Photo: Lutsenko_Oleksandr (Shutterstock)

After the holidays, gift cards can be kept in your wallet undisturbed in the store for months – anytime in between 10-19% of gift card balances will not be redeemed, and six percent of gift cards are never used after The Hustle. Fortunately, you can sell these cards for cash on reseller websites. But are gift card exchange sites safe?

This is how the exchange of gift cards works

You can buy or sell gift cards on gift card exchange websites that act as brokers between buyers and sellers. Basically, you publish a list for the gift card you want to sell and, as part of that list, include the number and PIN of the card that the website verifies. Most of the actual exchange is digital, but may include sending physical cards with the reseller acting as an intermediary.

However, they will never sell a gift card for 100% of its value as the broker takes a small percentage and buyers expect a discount (otherwise they would only buy gift cards directly from retailers). But while you lose some value, you also get cash that can be spent anywhere, not just a store. Plus, the depreciation is better than not using it at all. If you haven’t used the card within 180 days, the more likely you won’t redeem the card at all, according to a Paytronix Report.

How much you can make also depends on the popularity of your gift card and how many are in the market. For example, there is more demand for an Amazon or Visa gift card valued at $ 100 than an Arby gift card valued at $ 100, for example. Expect between 50% and 92% of the value of a card depending on market demand.

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A word of warning

Avoid the temptation to sell your cards yourself on eBay or Facebook as it is too easy to get scammed without a third party. Instead, use only the most established gift card websites that offer customer support, such as: CardCash, GiftCash, and Raising. You can start with GiftCardGranny.comThis is an aggregator that compares offers from other reseller websites.

However, even these larger websites should be approached with some caution as they often receive complaints from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) ​​about card denials at retailers, as well as delays in receiving cards and making payments.

Last December the BBB issued a warning via the popular reseller Card poolwho currently has an “F” rating due to the scope of the complaints. That doesn’t mean that all other websites are the same or that they don’t offer support or respond to complaints – it’s just something to be aware of (personally, I’d love to buy a gift card from any of these websites, but I’d try too to use it immediately).

BBB offers these tips if you are considering a gift card reseller:

• Research the business before buying, selling, or trading.
• visit BBB.organd find out the company valuation.
• Read the complaints and customer reviews of any online gift card retailer you may be considering.
• Make sure the company has easy-to-find contact information.
• Understand the company’s policy on refunds.
• Use a payment method that allows you to dispute the charges.
• Immediately check the balance and any passwords or pins on the cards you have purchased.

Photo: F8 Studio (Shutterstock)

A credit card rejection can feel like a blow, especially when you’ve gotten into tough times. However, you still have a lesser-known last ditch option – the line of verification, which borrowers can use to appeal their rejection directly with their lender. Here’s how to use it.

First, understand why you were rejected

Your credit card application could be declined for a number of reasons, including: B. Because of bad credit, low income, outstanding debt payments, too many credit cards, and an employment history. The law requires card issuers to give you a reason why your application was rejected. So read your rejection letter carefully and know why you were rejected.

Some of these reasons can be obvious: For example, you wouldn’t expect to qualify for a high-limit premium credit card if your credit score is terrible. However, since the initial application is automated, many borderline cases are simply not creditworthy. Fortunately, this is where the lines of thought come in: you can call an actual person on the phone and lobby for approval – if you’re lucky, the denial will be lifted.

Prepare for the call

There are no guarantees, but if you are making your case as a responsible prospect, the lender can be confident. Prepare for the call by knowing your outstanding debt, income, and credit score. If you get declined based on your creditworthiness, you have the right to be Request a free copy of the credit report used by the lender within 60 days. Review the report and look for errors (they do occur). If you find any deny them and mention this in your call. Otherwise, be courteous as the person on the other end of the line is under no obligation to reverse the lender’s original decision. Hopefully after filing your case, your application will eventually be accepted.

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Lines of thought for major banks

Below are the phone numbers for dedicated verification lines (if available). However, be aware that they change frequently. If your bank isn’t on the list, call their customer service number and ask if there’s someone you can speak to. Also, be sure to call within 30 days of your rejection, as applications typically expire after 30 days and will force you to reapply (and put a heavy toll on your credit score which can affect your credit score).

• American Express has a review line that can be reached by a phone call 1-800-567-1083Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to midnight and from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. on Saturday.
• Bank of America There used to be a dedicated verification line but it looks like calling 1-877-721-9405 during business hours is your best option.
• Barclays Line of thought is 1-866-408-4064 and can be reached Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET.
• Capital One There is no specific review line, but you can try the general customer service line. 1-800-951-6951or application services 1-800-625-7866during normal business hours.
• chase A renewed review team can be reached by phone 1-888-270-2127 Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. ET and Saturdays between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. ET.
• Citibank can be reached by phone 1-800-695-5171every day between 8:00 am and midnight ET.
• Discover There’s no line of verification, and they don’t have a reputation for bringing down declined credit card applications. However, you can try the 24 hour customer support line. 1-800-347-2683.
• US BANK Not Doesn’t seem to have its own line of verification anymore, but you can call 1-800-947-1444 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET).
• Wells Fargo has a review department that can be reached by phone 1-866-412-5956, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, or by phone 1-800-967-9521Saturdays between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. ET.

This post was originally published in 2013 and updated on January 20, 2021 to include updated information.

Image: Not your mother

Top product: Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream | $ 14 | Sephora

As a woman with naturally curly Irish hair, I’ve suffered it from careful styling only to bring it to hell as soon as I walk out the door. Leave-in conditioner creates a protective blanket that will last much longer than other options. Curls can be extremely delicate and fussy, so finding the right product is a process and a challenge, but not one that is really too treacherous for you. To get you started, I’ve found the best curly hair leave-in conditioners to buy, as well as where to find them, below.

Best for frizzy curly hair Overall: Briogeo Goodbye Frizz

Graphic: Sheilah Villari

Frizz is the bane of any curly girl, and existence Briogeo is here to save the day. Untouched curls that are soft, supple and above all frizzy are the dream. Protection from moisture is a challenge no matter where you live. Trying to find a product with the right balance of ingredients so as not to get your mane greasy seems impossible, but here we are. Rose hip, argan, and coconut oils all help break down annoying follicles and lock in moisture. This can be used wet or dry as the heat won’t dry out your hair thanks to these magical elements.

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Best Drug Store Brand: Not mother nature

Graphic: Sheilah Villari

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I am a fan of Not your mother Because you can do it Get it at CVSIt’s affordable and it helps my currently very damaged and over-colored bangs. This does the same things as the mask, it’s just a lot easy to apply and leave to work Let the herbal ingredient work its magic all day. It smells amazing and goes on wonderfully. My own locks are starting to recover, getting healthier and stronger with each use. Put the feather back in place with this honey and melon mixture while your locks regain their natural elasticity.

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Best for color treated: Amika Vault

Graphic: Sheilah Villari

Speaking of colored hair, there is a perfect leave-in conditioner to keep this color as vibrant as possible. Amika’s vault is full of antioxidants that will protect your bob from UV light that could fade your shadows. Spray this on and watch your locks sparkle and glow. I’ve had some of Amika’s products and they are always high quality and smell amazing. Let Vault boost the hues with just a few spritzes, regardless of the thickness of your locks.

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Best for natural hair: Pantene Leave-On Detangling Milk

Graphic: Sheilah Villari

These Untangle milk treatment is the best bang for your buck. Pantene recruited top black scientists and black barbers to make this conditioner the best. Argan oil is an important ingredient. Of course, in addition to being tangle-free, your hair is sleek and soft too. Run it through your hair with just two drops of conditioner. Then take your wide-toothed comb and lightly brush your strands through before styling as usual.

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$ 7

Of Amazon

1 bought by readers

Best for dry hair: verb Curl leave-in conditioner

Graphic: Sheilah Villari

For a leave-in conditioner that does so much, I was pleasantly surprised at how light the actual product is. No matter what kind of curls you have Verb will bring them back into fighting shape. With base sunflower seed extract, coconut oil and shea butter as the basic ingredients, Verb is designed to improve your hair while protecting it from possible damage. Each strand of waves is defined to return to its natural, beautiful suspension.

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Best for all-round cream: Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream

Graphic: Sheilah Villari

The mask that helps repair my pony is made from argan oil, and that’s exactly what does the heavy lifting Moroccanoil’s Curl Defining Cream. Regardless of whether your locks are wavy to curly, the argan oil will improve each one and keep the frizz to a minimum. This also means that split ends are healed and the strands get their strength back. This leave-in miracle is an all-in-one curl solution. Moroccanoil is another brand with a signature scent, and every product I’ve had from it has been standout.

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