Unlock hidden savings: 9 smart gift card tricks you’ll wish you knew sooner (perfect for the holidays!)

Gift cards: they’re the go-to present for birthdays, Christmas, and those “oops, I forgot” moments. But did you know that with a little know-how, you can stretch your dollars further and even score some freebies?

If you’re shopping for loved ones or treating yourself, these clever gift card tricks will help you save money, earn rewards, and make the most of every purchase, especially as the festive season approaches.

Let’s dive into the best ways to get more bang for your buck with gift cards, plus a few extra tips to keep your wallet happy!

1. Snap up discounted gift cards at wholesale clubs​

If you’re a member of a wholesale club, you’re already onto a winner. These stores often sell gift cards for popular retailers, restaurants, and entertainment venues at a discount—sometimes up to 20% off the face value. While the selection is broader during the holidays, you’ll find deals year-round. It’s a simple way to save on gifts or your own shopping, and the savings can really add up over time.

The following chains sell discounted gift cards all year round:

• Costco
• Sam’s Club
• BJ’s Wholesale Club

2. Time your purchases for maximum savings​

Some retailers offer special deals on their own gift cards at certain times of the year. For example, Target famously offers 10% off its gift cards during a weekend in early December. It’s worth keeping an eye on your favorite stores for similar promotions, especially around Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the holiday season. Sign up for store newsletters or loyalty programs to be the first to know about these offers.

3. Buy and sell gift cards on exchange sites​

Got a gift card you’ll never use? Or looking for a discount on one you want? Gift card exchange websites, such as GCX, allow you to buy unwanted cards at a discount or sell your own for cash. Just be sure to use reputable platforms to avoid scams.

4. Look for restaurant gift card bonuses​

Many restaurants run “buy one, get a bonus” deals on gift cards during the holidays and around special occasions like Mother’s Day or Father’s Day. For example, buy a $100 gift card and get a $20 bonus card to use later. These offers are perfect for treating yourself or stocking up for future meals out. Keep an eye on your favorite local spots and chains for these seasonal promotions.

5. Retail gift card deals heat up in November​

Retailers love to entice shoppers with gift card deals in the lead-up to the Christmas season. From Black Friday through to Christmas Eve, you’ll find discounts, bonus cards, and special offers both in-store and online. Websites like DealNews often compile the best deals, so be sure to check them regularly to snag a bargain.

Also read: Struggling with what to write in your holiday cards? Here’s some inspiration to get you started

6. Score free gift cards with rewards programs​

Yes, you read that right—free gift cards! Many loyalty programs, survey sites, and cashback apps offer gift cards as rewards. It’s a great way to get a little something extra just for shopping as you normally would.

7. Exchange small balances for cash​

According to World Population Review, several states have laws that allow shoppers to request cash for the remaining balance on certain merchant-issued gift cards. The exact balance threshold and the circumstances that allow a cash-out, though, vary from state to state.

8. Check your credit card perks​

Some credit cards offer exclusive discounts or bonus points when you buy gift cards at certain retailers. For example, some bank rewards programs, such as Target RedCard, allow you to redeem points for gift cards at a better rate during special promotions. Check your card’s benefits or call your provider to see if you’re missing out on any hidden perks.

9. Double dip with cashback and rewards​

One simple way to save is by paying for gift cards with a cash-back credit card, letting you earn a little money back on every purchase. You can also pick up brand-new gift cards through Ibotta, which gives cash-back rewards on gift cards in addition to normal shopping.

Also read: Protect Your Gift Cards from Scammers: How to Safeguard Your Money

Bonus reminders for gift card users​

Watch out for expiry dates: New laws mean most gift cards must be valid for at least three years, but always check the fine print.

Register your cards: Some retailers let you register your gift card online, making it easier to recover your balance if the card is lost or stolen.

Use gift cards for essentials: Save even more by using discounted gift cards to pay for groceries, petrol, or other everyday expenses.

Gift cards don’t have to be a last-minute, impersonal present. With these savvy tricks, you can save money, earn rewards, and even treat yourself along the way.

Read next:

• Smart, safe, and stress-free: Why gift cards are the holiday hero of 2025
• Best Black Friday/Cyber Monday Deals 2025
• Seniors, keep your holidays bright (and your budget intact) with these 5 insider tips!

Key Takeaways

• You can save money by buying discounted gift cards at wholesale clubs like Costco, as well as through online exchange sites where people sell unwanted cards at lower prices.
• Major retailers and restaurants often offer special gift card promotions and bonuses in late November, December, and around holidays such as Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, making these periods ideal times to stock up.
• Some credit cards and loyalty programs provide exclusive discounts or extra cash back when purchasing gift cards, so it’s worth checking what perks your cards offer before buying.
• In certain states in the US, you can exchange the remaining balance from a gift card for cash, and there are also various legal and online avenues to earn free gift cards or find extra deals.

Have you scored a great deal on a gift card, or do you have a clever trick to share? Let us know in the comments below—your tip could help a fellow member save big this season!