardCash and Raise are two of the most popular options.
Raise
Raise is another popular option for selling or trading unwanted gift cards. If you’re looking to sell your unwanted gift cards, Raise is a great option. They buy physical cards and store credit, and they offer a maximum payment of up to 85% of the value of the card. Plus, their website and app are both informative and user-friendly. Raise is also accredited by the BBB with an impressive A rating.
However, it’s worth noting that Raise does have slower payout times than some of its competitors. So if you need cash in a hurry, you might want to consider another option. Overall, though, Raise is a great choice for selling your unwanted gift cards.
Gift Card Spread
If you’re looking for a great deal on a gift card, Gift Card Spread is definitely worth checking out. They buy both physical and digital gift cards, and they don’t have a maximum payment amount, so you can set your own price. The website is simple and easy to navigate, and we found that they often have some of the best deals around.
However, selling your card can be a bit of a laborious process. You have to enter all the information about the card manually, and then wait for them to give you an offer. If you’re patient and don’t mind doing a bit of extra work for a great price, Gift Card Spread is definitely worth considering. However, if you’re looking for a quick and easy sale, you might want to try somewhere else.
CardCash
Have you ever had a gift card sitting around that you never got around to using? Whatever the case may be, there’s now an easy way to get rid of those unwanted gift cards – and even make a little money in the process. CardCash is a website and app that lets users sell their unwanted gift cards in exchange for cash.
The amount of money you’ll receive varies depending on the brand and value of the card, but CardCash typically pays out between 60% and 92% of the card’s value. And unlike some other similar services, CardCash offers a user-friendly app that makes it easy to check your card balance and get paid out quickly. So if you’ve got an unused gift card taking up space in your wallet, CardCash is definitely worth checking out.
Just be aware that the “savings” advertised on the site are often times misleading – so be sure to compare prices before making a purchase.
Card Kangaroo
Card Kangaroo has something for everyone, with over 1,300 cards to offer. And their fast selling process means you can get rid of your cards in no time – perfect if you’re looking to declutter or make some extra cash. Plus, they offer free shipping on physical cards, so you don’t have to worry about going to the post office. Just send them your card, and they will take care of the rest.
Of course, there are a few things to keep in mind. Their payment is based on the value of your card, so you won’t necessarily get the full amount. And since they are a mail-in service, you’ll need to send them your card to receive money.
How to Get Gift Cards for Free?
You can get free gift cards fast from sites like Swagbucks and InboxDollars. You can also get them from online surveys, paid-to-click sites, and by completing offers.
There are many ways to get free gift cards, and you can even find them in some unexpected places. Just keep your eyes open and you’ll be sure to find a great way to get free gift cards fast
There are a few different ways that you can get gift cards for free.
- Help big brands with market research: Many companies are willing to offer gift cards as incentives for participating in market research studies. So if you don’t mind spending a little time giving your opinions, you could score some free gift cards.
- Try a new search engine: A few search engines out there will actually give you rewards for using them. So if you’re going to be searching the web anyway, why not earn some free gift cards?
- Scan product barcodes at your local stores: There are a few apps that will reward you for scanning product barcodes while you’re out shopping. So if you’re already at the store, you might as well scan a few barcodes and earn some free gift cards.
- Use Instagram to find gift card giveaways: If you’re on Instagram, several accounts regularly host giveaways for free gift cards. So be sure to follow a few of them and you might just get lucky.
- Sell your internet: If you have an unused data plan, you could actually sell it and earn some money. And with that money, you could buy a gift card of your choice.
- Refer friends to services you love: Many companies offer referral programs where you can earn rewards for referring your friends to their services. So if you know someone who could use a particular service, why not refer them and earn some free gift cards?
- Ask for free gift cards instead of gifts: If you have friends or family members who are always asking what you want for your birthday or Christmas, why not just ask for a free gift card? That way, you can choose exactly what you want.
FAQs
Where Can I Find a Gift Card Exchange Kiosk?
If you’re looking for a gift card exchange kiosk, your best bet is to check your local grocery store or supermarket. Many of these stores have kiosks where you can trade in your unwanted gift cards for cash or store credit.
Another option is to check major retailers like Walmart, Target, or Walgreens. These stores typically have gift card exchange kiosks where you can trade in your unwanted cards for cash or store credit. Finally, there are a few online gift card exchanges that you can use, such as EJ Gift Cards or Raise. These websites allow you to sell your unwanted gift cards for cash or store credit.
Can I Use a Kohl’s Gift Card to Buy a Gift Card?
Yes, you can use a Kohl’s gift card to buy a gift card. However, there are some restrictions and limitations that you should be aware of before you make your purchase.
You can only use a Kohl’s gift card to purchase a gift card from the same store or retailer. If you have a Kohl’s gift card, you can use it to buy a Macy’s gift card, but you cannot use it to buy an Amazon gift card.
If you want to buy a gift card from another retailer using your Kohl’s gift card, you will need to first use your Kohl’s gift card to purchase a Visa or Mastercard branded gift card and then use that gift card to purchase the other retailer’s gift card.
Where Can I Convert My Gift Card to Cash?
Sell your gift card online. There are a number of websites that allow you to sell gift cards for cash. You’ll typically get less than the face value of the card, but it’s a quick and easy way to get rid of an unwanted gift card.
If you have a gift card for a store or restaurant that you don’t frequent, there are a few websites that facilitate gift card trades. If you have a gift card with a balance that you can’t or don’t want to use, you can use it to pay bills or make purchases.
You can also return the gift card for a refund to the issuer for a refund. This is typically only an option if the gift card was purchased recently and you have the original receipt.
Can I Return an Unused Gift Card?
Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this question. It largely depends on the store or company from which you purchased the gift card. Some stores may have a policy that allows you to return an unused gift card for a full refund, while others will not allow any refunds at all.
If you are unsure about a particular store’s policy, your best bet is to contact them directly and ask. You can also check the terms and conditions on the back of the gift card, or on the store’s website, for more information.
In general, it is always best to use a gift card as soon as possible. This way, you can be sure that you will get the full value of the card. If you do need to return a gift card, make sure to keep all documentation, such as a receipt or proof of purchase, in case you run into any problems.
Conclusion
There are several ways to use a gift card to buy another gift card. You can either go through the merchant where the original gift card was purchased or you can go through a third-party site. There are pros and cons to using each method, but ultimately it depends on what the purchaser wants to gain from the transaction.
If you want convenience and don’t mind paying a little extra, going through the merchant is your best bet. If you’re looking for cheaper prices, then using a third-party site is probably the way to go.
