Why US Gift Cards Have Higher Rates Than UK and EU Cards

If you have ever compared rates for US vs UK vs EU gift cards on a trading platform, you have noticed that US cards always fetch the highest rates. The difference can be 30-80 NGN per USD depending on the card type. Understanding why this gap exists helps you make better selling decisions.

The Main Reason: Demand and Liquidity

US gift cards have the largest buyer base. Most gift card traders and resellers operate in or serve the US market because it is the biggest consumer market in the world. A US Amazon card can be resold to someone shopping on Amazon.com, which has the widest product selection and ships to the most countries. A UK Amazon card only works on Amazon.co.uk, which has a smaller selection and fewer shipping options.

Higher demand means traders are willing to pay more for US cards because they can resell them faster and at better margins. This demand-driven pricing is the primary factor behind the rate gap.

Rate Comparison by Region

US cards consistently beat UK cards by 30-60 NGN per USD and EU cards by 50-80 NGN per USD. The gap is largest for Amazon and Apple cards and smallest for Steam cards (because Steam cards are region-flexible to some degree).

Other Factors Behind the Rate Gap

Currency Conversion Costs

UK cards are in GBP and EU cards are in EUR. Converting GBP or EUR to USD involves an exchange rate and potential fees. Traders factor this conversion cost into the rate they offer, which pushes UK and EU card rates lower.

Regional Restrictions

Some gift cards are region-locked. A US PlayStation card only works on a US PSN account. A UK PlayStation card only works on a UK PSN account. Since the US market is larger, US cards have more potential buyers, which drives up the rate.

Resale Market Depth

The secondary market for US gift cards is deeper and more competitive. Multiple trading platforms, resellers, and individual buyers compete for US cards, pushing rates up. The UK and EU secondary markets are smaller with fewer buyers, so rates stay lower.

Fraud Risk Differences

US gift card fraud detection systems are more mature, and US retailers issue receipts more consistently. This makes US cards with receipts easier to verify and less risky for traders. UK and EU cards sometimes lack standardized receipts, increasing fraud risk and lowering rates.

What This Means for You

If You Have a Choice, Get US Cards

When someone offers you a gift card, ask if they can get a US version. The rate difference on a $100 Amazon card between US and EU versions can be 5,000-8,000 NGN.

If You Have UK or EU Cards

Do not expect the same rates as US cards. Check the specific rate for your card region on GiftCash NG before selling. UK and EU cards are still worth selling, just at lower rates.

Currency Matters

Even among US cards, the denomination currency matters. A $100 Amazon card (USD) fetches a higher rate than a 100 GBP Amazon card (UK) converted to USD equivalent. Always sell USD-denominated cards when possible.

How to Identify Your Card Region

Check these indicators to determine your card's region:

• Amazon: The URL on the back of the card or the email says amazon.com (US), amazon.co.uk (UK), or amazon.de (EU)
• Steam: Check your Steam account region or the currency shown when redeeming
• PlayStation: The card back shows the region (US, UK, EU)
• Apple: iTunes cards specify the country store they work with
• Google Play: The card back shows the country

Can You Change a Card Region?

Most gift cards are locked to their region of purchase. You cannot convert a UK Amazon card to a US Amazon card. The region is set at the time of purchase. If you receive a non-US card, your best option is to sell it at the going rate for that region.

Sell your gift cards at GiftCash NG for competitive rates, regardless of region.