By 2026, the U.S. gift card market is projected to reach $260 billion (Payments Journal), making discount gift cards one of the smartest ways to stretch your spending. Whether you're shopping for groceries, dining out, or everyday retail, buying gift cards below face value puts real money back in your pocket. If you're also interested in selling gift cards for cash or converting gift cards to cash, the same platforms often handle both. Here are the 7 best places to buy discount gift cards in 2026 — let's get started!
Quick Answer
Discount gift cards are gift cards sold below their face value, letting you save 5–20% on everyday spending. Top platforms to buy them include Raise, CardCash, GiftCardGranny, and BJ's Wholesale. The U.S. gift card market hits $260 billion by 2026, making this one of the easiest ways to stretch your budget instantly.
Jump to
Summary Table
| Item Name | Price Range | Best For | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Costco | 10–30% off face value | Members buying restaurant & retail gift cards in bulk | Visit Site |
| Sam's Club | 5–25% off face value | Members wanting bundled discounts on national brands | Visit Site |
| CardCash | Up to 35% off face value | Shoppers wanting deep discounts across 1,300+ retailers | Visit Site |
| Raise | Up to 30% off face value | Buyers seeking a wide brand selection with buyer protection | See details |
| Gift Card Granny | Up to 35% off face value | Comparison shoppers finding the best rate across multiple sites | Visit Site |
| CardDepot | Up to 25% off face value | Buyers wanting verified physical or digital gift cards | Visit Site |
| Groupon | 10–30% off face value | Deal hunters focused on dining, entertainment & experiences | 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 discounted gift cards to popular restaurants, retailers, and entertainment venues as part of its membership perks. You can regularly find cards for brands like Cheesecake Factory, Regal Cinemas, and Starbucks at 15–25% below face value, meaning a $50 card might cost just $39.99. These deals rotate, so checking the warehouse and Costco.com frequently helps you catch the best offers.
What to know:
- Requires an active Costco membership ($65–$130/year)
- Discounts typically range 15–25% off face value
- Available both in-warehouse and online
2. Sam's Club
Sam's Club offers reduced-price gift cards to its members, similar to Costco but with a different brand lineup. Cards for restaurants, gas stations, and entertainment venues are frequently available at 10–20% off, making it a straightforward way to stretch your spending at places you already shop. Membership starts at $50/year, and deals are accessible both in-store and through the Sam's Club app.
What to know:
- Membership required ($50–$110/year)
- Discounts generally 10–20% off face value
- App and in-club availability
3. CardCash
CardCash is a dedicated marketplace for buying and selling unwanted gift cards at below face value, making it one of the more targeted platforms for scoring reduced-price cards. Buyers can find cards for hundreds of retailers at discounts typically ranging from 3–35% off, depending on the brand. CardCash also offers a 45-day buyer guarantee, adding a layer of protection that general resale sites often lack.
What to know:
- Discounts range 3–35% off face value depending on brand
- 45-day money-back guarantee on purchases
- No membership required to buy
4. Raise
Raise is one of the largest peer-to-peer marketplaces for buying discounted gift cards, where real sellers list cards at prices below face value. You can find savings of 1–30% on cards from hundreds of retailers including Amazon, Target, Walmart, and restaurants. Every card comes with a 1-year buyer guarantee, so your balance is protected if something goes wrong.
What you get:
- Discounts typically range from 1% to 30% off face value
- Cards delivered digitally in minutes for most retailers
- 1-year money-back guarantee on all purchases
Gift Card Granny works as a comparison engine rather than a direct marketplace — it aggregates discounted gift card listings from multiple resellers so you can spot the best price in one search. If you're shopping for reduced-price cards across several brands at once, this saves time by eliminating the need to check each resale site individually. Discounts can reach up to 35% depending on the retailer and timing.
Notable perks:
- Compares prices from Raise, CardCash, and other major resellers simultaneously
- Free to use — no membership or fees to browse deals
6. CardDepot
CardDepot is a smaller but straightforward resale platform where shoppers can purchase gift cards at below-face-value prices, often finding deals when larger platforms run low on certain brands. It's a useful backup source for unloading unwanted gift cards or picking up discounted cards from niche retailers not always stocked elsewhere. The buying process is simple, with electronic delivery for most cards.
Key features:
- Discounts vary by brand and availability
- Accepts both physical and digital card listings
7. Groupon
Groupon is one of the most well-known platforms for finding discount gift cards and deeply reduced vouchers for local businesses, restaurants, spas, and entertainment. You can regularly find gift cards worth $25–$50 sold for 20–50% less than face value, making it a practical way to stretch your spending on everyday purchases. Deals refresh frequently, so checking back often yields new savings opportunities.
Notable perks:
- Discounts typically range 20–50% off face value
- Categories include dining, travel, beauty, and retail
- App-based access makes redeeming deals straightforward
Final Words
Discount gift cards are one of the easiest ways to stretch your budget without sacrificing what you actually want. Whether you need restaurant savings, retail flexibility, or entertainment credits, these seven options have you covered — pair them with tracking the best deals to maximize every dollar.