Where to Find Discounted Gift Cards in Canada and How to Save Money
Buying discounted gift cards is a smart way for Canadians to save money on everyday purchases, from groceries and gas to dining and entertainment. Whether you’re looking to cut costs on personal spending or score great deals on gifts, discounted gift cards offer an easy way to stretch your budget. In this guide, we’ll explore where to find them, how they work, and tips for maximizing your savings.
Where to Buy Discounted Gift Cards in Canada
1. Gift Card Exchange Websites
These platforms allow people to sell unwanted gift cards at a discount, making them a great place to find deals:
- CardSwap – One of Canada’s most popular gift card exchange platforms, offering discounted cards for various retailers.
- Rakuten Gift Card Shop – Get cashback when purchasing gift cards from popular brands.
- GiftCards.ca – Sells discounted gift cards for major retailers and restaurants.
2. Warehouse Clubs
Stores like Costco offer bulk gift card discounts, often selling $100 worth of gift cards for $80–$90:
- Costco Canada – Frequently offers discounted gift cards for restaurants, entertainment, and retail stores.
3. Grocery and Retail Promotions
Some retailers offer bonus deals when purchasing gift cards, such as extra loyalty points or cashback:
- Loblaws, Sobeys, and Metro – Occasionally run promotions where you earn PC Optimum or Air Miles points.
- Shoppers Drug Mart – Offers PC Optimum points bonuses on select gift cards.
- Canadian Tire – Sometimes provides bonus CT Money when buying gift cards.
4. Credit Card and Banking Rewards
Many credit cards and banks allow users to redeem points for gift cards at a discount:
- Scotiabank Scene+ Program – Redeem Scene+ points for discounted movie and restaurant gift cards.
- RBC Rewards – Allows members to exchange points for gift cards at a lower cost.
- PC Optimum – Can be used towards purchases, effectively making gift cards cheaper.
5. Seasonal Sales and Promotions
Many stores and brands offer discounted gift cards during holiday seasons, including:
- Black Friday and Boxing Day sales.
- Retailer-specific promotions (e.g., Starbucks offering a $5 bonus with a $25 gift card purchase).
- Employee Discounts – Some workplaces offer special pricing on gift cards for employees.
How to Maximize Your Gift Card Savings
- Stack Discounts – Use a discounted gift card on top of store sales or promo codes.
- Buy in Bulk – Costco and Sam’s Club often sell multi-card packs at a discount.
- Use Cashback Rewards – Buy gift cards through cashback platforms to save even more.
- Sign Up for Store Emails – Retailers often notify subscribers about exclusive gift card promotions.
Final Thoughts
Discounted gift cards are a fantastic way to save money on everyday expenses while making the most of retailer promotions and rewards programs. Whether you’re buying them for yourself or as gifts, knowing where to find the best deals ensures that you’re getting the most value for your money. Keep an eye out for promotions and start saving today!