Gift Cards Where Face Value Is > Cost

Updated on November 24, 2014
F.B. asks from Kew Gardens, NY
15 answers

Mamas & Papas-

Can anyone direct me to a place where I can buy gift cards for less than their face value, and still get out ahead after transaction fees and costs? i.e. the sort of thing where I can pay $20, and buy a $25 value gift card, and possibly something like a small activation fee or shipping and handling fee of $1, and still come out $4 ahead on the transaction?

This would help with the holiday gifts, but it would also be a good strategy for our own shopping at those shops we often frequent, i.e. CVS, starbucks/ dunkin donuts, stop & shop, old navy, the gas station and amazon. A non store specific card would do too, i.e. an amex or visa gift card.

Thanks a bunch,
F. B.

1 mom found this helpful

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J.C.

answers from Columbus on

Around here, many of the grocery stores that have gas stations along with them sell gift cards at full face value, but you get points on the store points card for money off of gas, so say you buy a $25 gift card, you will get 10c off per gallon. This can add up quickly, and you can even put the points together at some of the stores. Two years ago, my ex got TWO fill-ups for 10c per gallon because he had so many points!

This isn't exactly what you were asking about, but I've never heard of something like you asked about, but this is a great way to get something back when you buy gift cards...When I need to do home improvements, I always go buy a gift card for home depot for around the amount I know I'm going to spend, and then I save money on gas later!

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M.F.

answers from Phoenix on

Groupon, Amazon Local, etc.
Occasionally, Target will offer iTunes gift cards at less than face value and I always stock up on those when I see them.

3 moms found this helpful

C.C.

answers from San Francisco on

Costco has a lot of deals like that. I'd check there.

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K.A.

answers from San Diego on

Costco is the only place I can think of that you might be able to save money on gift cards. Sometimes stores will offer discounts on their own cards. for instance I know Build a Bear will offer a deal where you can buy a $10 gift card for only $5. I believe you need to make a purchase of a certain amount though. But still, half price for another visit is pretty good!
Be careful going to secondary market locations as you could find yourself with a bogus gift card like a stolen one.

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D.P.

answers from Detroit on

Target gc are 10% off this black friday… up to $300/ household and can be used after 11/29.

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C.S.

answers from Las Vegas on

propertyroom.com has some cards from time to time. It is an auction, so if you are lucky, you will get them at the right price.

Do you have a Smiths/Kroger in NY? We get gas rewards for using our store card and gift card purchases work too.

So if you need more points you just buy gift cards and then get the discount in gas.

Win - win!

L.A.

answers from Austin on

Groupon, Costco. Also check out local businesses. We have a local theater that if you purchase a certain amount you get a gift crd for $10. No limit also some of the local restaurants do the sme. Best part? No fees.

K.C.

answers from Washington DC on

BJs and Costco are almost always like this. I stock up when they also have a coupon.

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O.O.

answers from Los Angeles on

Cardpool.com
Giftcardexchange.com

J.B.

answers from Houston on

Check Craigslist, I see people on there from time to time selling gift cards for less than face value.
Buyer beware though.

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S.B.

answers from Dallas on

You might check with some local restaurants. Chili's has a deal if you buy $50 in gift cards (can be 2 -$25, etc) you get a $10 bonus card. Last year the bonus card had to be used in the month of January( or some restriction) but the regular gift card could be used anytime. I just bought a $20 Card at Baker Bros and got $25 on the card. There are usually several restaurants that do that each year. Costco offers a lot of deals on gift cards too!

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S.H.

answers from Des Moines on

Raise.com....used them many times. But beware that some are online only gift cards and you do not get a physical card. Used them many many times...never had an issue.

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R.S.

answers from Denver on

cardpool.com is ligit but its typically only a small discount. I find thats its worthwhile.

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S.S.

answers from Chicago on

I have never heard of it. But some schools have what is called the script program. you canpurchase them there. you still pay full price but the school gets a kickback which then uses it for either school stuff or if its a private school they let you build up that amount for use on your tuition. I know we paid a lot of our tuition that way when the kids were in catholic schools.

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