In one of those ‘big number’ moments, NPR reported that $41 billion is tied up in gift cards that haven’t been redeemed since 2005. Another $27.8 billion is estimated to have been given as gift cards this holiday season. Along with discussing the unclaimed gift card money, they also offered suggestions of sites that allow you to trade in your gift cards for cash or if you are on the other end, you can buy those traded in gift cards at a discount.
Plastic Jungle – Plastic Jungle allows you to trade in your gift card for cash at a percentage of the gift card’s value depending on the brand and demand. Shipping is free and certain gift cards be traded in electronically. You can also buy gift cards from Plastic Jungle for up to 35% discount
Gift Card Rescue – Gift Card Rescue works much the same way as Plastic Jungle. You can sell your unwanted gift cards and buy others at a discount. You get a quote for your cards, ship them in, and then you get paid.
Cardpool – Cardpool boasts being the largest and fastest-growing gift card exchange with up to 92% of the value of the cards you trade in or a 35% discount on the cards you buy.
Goalmine – Goalmine is the odd man out in this list. Instead of selling your gift cards, you are investing the monetary value of the cards in a mutual fund. Right now, they are offering 150% of the first $50 in gift cards you trade in to open a new account. They’re partnering with Plastic Jungle to offer this but it gives you another place to check out if you have gift cards for businesses not in your area or do not offer anything of interest to you.
(via NPR)
Thanks, Jeanne!