Physical vs Digital Gift Cards: Which Sells Better?
Can you sell both physical gift cards and digital codes for cash? Here's how each works, what you'll need, and how to get the best payout for either.
Gift cards come in two forms — the plastic card you hold in your hand, and the digital code delivered by email or app. The good news: you can trade both for cash. Here's how each works and how to get the most for yours.
Digital (eGift) codes
A digital gift card is just a code — no plastic involved. You'll find it in a confirmation email, an app, or your account.
To trade one, you need:
- The full code (and PIN, if the brand uses one)
- An unused, full balance
Digital codes are the fastest to trade because there's nothing to scan or photograph in most cases — you simply enter the code and submit.
Physical gift cards
A physical card holds the same value; the code is usually printed on the back, sometimes under a scratch-off panel.
To trade one, you need:
- The code from the back of the card
- A clear photo of the card, if requested during submission
Once you have the code, the process is identical to a digital card.
Does one pay more than the other?
The payout depends on the brand and balance, not whether the card is physical or digital. A $100 Amazon code and a $100 Amazon plastic card trade at the same rate. What matters is:
- The brand (Steam and Razer Gold lead at up to 90%, Amazon up to 85%)
- The region of the card
- That the balance is full and unredeemed
Check any card's exact value in the calculator.
How to trade either type on CardCashTrade
1. Check the rate for your brand in the Live Rates table.
2. Sign up free — under a minute, no ID to start.
3. Submit the code (and a photo if prompted for a physical card).
4. Get verified — usually within minutes.
5. Withdraw to PayPal, USDT, ETH, or BTC.
Tips that apply to both
- Never redeem the code before trading — once loaded to an account, it can't be sold
- Keep the balance full for the best rate
- Double-check the region in the calculator
The bottom line
Physical or digital, both turn into cash the same way — what counts is the brand, region, and an unused balance. Check your card's rate and trade it in minutes.