The practice of trading value-loaded cards from a major retailer through digital platforms represents a secondary market activity. These cards, initially obtained as presents or through purchase incentives, can be converted to cash or other forms of value through specialized online exchanges. Such transactions often involve a discount relative to the card’s face value, reflecting the exchange service’s fee and the liquidity premium demanded by buyers.
This system offers consumers increased flexibility in managing their assets and allows them to access funds more readily than by utilizing the card at the specific retailer. Historically, individuals were limited to spending the card’s value within the store; the online marketplace has democratized access to the monetary worth of these cards. Benefits include immediate access to funds, the ability to consolidate multiple smaller cards into a single transaction, and avoiding unwanted purchases from the original retailer.
