What to Do With Small Balances on Gift Cards?

It is common to find yourself with gift cards holding small, often unspent balances. While these sums may seem insignificant, practical solutions exist for making the most of them. This article explores effective strategies to ensure no value is left behind on your gift cards.

Maximizing Direct Spending

The most straightforward approach for utilizing a small gift card balance involves direct spending at the original retailer. Many stores facilitate “split tender” transactions, allowing a customer to use the gift card to cover a portion of a larger purchase and pay the remaining amount with another method, such as a debit or credit card. Online retailers also frequently offer this flexibility, enabling partial payments with gift cards during checkout.

Another effective strategy is to use the small balance for low-cost items available at the retailer. Products like coffee, snacks, or small accessories can often be purchased entirely or mostly with a small leftover balance. Before attempting any purchase, it is advisable to check the exact balance on the gift card to avoid unexpected declines and plan your purchase effectively.

Converting or Combining Balances

For those with multiple small balances, consolidating them can create a more substantial and usable amount. Some retailers allow customers to combine several gift cards from the same store onto a single new card. This practice varies by retailer policy, so checking with customer service or at a service desk is recommended.

Alternatively, if direct use or combining within the same retailer is not feasible, third-party platforms offer services to convert gift card balances. These platforms allow users to sell or trade their gift cards for cash, store credit, or gift cards to different retailers. While convenient, these services typically involve a commission or fee. Commissions can range from 8% to 40%, depending on the platform and the popularity of the gift card. Review the terms and conditions, including any associated fees, before engaging with such services.

Alternative Uses

Beyond direct spending or conversion, small gift card balances can also be used in creative or charitable ways. Many charitable organizations accept gift card donations, and even a small amount can contribute to their cause when combined with other donations. Some platforms specifically facilitate donating gift card balances to various charities.

Another option is to use the gift card to purchase a small, practical item that can then be donated to a local charity, such as a food bank, shelter, or school supply drive. For instance, a small balance could buy a few cans of food or school supplies. Such small balances can also be used as a “pay it forward” gesture, like buying a coffee for someone else in line, or as a small token of appreciation for a service provider. Re-gifting a card with a small balance is also possible if the card is still valid and suitable for the recipient.