The Plastic-to-Cash Revolution: Understanding Instant Gift Card Exchange

We’ve all been there: unwrapping a sleek little piece of plastic—or opening an email containing a shiny digital code—only to realize the gift card is from a retailer you rarely, if ever, visit. Maybe it’s a spa card when you prefer home remedies, a coffee chain card when you’re an avid tea drinker, or a department store voucher from an aunt who doesn’t quite know your taste.