Gift card exchange kiosks have become a popular solution for people looking to turn unused or unwanted gift cards into cash or store credit. Whether you received a gift card that isn’t quite your style, or you simply need cash quickly, these kiosks offer a convenient, easy way to exchange your gift cards on the spot.

But how exactly do they work, and are they really worth it? In this guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of gift card exchange kiosks, from their benefits  to where you can find them and how to get the best value for your cards. 

Whether you're new to kiosks or just looking to get more out of your gift cards, this guide will help you go through the process with ease.

What is a Gift Card Exchange Kiosk?

A gift card exchange kiosk is a self-service machine that is similar to an ATM machine, this allows you to trade in unwanted or unused gift cards for cash or store credit. Located in places like malls and grocery stores, these kiosks provide a fast and easy way to exchange your gift cards without the need for online listings or negotiations. 

The process is simple: insert your card, choose your payout option, and get your cash or store credit instantly.

Pros and Cons of Gift Card Exchange Kiosks

Pros of Gift Card Exchange Kiosks

• Instant Cash or Store Credit
  Exchange your gift card for cash or store credit right away, without waiting. It's a quick way to unlock the value of your card on the spot.
   
• Convenience and Accessibility
  They are mostly located in high-traffic areas like shopping malls and grocery stores, kiosks are easy to find and accessible whenever you need them.
   
• No Need for Online Listings or Negotiations
  Skip the hassle of listing your gift card online, then negotiating with buyers, before waiting for a sale. The kiosk gives you an immediate offer.
   
• Multiple Payment Options
  Many kiosks offer different payout options, from cash to digital gift cards or prepaid cards, giving you flexibility in how you receive your money.
   
• User-Friendly Process
  With simple instructions and fast processing, these kiosks make exchanging gift cards a straightforward and stress-free experience.

Cons of Gift Card Exchange Kiosks

1. Lower Payout Rates

You typically receive 60% to 85% of your card’s value — this is very much lower than online platforms.

2. Limited Brand Acceptance

Not all gift card brands are supported, especially niche or store-specific cards.
 

3. No Partially Used Cards Allowed

Kiosks often require full, unused balances only and leave no-space for partially used cards.
 

4. In-Store Only

You must visit a physical location — no online or remote exchanges.
 

5. Fixed Denominations Only

Some kiosks won’t accept irregular amounts like $13.45 or $72.90, but fixed amounts.
 

6. No Support for Digital Cards

Most kiosks only accept physical gift cards with scannable barcodes.
 

7. Lack of Customer Support

If something goes wrong, resolving issues can be tough compared to platforms with live support.

Popular Gift Card Exchange Kiosk Providers

If you’re looking to use a gift card exchange kiosk, here are some of the most trusted and currently active providers in the U.S.:

1. Coinstar Exchange

 Although not as widespread as before, some Coinstar machines still offer gift card exchange services in select grocery and retail stores. Availability may vary by location.
 

2. GiftCardBin Kiosks

These kiosks can be found in participating retail stores. They allow users to sell gift cards for cash or credit. You can use their website to locate nearby kiosks.

3. Walgreens / CVS Gift Card Kiosks

Some Walgreens and CVS stores host kiosk machines operated by third-party companies. They're ideal for quick exchanges, but availability depends on the store.

4. GiftWise™ Kiosks

GiftWise™ offers kiosks that provide 24/7 gift card sales availability, this allows customers to buy or check card balances. These kiosks are secure and can be integrated with various prepaid programs. 

How to Find a Gift Card Exchange Kiosk Near You

There are several easy ways to locate one in your city or neighborhood. Whether you're in a major metro area or a smaller town, these tips will help you find the nearest active kiosk.

1. Use Online Kiosk Locators

Most kiosk providers offer online tools that let you search by zip code or city:

• Coinstar Kiosk Locator: Visit Coinstar Kiosk official website and filter by "Gift Card Exchange" to see only kiosks that support gift card services.
• GiftCardBin Store Locator: Go to giftcardbin.com/locations and enter your location to see participating stores with kiosks.
• GiftWise™ Kiosk Map: While still expanding, GiftWise™ sometimes lists active kiosk sites on partner pages or mall directories.

2. Check Local Retail Chains

Gift card kiosks are often found inside or near popular retail stores like:

• Walmart
• CVS
• Walgreens
• Kroger
• Safeway
• Target (through customer service or third-party desk)

Just walk near the front of these stores — kiosks are usually placed by the entrance, near coin machines, or by customer service areas.

3. Use Google Search or Maps

You can help your search by typing queries like:

• “Gift card exchange kiosk near me”
• “Where to exchange gift cards for cash near [your city]”
• “Gift card kiosk in [City Name] mall”

 Google Maps or a search engine can help you discover real-time locations with directions, business hours, and customer reviews.

4. Call Ahead

This is because kiosk availability can vary by location, so it’s wise to call the store before heading out — especially if you're traveling a long distance. Some kiosks are seasonal or temporarily inactive.

How to Use a Gift Card Exchange Kiosk

Normally, using a gift card exchange kiosk is  fast and user-friendly — but when you know what you’re expecting, it can make the process even smoother. Whether you’re using a kiosk inside a grocery store, pharmacy, or mall, here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

1. Bring the Right Card

Make sure your card is:

• Physical and not digital, unless specifically accepted in that region.
• Unused or it is fully loaded
• From an accepted brand (e.g., Amazon, Walmart, Target, etc.
• Also, check the card’s balance beforehand to avoid surprises.

2. Locate the Kiosk

Head to a store that hosts a gift card exchange kiosk, it is often found near the entrance, next to Coinstar machines, or by the customer service desk.

3. Scan or Enter Card Information

Once you’re at the kiosk:

• Follow the on-screen prompts.
• You may need to scan the card’s barcode, swipe it, or manually enter the card number and PIN.

The machine will then verify the card's balance and check if it’s eligible for the exchange.

4. View the Offer

After processing, the kiosk will display an offer — typically a percentage of the card’s face value.

• You can either accept the offer and continue or decline if the payout is too low.

5. Accept Offer and Get Paid

If you accept:

• Some kiosks dispense cash on the spot.
• Others may print a voucher or receipt, which you take to the store’s service desk to receive your payment.
• In some cases, you may receive a prepaid debit card or eGift card instead of cash.

Confirm Transaction Completion

Before you start walking away:

• Make sure the transaction is complete.
• Keep any receipts or confirmation slips.
• If applicable, collect your cash or payment at the service desk.
   

Key Things to Know Before Using a Gift Card Exchange Kiosk

Before using a gift card exchange kiosk, it’s important that you understand how much you’ll receive, what fees might apply, and what types of cards are eligible. So here's a breakdown:

1. Accepted Gift Card Brands 

Most kiosks accept cards from major retailers such as:

• Amazon
• Walmart
• Target
• Starbucks
• Best Buy
• Home Depot
• Nike
• CVS
• GameStop
• Visa/Mastercard gift cards , however it has selected locations.

2. Allowed Denominations

Kiosks typically accept cards with set values like:

• $10
• $25
• $50
• $100
• Some may allow higher denominations, but it is rare to see under $5

3. Payout Percentages

• You won’t get the full face value of your card.
• Most kiosks offer 60% to 85% of the card's value, depending on demand and the retailer.
• High-demand brands may get closer to 85–90%.

4. Kiosks Charges?

Yes actually, gift card exchange kiosks often charge a fee, though it’s not always explicitly stated. Instead of a separate fee, the kiosk offers you less than the full value of the card in exchange for convenience.

• The service fee is typically built into the lower payout rate you receive.
• For example, if a card is valued at $100, you may only receive $60–$85, depending on the kiosk's terms.

5. Restrictions to Keep in Mind

• Partially used or damaged cards may not be accepted.
• Some kiosks only accept physical and not digital cards.
• Cards with expiration dates, certain promotional or rebate cards, or brand-specific exclusions may be rejected.

Deals, Promotions & Best Exchange Rates

While gift card exchange kiosks offer convenience, the payout you receive can vary widely. Knowing when and where to sell your card can help you get the most cash possible.

1. Tips to Get the Highest Payout

If your goal is to maximize value, here are a few strategies:

• Compare Kiosk vs. Online Platforms: Kiosks offer instant payouts, but online platforms like Flashchange often provide better exchange rates — sometimes up to 90–95% of your card's value depending on the brand.
   
• Avoid Peak Redemption Times: Right after holidays, kiosks often drop payout rates due to high card inflow. Waiting a few weeks may improve your offer.
   
• Trade Popular Cards: Cards from high-demand retailers like Amazon or Walmart often fetch higher rates than niche or local store cards.

2. Seasonal Promotions & Bonus Offers

Some kiosk providers and online platforms run limited-time promotions:

• Holiday Boosts: During peak seasons like Black Friday or Christmas, some kiosks may offer 5–10% bonus on select gift card brands.

• Back-to-School or Summer Sales: Platforms may run promos linked to seasonal events where specific card types get higher offers or cashback bonuses.
   
• Flashchange Promo Codes: Flashchange regularly offers promo codes or loyalty boosts for returning users, especially during special events or referrals.

3. Kiosk vs. Online Exchange Platforms

Let’s break it down:

Alternatives to Gift Card Exchange Kiosks

While kiosks are convenient, they’re not always the most rewarding or accessible option. If you're looking for better payout rates, more flexibility, or want to skip the trip to a physical store, here are top alternatives to consider:

1. Online Gift Card Exchange Platforms

Platforms like Flashchange let you sell your gift cards from the comfort of your phone or laptop.

• Higher Payouts: Often offer 85–95% of your card’s value, compared to 60–85% at kiosks.
• More Brands Accepted: These platforms usually accept a wider range of card types, including digital cards.
• Flexible Payout Options: Choose between bank transfers, PayPal, or crypto, anyways, Flashchange supports all three.

2. Peer-to-Peer Marketplaces

Selling directly to other people via platforms like:

• Facebook Marketplace
• Reddit gift card exchange communities
• eBay

3. Retailer Buyback Programs

Some large retailers sometimes offer their own trade-in or buyback programs:

• Target Trade-In Events sometimes allow in-store exchanges for store credit.
• Amazon Trade-In lets you trade eligible items for gift cards, though it’s not a pure exchange program.

4. Gift Card Swapping

Rather than cashing out, you can exchange your gift card for another gift card  you’ll actually use:

• Sites like CardSwap or Gift Card Granny offer this feature.
• Some forums and local online groups also support swaps.

Considerations When Choosing an Exchange Method

Not all gift card exchange options are created equal. You know this, right?  The best method for you depends on your goals — whether it's speed, payout amount, convenience, or security. Here's what to look out before making a decision:

1. How Quickly Do You Need the Cash?

• Immediate Cash? Go with a kiosk — you'll walk away with money in minutes.
• Can You Wait a Few Hours or a Day? Online platforms like Flashchange often offer better payouts but may take a little more time to process.

2. What’s the Card Type and Balance?

• Physical vs. Digital: Kiosks typically require physical cards, while online platforms accept both.
• Balance Limit: Some kiosks don’t accept cards below $5 or $10. Online platforms may be still more flexible.

3. What’s Your Payout Preference?

• Cash or Voucher: Kiosks offer these instantly.
• Bank Transfer or Crypto: Platforms like Flashchange support modern, flexible payout methods, it is very ideal if you’re already into digital finance.

4. How Much Value Are You Willing to Lose?

• Kiosks typically pay less (60–85%) than online platforms (85–95%).
• You’re paying for speed and convenience at a kiosk but you’re sacrificing part of your card’s value.

5.  Security and Trustworthiness

• Always use verified and reputable services. Whether kiosk or online, make sure the provider is known and reviewed.
• Platforms like Flashchange have customer support and verified transactions — ideal for peace of mind.

FAQs

1. How do gift card exchange kiosks work?

Gift card exchange kiosks are self-service machines usually located in retail stores or malls. You insert your gift card, the machine verifies the brand and balance, and then offers a cash value . If you accept the offer, the kiosk dispenses cash or a voucher you can redeem in-store.

2. List of gift card exchange kiosks in Your City or Country

To find active gift card exchange kiosks near you, search “gift card kiosk in your city/country” on Google or use locator tools provided by companies like Coinstar Exchange. These kiosks are often found in places like Walmart, CVS, or major grocery chains. 

Online directories and map apps can help you locate the nearest one.

3. Are gift card kiosks safe?

Yes, most gift card exchange kiosks are secure to use — especially those operated by reputable providers like Coinstar. However, always verify the kiosk provider's branding, and avoid using machines that look tampered with or don't have clear instructions. For added safety, keep your transaction receipt until payment is confirmed.

4. What’s the best way to convert gift cards to cash?

If maximizing value is your goal, platforms like Flashchange are ideal. They often pay more and support digital cards too. However, if you're in a rush and want cash now, a local gift card exchange kiosk will do the job — just expect a lower payout.

5. Can I get instant cash for my gift card?

Yes. Kiosks provide immediate payouts, either in cash or via printed vouchers redeemable in-store. Online platforms may take a few hours or up to one business day, depending on the provider and payout method.

6. Do gift card kiosks charge a fee or take a percentage?

Yes — kiosks don't charge a separate fee “perse”, but they deduct a percentage from your card’s value. This is built into the exchange offer. For example, a $100 card might be worth $65–$80 depending on the brand and demand.

7. Can you sell partially used gift cards at a kiosk?

Most kiosks do not accept partially used cards. They normally require cards with full, unused balances in common denominations like $25 or $50. For partially used cards, platforms like Flashchange may accept them — depending on brand and remaining balance.

8. Kiosk vs. online gift card exchange — which is better?

It depends on your priority:

• Choose kiosks if you need instant cash and are near a participating location.
• Choose online platforms like Flashchange if you're after higher payout rates (up to 95%), more card brand options, and flexible payment methods like bank transfers or crypto.