Getting Cash for Giftcards

[CharlieSays]

My family gave me a couple of those "Vanilla Visa" generic giftcards for christmas. It's very generous and I really appreciate it, but I barely pay rent and would rather have cash.

I sent myself a GiftRocket using the Vanilla Visa as payment method.
Chose to redeem with PayPal
Transferred PayPal money to my bank account.

IT TOTALLY WORKS. The money showed up in my bank. You have to pay the small GiftRocket fee, but it's worth it to me.

Just thought I'd share in case anyone would rather have cash than giftcards.

 

[schlmoe]

I'm pretty sure that vanilla visa works at ATM machines. IIRC, you have to register at the website with name, address, etc. and you are good to go. There is an ATM fee (couple bucks, I believe), and you'll have to compare it to the gift rocket fee, and going to the different websites you described.

Bottom line: there may be more than 1 method of converting those cards into cash

 

[Shaun__]

I always trade my gift cards in for Amazon credit, I have no idea why no one ever wants to give me that from the start. I was so happy when they finally stopped giving me cards for the over priced Barnes & Noble store.

 

[mynameisbob84]

I despise store-specific gift cards. I really am that ungrateful and curmudgeonly I just don't see the logic...

"Hey, Happy Birthday/Merry Christmas/Congratulations on your Wedding Day/whatever... I wasn't sure what to get you so thought I'd just give you some money"
"Hey, that's great. Money always comes in handy. Thank you"
"Yeah... thing is... I didn't want to just hand over some money in a card... so, I exchanged the money for a piece of plastic which can then be exchanged for items in stores... so if you wanted to save that money or use it for bills, um... you can't"
"Oh... well, that's okay, there's always stuff I need to buy, groceries and whatnot, ya know? Thank you"
"Yeah... thing is, it's not valid at any grocery stores, or supermarkets..."
"Oh... well, that's okay. There's a few computer games I want, and some albums and films... I'm sure I'll find something to buy with it. Thanks"
"Actually, it's a gift card for a hardware store. You can only spend it in this one hardware store. I'm sorry"
"Oh... well, hey, I was planning on doing some home improvements next Summer. Don't worry about it."
"Next Summer? Um... actually, the gift card expires in six months..."
"Oh.. well... thanks?"

It also reminds me of Itchy and Scratchy Money :-D

 

[Gen]

I like the store-specific ones, because I usually get them for places that I like to go but wouldn't necessarily spend a lot of money at, so it feels like an excuse to treat yourself. I got a Sephora gift card for Christmas and I am so excited to spend it :mrgreen: