Getting a gift card can be exciting, as it gives you a chance to get precisely what you want. But what happens when you receive one for a store you never shop at? Friends and family can have the best intentions, but that doesn’t mean they always get it right. You smile and thank the person for such a thoughtful gift while wondering, “Can you return gift cards?”
A gift card is one of the easiest presents to give. In fact, they’re so common during the holiday season that many people end up with duplicates. But no one wants to carry around unredeemed vouchers in their wallet forever. If you can’t use one, the next best option is being able to return the gift card quickly and easily. But is that always possible?
Here at Remitly, we don’t want your gift card money to go to waste. Our guide will break down state laws about gift cards, typical store return policies, alternatives to returns, and how to handle regifting graciously.
Why most retailers say “no” to gift card returns
Here’s the first thing you should know about any gift card: in most cases, you won’t be able to return it at the store. But why is the most important question.
For many large retailers, the standard policy is that gift cards are non-refundable and non-returnable items. For example, if you read Amazon’s policy carefully, even balance transfers to another account are prohibited. These guidelines often apply to both physical and digital gift cards.
Retailers treat gift cards differently from merchandise because they function more like cash than a product. Once the gift card is activated, the funds are immediately available, which can complicate the return process. Even if you use the gift card and try to return the item purchased with it for cash back, almost all retailers will issue another gift card or store credit instead.
Fraud prevention: the big reason why
One of the biggest reasons retailers don’t allow gift card returns is to prevent fraud.
Gift cards are frequently targeted in scams, including:
- Stolen credit cards to buy gift cards
- Money laundering schemes
- Scams where the balance is stolen shortly after purchase
It’s not uncommon to see new reports warning about the latest gift card scam, especially around the holiday season. If retailers allowed refunds on these cards, it could make these issues worse for both them and the consumer.
In fact, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) repeatedly warns consumers about gift card fraud. By offering tips on how to avoid these scammers and who to contact if something goes wrong, they help keep US citizens safe.
When you can get cash back: State gift card laws
We all understand the importance of protecting against fraud. Still, it can be frustrating to be stuck with a gift card you can’t or won’t use.
Although retailers have strict policies on vouchers sold at their stores, state law overrides those. Currently, ten US states require retailers to issue cash refunds for gift cards.
The catch? Refunds are available only for cards over certain amounts.
Consumer protection laws are designed to help customers recover small balances. Realistically, many gift cards end up with a few cents or a couple of dollars left that go unused. As a result, several states have enacted laws that allow you to receive up to $9.99 in cash back. Some of them include:
| State | Maximum amount for cash out |
| California | $9.99 USD* |
| Maine | $5.00 USD |
| Colorado | $4.99 USD |
| Vermont | $0.99 USD |
*Effective April 1, 2026, California’s maximum amount will jump to $15.00 USD.
In these states, you can simply ask the cashier to cash out the remaining balance. If they’re unaware of the prevailing civil code, just inform them or speak with their customer service representative. Target, for example, has a customer service area for returns, and the retail associates there can help if your balance is within the allowed cash-out range.
However, it’s best to check your state laws when it comes to gift cards purchased through third-party sellers. For Visa or Mastercard prepaid cards, you’ll also need to check individual stores’ terms and conditions, even if you live in a state with favorable cash-out laws.
Keeping retailer policies and state laws in mind, how do you navigate returning a gift card from a loved one, friend, or even a co-worker?
Returning the gift card to the giver, with grace
It’s easy to repackage or return a gift when it’s a shirt or a picture frame. Presents you don’t want or need get tucked away into the closet, passed along to the next recipient, or returned to the store, and the giver doesn’t have to know. But gift cards can be a little trickier.
With a gift card, it’s like carrying around cash, except you can’t use it. However, you can return it to the giver, with the right approach and some thoughtful etiquette, of course. Giving back gifts isn’t always ideal, but for these cards, it’s best to give them to someone who will use them.
Why do people return gift cards?
Here are a few acceptable reasons for giving a gift card back:
- You’re extremely close to the giver (partner, parent, sibling) and know they won’t be offended.
- The card was clearly purchased in error; for example, they got the store you liked wrong.
- The gift is genuinely unusable, such as an Apple Store card when you’re an Android user.
If you feel it’s truly best to return the card, let’s take a look at how to approach the situation.
How to return gift cards: etiquette guide
Once you’ve decided to return the card to the giver, you’ll want to do so thoughtfully. Use these helpful tips to approach the giver:
- Lead with gratitude, not inconvenience or anger that they didn’t get you what you wanted.
- Explain clearly, but briefly, why you won’t use the gift card.
- Offer an alternative, such as using it together or letting them keep it.
You might say something like, “I really appreciate this. It was very thoughtful of you, but I won’t be able to use it, so I would love for you to use it instead.”
While there’s no guarantee the giver won’t be upset that their gift didn’t work out, approaching the situation with love and care will help ease the tension. But if this is a route that you’re uncomfortable with, there are a few alternative options.
4 smart alternatives to returning a gift card
Giving back gifts isn’t always easy. If you know the giver won’t handle it well and you’re hesitant to approach them, there are other options.
Let’s take a look at four different ways you can make use of a gift card without returning it to the sender.
1) Sell the gift card online
If your goal is to get the funds off the card and use them, selling it online is one of the easiest options.
Several trusted websites allow you to sell the card and earn money from it. While you won’t receive the card’s exact value, you can typically get 60–90% of its face value, depending on the store or brand. CardCash, for example, will pay up to 92% of your gift card’s value.
Well-known and trusted platforms for selling gift cards include:
- CardCash
- Raise
- Gift Card Granny
- eBay
It’s a good idea to research different sites before choosing to sell. This lets you see which site offers the best value for your gift card. Equally important, stick to trusted sites like the ones above to avoid scams.
2) Exchange it for a gift card you’ll use
While most platforms and retailers won’t allow gift card returns, they might let you exchange them. Say you have a card you don’t plan to use but love shopping at Target; you can trade the first in for the store of your choice. However, just as with selling your gift card, you may not receive equal value.
This can be a great alternative if you don’t need cash—just a gift card that’s more suitable to your tastes.
3) Regift the card
While regifting doesn’t have the best reputation, it can be an appropriate solution if done thoughtfully.
Before passing the gift card along to someone else, consider the following:
- Make sure the card isn’t personalized.
- Check for an expiration date.
- If it hasn’t been activated yet, ensure they have the correct instructions and PIN.
While the card might not have worked out for you, it could be perfect for someone else. If you want to take it one step further, write a thoughtful note to go along with the gift card.
4) Donate to a charity or someone in need
The last alternative is a great way to pass on your gift card, but many people don’t know about it. If cash isn’t a priority and you don’t want to trade in the gift card, you can donate it. This may also help you avoid an awkward conversation of returning it to the giver, if that makes you uneasy.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, for example, lets you donate unwanted gift cards. This can help families with children undergoing treatment or aid in further research for the hospital.
Other ways to donate:
- Donate your gift card to a local food bank
- Give your gift card personally to someone in need
- Ask your local church if they take gift cards
Donating a gift card, especially one for a food or coffee retailer, may help someone find a hot meal during the cold winter months. By passing on the card, you ensure it gets used for a good cause.
Tip: Donations to organizations like Charity of Choice are tax-deductible, even if it’s a gift card.
Pick the best option for you
Getting a gift card you won’t or can’t use doesn’t have to mean disappointment. There’s no need to carry it around or let it collect dust. There are options available to help you make the most of your gift.
And if you need help in the future, think about the person who tends to buy gift cards and offer examples of stores or brands you do like. If it’s the holiday season or your birthday is coming up, leave helpful hints. This will help point them in the right direction and perhaps help them avoid buying you a gift card you won’t use.
Whichever option you go with, your gift card won’t be wasted.
FAQs
Can I return an unused Amazon gift card?
No. Amazon doesn’t allow gift returns or balance transfers. If you have an unused gift card, you can sell it online or regift it so it doesn’t go to waste.
Can I return a gift card if I have a receipt and haven’t used it?
Most retailers, if not all, don’t allow gift card returns. No-return policies are aimed at helping prevent fraud and misuse of the system. However, you may be able to exchange it for a different gift card.
Do gift cards expire?
Some gift cards may expire after a while. It’s best to read the card’s instructions when activating it or contact the retailer for more information.