8 Expert Tips to Save Money on Holiday Gift Cards—Don’t Miss These Amazing Deals and Tricks!
Find out how to save money on last-minute gift cards thanks to giveaways, exchange websites and more
If you’re still searching for the perfect last-minute gift this holiday season, gift cards are always a great option! But if you’re buying multiple cards or loading up with large amounts, costs can add up quickly. The good news? You don’t have to pay full price.
“Getting gift cards at a discount can be an amazing way to save money, whether you’re planning to use them yourself or gift them to someone special,” says Laurie Hise, CEO of Passionate Penny Pincher. “The holidays are an especially great time to find deals.”
Keep reading for expert tips on how to score gift cards for less.
Common gift cards to find on sale
Retailers, restaurants and online stores all offer great deals on gift cards in the weeks leading up to Christmas. “Gift cards for major brands like Amazon, Target, Starbucks, and Applebee’s often have promotions offering bonus cards or discounts during the holiday season,” says Hise. “Additionally, some grocery stores and warehouse clubs like Costco offer deals on gift cards, where you can purchase them below face value.”
An important note: Be mindful of shipping times close to Christmas if you’re planning on giving it as a gift and consider opting for an egift card that can be redeemed online instead of a physical one, advises Bella Gerard, shopping and trend advisor for the cash-back app Rakuten. “And remember to pick a retailer the recipient really loves, so that the gift still feels personal.”
8 expert tips to save on gift cards
1. Use cashback apps and sites
Whether you’re spending money on last-minute gifts or everyday purchases, utilizing cash-back platforms is an easy way to put money towards gift card purchases. “With cashback platforms like Rakuten, you can shop for gift cards and earn cash back when you purchase, so some of that money still ends up in your pocket,” says Gerard. “Joining Rakuten is free and simple — it’s a no-brainer!”
Other discounts and cashback apps and sites to consider: Honey, Capital One Shopping and CouponCabin.com. “On CouponCabin.com, you can earn extra money back on your purchase as this qualifies as a regular purchase at the store’s site,” shares budgeting pro Andrea Woroch. “For example, you can get 16% cash back at Athleta, 6% cash back at Macy’s and 2% cash back at Dick’s Sporting Goods.”
2. Redeem credit card rewards
If you make a lot of credit card purchases, you may find you already have “free” money available from the rewards portal or loyalty program. “Review your credit card rewards as you may have enough points or miles to get gift cards for no cost,” says Woroch. This means you can get the cards you want without having to spend any extra money!
3. Earn points with Fetch
Like cashback websites, Fetch Shop allows you to earn points for every online purchase you make (as long as it’s a partner retailer). Just download Fetch Shop to your browser or utilize the Fetch app, which allows you to earn points by scanning receipts.
“Points can be redeemed for gift cards to a variety of retailers and restaurants including Target, Amazon, Sephora, Starbucks and more,” shares Woroch. “Last year I had over 60,000 points in my Fetch account and I redeemed points for gift cards to give as teacher gifts—all for free!”
4. Look for holiday promotions
Most retailers and restaurants like to entice customers during the holiday season with great deals, and that includes bonus gift cards! “For example, buy a $100 gift card and receive an extra $10 card,” explains Hise.
You can use this to buy another gift card or put it towards a purchase to pair with a gift card. “This could be adding a lip gloss to give with a beauty gift card,” suggests Woroch.
For example, Chili’s is allowing customers to receive a free $10 bonus gift card for every $50 purchased in gift cards, says Woroch. Target will also give you a free $5 Target gift card if you buy $50 worth of Google Play gift cards.
5. Shop in bulk
Membership-only warehouse clubs are great for more than just buying holiday items in bulk; they’re a recommended option for buying discounted gift cards too. “Warehouse stores like Costco sell gift cards in bundle packs for 20 to 30% off,” says Woroch.
But you don’t have to head to Costco or Sam’s Club to get multiple gift cards at a discount. “Restaurants and retailers often offer these deals, especially during peak shopping times,” shares Hise.
6. Try gift card exchange websites
Gift card resale websites are a fantastic way to buy other people’s unwanted gift cards at a discount. On websites like Raise, CardCash and Gift Card Granny, you can often find popular store cards for up to 30%, says Hise.
Even more good news? You can sell or trade your own unwanted gift cards to get others that are a better fit, so the money still gets put to good use!
“Some retailers also occasionally have trade-in events where you can exchange gift cards from other stores for theirs,” adds Hise. “These programs provide a convenient way to ensure that your gift cards don’t go to waste and can be used towards something more desirable.”
7. Enter giveaways and contests
To drum up excitement during the holiday season, it’s not uncommon for businesses to hold special giveaways or contests for their customers. Be sure to follow your favorite brands on social media to keep an eye out. “Many companies give away gift cards as prizes, and you might snag one for free!” says Hise.
(Note: Do your due diligence on the company to ensure they are legitimate; you don’t want to provide personal information—should you win the contest—to a scam artist!)
8. Browse deal sites
Websites like LivingSocial and Groupon are fantastic options for scoring discounted gift cards, experts say. They regularly offer deals on your favorite stores and restaurants, and you may even be able to find an affordable gift certificate for an experience, spa or dining location that you know a friend or loved one would love to try!
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