How to "Leverage" Your Unwanted Gift Cards

Christmas is over and you're stuck with gift cards you will never use. Instead of losing money by tossing it away in the junk drawer or selling it at a 10% discount on eBay, there are websites where you can get full value and even earn extra interest on your balance. Here's how.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A gift card OR
• A club rewards program like a frequent flyer miles program

1. Toolbelt Time! Create an account at Leverage Card (see Resources below). Familiarize yourself with the site features, including information on exchanging gift credits and any potential bonuses or interest that you may accumulate just for signing up.
2. Cancun Anyone? Locate your gift card number or club rewards account number. Enter your information as requested by the menu.
3. Sweet Hotel! Review the different club rewards available that you are interested in acquiring. Examples:
   
   You prefer Wyndham Hotels over Holiday Inn --> Exchange them.
   
   You got a card from Wal-Mart but need a Home Depot card instead --> Exchange them.
   
   You got a card from Barnes and Noble but you want a Best Buy gift card --> Exchange them.
4. Love Gadgets? Once the deal is made, write down or print out your virtual gift card ID number and start buying.

Tips & Warnings

• A virtual card is a great gift for the lazy Christmas shopper of if you have lots of family/friends to buy for. Sign up and send them a virtual card in no time.
• Add all of your accounts to quickly review the balance on all of your gift cards.