Season of Savings: How to get gift cards at a discount

You shouldn’t pay full price for presents, and the same rule of thumb goes for gift cards, too!

The Krazy Coupon Lady co-founder Joanie Demer says some of her favorite web sites for discounted gift cards include Cardpool, Raise, and Gift Card Granny.

“They all offer gift cards anywhere from about 2 percent off, up to 20% off,” Demer says.

Demer says the sites like these either buy gift cards from consumers who don’t want them, or from retailers in bulk.

“There’s data that even shows consumers who shop with gift cards are likely to spend more. The average US consumer spends $59 more than the value of the gift card, so that’s why retailers are willing to sell gift cards at a discount.”

If you’d rather shop for a discounted gift card in person, try Costco.

“Costco is actually a fantastic place to find gift cards at a discount for major chains like Ruth Chris Steakhouse to the Build a Bear Workshop or local restaurant chains.”