You’ve got gift cards sitting around collecting dust, and then you find CardCash—a platform that lets you sell or exchange them for cash or other cards. Sounds great, but before you dive in, the big question hits: is CardCash legit?
Let’s unpack the real deal. No sugarcoating. No fluff. Just what you need to know before you start trading your unused value online.
What is CardCash?
CardCash is a website that buys and sells discounted gift cards. You can:
- Sell your unwanted gift cards for cash (or near cash)
- Buy discounted gift cards from major retailers
- Trade your cards for ones you’ll actually use
They work with brands like Amazon, Target, Walmart, and hundreds of others. The idea is simple: one person’s unused Starbucks card becomes another person’s 10% off latte run.
Founded in 2009, CardCash has been around for over a decade—and they claim to have helped millions of people turn gift card clutter into real spending power.
Is CardCash a legitimate business?
Yes, CardCash is legit. It’s a real company with a long operating history, national partnerships, and a decent track record.
Here’s what supports their legitimacy:
- They’ve been featured in publications like Forbes, The New York Times, and CNBC
- They have business relationships with major retailers and resellers
- They’ve processed millions of dollars in gift card sales
- They use secure online payment systems (including PayPal and direct deposit)
- They offer fraud protection and claim verification systems
So, from a legitimacy standpoint: they’re not a scam. You’re not wiring money to some unknown email address. You’re working with an established company.
But… is it trustworthy?
Legit doesn’t always mean perfect. So here’s what real users say about their experience with CardCash:
✅ Pros
- Quick sales process: You can get a quote and complete your transaction within minutes
- Fast payment: Many users report receiving money within 24–48 hours
- Discounts for buyers: Up to 35% off face value on some gift cards
- Tons of retailer options: Great for frequent shoppers or savvy gifters
⚠️ Cons
- Short guarantee window: CardCash only offers a 45-day guarantee on purchases. If a card stops working after that, you’re out of luck
- Some reports of invalid cards: A small number of users report cards arriving with zero balance or not working at all
- No refunds after the guarantee period: If something goes wrong outside that window, you likely won’t get help
- Lower-than-expected payout for sellers: You won’t get full face value—usually around 70–90% depending on demand
So yes, it’s real—but it’s not risk-free.
How does selling to CardCash work?
- Enter your gift card details on their website (retailer, balance, card number)
- Get an instant offer
- Accept the offer and submit your card (either digitally or by mail)
- Get paid via check, PayPal, ACH, or store credit
The better the brand, the higher your offer. Think: Amazon, Walmart, Home Depot.
Obscure retailers? Expect a lower percentage or possibly no offer at all.
How to avoid issues with CardCash
If you want to use CardCash safely, follow these tips:
- Use your purchased cards quickly: The 45-day window is your safety net
- Check balances immediately after purchase
- Avoid bulk buying or high-dollar transactions unless you’ve tested them first
- Sell cards with odd balances only if you’re okay with partial payout
- Take screenshots of all card details and communications for proof if something goes wrong
Basically, treat it like any secondhand market—be cautious, move fast, and document everything.
Is CardCash better than competitors?
Compared to other platforms like Raise, GiftCash, or even eBay:
- CardCash is faster for sellers
- Discounts for buyers are often deeper
- Refund protection is weaker than some competitors (like Raise’s 1-year guarantee)
So if you want speed and don’t mind a little risk, CardCash is a strong option. If you want more protection and are willing to accept lower discounts or payouts, others might suit you better.
Final thoughts: is CardCash legit?
Yes—CardCash is a legitimate gift card exchange platform. It’s been around for years, has millions of users, and can help you get rid of unused gift cards or score discounts on new ones.
But “legit” doesn’t mean perfect. If you use it, go in informed:
- Understand the 45-day guarantee
- Be quick to use what you buy
- Accept that you won’t get full value when selling
If you’re smart, careful, and not expecting magic—you’ll probably walk away satisfied.
