Discounted gift cards are a savvy and often-overlooked way to save money on everyday purchases, from groceries and gas to dining and shopping. By buying gift cards at less than their face value, you can score instant savings on almost anything you need or want. Here’s an in-depth look at the benefits of using discounted gift cards and how to make the most of this unique saving strategy.
1. Immediate Savings on Every Purchase
The most obvious advantage of discounted gift cards is the instant savings you receive upon purchasing. When you buy a $100 gift card for only $90, you’re saving 10% upfront. These savings can add up quickly, especially if you’re purchasing items or services you’d be buying anyway.
- Examples of Discounts: Many discounted gift card sites offer 5-20% off the card’s face value. For instance, if you buy a $50 gift card for a restaurant at 20% off, you only pay $40, but you still have $50 to spend at the restaurant.
2. Stack with Coupons and Sales for Maximum Savings
One of the best features of using discounted gift cards is that they act just like cash or regular gift cards, so you can combine them with coupons, promo codes, or in-store sales. This “stacking” strategy lets you save even more than with just a discount or coupon alone.
- Example: Suppose a clothing store has a 25% off sale. If you pay with a discounted gift card you bought for 15% off, you’re effectively stacking both savings, reducing your final cost significantly.
3. Save on Big-Ticket Items
When purchasing big-ticket items like electronics or furniture, even a small discount on a gift card can make a significant difference. By using discounted gift cards, you can get an additional percentage off high-cost items, resulting in substantial savings.
- Example: If you’re buying a $1,000 appliance, and you purchase a gift card for the store at a 10% discount, that’s $100 in instant savings. Combine it with an existing sale, and you’ll save even more on an already expensive purchase.
4. Access to Savings at High-End Stores and Restaurants
Discounted gift cards make luxury shopping or dining out more affordable. It’s a way to enjoy brands or experiences that might otherwise be outside your budget, with savings ranging from a few dollars to substantial discounts.
- Popular Brands: Discounted gift cards are available for many premium stores and high-end restaurants. For example, you might find cards for stores like Nordstrom, Sephora, or Ruth’s Chris Steak House at discounted rates, allowing you to indulge in high-quality products and services while staying within budget.
5. Simplifies Budgeting and Limits Spending
Using gift cards can help control spending. By setting a gift card budget for a particular store or expense category, you limit your purchases to the amount on the card, making it easier to stick to your budget.
- Practical Use: For example, if you allot a certain amount for grocery shopping each month, buying a grocery store gift card at a discount can help you stick to your food budget while saving money at the same time.
6. Earn Extra Points with Cashback and Rewards Programs
Some credit card companies and cashback apps give you points, rewards, or cashback when you purchase discounted gift cards through participating sites. This means you can save money on the gift card purchase and earn rewards for additional savings or perks.
- Popular Options: Platforms like Rakuten and credit cards with bonus points on certain categories can provide you extra cashback on top of the discount you’re already getting on the gift card.
7. Buy for Future Gifts at a Discount
Discounted gift cards are also useful for gifting, allowing you to be generous without breaking the bank. Buying gift cards for friends or family members at a reduced price means you can give a gift with full face value while paying less out of pocket.
- Holiday Shopping: If you plan ahead, you can find great deals on gift cards for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions. Look out for seasonal sales, especially during Black Friday or Cyber Monday, for some of the best deals.
8. Discounted Gift Cards for Travel and Entertainment
Discounted gift cards can help save on experiences like travel and entertainment. Many popular travel sites, airlines, hotel chains, and entertainment venues offer discounted gift cards that you can use to reduce travel costs.
- Travel Discounts: For example, discounted gift cards for Airbnb or Southwest Airlines can be used to bring down the cost of accommodations or flights.
- Entertainment Savings: Gift cards for entertainment venues like Regal Cinemas or AMC Theatres allow you to enjoy movies and shows at a fraction of the regular price.
9. Easy to Access and Buy
Discounted gift cards are readily available and easy to purchase online. Multiple websites specialize in selling these cards, making it simple to find the right card for your needs.
- Popular Platforms: Sites like Raise, Gift Card Granny, and CardCash are popular marketplaces for buying and selling discounted gift cards. These platforms often offer money-back guarantees, so you can purchase with confidence.
10. Makes Everyday Purchases More Affordable
Discounted gift cards can be used for routine expenses, such as groceries, gas, and household essentials. By purchasing discounted cards for stores where you regularly shop, you’re able to save on everyday expenses.
- For Example: If you buy discounted gift cards for stores like Walmart, Target, or Safeway, you’re instantly lowering the amount you spend on necessities each month. Over time, these small savings add up significantly.
11. Benefits of Discounted Gift Cards on Digital Wallets
Many discounted gift cards are compatible with digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Wallet. This means you can buy discounted gift cards, store them in your digital wallet, and pay with ease, enjoying savings while shopping in-store or online.
- Added Convenience: Digital wallets make it easy to access multiple gift cards without needing to carry them physically, which is especially helpful if you buy discounted gift cards frequently.
How to Make the Most of Discounted Gift Cards
If you’re interested in using discounted gift cards, here are some final tips to help you maximize your savings:
- Shop for Gift Cards During Sales: Look out for seasonal sales on gift cards, as these tend to offer the biggest discounts. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and holiday sales often feature exclusive deals on gift cards.
- Check the Expiration and Terms: Although most gift cards don’t expire, some may have terms that limit their use in certain stores or online. Always check for any usage restrictions to ensure the gift card fits your needs.
- Keep Track of Balances: When using multiple gift cards, keep track of remaining balances to avoid losing any value. Some apps allow you to store and manage gift card balances in one place, making it easy to monitor your savings.
Conclusion: A Practical Way to Save
Discounted gift cards are an effective and flexible way to cut costs on a wide variety of expenses. Whether you’re shopping for everyday necessities, planning a big purchase, or simply looking to treat yourself without overspending, these cards can help you save in a straightforward, convenient way. By taking advantage of discounted gift cards, you can stretch your budget further and keep more money in your pocket.