Raise built the original peer-to-peer gift card resale marketplace, scaling to handle millions of listings before a 2020 strategic pivot. The old Raise was a C2C marketplace where individuals sold unwanted gift cards at discounts. The current Raise is a hybrid: a thinner resale marketplace plus a growing direct-from-brand channel. For buyers, this produces less inventory but generally more reliable transactions.
The realistic assessment in 2026: Raise is useful as a secondary comparison point alongside GiftCardGranny, but no longer deserves to be the default gift card source it once was.
What's available on Raise today
- Resale gift cards from individuals and from bulk sellers. Discounts range 2-20%; inventory is much thinner than pre-2020.
- Direct-from-brand gift cards — Raise has partnered with select brands to offer discounted cards directly, bypassing resale entirely.
- Raise Pay — in select cities, Raise offers integrated mobile payment using the discounted gift card balance at participating merchants.
- Gift card exchange — limited ability to sell unused cards.
Raise vs GiftCardGranny
| Factor | Raise | GiftCardGranny |
|---|---|---|
| Inventory breadth | Thinner (post-2020 pivot) | Broader (aggregates multiple sources) |
| Average discount depth | Comparable | Comparable |
| Reliability | High (both direct and curated sellers) | Variable by seller |
| Direct brand deals | Yes | Secondary |
| Search / filter UX | Clean, modern | Functional but dated |
Who should use Raise
- Buyers seeking specific brand cards where Raise has direct partnerships (coverage varies monthly).
- Users who prefer a cleaner interface and don't need the deepest possible inventory.
- Shoppers combining Raise with GiftCardGranny to maximize inventory coverage.
Who should skip
- Users looking for maximum discount depth — GiftCardGranny's aggregation tends to produce more outliers.
- Rare-brand card hunters — Raise's post-pivot inventory doesn't cover long-tail brands as well.
Power user tips
- Use Raise Direct. Direct-from-brand deals on Raise carry stronger guarantees than resale.
- Sign up for watchlist alerts. Raise alerts when specific brand cards appear below a threshold you set.
- Cross-reference with GiftCardGranny. For high-value purchases, check both before buying.
- Leverage mobile app. Raise's iOS and Android apps show different inventory from desktop at times; worth dual-checking.
Common pitfalls
- Reduced seller selection. Since the 2020 pivot, long-tail gift card discounts have thinned meaningfully. Expect limited inventory for niche brands.
- Buyer guarantee coverage. Raise's guarantees cover standard purchase failures; read the specific guarantee wording for the card you're buying.
- Redemption timing. Some cards have expiration dates or dormancy fees; verify before purchase.
FAQ
Is Raise still legitimate?
Yes. Operating since 2013, has navigated the 2020 restructuring, still reliably processes transactions. Reviews trend positive for core functionality.
Can I still sell my unused gift cards on Raise?
Limited. Raise has reduced the seller-side marketplace. Selling individual cards is harder than it used to be; consider CardCash or Gameflip for alternatives.
What's the most reliable brand category?
Direct-from-brand deals (which Raise manages) are most reliable. Major chain restaurants, Home Depot/Lowe's, and national retailers have the most consistent inventory and discount depth.
Last verified April 2026.