Buying gift cards at face value is leaving money on the table. The U.S. gift card market is projected to surpass Mordor Intelligence's forecast of $300+ billion in transaction value, yet millions of shoppers still pay full price every day. Whether you're stocking up on groceries, dining out, or shopping retail, discount gift cards are one of the simplest ways to stretch your budget instantly. If you already have cards you won't use, check out the best places to sell unwanted gift cards — or if you need fast cash, learn how to sell gift cards for cash near you. Here are the 7 best ways to buy discount gift cards in 2026. Let's get started!
Quick Answer
Discount gift cards let you buy store credit below face value, saving 5–30% instantly. Top sources include resale marketplaces like Raise and CardCash, retailer promotions, credit card rewards portals, and warehouse clubs like Costco. The U.S. gift card market exceeds $300 billion, making this one of the easiest, most accessible ways to stretch your everyday budget.
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Summary Table
| Item Name | Price Range | Best For | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay With a Cash Back Credit Card | 1%–5% back on purchases | Everyday shoppers maximizing rewards | Visit Site |
| Costco | 20%–30% off face value | Members buying restaurant & retail cards in bulk | Visit Site |
| Gift Card Granny | Up to 35% off face value | Comparison shoppers finding the best deal across resellers | Visit Site |
| Raise | 2%–30% off face value | Shoppers buying discounted cards for popular retailers | See details |
| CardCash | Up to 35% off face value | Buyers wanting a large card selection with purchase protection | Visit Site |
| Sam's Club | 10%–20% off face value | Members saving on dining, travel & entertainment cards | Visit Site |
| Kroger | 4x fuel points per $1 spent | Grocery shoppers earning fuel discounts on gift card purchases | Visit Site |
Score Discount Gift Cards: 7 Smart Ways (2026)
Below you'll find detailed information about each option, including what makes them unique and their key benefits.
Pairing a cash back credit card with discounted gift cards creates a double savings opportunity — you save when buying the card below face value, then earn 1–5% back when you use it. Cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited or Citi Double Cash let you stack rewards on top of any markdown you already secured from a resale marketplace.
Notable perks:
- Earn 2–5% cash back on gift card purchases at grocery or wholesale stores
- Some cards offer bonus category rewards that apply to gift card purchases
- No extra steps — rewards post automatically to your account
2. Costco
Costco sells discounted gift cards for popular restaurants, retailers, and entertainment brands directly at warehouse locations and online at Costco.com, often bundling higher face values at reduced prices. Members regularly find deals like $100 in restaurant gift cards for $79.99, making it one of the most straightforward places to save without using a third-party resale site.
Key details:
- Savings typically range 15–25% off face value
- Requires an active Costco membership ($65/year for Gold Star)
- Cards sold in multi-packs, best for brands you already use frequently
Gift Card Granny is a comparison aggregator that searches multiple gift card resale marketplaces simultaneously, showing you where to find the deepest markdown on a specific brand. Rather than checking Raise, CardCash, and other sites separately, you get a side-by-side view of available discounts in one place, which saves time when hunting for reduced-value cards.
What you get:
- Compares discounts across major resellers in real time
- Discounts on popular brands often range from 5–35% off face value
- Free to use — no account required to search
4. Raise
Raise is a peer-to-peer marketplace where you can buy discount gift cards sold by other users at reduced prices — often 5% to 30% off face value. It covers hundreds of popular retailers including Amazon, Target, and Walmart, making it one of the most flexible places to find reduced-value cards before shopping.
Key details:
- Discounts typically range from 5%–30% off face value
- Cards are available digitally for instant delivery
- 1-year buyer guarantee on all purchased cards
5. CardCash
CardCash lets shoppers buy unwanted gift cards from other people at a markdown, with savings reaching up to 35% off depending on the retailer. It's a direct alternative to Raise, and unlike some competitors, CardCash also lets you trade in cards you don't want for cash or store credit — giving you two ways to save.
Notable perks:
- Markdowns up to 35% off face value
- Sell or trade in unwanted cards for cash
- 45-day buyer protection guarantee
6. Sam's Club
Sam's Club sells discounted gift cards for popular restaurants, retailers, and entertainment brands as part of its member benefits — letting members stretch their spending before they even shop. Cards for brands like AMC, Landry's, and Jiffy Lube are frequently available at 15%–20% below face value, making a membership worthwhile for regular gift card buyers.
What you get:
- Members-only pricing, typically 15%–20% off
- Available in-club and online at samsclub.com
- Rotating selection of restaurant, retail, and service brands
7. Kroger
Kroger sells discounted gift cards through its fuel points program, letting shoppers save on groceries while earning rewards redeemable for cheaper gas. During promotional events, Kroger offers 4x fuel points on gift card purchases, effectively giving you significant value back on cards you'd buy anyway. Cards for popular retailers like Home Depot, Amazon, and Starbucks are regularly available in-store.
Notable perks:
- 4x fuel points promotions reduce your effective cost per card
- Kroger Plus Card required to access bonus point events
- Wide selection of third-party retailer gift cards in-store
Final Words
Your best bet depends on whether you prioritize deep discounts, trusted retailers, or flexibility — all seven picks deliver real savings. If you'd rather earn without spending, explore apps that earn free gift cards instead.