Section 1
How the process works
CardSell follows a verification-first workflow. In plain terms, that means we check a gift card before we do anything with it, and we ask you to confirm before we redeem it. The order of those steps is deliberate: it keeps you in control of your card and gives us a clear basis for the offer we pay out.
Every transaction moves through the same structured review — submission, verification, your authorisation, redemption and payout. Nothing is skipped because a card looks straightforward, and nothing is redeemed before that review is complete.
This page explains each stage, what we check, and where you have a decision to make. The full contractual detail sits in our Terms & Conditions and Seller Agreement.
Step 1
Submit your gift card
- Select the gift card brand from our catalogue.
- Enter the required gift card information, including the code and, where applicable, the PIN.
- Review the payout offer displayed for your brand and balance.
- Voluntarily submit the gift card for review if you are happy to proceed.
Submitting is a request for us to review the card. It is not a completed sale, and it does not authorise us to redeem anything.
Secure submission
Your details are sent over an encrypted connection and stored on our secured platform, visible only to the team handling your transaction.
Transparent pricing
The payout offer for your brand and balance is shown before you submit, so you can decide with the number in front of you.
No hidden fees
We do not add listing charges, processing charges or withdrawal charges. The offer you accept is the amount we work towards paying.
Step 2
Verification
Every submitted gift card undergoes verification before it can be accepted. This is the stage where we establish whether the card is genuine, usable and something we are able to buy.
Balance confirmation
We check that the balance on the card matches what was declared.
Card validity
We confirm the code and PIN are usable and that the card has not expired.
Brand eligibility
We confirm the brand is one we can currently accept.
Duplicate detection
We check the card against our registry of previously submitted cards.
Fraud prevention screening
We look for indicators associated with stolen or misused cards.
Risk assessment
We review the transaction as a whole before deciding whether to proceed.
Submission does not guarantee acceptance
A card may be declined if the balance cannot be confirmed, the brand is not currently eligible, the card has already been submitted, or our checks raise a concern. Where a card is declined, we will tell you and the card is not redeemed.
Step 3
Seller authorisation
If the gift card successfully passes verification, CardSell sends an authorisation request to the email address on your submission. It sets out the verified balance and the payout amount we are offering on that basis.
You then review the request and decide whether to continue. If the verified balance is lower than you expected, or you have simply changed your mind, you can decline and the submission is closed.
Your card, your decision
No verified gift card is redeemed without the seller's explicit authorisation. Until we receive that confirmation, the card remains yours and untouched.
Step 4
Gift card redemption
Only after receiving your explicit authorisation does CardSell complete the redemption process. At that point the card balance is transferred out of the card and the transaction becomes final.
If authorisation is not received, the gift card is not redeemed. We will close the submission after a reasonable period and the balance stays where it is, on your card, for you to use or sell elsewhere.
Because redemption cannot be undone, please read the authorisation email carefully before you approve it.
Step 5
Electronic payout
After successful verification, seller authorisation and completion of the transaction, the approved payout is sent using one of our supported electronic payment methods.
Cash payments are not available. All payouts are made electronically to details you provide, and those details must belong to you — we do not pay third parties on a seller's behalf.
Processing times vary
Processing times depend on our review and on the payment providers involved, so we do not guarantee when funds will arrive. Any timings shown elsewhere on the site are typical experience, not a promise.
Full detail on how offers are calculated and paid is in our Payment & Payout Policy.
Section 7
Your security matters
The safeguards below are built into the process rather than offered as extras. They exist to protect both sellers and the platform.
Verification before redemption
Nothing is redeemed on trust alone. Every card is checked first, and the outcome of that check decides whether the transaction can continue.
Seller authorisation required
A verified card still sits untouched until you confirm in writing that you want to go ahead. The decision stays with you.
Fraud prevention measures
Duplicate checks, registry matching and manual review help keep stolen and previously sold cards off the platform.
Secure transaction monitoring
Submissions are tracked through each status change, so there is a clear record of what happened and when.
Privacy protection
We collect what we need to verify and pay you, and handle it in line with our Privacy Policy. We do not sell personal information.
Professional customer support
If something is unclear or a decision goes against you, our team will explain the reason rather than leaving you guessing.
Section 8
Why customers trust CardSell
Transparent payout offers
See the offer before you commit — no reveal-after-submission pricing.
Verification-first workflow
Every card is checked before it is accepted or redeemed.
Seller approval required
Redemption only happens after your explicit authorisation.
Electronic payments
Payouts are sent electronically to your local bank account, or another supported method.
No hidden fees
No listing, processing or withdrawal charges deducted afterwards.
Professional customer support
Real answers from a team that can see your submission record.
Privacy focused
Data is collected for a purpose, used for that purpose and nothing more.
Secure online platform
Encrypted submission, access-controlled records and monitored activity.
Section 9
The journey end to end
From the moment you submit to the moment your payout is released, here is the full sequence:
Step 1
Submit gift card
Choose your brand, enter the card details, review the offer and send it to us for review.
Step 2
Verification
We confirm balance, validity, brand eligibility and run our duplicate and fraud checks.
Step 3
Authorisation email
If the card passes, we email you an authorisation request setting out what we verified.
Step 4
Seller approval
You confirm you want to proceed. Without that confirmation, nothing further happens.
Step 5
Gift card redemption
Only once you have authorised the sale do we complete redemption of the card.
Step 6
Electronic payout
The approved amount is released to your chosen electronic payout method.
Section 10
Frequently asked questions
Ready to sell your gift card?
Start your secure transaction today with CardSell — verified first, redeemed only with your approval.
Sell your gift cardQuestions first? Email support@cardsell.co.uk or visit our Contact page.