Across Africa and beyond, more people are discovering that earning money online doesn’t always require coding skills or massive investments.
Sometimes, all it takes is understanding how to turn what you already have into value and one overlooked opportunity is gift cards.
Once given only as holiday or birthday presents, gift cards have now become digital assets that can be traded, resold, or converted into cash.
Presently, they represent one of the most flexible and reliable ways to generate extra income online.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how to make money online with gift cards from reselling and conversions to freelancing and trading and how to avoid common mistakes that cost people money every year.
Why Gift Cards Are More Valuable Than You Think
Gift cards are no longer just store credits; they’re a form of digital currency.
According to Statista (2024), the global gift card market exceeded $698 billion, with digital cards making up over 60% of that figure.
In Nigeria and many parts of Africa, gift cards are now an alternative payment option and a reliable tool for online entrepreneurs.
Brands like Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, and Steam have created ecosystems where their gift cards can be used globally.
But the real opportunity lies in trading or converting these cards into cash through trusted platforms like ApexPay, which gives users access to competitive exchange rates, instant payment, and a safe trading environment.
So, what makes them so valuable?
- They can be exchanged globally.
- They retain value even across borders.
- They’re easy to verify and trade online.
Top Ways to Make Money with Gift Cards in 2025
There are several legitimate ways to turn gift cards into cash or steady income. Here are some of the most effective methods to try this year:
- Reselling for Profit: Purchase discounted cards, resell at market rates capturing arbitrage margins
- Survey Participation: Complete online tasks earning gift card rewards convertible to cash
- Cash Conversion: Trade unwanted cards through platforms like ApexPay for immediate liquidity
- Digital Product Upsells: Offer gift cards as premium bonuses increasing product perceived value
- Freelance Payments: Accept gift cards as alternative compensation from international clients.
Each methodology presents unique advantages: Reselling requires market knowledge and timing, surveys demand time investment, conversion prioritizes convenience, while freelance acceptance expands client base accessibility.
1. Buying and Reselling Gift Cards for Cash
This is the most direct and popular method. Instead of letting unused cards expire, you can sell them for instant payment.
If you’re more entrepreneurial, you can take this a step further by buying and reselling gift cards.
High-demand cards including Nike, Amazon, and Steam typically maintain robust resale values due to consistent consumer demand and broad redemption utility.
Fashion cards experience seasonal fluctuations with elevated values during holiday shopping periods, while gaming cards demonstrate steady year-round performance.
This method works just like small-scale trading. You buy gift cards at a discounted rate and resell them at market value keeping the difference as profit.
Many savvy traders use ApexPay’s real-time gift card rate calculator to identify when certain cards are in high demand.
Here’s how professional traders do it:
- Purchase discounted gift cards from clearance sales, corporate promotions, or verified resellers.
- Monitor exchange rate fluctuations.
- Resell the cards during high-demand periods (e.g., holidays or gaming seasons).
2. Sell or Trade Gift Cards for Cash
Platforms like ApexPay specialize in secure gift card conversion.
You simply upload your card details, get an instant quote, and receive your payment usually within 15 minutes.
Here’s how it works:
- Visit the official ApexPay website or download the App.
- Select your card brand (e.g., Amazon, iTunes, Steam).
- Enter your card amount and check the rate.
- Upload a clear photo or e-code of the card.
- Get paid instantly in Naira or Cryptocurrency.
The rates vary depending on the card type and market demand, but top brands like Amazon, Visa, and Google Play tend to offer the highest returns.
3. Earn Gift Cards Through Online Tasks and Rewards
Survey platforms and reward applications provide legitimate gift card earning opportunities requiring minimal specialized skills just internet access, honest participation, and consistent engagement.
Top Earning Platforms:
- Swagbucks: Offers diverse earning mechanisms including surveys, video watching, shopping cashback, and search rewards. Supports U.S., UK, Canadian, and Australian users with $5 minimum withdrawal thresholds.
- Toluna Influencers: Community-driven survey platform rewarding product testing, poll participation, and content creation. Available across 60+ countries including Nigeria with points convertible to gift cards.
- YouGov: Opinion polling platform emphasizing political and social research surveys. Operates in the UK, U.S., and select European markets with 5,000-point ($50) redemption minimum.
- Google Opinion Rewards: Mobile-optimized micro-survey application providing Google Play credits. Functions globally with location-based survey distribution averaging $0.10-1.00 per completion.
Task diversity spans demographic surveys, product reviews, advertisement viewing, receipt scanning, and game testing.
Earnings accumulate gradually, realistic expectations involve $20-100 monthly depending on time investment and demographic desirability.
Payout timeframes vary from instant digital delivery to 7-14 business day processing depending on platform policies and verification requirements.
Strategic users maintain accounts across multiple platforms diversifying earning sources while preventing dependency on single revenue channels.
4. Use Gift Cards as Payment for Freelance Services
Freelance professionals expand client accessibility by accepting gift cards as alternative compensation, particularly valuable when serving international clients experiencing payment processing complications or preferring prepaid instruments over credit card transactions.
Ideal Freelance Categories:
- Social media management and content creation
- Graphic design and visual communication
- Virtual assistance and administrative support
- Writing, editing, and translation services
- Digital marketing consultation.
Universal acceptance cards including Visa, Mastercard, and Amazon provide maximum utility enabling freelancers to convert payments into cash or reinvest into professional development tools, software subscriptions, or business infrastructure.
Platform integration enables Fiverr, Upwork, and personal website listings highlighting gift card payment acceptance, differentiating services from competitors while attracting budget-conscious clients or those preferring anonymous payment methods.
5. Use Gift Cards to Fund Online Ventures
Here’s another creative way to make money, reinvest your gift cards into your business or side hustle.
You can use your cards to:
- Pay for digital tools like Canva, Grammarly, or website hosting.
- Purchase ad credits on Facebook, Google, or TikTok.
- Buy inventory or software subscriptions for e-commerce stores.
Rather than letting them expire, gift cards can serve as business fuel helping you scale your income indirectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Trying to Earn with Gift Cards
Even though the process is simple, there are pitfalls to watch out for:
- ❌ Selling to unverified buyers: Avoid trading through WhatsApp, Telegram, or social media groups. Scammers often lure users with “too good to be true” rates.
- ❌ Ignoring expiration dates: Some cards lose value after a certain time, use or sell them early.
- ❌ Not checking balance validity: Always confirm your card’s balance through the official retailer website before trading.
- ❌ Falling for phishing scams: Never share your card code or upload details outside a secure site like ApexPay.
Being cautious and using verified platforms is the best way to keep your earnings safe.
Why ApexPay is the Best Platform for Gift Card Exchange in 2025
If you’re serious about converting or trading gift cards, ApexPay remains the most trusted name in the space.
Here’s why:
🔒 Top-notch security: Your transactions are fully encrypted and protected.
⚡ Instant payment: Get your funds within 10–15 minutes.
💬 24/7 support: Responsive help for any issue.
💰 Competitive rates: Consistently higher than average market prices.
📱 Mobile-friendly: Designed for speed and convenience on all devices.
Frequently Asked Questions On How To Earn Income Online With Gift Cards
1. Can I turn gift cards into cash legally in Nigeria or the UK?
Yes, gift card conversion remains perfectly legal in both Nigeria and UK jurisdictions.
Platforms like ApexPay operate within regulatory frameworks facilitating legitimate secondary market trading without legal complications provided cards originate through lawful acquisition rather than theft or fraud.
2. Which gift cards are most valuable in 2025?
Amazon, Apple iTunes, Google Play, Steam, and prepaid Visa/Mastercard cards consistently command highest conversion rates due to universal appeal and broad redemption utility.
Fashion brands and restaurant chains demonstrate lower values reflecting limited acceptance.
3. How do I check if a gift card is still valid or unused?
Verification occurs through brand-specific websites or customer service channels where users input card numbers accessing real-time balance information without redemption.
Most major retailers maintain dedicated balance checking portals for this purpose.
4. What’s the best site to sell gift cards quickly?
ApexPay provides an optimal combination of competitive rates, secure transactions, expedited processing (typically 15-20 minutes), and comprehensive customer support.
The platform’s verified operational history and transparent policies establish it as a premier choice for Nigerian traders.
5. Are gift cards taxable when used as income?
Tax implications vary by jurisdiction and usage context. Gift cards received as employment compensation typically qualify as taxable income, while personal gifts generally remain non-taxable.
Reselling profits may constitute business income requiring tax reporting. Consult local tax professionals for specific guidance.
Conclusion
Gift card monetization represents a legitimate, accessible income stream for ambitious professionals across Africa and the diaspora willing to understand market dynamics, leverage appropriate platforms, and execute strategic trading decisions.
The opportunity exists from reselling arbitrage to survey earnings, freelance payments to immediate conversion.
Success begins with a single action, like checking balances on forgotten cards, completing the first survey, or creating an ApexPay account, enabling secure conversion/trading.
Small steps compound into substantial earnings through consistent execution and continuous learning.
This is all you need to know on How to earn income online with Gift Cards in 2025.
Enjoy!
