This guide explains exactly how to swap gift cards online. Gift card swapping websites, services and brokers have become very popular in recent years as gift cards have become a traditional way to say thanks or give a gift.

Do you have a gift card that you know you won't use and you wish you could trade it for one that you really could use? While recent changes to gift card laws in many areas now limit the expiration date of gift cards, many new cards are subject to a service fee every month after the card has been activated.http://www.gov.on.ca/mgs/en/ConsProt/133719.html This change means that swapping a gift card quickly and for the most money possible is more important now than ever. Read on as this guide explains how to swap or sell a gift card online.

1. Inspect your card for any physical damage including worn barcodes or scratched off security codes. These things could decrease the value of your gift card and need to be stated prior to completing a sale.
2. Read the fine print. Knowing exactly what the terms of the gift certificate or card is can be very important. Some cards are tied to a specific owner and can not be transferred. Travel and vacation cards often have these restrictions while an increasing number of retail outlets are also implementing this limitation.

There are a variety of gift card swapping websites. Each one is a little different so it is important to take the time to review the process, policies and requirements of each one.

Some sites work like classified ads. You can list your card and request a trade or money for it. Typically people offer discount gift card prices to attract buyers. For example, if you would like to sell a $50 Lowes Gift Card it may be appropriate to offer the card for $40 rather than the full face value.

Other websites act as a broker. These websites will purchase a gift card from you, verify the value of the card and then list it for sale. Typically, a brokerage / handling fee is applied to pay for validation, shipping, profit, etc. Often, using a gift card swap website can be the easiest, most reputable way to buy or sell a gift card but they are often the most expensive.

Now that you have reviewed the details of your card and found a suitable way to swap your gift card, it's time to complete the sale!

If you're using classified ad system such as a newspaper or Craigslist, ensure that you won't get "ripped off". If possible, talk with the buyer on the phone and obtain his or her home address. Many classified ad gift card buyers will want to first verify the amount of money contained on the card and then transfer funds. An escrow service can be useful. Simply validate the amount remaining at a retail store by asking them to print the balance remaining on a receipt. This printout should be enough to absolve any question of the value of the card with an escrow ombudsman.

If you choose to use a gift card swapping broker that purchases your card outright, it may still be worth your while to print a receipt with the balance for your records. However, people who buy and sell gift cards must maintain a good reputation to stay in business.