Frequently Asked Questions

Gift Card Advantage helps you unlock value trapped in unused gift cards (or even credits received for returned merchandise) in exchange for a Hudson's Bay eGift card so you can shop where you love.

1. The simplest and most convenient method to convert your gift cards into a Hudson's Bay eGift card.
2. The highest value for your gift cards - because we have the largest number of consumers who are looking to purchase that gift card.
3. The fastest way to swap for a Hudson's Bay eGift card.

The Hudson's Bay eGift card offer you receive for your unwanted gift card depends on many factors including the specific merchant as well as the amount. To get an exact quote, please go here.

To protect against fraudulent activity, we verify the identity of customers wishing to transact with a valid credit card. Credit cards will not be charged unless the customer is found to have obtained the gift cards through illegal or fraudulent means.

Typically within 2 business of receiving your gift card a Hudson's Bay eGift card will be emailed to you.

For certain high value transactions, transactions times may be extended and you will be notified accordingly.

If the total value of your gift card(s) is less than $250
Simply mail in your gift cards using Gift Card Advantage's free prepaid shipping label provided with your transaction confirmation.

If the total value of your gift card(s) exceeds $250
Gift Card Advantage encourages you to mail in your gift cards using registered mail with signature tracking. Gift Card Advantage will reimburse you up to $10 for such a cost - simply include the receipt in the envelope.

If you do not have a printer, you can mail the cards to the following address:

CS Distribution
250 Consumers Rd #905
Toronto, Ontario   M2J4V6

Unfortunately we do not accept any drop-ins as all cards are processed at a secure off site location.

IMPORTANT TIPS PRIOR TO MAILING

1. When sending in your gift cards, we recommend you to wrap your gift cards with paper, cardboard or bubble wrap before placing it in an envelope.
2. Gift Card Advantage is only able to assume responsibility for a gift card once it has been received by our processing center. It is your responsibility to ensure successful delivery of the gift card to Gift Card Advantage at the address provided.
3. Always accurately enter the gift card UPC number as requested during the transaction process. In the unlikely event that your gift card gets lost in transit, such information may help you obtain a replacement gift card.

Yes. When using Canada's post regular mail you can include up to four regular size gift cards using a single stamp (or Gift Card Advantage's prepaid shipping label). If sending in more than four gift cards, please make sure to add an extra stamp to the envelope to avoid having the envelope returned.

Remember, if the value of the gift card(s) exceeds $250, Gift Card Advantage encourages you to use registered mail with signature tracking. Gift Card Advantage will reimburse you up to $10 for such cost - simply include the receipt in the envelope.

Gift Card Advantage accepts gift cards from over 450 retailers. We also accept store credits for returned merchandise (must be accompanied by the receipt of purchase).

Gift cards sold to Gift Card Advantage must:

• Be an approved retailer as listed on the website
• Have a balance of $25 or higher (gift cards valued at $25 are accepted)
• Not have any fees, expiration dates, or other restrictions
• Not be a rewards card or tied to a specific user
• Not be damaged or unsellable (i.e. Unreadable UPC or Pin)
• Not be a paper certificate
• Be redeemable in Canada

Unaccepted gift cards will be returned to the seller via Canada post regular mail at the sellers risk or the seller has the option of sending a courier to pick up their gift card.

Once your cards have been received by our processing centre you will receive an e-mail notification. Generally it takes two business days to receives, validate and processes your Hudson's Bay eGift card. In the case that it does take longer, we will notify you by email.

No. Unfortunately all gift cards are processed at an off-site secure processing centre. For security reasons, our corporate office is unable to accept any gift cards dropped at the office.

Whenever you wish to convert a gift card into a Hudson's Bay eGift card, you should always start the process on the Gift Card Advantage "Sell" page. In most cases, you will receive an instant quote for your gift card.

For certain higher value gift cards, you may be prompted to submit an inquiry for a 'custom quote'. Please follow this process through to the end in order to receive a call from a Gift Card Advantage representative within two (2) business days with a custom quote. Most high value gift cards are only exchangeable for cash, not a Hudson's Bay gift card. We may ask for proof of purchase or more information to validate the source of your gift cards.

Alternatively, for high value cards where no instant offer was provided, you can email us directly at [email protected] with the following information:

• Name of store where the gift card can be redeemed
• Gift card balance
• Your contact phone number and the best time to reach you at

Remember: If mailing in gift cards with a face value above $250, Gift Card Advantage recommends that you mail in your gift cards using registered mail with signature tracking. Gift Card Advantage will reimburse you up to $10 for such cost - simply include the receipt in the envelope.

If you decide not to swap your gift card, the quote is automatically cancelled from our system after 30 days.

CardSwap is established as Canada's largest marketplace for gift cards. CardSwap has teamed up with Hudson's Bay to jointly launch the Gift Card Advantage program.

Please note that your credit card statements will show a charge from CardSwap, and not Gift Card Advantage.