Buying Gift Cards With Credit Card Rewards May 2026

While usually equal, some cards (like Citi Rewards+ ) offer better value for gift cards (1 cent) than for direct cash back (0.5 cents). Best Cards for Gift Card Redemptions Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

The value you get for your rewards varies significantly based on how you redeem them: buying gift cards with credit card rewards

Most issuers provide a "1 cent per point" value (e.g., 2,500 points for a $25 gift card). While usually equal, some cards (like Citi Rewards+

Travel redemptions often yield 1.25 to 2.0 cents per point , making gift cards a less efficient use of points for frequent travelers. Issuers like Chase frequently offer 10% discounts on

Issuers like Chase frequently offer 10% discounts on gift cards for brands like Macy's and Panera Bread, making points worth roughly 1.1 cents each.

Redeeming credit card rewards for gift cards is a convenient but often lower-value strategy compared to travel or cash back, though it can be highly effective during limited-time promotions.