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Got gift cards you don't want? Do this!

Gift cards make for a nice present, but what if you get a gift card that you don't intend on using? It could be a gift card for money towards a store that you would never willingly go to or one that you're not familiar with.

While gift cards are often non-returnable, it is possible to sell them for cash or trade them online for credit at another shop. Here are the best ways to avoid being stuck with gift card duds.

Online gift card trading

There are several gift card exchange websites that enable you to trade your unwanted gift card either for cash or a gift card from another retailer. However, do keep in mind that you may not get 100% back while engaging in these exchanges online because the host website may take a small fee. That said, it’s still better than being stuck with a gift card you have no use for.

Get cash by selling gift cards

When you sell your gift card for cash, bear in mind that the return could be lower than if you were to exchange it. The best way to get good returns is to swap your gift card with that for another store. Gift cards for groceries often have a good resale value, as do those for gas stations or large retailers.

The best time to sell your gift card

Don't exchange your gift card right after the holidays, as you won't get the best resale value for it. You could hold on to your gift card for an additional month so that you can earn a bit more in returns. But don't hold on to it for so long that you forget about it entirely. In addition, ensure you browse through multiple gift card exchange options so you can get the best deal. Some retailers may even offer in-store trade-ins.

The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon since it is subject to change.