Have unused gift cards collecting digital dust? In Kenya, there are trusted and efficient options to convert them into M-Pesa cash, bank transfers, or even crypto—safely and swiftly. From Amazon and iTunes to Netflix and Steam, here’s your complete guide to the 10 legit gift card exchange platforms that actually work in Kenya.

Why Kenyan-Specific Platforms Matter

Kenya’s economy is powered by digital commerce, and M-Pesa dominates mobile payments here. Gift card exchange services that pay directly into M-Pesa accounts or support crypto payouts offer unmatched convenience and speed in a market defined by instant mobile liquidity.

Top 10 Gift Card Exchange Platforms for Kenyans

1. Mobishare / MobiPay

• What It Does: While primarily for buying and sending gift cards, Mobishare allows recipients in Kenya to redeem them instantly into M-Pesa—making it versatile for receiving and repurposing value digitally.

• Why Kenyans Love It: Extremely fast redemption, MPESA integration, and user-friendly interface.

2. GiftPesa

• What to Know: A Kenya‑centric platform allowing redemption of digital vouchers across a wide local merchant network. Offers full or partial redemptions with SMS-based delivery—great for spending rather than cashing out.

• Ideal for: Turning gift cards into goods rather than cash.

3. AfrBTC

• Features: Exchange gift cards (like Amazon, iTunes) for cash or crypto. Fast processing and a dual payout model make it flexible and popular among savvy users.

4. eGiftAfrica

• What It Offers: A seamless way to redeem gift cards across multiple businesses in Kenya—not focused on cashing out but practical for using digital credits.

5. Carry1st Shop

• How It Works: Buy or redeem international gift cards (e.g. Amazon US) with support for Kenyan shillings. Great if you want to access foreign services easily.

6. CY.SEND

• Local Favorite: Easily redeem supermarket and retail gift cards (e.g. Naivas) either online or in-store—perfect for day-to-day needs.

7. DarasaOnline

• Usage: Simplifies using Kenyan gift cards across multiple local partner outlets. Great when you want to spend rather than convert to cash.

8. Cardcash

• What Makes It Stand Out: A pan-African gift card exchange offering bank transfers and instant payouts. Supports countries including Kenya, with secure escrow and competitive rates.

9. Suregifts

• Business-Friendly: Tailored for bulk or corporate transactions. Trades numerous gift cards via bank transfers across African markets including Kenya.

10. Paxful

• Global P2P Platform: Trade gift cards for Bitcoin, then convert to KES. Gift card trading was officially restored for Kenya, and escrow protects your trades.

Platform Comparison Table

FAQs

Q1: Can I get paid directly into M‑Pesa?
Yes! Platforms like Mobishare, AfrBTC, and Paxful allow conversion of gift cards into M-Pesa or equivalent mobile/cash payout channels.

Q2: Is gifting or spending the same as converting to cash?
No—services like GiftPesa, eGiftAfrica, CY.SEND, and DarasaOnline let you spend the card's value directly at retailers, which is different from cash conversion.

Q3: Are payouts fast?
Yes—Mobishare processes in minutes; AfrBTC and Cardcash offer instant or very fast payouts. Paxful depends on buyer confirm time but has protection via escrow.

Q4: Can I get paid in crypto?
Absolutely—AfrBTC specializes in crypto payouts, and Paxful allows conversion of gift cards into Bitcoin.

Q5: Is this legal in Kenya?
Yes—these digital trades are allowed. Just steer clear of scams by using platforms with escrow or secure systems like Paxful or Cardcash.

Q6: Which cards are accepted?
Platforms generally support Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, Steam, Netflix, and more. Local-focused platforms support Kenyan retailer cards like Naivas or Darasa outlets.

What Kenyans Are Saying

A Reddit announcement confirms Paxful’s return to Kenyan users:

“ANNOUNCEMENT: Gift cards are back! … we are happy to announce that gift cards are available to trade in … Kenya.”

Another user highlights how easy it is to send funds to M-Pesa using modern methods, though in a different context:

“Do it. Very easy and good rates. Money hits your Mpesa within less than a minute.”

Final Thoughts

Kenyan users have access to a wide range of legit channels for turning gift cards into cash or usable value:

• Fast M‑Pesa payouts: Try Mobishare or AfrBTC.

• Spend instead of convert: Use GiftPesa, CY.SEND, or DarasaOnline.

• Bulk or business transactions: Suregifts has your back.

• Crypto lovers: Paxful and AfrBTC are your best options.

• Pan-African cash payout: Go with Cardcash for secure, bank-based options.