The main places to sell unwanted gift certificates
You can sell an unwanted gift certificate on a resale marketplace, to a local business that buys them, or directly to someone you know. The most common route is an online marketplace like Raise or CardCash, which connect buyers and sellers of gift cards and certificates. These sites handle the payment and transfer, though they take a percentage (usually 2 to 10 percent) of what you receive. Local options include pawn shops, consignment stores, and some restaurants or retailers that buy certificates from customers directly.
The amount you receive depends on the certificate's face value, the brand, and how much demand exists for it. A certificate to a popular national chain typically sells faster and for a higher percentage of face value than one to a local restaurant. Timing matters too—certificates to holiday-heavy retailers sell better in November and December, while restaurant certificates move steadily year-round.
Key Takeaways
- Online marketplaces like Raise and CardCash are the fastest way to reach buyers, though they charge a percentage of your sale.
- Local pawn shops and consignment stores buy certificates in person, which means you get cash when ready without waiting for a buyer.
- You will receive less than face value—typically 60 to 90 percent depending on the brand and current demand.
- Popular national brands sell faster and for higher percentages than certificates to local or niche businesses.
- You will need the certificate number, PIN (if there is one), and proof of the remaining balance before you list it.
Selling on online resale marketplaces
Online marketplaces are the largest market for gift certificates. Raise and CardCash are the two biggest platforms in the United States. Both work the same way: you create an account, enter the certificate details (issuer, face value, remaining balance), and set your asking price. The site lists it for buyers, and once someone purchases it, you receive the certificate number and PIN to send to them. The marketplace then sends you payment, minus their fee.
Raise typically takes 1 percent from sellers, while CardCash takes 5.5 percent. Other platforms like Gameflip (which focuses on gaming and entertainment certificates) and Decluttr (which buys certificates outright at a set price) operate differently—Decluttr offers you a fixed price when ready rather than letting you set your own asking price. The trade-off is speed: Decluttr pays faster but usually offers less money.
Before you list, check the certificate's balance on the issuer's website. Many platforms require proof of the remaining balance, and buyers will verify it before completing the purchase. If the certificate has already been partially used, disclose that in your listing.
Selling to local businesses and pawn shops
Pawn shops and consignment stores in your area often buy gift certificates on the spot. Call ahead to ask whether they buy certificates, which brands they accept, and what percentage of face value they typically offer. Pawn shops usually offer 50 to 75 percent of face value, while consignment stores may offer higher percentages if the certificate is to a popular local business.
Some restaurants, retailers, and entertainment venues also buy certificates directly from customers. A steakhouse might buy a competitor's certificate, or a movie theater might buy a concert venue certificate. Call the business and ask whether they have a gift certificate buyback program. This route is slower than online marketplaces because you have to contact each business individually, but you avoid marketplace fees and get cash when ready.
What affects how much you'll receive
The percentage of face value you receive depends on four main factors: the brand's popularity, the type of business, current demand, and the certificate's condition. A $100 certificate to Target or Amazon typically sells for 75 to 90 percent of face value because demand is high and the certificate never expires. A $100 certificate to a local pizza restaurant might sell for 50 to 70 percent because fewer people are looking for it.
Seasonal demand also matters. Restaurant certificates sell steadily, but retail certificates spike in November and December. Entertainment certificates (movies, concerts, theme parks) sell better in summer. If you are not in a rush, waiting for the right season can increase what you receive.
The certificate's remaining balance and expiration date also affect price. A certificate with a full balance and no expiration date sells for more than one that expires in three months or has already been partially spent. If your certificate is close to expiring, list it when ready—buyers will pay less for a certificate with a short window to use it.
How to prepare your certificate for sale
Before you list or sell your certificate, gather the information a buyer or marketplace will need. Find the certificate number (usually printed on the front or back), the PIN or security code (if there is one), and the face value. Then check the issuer's website to confirm the remaining balance and expiration date. Write down all of this information before you contact a marketplace or local buyer.
Take a clear photo of the front and back of the certificate if you are selling through an online marketplace. Some platforms require this as proof. Do not share the certificate number or PIN publicly—only send it to the buyer after payment is confirmed. If you are selling to a local business, bring the physical certificate with you so they can inspect it.
Comparing your options: online vs. local
| Option | Speed | Percentage of Face Value | Effort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online marketplace (Raise, CardCash) | 3 to 7 days | 60 to 90 percent | Create account, list, wait for buyer |
| Pawn shop | Same day | 50 to 75 percent | Call, visit in person |
| Consignment store | 1 to 2 weeks | 60 to 80 percent | Drop off, wait for sale |
| Direct to business | Same day | 50 to 70 percent | Call multiple businesses |
| Decluttr (fixed price) | 2 to 3 days | 40 to 70 percent | Enter details, ship or email |
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not list a certificate without confirming its remaining balance first. Buyers will check the balance themselves, and if it is lower than you stated, the sale will fall through and you will waste time. Similarly, do not ignore expiration dates. A certificate that expires in two weeks will sell for much less than one with a year left, so be honest about the important date.
Avoid listing on multiple platforms at once unless you are prepared to remove it when ready once it sells. If you sell the same certificate on two sites, the second buyer will discover the certificate is already used and you will face disputes and potential account penalties. List on one platform, and if it does not sell within a week, remove it and try another.
Do not share the certificate number or PIN in your listing or in messages before payment is confirmed. Share it only with the buyer after they have paid and the transaction is locked in. Scammers monitor listings for this information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell a gift certificate that has already been partially used?
Yes, but you must disclose the remaining balance in your listing. Check the issuer's website to confirm the exact amount left, and tell the buyer what that balance is. You will receive less money than for a full-value certificate, but there is still a market for partially used ones.
What if the certificate has no expiration date?
Certificates with no expiration date sell for a higher percentage of face value because buyers have unlimited time to use them. If your certificate does not list an expiration date, contact the issuer to confirm it truly has no important date, then mention this in your listing—it is a selling point.
How long does it take to get paid after I sell a certificate?
Online marketplaces typically send payment 3 to 7 days after the buyer confirms receipt of the certificate number and PIN. Pawn shops and local businesses pay when ready in cash. Decluttr pays within 2 to 3 days of you submitting the certificate details.
Can I sell a gift certificate if I lost the physical card but still have the number?
Most online marketplaces will accept a certificate if you have the number and PIN, since they do not need the physical card. Local businesses and pawn shops usually want to see the card in person. Contact the marketplace or business first to ask what they require.
What happens if the buyer claims the certificate does not work?
Reputable marketplaces like Raise and CardCash protect both buyers and sellers. If a buyer reports that the certificate is invalid or has a lower balance than listed, the platform investigates. If you listed the balance accurately and the certificate was valid when you sold it, you are protected. Keep your proof of the original balance in case you need it.