Hey there! Got a Southwest Airlines gift card you're not going to use? Don't let it sit in your wallet gathering dust! Turning that unused plastic into cold, hard cash or a gift card you actually want is easier than you think. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you get the best value for your Southwest gift card.
Let's dive in and transform that unused travel credit into something truly useful!
Navigating the Skies of Gift Card Resale: Your Southwest Airlines Gift Card Guide
Southwest Airlines gift cards are a fantastic way to pay for flights, but sometimes, travel plans change, or you simply prefer cash. The good news is, there's a thriving market for unwanted gift cards, and Southwest, being a popular airline, usually fetches a good resale value. However, there are some important considerations and steps to take to ensure a smooth and profitable sale.
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| How To Sell A Southwest Airlines Gift Card |
Step 1: Know Your Card - The Essential Pre-Sale Check
Before you even think about listing your gift card, you need to be armed with accurate information. This is crucial to building trust with potential buyers and avoiding any issues.
Sub-heading 1.1: Confirming the Balance
First and foremost, you need to know the exact balance on your Southwest gift card. Don't just guess!
Online: The easiest way to do this is by visiting the official Southwest Airlines website. Look for a "Gift Card" or "Check Balance" section, usually found in the footer or a dedicated gift card page. You'll typically need to enter the gift card number and the security code (PIN).
By Phone: If you prefer, you can call Southwest Airlines customer service (1-800-I-FLY-SWA or 1-800-435-9792). Follow the automated prompts to check your gift card balance.
Why this is important: An incorrect balance can lead to disputes and negative feedback, especially on online marketplaces. Be precise!
Sub-heading 1.2: Checking for Expiration Dates and Restrictions
While many gift cards don't expire, it's always best to double-check the terms and conditions for your specific Southwest gift card.
Southwest Airlines Policy: Generally, Southwest Airlines gift cards do not expire. However, it's wise to review the terms on the back of your physical card or on the e-gift card email.
Usage Restrictions: Understand how the gift card can be used. Southwest gift cards are typically for airfare and associated fees, but they usually cannot be used for things like Southwest Vacations packages, cargo, hotel, rental car, or inflight purchases. Being aware of these limitations will help you answer buyer questions accurately.
Why this matters: Buyers will want to know exactly what they're getting. Transparency about any limitations or expiration dates (even if none exist) builds confidence.
Step 2: Choosing Your Selling Platform - Where to List Your Card
Now that you know your card's value and terms, it's time to decide where you want to sell it. There are generally two main avenues, each with its own pros and cons.
Tip: Highlight what feels important.
Sub-heading 2.1: Gift Card Exchange Websites
These platforms specialize in buying and selling gift cards. They offer a streamlined process and often provide a quick payout.
Popular Platforms:
Raise: One of the largest and most popular gift card marketplaces. You can list your card and set your own price, or sell it directly to Raise for a quicker payout. They do charge a commission fee (e.g., 15%).
CardCash: Another well-known platform that buys gift cards directly. They offer competitive rates and often have fast processing times. Expect a commission fee here too (e.g., 10%).
GiftCardGranny: This site acts as an aggregator, comparing offers from various gift card resale sites to help you find the best deal. You can also sell directly through them.
GCBUYING / GiftCash: These are other reputable options that focus on fast cash for gift cards.
Pros of Exchange Websites:
Convenience: The process is typically very straightforward.
Security: Reputable platforms offer buyer and seller protection, reducing the risk of fraud.
Speed: Some platforms offer instant or very quick payouts (e.g., via PayPal or direct deposit).
Cons of Exchange Websites:
Lower Payout: You'll generally sell your card for a percentage of its face value (e.g., 80-92%), as the platform needs to make a profit.
Fees: Commission fees will be deducted from your sale.
Sub-heading 2.2: Online Marketplaces & Social Media
If you're comfortable with a bit more hands-on selling, general online marketplaces can offer a wider reach.
Popular Platforms:
eBay: A massive online auction and selling platform. You can list your gift card for a fixed price or an auction.
Facebook Marketplace: Great for selling locally, potentially avoiding shipping costs. You can list your card and connect with buyers directly.
Craigslist: Similar to Facebook Marketplace for local sales, but be extremely cautious about meeting in person and always prioritize safety.
Pros of Online Marketplaces:
Potentially Higher Payout: You might be able to get a higher percentage of the face value, as there are fewer intermediaries.
More Control: You set your own price and terms.
Cons of Online Marketplaces:
Higher Risk of Scams: Be very vigilant. Scammers are prevalent on these platforms. Always ensure payment is cleared before sending the gift card details.
Less Buyer/Seller Protection: Compared to dedicated gift card sites, protection might be limited.
More Effort: You'll handle all communication, listing creation, and payment processing.
Fees: eBay, for example, will charge listing and final value fees.
Step 3: Pricing Your Gift Card Competitively - Finding the Sweet Spot
This is where many sellers either undersell or overprice their cards. Research is key!
Sub-heading 3.1: Researching Current Market Rates
Before you set your price, see what similar Southwest gift cards are selling for.
Check Gift Card Exchange Sites: Even if you plan to sell on eBay, check the rates offered by Raise, CardCash, and GiftCardGranny. This gives you a baseline of what buyers are generally willing to pay.
Browse Completed Listings on eBay: On eBay, you can filter searches to show "Sold Items" to see what prices recent Southwest gift cards have actually sold for. This is a very valuable indicator.
General Rule of Thumb: Popular gift cards like Southwest typically sell for 80-92% of their face value. The higher the demand, the closer to face value you can get.
Sub-heading 3.2: Accounting for Fees
Remember those platform fees? Factor them into your desired selling price.
Example: If you want to net $90 for a $100 gift card and the platform charges a 10% fee, you'll need to list it for more than $90 to cover that fee. Calculate carefully!
Step 4: Creating an Attractive Listing - Hooking Your Buyer
Your listing is your storefront! Make it clear, concise, and trustworthy.
Tip: Skim only after you’ve read fully once.
Sub-heading 4.1: Crafting a Clear and Honest Description
Include all essential details:
Gift Card Value: Clearly state the exact dollar amount.
Brand: "Southwest Airlines Gift Card."
Format: Is it a physical card or an e-gift card? This is very important. Digital cards are often preferred for their instant delivery.
Expiration Date: Reiterate that there is no expiration (if applicable), or clearly state it if there is one.
Restrictions: Briefly mention any key restrictions (e.g., "Valid for airfare on Southwest.com only").
Reason for Selling (Optional): A simple "received as a gift, prefer cash" can add a touch of authenticity.
Be Transparent: Honesty is the best policy. Don't try to hide any details.
Sub-heading 4.2: Using High-Quality Images (for physical cards)
If you have a physical gift card, take clear, well-lit photos.
Show the Front and Back: Ensure the card number and PIN are obscured or blurred in the photos for security. You will share these only after payment is confirmed.
Proof of Balance (Optional but Recommended): If you can, take a screenshot of the balance check page (with sensitive info blocked out) and include it in your listing to further build trust.
Step 5: Ensuring a Secure Transaction - Protecting Yourself
This is perhaps the most critical step to avoid scams and ensure you get paid.
Sub-heading 5.1: Payment First, Always!
NEVER release the gift card number or PIN before you have received and confirmed payment.* This cannot be stressed enough.
Use Secure Payment Methods:
PayPal (Goods & Services): Offers buyer and seller protection. Be wary of "Friends & Family" payments as they offer no protection.
Direct Deposit (via exchange sites): Reputable gift card exchange sites will handle the payment securely.
Avoid: Wire transfers, unverified checks, or any payment method that feels "off."
Sub-heading 5.2: Verifying Payment (Especially on Marketplaces)
PayPal: Don't just rely on an email saying "You've received a payment." Log directly into your PayPal account to confirm the funds are actually there and cleared. Be aware of chargebacks – sometimes funds can be reversed after you've sent the card details.
Scam Awareness: Be wary of buyers who:
Offer significantly more than your asking price.
Ask you to send the card details immediately after "payment" without you verifying.
Request to communicate outside the platform.
Have brand new accounts with no feedback.
Sub-heading 5.3: Delivering the Gift Card
Once payment is confirmed and cleared:
For E-Gift Cards: Send the gift card number and PIN (and any necessary redemption instructions) securely through the platform's messaging system. Do not send it via unencrypted email.
For Physical Gift Cards: Ship with tracking. Consider requiring a signature for higher value cards.
Step 6: Post-Sale Follow-Up - Smooth Sailing to Completion
Tip: Skim once, study twice.
A little follow-up goes a long way for good reviews and future sales.
Confirm Delivery: Once the buyer confirms they have successfully used the gift card, you can consider the transaction complete.
Leave Feedback: On platforms that allow it, leave positive feedback for a smooth buyer, and they'll likely do the same for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to check my Southwest Airlines gift card balance?
You can check your Southwest gift card balance online at southwest.com/gift-card/check-balance/ by entering your card number and security code, or by calling Southwest Airlines customer service at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792).
How to determine the best selling price for my Southwest Airlines gift card?
Research current selling prices on gift card exchange websites like Raise, CardCash, and GiftCardGranny, and check completed listings on eBay. Aim for 80-92% of the face value, factoring in any platform fees.
How to sell a partially used Southwest Airlines gift card?
Many gift card exchange websites and marketplaces allow you to sell partially used gift cards. Simply enter the current remaining balance when listing the card. The resale percentage might be slightly lower for partial balances.
How to avoid scams when selling a Southwest Airlines gift card online?
Always ensure payment has cleared into your account before providing the gift card details. Use secure payment methods like PayPal Goods & Services, and be suspicious of buyers who rush you, offer over-the-top prices, or ask to move communication off-platform.
How to sell a physical Southwest Airlines gift card versus an e-gift card?
QuickTip: Stop to think as you go.
E-gift cards are generally easier and faster to sell online as they can be delivered digitally. For physical cards, you'll need to ship them, ideally with tracking. Remember to obscure the card number and PIN in any photos you post.
How to ensure my Southwest gift card details are secure during the selling process?
Only share the full gift card number and PIN after you have received and verified payment. When listing, obscure these details in any photos. Use the platform's secure messaging system for transmitting the information.
How to get paid for my sold Southwest Airlines gift card?
Most reputable platforms offer payment via PayPal, direct bank deposit, or sometimes store credit for other gift cards. On marketplaces, PayPal Goods & Services is generally the most recommended option for seller protection.
How to tell if a gift card exchange website is reputable?
Look for websites with strong user reviews, clear terms and conditions, transparent fee structures, and good customer support. Established names like Raise, CardCash, and GiftCardGranny are generally considered reputable.
How to cancel a listing for my Southwest Airlines gift card if I change my mind?
Most online marketplaces and gift card exchange websites allow you to remove or cancel your listing before it's sold. Check the specific platform's policies for instructions on how to do this.
How to deal with buyer issues or disputes after selling a Southwest gift card?
If a buyer claims the card is empty or invalid, first, politely ask for proof. If you are confident it was valid when you sent it, provide proof of the balance from before the sale. On reputable platforms, open a dispute resolution case and follow their procedures. Always keep records of the gift card's balance and the transaction.
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