In today’s economy, where every dollar counts, finding ways to stretch your budget is essential. One clever strategy that savvy shoppers swear by is purchasing discounted gift cards. These are essentially prepaid cards for stores, restaurants, or services, but bought at a fraction of their face value. For example, you might snag a $100 gift card for just $90, effectively giving you a 10% discount on your purchases. Whether you’re shopping for groceries, dining out, or treating yourself to a new gadget, discounted gift cards can lead to significant savings over time. They also make fantastic gifts, allowing recipients to choose what they want while you pocket the difference.
But why buy them online? Convenience is key, browse from home, get instant digital delivery, and compare deals across platforms. However, not all sites are created equal. Some offer deep discounts but come with risks like expired cards or scams. In this post, we’ll explore the best places to buy discounted gift cards online, based on reliability, discount levels, and user experiences. We’ll cover top platforms, their pros and cons, and tips to shop safely. By the end, you’ll be equipped to score deals without the headaches.
➠ Top Platforms for Discounted Gift Cards
1. CardCash: A Marketplace for Deep Discounts
CardCash stands out as one of the premier destinations for buying discounted gift cards. The site operates as a secondary marketplace where individuals and businesses sell unwanted gift cards, often at discounts ranging from 5% to 35%. Popular brands like Starbucks, Target, and Walmart frequently appear with savings for instance, you might find a Starbucks card at 3.5% off or a Target one at 2.7%. CardCash verifies each card before listing, adding a layer of security.
Pros: The 45-day money-back guarantee is a standout feature, if the card doesn’t work or has a lower balance than promised, you get a full refund. They also have a vibrant Facebook community for alerts on new deals. Digital cards are delivered instantly, and physical ones ship free. Cons: Discounts vary by demand, hot brands like Amazon might only offer 1-2% off, while less popular ones go higher. There’s no option for multi-store cards, limiting flexibility.
Overall, CardCash is ideal for everyday savings. A user on Reddit shared how they saved 15% on home improvement purchases by stacking Lowe’s cards from here. If you’re buying in bulk, check their business program for even better rates.
➩ Also read: Best Gift Cards to Give on Birthdays [Under $25]
2. GCX by Raise: High Savings with Cash Back Perks
Formerly known as Raise, GCX (Gift Card Exchange) is another heavyweight in the discounted gift card space, boasting discounts up to 30% on thousands of brands. It’s a user-driven marketplace where sellers list cards, and buyers can filter by category like retail, dining, or entertainment. Examples include up to 20% off Target or Walmart cards, with new users getting 15% off their first purchase.
Pros: Beyond discounts, GCX offers cash back on full-priced cards, up to 15% returned as site credit for future buys. Their app makes mobile shopping seamless, and they cover a wide range, from Apple to Uber. Physical cards have a 90-day guarantee for non-delivery, though it excludes USPS-confirmed shipments.
Cons: The guarantee doesn’t cover balance issues post-delivery, so verify cards immediately. Discounts fluctuate, and popular items sell out fast. GCX shines for tech-savvy shoppers. Imagine buying a $50 Uber card for $40, perfect for rideshare addicts. Pair it with their cash-back feature, and your effective savings compound.
3. Gift Card Granny: Aggregator with Cash Back and Customization
Gift Card Granny acts as an aggregator, pulling deals from multiple sellers into one easy-to-navigate site. Since 2009, it’s helped users save on over 575 brands, with total discounts exceeding 143,000 options. You’ll find eGift cards for instant use and physical ones with free shipping on select brands. Examples: 4% off Panera, 10% off Land’s End, or even 10% off Uber Eats with promo codes like WEDDING10.
Pros: Cash back on purchases (e.g., $2.50 on Apple cards) and customization options, add photos or logos to Visa/Mastercard gifts for a personal touch. It’s great for bulk buys, and their comparison tool shows the best deals across sellers.
Cons: As an aggregator, prices might not always be the lowest if you shop direct. Some deals require promo codes, which can expire. This site is perfect for gifting. Customize a $100 Visa card with a family photo and snag cash back, savings plus sentiment.
4. eBay: Auction-Style Deals for Bargain Hunters
eBay might not be the first place you think of for gift cards, but it’s a goldmine for discounts, often 5-20% off face value. Sellers list unwanted cards via auctions or “Buy It Now“, covering everything from Amazon to Disney. For instance, Disney cards might go for 5-10% off, especially in bulk.
Pros: Potential for huge savings through bidding wars you win. eBay’s buyer protection covers non-delivery or invalid cards. Combine with cash-back sites for extra perks. Cons: Risk of scams, always check seller ratings (aim for 99%+). Delivery can take time for physical cards, and auctions add unpredictability. eBay suits patient shoppers. One tip: Set alerts for your favorite brands to snag flash deals.
5. Reward Sites like Swagbucks and InboxDollars
Sites like Swagbucks and InboxDollars flip the script by letting you earn discounted gift cards through activities like surveys, games, or shopping. Swagbucks offers cards starting at $1, with discounts like 10% back on Lowe’s or 15% on Petsmart. InboxDollars starts at $15, with referral bonuses up to 30%.
Pros: Free to join, and earnings compound, turn downtime into savings. Wide selection, including Visa for versatile use. Cons: Time-intensive, you might spend hours earning a $5 card. Payout thresholds apply. These are great for supplemental savings. A user might earn a $25 Amazon card for $20 worth of effort.
Honorable Mentions: Costco, Sam’s Club, and Crypto Options
For bulk buyers, warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club offer packs with built-in savings up to 25% on Southwest or Disney cards. Crypto enthusiasts can use Coingate for up to 10% off with Bitcoin or Ethereum. Sites like Prestmit cater to international users with cards like Steam or Apple.
Tips for Buying Discounted Gift Cards Safely
While these platforms are reputable, caution is key. First, stick to well-known sites to avoid fraud. Always check the guarantee, CardCash’s 45-day policy is gold standard. Verify card balances immediately upon receipt using the retailer’s site. Avoid deals that seem too good (e.g., 50% off Amazon likely a scam). Use credit cards for purchases to dispute charges if needed. Finally, read reviews and compare across aggregators like CardBear for the best price.
Scams are rampant, the FTC reports millions lost annually to gift card fraud. Buy from verified sellers and never share card details unsolicited.
Conclusion: Start Saving Today
Discounted gift cards are a smart hack for budget-conscious consumers, potentially saving you hundreds yearly. Whether you prefer the deep discounts of CardCash, the cash-back perks of GCX, or the earning potential of Swagbucks, there’s a platform for every style. Remember, the key is research and vigilance happy hunting, and may your wallet thank you.