Buying gift cards at face value is leaving money on the table. The U.S. gift card market is projected to surpass $200 billion in the coming years, according to Research and Markets, and a growing slice of that activity is happening on secondary marketplaces where shoppers routinely save 5–30% on everyday brands. Whether you're stocking up on dining, retail, or entertainment cards, discount platforms let your dollars stretch further — and if you ever end up with cards you won't use, check out our guide on converting gift cards to cash to recoup even more value. Ready to start saving? Let's dive in!
Quick Answer
Discount gift cards are sold on secondary marketplaces at 5–30% below face value. Popular platforms let buyers purchase unused gift cards from sellers who won't use them. Common categories include dining, retail, and entertainment brands. Buying discounted cards instead of full-price ones is a straightforward way to stretch your spending budget further.
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Summary Table
| Item Name | Price Range | Best For | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Costco | Up to 20–30% off face value | Members buying restaurant & retail cards in bulk | Visit Site |
| Gift Card Granny | Up to 35% off face value | Shoppers comparing deals across multiple resellers | Visit Site |
| Raise | 1–30% off face value | Buyers wanting a large brand selection with buyer protection | See details |
| CardCash | Up to 35% off face value | Shoppers seeking instant digital delivery | Visit Site |
| Card Depot | 5–25% off face value | Buyers wanting a straightforward resale marketplace | Visit Site |
| Groupon | 10–30% off face value | Deal hunters targeting local dining & entertainment | Visit Site |
| CardCookie | Up to 35% off face value | Price comparison across top gift card marketplaces | Visit Site |
7 Best Places to Buy Discount Gift Cards (2026)
Below you'll find detailed information about each option, including what makes them unique and their key benefits.
1. Costco
Costco sells gift cards to popular retailers and restaurants at below face value, making it one of the easiest places to snag reduced-price cards without any special accounts or marketplace haggling. Members regularly find cards for stores like Amazon, Apple, and Starbucks bundled at discounts of 10–20% off. You do need an active Costco membership to purchase.
Notable perks:
- Discounts typically range 10–20% off face value
- Cards sold in-store and online at Costco.com
- Trusted retailer — no risk of invalid or fraudulent cards
2. Gift Card Granny
Gift Card Granny is a comparison engine that aggregates discounted gift cards from multiple resellers, letting you instantly compare prices across platforms to find the lowest rate available. Instead of checking Raise, CardCash, and others individually, you search once and see the best deal. Savings vary by brand but commonly run 5–30% off face value.
What you get:
- Side-by-side price comparisons across major resellers
- Filters for physical vs. digital delivery
- No account required to browse deals
3. Raise
Raise is a peer-to-peer marketplace where individuals sell unwanted gift cards at reduced prices, often 5–30% below face value depending on brand demand. It's a solid option for buying Amazon gift cards and cards from major retailers at a genuine discount. Digital delivery is available on most listings, so you can use the card within minutes of purchase.
Key features:
- Average savings of 5–30% off depending on the retailer
- 1-year money-back guarantee on purchases
- Instant digital delivery on many cards
4. CardCash
CardCash is a dedicated marketplace where you can buy discount gift cards at up to 35% below face value, making it one of the more established options for stretching your spending money. The platform sources unwanted cards from sellers and resells them at reduced prices across hundreds of popular retailers including Amazon, Target, and Walmart.
What you get:
- Discounts typically ranging from 3% to 35% off face value
- 45-day buyer protection guarantee on all purchases
- Sell your own unwanted gift cards for cash
5. Card Depot
Card Depot offers a straightforward way to purchase reduced-price gift cards for everyday retailers, dining, and entertainment brands. It's worth checking alongside larger competitors since inventory and discount percentages vary by platform — finding the best deals often means comparing across multiple secondary card marketplaces before committing to a purchase.
Notable perks:
- Discounts on a range of popular retail and restaurant brands
- Straightforward checkout process with no membership required
6. Groupon
Groupon sells discounted gift cards primarily for local restaurants, salons, and experience-based businesses, offering a different angle than typical retail card marketplaces. Deals are often 20–50% off and change frequently, so checking back regularly can surface solid savings on dining and entertainment you already spend on.
Key features:
- Discounts commonly 20–50% off for local and national businesses
- Frequent limited-time offers that rotate daily or weekly
- Best suited for dining, spa, and leisure spending categories
7. CardCookie
CardCookie is a dedicated marketplace for buying and selling discounted gift cards, letting shoppers find reduced-price cards from hundreds of popular retailers. You can browse deals by brand or category, often finding savings of 5–30% off face value on cards for stores like Amazon, Target, and Walmart.
Key perks:
- Cards listed from both individual sellers and verified dealers
- Savings typically range from 5% to 30% depending on the retailer
- Free to browse; no membership required to purchase
Final Words
Your best bet depends on whether you prioritize maximum savings, brand selection, or instant access — so match the platform to your shopping habits. If you'd rather earn cash than spend it, consider unloading unwanted gift cards instead.