Do you have a gift card or two that you’re not going to use?
While this can be a great present, it comes with certain restrictions. For example, you might not want anything from the store that the card is connected to.
Moreover, if there is only a small amount left, you might not be able to redeem it for something you need. However, this doesn’t mean that the balance has to be wasted.
So, let’s take a closer look at how to find a gift card exchange kiosk near me and what you can expect.
Contents
About Gift Card Exchange Kiosks
Many supermarkets and other retailers offer this kiosk on their premises. But rather than a counter that’s operated by a member of staff, it’s actually a machine. It looks similar to an ATM and allows users to take care of the process themselves.
The machine comes with a slot where you need to deposit your gift card. There is also another slot where the check is dispensed once the transaction is complete. There are also buttons on one side of the central screen that allow you to enter the relevant information.
How they work?
These machines are designed to be very convenient and easy to use. Once you deposit your card, you will receive the funds instantly. However, a small percentage of the total balance is retained to cover the transaction fees.
Where to start?
After depositing the card in the slot, you need to use the buttons to enter the remaining balance. You will then be prompted to enter the card number and the pin code. The amount that you can receive will be displayed on the screen, which is a percentage of the remaining balance.
The percentage can vary dramatically between different types of kiosks. The gift card retailer also has the opportunity to set the percentage that is offered. So, when an offer appears on the screen, you can decide whether or not to accept it.
Once you’ve decided…
If you choose to accept the offer, a check will be printed and dispersed. You can then take the check to the cashier inside the store to be cashed. The check is only usually valid for a day or two, so it’s best to cash it immediately.
If you decide that the offer is too low, you need to press the decline button. You will then receive your gift card and can search for another option. You may find that you can get a bit more simply by shopping around a little.
Where to Find a Gift Card Exchange Kiosk Near Me ?
Although there are fewer options than there once were, a few companies still offer physical machines. These machines tend to be prominently located close to the entrance of major retailers. Here are some of the most common physical machines you are likely to find in the United States.
GiftCardBin
This is one of the most flexible options when it comes to receiving cash. GiftCardBin machines can be found in numerous locations across the United States. These machines accept gift cards from more than six hundred different retailers.
To find the nearest machine, simply head over to the GiftCardBin website and click on the store locator tab. You then need to enter your city, state, or zip code in the search bar. A list of all the locations close to your home will then be provided.
Once you have tracked down the nearest location, head on over there with your gift card. You will also need to submit a valid form of identification. After the details have been confirmed, you will receive cash instantly. If you can’t find a location close to your home, you can sell your gift card via text.
Target
This major retailer launched a trade-in program in 2015. It allows you to exchange any type of unwanted gift card for a Target gift card. This then makes it possible to redeem the total for items at your local Target store. The company sells a huge range of products, and you’re sure to find something that you want.
You can find your nearest store by using the store locator tab on the Target website. However, it is important to note that not all of the company’s locations are part of the program. To guarantee success, you need to search for a Target Mobile branch.
Once you’ve located the Target Mobile branches…
All you need to do is take your unused or unwanted gift card to your nearest Target Mobile store. Ask a sales assistant to help you with the exchange program. They will scan your card and enter the remaining balance into the system. You will then be given a Target gift card of the same value.
Types of physical locations
Certain large retail chains offer a range of machines to entice customers. These include ATMs and gift card kiosks. The machines are placed close to the entrance of stores so that they can be spotted by people as they pass by. After taking care of their business, many people then venture into the store and do some shopping.
Retailers that offer gift card kiosks include:
- Walmart
- Kroger
- Walgreens
- Giant
- Safeway
- CVS
- Checking cashing stores
- Local grocery stores
- Pawn shops
Online Exchange Options
A large number of websites also allow you to convert any unwanted gift cards into cash. This is sure to be a more convenient option if you can’t find a nearby kiosk.
Let’s take a closer look at the most popular exchange platforms.
EJ Gift Cards
This is a popular platform that makes getting paid a piece of cake. All you have to do is choose the gift card brand from the dropdown menu. You then need to enter the value, and an offer will be made within a few seconds.
If you choose to accept the offer, you will be prompted to enter the pin number and card number. You will then receive payment via PayPal between 24 and 72 hours later. In terms of ease of use, EJ Gift Cards really are ahead of the game.
Still, there’s one thing worth mentioning…
The only thing to be aware of is that EJ Gift Cards tend to take a fairly high percentage. For example, if your gift card is valued at $10, you will generally be offered between $5 and $6. As a result, it may be best to look at offer platforms before accepting an offer.
CardCash
This online platform partners with a number of popular retailers, including Walmart, Starbucks, and Amazon. If the card you want to sell is valued at $10, you will typically receive between $8.50 and $9. This rate is significantly higher than many competing gift card exchange platforms.
But the best part?
One of the great things about using CardCash is that you are given several payment methods to choose from. This includes cash through PayPal, check, and ACH. Plus, the process of submitting your details, receiving an offer, and getting paid is very quick and easy.
Raise
One of the great things about this platform is that you can choose your own selling price for your gift card. This means that the earning potential could be significantly higher than with some competing options. For a $10 voucher, you can choose to list it at $9.80. You will then usually be offered around $8.30, which is still a fairly impressive amount.
Once an offer is made, you can choose from a number of different payment options. This includes PayPal, check, or direct deposit. Alternatively, you can opt for store credit and use it to purchase items from the Raise store.
GiftCash
If your card is valued at $25 or more, this online platform could be for you. The usual offers are up to 92% of the original gift card value. If you accept the offer, you can choose to receive cryptocurrency or a direct bank transfer.
Gameflip
This is another option that gives you full control over the selling price. Instead of making you an offer, Gameflip allows you to post a listing on their platform. This allows you to set your own price and allows you to choose the buyer.
The drawback?
While this gives you the potential to make more money, the process is a little more complicated. Because you will need to interact with buyers and make the transfer yourself. And once a deal has been made, you will only get paid once the transfer is complete.
Prepaid2Cash
This handy app makes it easy to turn your prepaid cards into cash. The app is designed to be very straightforward to use. However, you need to wait for your identity to be verified before your card will be accepted. And if you are using the app for the first time, you need to wait up to 24 hours before getting started.
The good news?
You can sell a huge range of prepaid cards, including Discover, American Express, MasterCard, and Visa. It takes a couple of seconds to scan your card. You will then receive your cash via direct deposit in as little as fifteen minutes.
If you choose this option, you can also scan a range of different gift cards. Accepted options include Best Buy, Nordstrom, and Walmart gift cards. The offered percentage varies according to the brand and can be up to 92% of the original value.
eBay
This popular platform allows you to sell just about anything imaginable. And you can create up to 250 listings per month free of charge! Plus, you will only be charged a slight commission once the sale has been made.
It’s worth taking the time to check out other selling prices to make sure your listing is competitive.
CardSell
This app makes it easy to sell unwanted gift cards while you are on the move. If you are at a kiosk, you can use the app to compare offers before accepting. This makes it easy to see if you are being offered a good deal. The app is compatible with both Apple and Android platforms and is very simple to use.
Nice! But how much can I expect to get back?
The usual offer is typically around 60% or 70%. This means that you would end up with $6 or $7 if the original value is $10. Payments are made via PayPal and are made within 48 hours.
Alternative Options
After checking out various options, you may find that the offers you receive are simply too low. Fortunately, you are not obliged to accept an offer after making an inquiry.
Here are a few other things you can do with your unwanted gift card.
Re-gifting
If you know someone who simply loves a certain store or restaurant, you can save some money on their next birthday gift by giving them your unused gift card.
Donate
Many charities are happy to accept certain types of gift cards, especially those for clothing and food retailers. Making a donation is a great way to help people in need. You can even claim the donation on your taxes to receive a rebate.
Return
Certain retailers are happy to accept unused gift cards that were purchased from the same store. In order to receive a refund, you usually need to submit the original receipt. So this could be a little tricky if you received the gift card as a present.
Cash-back
If you still have a small remaining balance on your gift card, you may be able to get some cash. In certain states, retailers are legally required to give you cash back if the balance is below a particular value. This is a quick and convenient way of getting a little cash back from an unfinished gift card.
The maximum values per state include:
- California – $10
- Colorado – $5
- Maine – $5
- Massachusetts – $5
- Missouri – $5
By now, you should know how to find a gift card exchange kiosk near me, but…
Have You Got All the Info You Need?
Depending on what gift card you have, you may also be interested in our answers to Can I check Michaels gift card balance online, and How To Turn an Unwanted Visa Gift Card Into Amazon Gold in 2023!
Got an unwanted Walmart gift card or voucher?
Then you might have more options. Find out all about them by reading our answers to any of the following popular questions, Can You Get Cash Back From A Walmart Gift Card, Can You Buy Gift Cards with Gift Cards at Walmart, and Can You Return Gift Cards to Walmart?
More on points and rewards programs…
Many people are currently asking, Is Fetch Rewards Safe Legit, and Exactly What is Amazon Promotional Balance?
And finally, if you’re simply looking to make some quick cash…
Then we have loads more to share with you!
Why not take a look at the 15 Best Places to Sell Used Fine China Dishes, the Best Places to Sell Your Used Bike for Cash, the Best Places to Sell Used Rims for Cash, the Best Places to Sell Used Car Batteries, the Best Places to Sell a Broken TV, and the Best Places to Sell Concert Tickets?
Or even, How to Make $500 Fast!
Ok, back to…
Final Thoughts
Using a gift card kiosk is a good way to receive instant cash for your unwanted vouchers. All you need to do is visit the location page for a company such as GiftCardBin. However, you should be aware that you will only receive a percentage of the remaining value.
Therefore, comparing the percentage offered by different companies helps to make sure you get the best deal. You can also check out a range of online platforms to find out how much they will give you. If you’re not satisfied with the offer, consider re-gifting your card or donating it to charity.
Happy cashing in!