online business

Weve all been there. Someone gets you a gift card, but its to a place you never shop at. So now what do you do with it?A viewer reached out to Rossen Reports asking if any places exchange gift cards for cash.Good news unused gift cards dont have to sit idle in your wallet. Some platforms let you sell your unwanted gift cards for cash, though you wont receive the full value of the gift card.Here are two platforms weve tested on Rossen Reports.The Gift Card ExchangeThe Gift Card Exchange, or GCX, previously known as Raise Marketplace, allows you to sell your gift card directly to buyers. You put in the value for the gift card, and GCX suggests a selling price. Once the card sells, you get the money sent to you via Direct Deposit or PayPal.CardCashWith CardCash, you dont have to wait around for a seller to buy your card youre selling directly to CardCash. You can get paid via a check, direct deposit, or PayPal. Alternatively, you can trade in your gift card in exchange for a gift card at another retailer youre more likely to shop at. Buying Discounted Gift CardsBoth platforms also allow you to buy discounted gift cards. However, its important to remember that the gift card industry is a target for scammers and that buying from a secondary marketplace comes with inherent risks. To ensure the best purchase protection, we recommend using any gift cards within the money-back guarantee window. GCX offers a 90-day guarantee, while CardCash offers a 45-day guarantee.Other IdeasDont want to deal with selling your gift cards online? Try selling them to friends, family, and coworkers instead. Take a few dollars off to sweeten the deal like $5 off a $25 gift card and ask for payment in cash or by digital wallet like Venmo or Zelle.Have a question for Jeff Rossen? Hes answering your consumer questions every Friday in the new segment “Rossen Responds.” Email your questions to him at RossenResponds@hearst.com. Want bonus content and exclusive deals? Make sure to sign up for our free newsletter at RossenReports.com.