On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Shopping Skills
Gift cards are a go-to option for easy holiday shopping, and with a little effort, you can snag them at a discount. Here’s how to score savings on gift cards while minimizing risks.
Wholesale clubs like Costco, BJ’s, and Sam’s Club often offer gift cards at discounts of up to 30% off:
- Examples:
- Costco: Four $25 Smashburger gift cards for $69.99.
- BJ’s: $50 Barnes & Noble gift cards for $39.99.
- Sam’s Club: Two $50 Fanatics gift cards for $79.98.
Pro Tip: In-store discounts tend to be better than online deals at wholesale clubs. However, memberships cost extra (e.g., $50/year for Sam’s Club or $60/year for Costco), so factor that into your decision. BJ’s offers a free one-day trial for online shopping.
Retailers often bundle gift cards with bonuses:
- Best Buy: Buy a $250 Delta gift card and get a $25 Best Buy e-gift card.
- Target: Spend $100 on Apple gift cards and get a $10 Target gift card.
- Discounted gift cards:
- $100 Regal Cinemas digital gift card for $80 at Best Buy.
- $50 Disney digital gift card for $45 at Best Buy.
Pro Tip: Check for gift cards from other brands at your favorite stores—sometimes they offer better discounts than the stores themselves.
Sites like Groupon and LivingSocial sometimes offer unique deals on gift cards:
- Look for regional discounts or hyperlocal offers.
- Examples: A local hair salon gift card for 20% off or a wine cellar gift card at 46% off.
Pro Tip: Enter the recipient’s ZIP code to find local deals in their area.
Sites like CardCash.com and Raise.com buy and sell unused gift cards at a discount:
- Save up to 30% off the card’s value.
- If you have unused gift cards, you can sell them for cash.
Important Tips:
- Use the purchased gift card immediately to avoid scammers spending the balance.
- Choose reputable sites offering money-back guarantees and customer service.
How to Avoid Scams:
- Research the site for typos, broken pages, and missing contact info.
- Check reviews on TrustPilot or Google before buying.
From wholesale clubs to online promotions and resellers, there are plenty of ways to get deals on gift cards. Shop smartly and enjoy giving gifts (and saving money!) this holiday season.