TECHNOLOGY TIPS – GET CASH FOR THOSE GIFTCARDS YOU DON’T USE

TECHNOLOGY TIPS – GET CASH FOR THOSE GIFTCARDS YOU DON’T USE

I love when I find a creative way in which to put funds back into your pocket. This weekend I found an article in the Chicago Tribune from Brian J. O’Connor. There were a couple tips to put some extra cash into your bank account rather than having to use a specific card and losing its value when you don’t use it before the fees start being assessed.

There is an excellent site called CardHub.com. Let’s say you have a gift card that you know you won’t use and would like to get the cash value back instead. You can sell your card online in the Gift Cards section for a nominal fee. It’s a great way to add funds to your actual bank account just in time for late summer vacations. And if you want a specific card you can create a wish list. For those who celebrate Christmas Eve is just around the corner!

Another idea he shared which I thought was really clever was getting a Square account. You may have seen a local cab driver use one on their smartphone. Square is a card reader/merchant account you can use to process credit cards which includes Mastercard Visa and American Express gift cards. If you’ve received a gift card with any of these logos you can put the funds directly into your bank account. You’ll pay a fee for the processing but getting the cash is sometimes the desired result.

The other platform he suggests is Google Wallet. It has taken a huge upgrade in the past year so it’s got some really interesting features. I’m not as versed in this software and I would compare it more to Paypal.

No matter your choice don’t let those gift cards sit and remain unused. They are worth something of value to you.

CATHY MALLERS & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO