Underwhelmed by That Gift Card You Got? You Still Might Be Able to Use It

Q: Can I use a gift card at sister brands of the same company?

Often yes. Many retailers and restaurant groups issue gift cards valid across multiple sister brands — check the back of the card for logos or the issuer’s terms to confirm.

Q: Is it safe to sell or trade my gift card online?

It can be, if you use reputable gift card marketplaces with clear seller protections and secure payments. Read reviews and understand fees before proceeding.

Q: What should I do if a store won’t accept a gift card I have?

Call the specific location first to confirm acceptance. If they don’t accept it, ask the issuer about alternatives or consider trading the card on an exchange.

Q: Are there fees when using a gift card at another store in the same group?

Usually no, but some locations or member-only stores may charge service fees or have restrictions. Verify terms for each brand before using the card.

Q: Can I gift, donate, or swap a card instead of selling it?

Yes. You can give it to someone who will use it, donate to charities that accept gift cards, or swap with friends or on gift card exchange platforms.

Published by

Clara

Dec 19

Someone handed you a gift card! That’s nice. Maybe it came from your in-laws or a well-meaning aunt who doesn’t quite know what you enjoy doing in your spare time.

So what if you can’t picture yourself ever using this particular gift card? What if it’s for Olive Garden and you’re not a fan of endless breadsticks or the experience it offers?

You could sell the card. We know a thing or two about turning gift cards into cash, often for near their face value.

But what if selling makes you uneasy? Will your conscience be okay if you flip it? What about handing it off to a buddy? Should you just let it sit in your wallet and slowly go unused?

You truly can’t stand unlimited breadsticks? Walk me through that.

Ways to Use a Gift Card You Don’t Want

Here’s a helpful hint: flip that card over. Inspect the back closely. If you spot multiple logos or a lot of small print, you might be in luck. That restaurant or retailer likely belongs to a group of brands that will accept the same gift card.

Odds are you’ll like one of the chain’s sister brands better.

Don’t believe me?

Retail Chains That Honor Each Other’s Gift Cards

Take a look at these related retail groups that accept each other’s gift cards:

Gap Inc. gift cards are valid at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta stores. They’re also accepted online.
Walmart gift cards can be used at VUDU.com, Sam’s Club and Samsclub.com. If you’re not a Sam’s Club member, expect a 10% service fee on purchases there.
Bed Bath & Beyond gift cards work at buybuy BABY, Christmas Tree Shops and Harmon Face Values — valid at any of the four stores.
Bath & Body Works gift cards are also accepted at White Barn locations and on their website.
Crate and Barrel gift cards are good at CB2, Land of Nod and the associated online shops.
Gift cards for Marshalls, T.J.Maxx, or HomeGoods are interchangeable among those three stores.
Ann Taylor gift cards can also be used at LOFT and Lou & Grey locations.

Restaurant Groups That Let You Use a Card at Any Location

If endless breadsticks are a dealbreaker, don’t worry — there are alternatives.

You can redeem gift cards at any Darden restaurant within the family, including Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Bahama Breeze, Seasons 52 and Yard House.
Bloomin’ Brands gift cards are accepted at any restaurant in the group, as long as the restaurant’s logo appears on the back of the card. The brand roster includes Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar.
Received a card for Maggiano’s Little Italy? That same card can be used at Chili’s Grill & Bar, On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina and Romano’s Macaroni Grill locations.

Feeling a bit more optimistic about that mismatched gift card? If your card’s brand isn’t in this list, try a quick web search for brands affiliated with the company.

Want to be certain before attempting to pay with your gift card? Ring the specific location you plan to visit and confirm they accept it. It only takes a minute!

If you’d prefer to convert that card into cash, you can look into options for stock gift cards or even score free 25 in cash for trading in an unused gift card through various trading programs.