Most people shop sales. I shop with discounted gift cards on top of the sale.
It’s one of the simplest ways to save money, and it’s the exact reason I always look for places to buy discounted gift cards before I shop.
Like on Black Friday.
DSW had a solid 30 percent off storewide deal, but I walked in with a gift card I bought for 20 percent off.
My total was way lower than everyone else grabbing the same sneakers.
And the best part is I do this every week. Walmart, Amazon, Starbucks, restaurants… you name it.
These little savings add up fast.
Today, I’m breaking down exactly how I buy discounted gift cards, the real websites and apps I use, and how you can use the same method to save thousands of dollars each year.
Best Places to Buy Discounted Gift Cards
There are so many legit places to buy discounted gift cards, but these are the ones I personally use over and over again.
They’re reliable, easy to navigate, and give you real savings.
1. MyGiftCardsPlus
Let’s start with one of my favorite places to buy discounted gift cards, MyGiftCardsPlus. It’s owned by Swagbucks, so you do need a free Swagbucks account to access the deals.
They run rotating offers on popular brands, and the cash back you earn goes straight into your Swagbucks dashboard. From there, you can redeem for PayPal cash or more gift cards.
This is one of the easiest ways to stack savings because the discounts are automatic. No scanning. No hoops. Just lower prices on brands you’re already shopping.
Tip: MyGiftCardsPlus usually has the best deals during back to school, summer slowdown season, and major holidays.
2. Ibotta
Ibotta is one of the biggest ways I buy discounted gift cards and earn cash back on top of it. You can purchase gift cards directly inside the app using your Ibotta earnings, a debit card, or a credit card.
When you buy a gift card, Ibotta gives you instant cash back that gets added to your account.
Once you reach $20, you can cash out to your bank or PayPal. This is exactly how I got a 20 percent off DSW gift card on Black Friday.
The deals change throughout the year, but they tend to be super generous during the holiday season.
Pro tip: If you shop at places like Walmart, Target, major restaurants, or clothing stores, always check Ibotta gift cards before you checkout. You’ll usually find an extra savings layer.
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3. CVS ExtraBucks Deals
CVS runs surprise gift card promos that can save you a ton if you know when to grab them.
Every so often, they offer something like: Buy $100 in select gift cards, get $20 ExtraBucks.
That’s basically a free $20 to use at CVS, which I treat like actual cash.
When you see these deals, stock up. Buy the gift cards while they’re on sale, hold them, and use them whenever you’re ready.
Heads up: These offers rotate, so check the weekly ad or the CVS app.
Need a few extra bucks to pay for your gift card?
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4. Starbucks App + Fetch Rewards
Starbucks quietly drops gift card bonuses right inside their app.
Sometimes it’s “Buy a $25 gift card, get a $5 bonus,” and it usually happens during holidays or limited promos.
On top of that, I scan every single shopping receipt into the Fetch app and cash out for, you guessed it, Starbucks gift cards.
That’s how most of my Starbucks drinks end up being free.
Fetch gives you points for every receipt and even more points for certain brands. Redeem them for any gift card, not just Starbucks.
Tip: Always save your receipts. Even the boring ones. They add up fast on Fetch.
Get Fetch bonus points when you join with promo code AWPFV8.
5. Costco and BJ’s Wholesale Clubs
Warehouse stores are one of the most underrated places to buy discounted gift cards.
They sell multi-packs of brand gift cards at a steep discount, often 20 to 30 percent off.
For example, I’ll see a Shake Shack pack of 4x $25 cards (worth $100) selling for $75. You’re basically getting one entire $25 gift card for free.
These deals are usually online only and require a membership. If you’re not a member, use a friend’s or a family member’s login.
Pro tip: Perfect for restaurants, entertainment, kids activities, and holiday gifting. Stock up when you see your favorite brand available. Shake Shack gift cards went fast!
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6. Fluz App
Fluz isn’t the prettiest or smoothest app, but it works.
You buy gift cards through the app and earn instant cash back. Once it shows up in your Fluz wallet, you can cash out to Venmo within minutes.
Your gift card is delivered instantly, and every time I’ve used Fluz, the card has worked with no issues.
Tip: Fluz sometimes stacks extra cash back with “Fluz parties.” Check the app to see upcoming Fluz gift card parties.
7. Sign Up for Store and Restaurant Emails
If you have a favorite store, restaurant, or date-night spot, sign up for their email list.
Lots of retailers send out exclusive gift card deals that never hit social media.
Places like Cheesecake Factory, IHOP, Legal Sea Foods, Puttshack, Fogo de Chao and others always run “Buy a $50 gift card, get an extra $10” type deals around holidays.
These offers come straight to your inbox, and they’re some of the easiest savings you’ll ever get.
Tip: Make a separate “deals only” email so these offers don’t clutter your main inbox.
Suggested Read: Best Places to Get Birthday Freebies
Final Tips to Make the Most of Your Discounted Gift Cards
Buying discounted gift cards is an easy win, but the real magic happens when you stack them with store loyalty programs and restaurant reward apps.
This lets you double up on savings and earn points or cash back on top of the discount you already scored.
Start small by grabbing discounted cards for the places you shop most, and build the habit from there.
And if you’re ready to grow your income along with your savings, head over to my next blog post on ways to make $300 a day.
