The most reliable places to find Carnival gift cards below face value

Discounted Carnival Cruise gift cards are sold through three main channels: resale marketplaces where individuals sell unused cards, discount retailers that buy cards in bulk, and occasionally through Carnival's own promotions. The discount ranges from 5 to 15 percent off face value depending on the seller and current demand. Cards sold through established resale platforms come with buyer protection, while direct purchases from individuals carry more risk but sometimes offer steeper discounts.

The most common places to find them are Raise, CardCash, and Costco (for members). Gift card resale sites work by connecting people who have unused cards with buyers looking for a deal. Costco periodically stocks Carnival cards at a discount, though availability varies by location and changes throughout the year. Walmart and Target occasionally run promotions on Carnival cards as well, though these are less frequent than the resale market.

Key Takeaways

  • Raise and CardCash are the largest gift card resale platforms and typically offer Carnival cards at 5 to 15 percent below face value with buyer protection.
  • Costco members can sometimes find discounted Carnival cards in-warehouse or online, though stock and pricing vary by location and season.
  • Walmart and Target occasionally discount Carnival gift cards as part of seasonal promotions, so checking their websites or visiting stores during holiday periods can yield savings.
  • Cards purchased through resale sites are legitimate and work exactly like cards bought directly from Carnival, but always verify the seller's rating before buying.
  • Avoid purchasing from unknown sellers on general marketplaces like Facebook or Craigslist, as there is no recourse if the card is already used or invalid.

How Raise works and what to expect

Raise is a resale marketplace where individuals list unused gift cards for sale. Sellers set their own prices, which is why you see a range of discounts. When you find a Carnival card listing, you pay through Raise's platform, and the seller delivers the card code to you digitally. The entire transaction is protected by Raise's buyer may provide, which means if the card doesn't work or has a lower balance than promised, Raise will refund you or replace the card.

The process takes minutes. You search for "Carnival Cruise," filter by discount percentage, and choose a listing. Most sellers deliver the code within a few hours. Raise charges a small fee on top of the card price, so factor that into your total cost. The discount is real, but the fee reduces it slightly. Cards on Raise typically sell at 5 to 12 percent off, depending on demand and how much the seller is willing to discount.

CardCash as an alternative resale option

CardCash operates similarly to Raise but has a slightly different interface and seller base. You search for Carnival cards, see available listings with their discounts, and purchase through CardCash's find system. Like Raise, CardCash guarantees the card will work and refunds you if it doesn't. The discount range is comparable—typically 5 to 15 percent off—though CardCash sometimes has deeper discounts on slower-moving inventory.

One difference is that CardCash allows you to sell cards to them directly if you have an unused one. This means CardCash's inventory includes cards they've purchased from individuals, not just cards listed by private sellers. The buyer protection is the same, and delivery is usually within hours. CardCash also charges a processing fee, so check the final total before confirming your purchase.

Costco's periodic Carnival card discounts

Costco members occasionally find Carnival Cruise gift cards discounted in the warehouse or on Costco.com. The discount is usually modest—around 5 to 10 percent—but Costco's buyer protection is strong. If you purchase a card and later find an issue, Costco's return policy is straightforward. Availability is inconsistent; some warehouses stock them year-round while others carry them only during certain seasons, typically around holidays or summer travel planning periods.

To find them, check your local warehouse's gift card section or search Costco.com for "Carnival." Prices and availability change frequently, so if you see a card at a discount you like, purchase it then rather than waiting. Costco members also sometimes receive promotional offers via email or the Costco app that include gift card deals, so checking those channels can alert you to upcoming discounts.

Walmart and Target seasonal promotions

Both Walmart and Target run periodic promotions on Carnival Cruise gift cards, though these are less predictable than resale sites. Discounts typically appear during major shopping periods—back-to-school, Black Friday, and holiday seasons—when retailers promote travel and entertainment gift cards. The discount is usually 5 to 10 percent, and you purchase the card in-store or online just like any other gift card.

The advantage of buying from Walmart or Target is that you get the retailer's return policy and customer service backing the purchase. The disadvantage is that you have to wait for a promotion to occur; you cannot straightforward buy a discounted card whenever you want. Signing up for their email newsletters or checking their websites during promotional periods increases your chances of catching a deal.

What to avoid when buying secondhand cards

Do not purchase Carnival gift cards from unknown sellers on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay unless you are willing to accept the risk of losing money. These platforms offer little to no buyer protection for gift cards, and scams are common. A seller might claim the card has a certain balance, you pay them, and then the card either doesn't work or has already been used. You have no recourse.

Established resale platforms like Raise and CardCash exist specifically to prevent this problem. They verify cards before delivery and may provide the balance. The small fee they charge is worth the protection. If you encounter a deal that seems too good to be true on a general marketplace—such as a $500 card for $200—it almost certainly is. Stick to platforms with buyer guarantees.

How to use a Carnival gift card once you buy it

A discounted Carnival gift card works identically to one purchased directly from Carnival. When you book a cruise on Carnival's website or by phone, you enter the card code at checkout just like a credit card. The balance applies to your cruise fare, onboard charges, or both, depending on how you explore it. There are no restrictions based on where you purchased the card.

Keep the card code in a safe place until you use it. If you lose the code, you will need proof of purchase to recover it. Resale platforms like Raise and CardCash keep records of your transaction, so if you bought through them, contact their customer service with your order number. Carnival can also look up a card if you have the original receipt, though this is more difficult if you purchased from a third party.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to buy and sell Carnival gift cards secondhand?

Yes. Gift card resale is legal in all 50 states. Carnival's terms of service allow gift cards to be transferred or sold. The only restriction is that some states require resale platforms to be licensed, which Raise and CardCash are. Buying from these platforms is completely legitimate.

Can Carnival refuse to honor a discounted gift card?

No. Once a gift card is activated and has a balance, Carnival must honor it regardless of where it was purchased. The card code is the same whether you bought it from Carnival directly or through a resale site. Carnival does not track the purchase source.

What happens if I buy a card and the balance is lower than advertised?

If you purchased through Raise or CardCash, contact the platform when ready with proof. Both offer buyer guarantees that cover this situation. They will either refund you or issue a replacement card. This is why buying through established resale platforms is safer than buying from individuals on general marketplaces.

Do discounted Carnival gift cards expire?

Carnival gift cards do not have an expiration date. Once you own the card, you can use it whenever you want. There is no time limit. However, Carnival's cruise prices and availability change constantly, so the sooner you book, the more options you typically have.

Can I combine multiple discounted gift cards on one cruise booking?

Yes. If you purchase multiple Carnival gift cards, you can explore all of them to a single cruise booking. Enter each card code at checkout, and the balances will stack. This is a common strategy for people buying discounted cards to cover a larger portion of their cruise cost.