What to Do With Low Balance Gift Cards?

Gift cards often accumulate small, remaining balances, leaving consumers with seemingly unusable amounts. Many individuals find these sums challenging to spend, leading to cards being forgotten or discarded. This article provides practical strategies for maximizing the utility and value of these low-balance gift cards, transforming them into usable assets.

Utilizing Small Balances Directly

One approach for managing a low-balance gift card involves using it for minor, everyday purchases like a cup of coffee, a snack, or a small accessory. For online retailers, a small balance can cover part of a larger order or an entire low-cost item. Checking the exact balance before purchasing can prevent inconvenience. Many retailers offer online balance checkers or a phone number on the card.

Combining a gift card’s small balance with another form of payment is an effective method to utilize its value for a larger purchase. Most retailers allow customers to split a transaction, applying the gift card’s remaining amount first and then covering the difference with a debit card, credit card, or cash. For digital convenience, some physical gift cards can be added to mobile wallets, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, or directly to an online retailer’s account balance, like an Amazon gift card balance. This integration simplifies future transactions, making it easier to track and apply the small balance without needing the physical card.

Strategies for Combining or Increasing Value

For individuals holding multiple low-balance gift cards from the same retailer, some stores offer consolidation onto a single card. This combines fragmented balances into one larger, more manageable sum, making it easier to use for a significant purchase. Consolidation typically occurs at the customer service desk in a physical store.

Reloading a gift card with additional funds presents a viable strategy for increasing its usability, especially for cards from frequently visited stores. If a card is reloadable, adding money converts a small balance into a more practical amount for future shopping. This is beneficial for retailers where you regularly spend money, as it essentially turns the gift card into a pre-paid debit card for that merchant. Some retailers also provide the option to convert a physical gift card balance into store credit, which might offer greater flexibility or easier tracking.

Selling or Trading Unwanted Balances

Individuals can convert unwanted gift card balances into cash by utilizing specialized online marketplaces. These platforms purchase gift cards, typically at 70% to 90% of their face value. After listing a gift card, the seller usually receives payment once the card’s balance is verified. This provides a direct way to recoup financial value from an unused card.

Peer-to-peer selling offers another avenue for liquidating gift card balances, though it requires caution. This can involve selling to friends, family, or through local online marketplaces. While this approach might yield a higher percentage of the card’s value compared to dedicated resale sites, it carries an increased risk of scams. Verifying the buyer’s legitimacy and ensuring secure transaction methods are paramount. Alternatively, trading gift cards with acquaintances can be mutually beneficial, such as exchanging a card for a store you do not frequent with a friend who has a card for a store you prefer.

Donating or Regifting

Low-balance gift cards can be donated to charitable organizations. Even small amounts can be valuable to non-profits, as they can combine contributions to purchase supplies or support programs. Many charities accept gift card donations, recognizing their utility. This ensures the remaining value contributes to a cause.

Regifting a low-balance card offers a practical solution, especially if the recipient frequently shops at the specific store. It can be given as a standalone small gesture or as an additional component to a larger present. Before donating or regifting, confirm the card’s validity, checking for any hidden fees or expiration dates. Most gift cards issued after 2009 are protected by federal law, meaning they cannot expire for at least five years from the date of issuance or the last time funds were added.