Disclosures & Frequently Asked Questions

Last Updated: January 3, 2026

This page answers common questions about how Donate Your Balance (DYB) works, our fees, and what to expect when you donate a gift card.

About DYB

Is DYB a charity or nonprofit?

No. DYB is a for-profit company.

DYB is not a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, charity, or charitable solicitor. DYB operates a commercial gift card liquidation service. We accept gift cards from donors, take ownership, liquidate them, and make cash contributions to nonprofit organizations.

Is DYB fundraising on behalf of nonprofits?

No. DYB is not a fundraiser.

DYB does not raise money "for" nonprofits or act as their agent. When you donate a gift card to DYB:

  • You are donating TO DYB (ownership transfers to DYB)
  • DYB liquidates the card as its own property
  • DYB then makes a separate cash contribution to a nonprofit

Your nonprofit does not receive your specific gift card. They receive a cash contribution from DYB.

For Donors

Do I get a tax deduction for donating a gift card to DYB?

No. Donors should NOT expect a tax deduction.

Because DYB is a for-profit company (not a 501(c)(3) nonprofit), donations to DYB are generally not tax-deductible charitable contributions.

DYB does not issue tax receipts to donors. Any tax documentation issued is between DYB and the nonprofit recipient, not between you and the nonprofit.

Consult a tax professional if you have questions about your specific situation.

How much of my gift card value goes to the nonprofit?

It varies. DYB does not guarantee any specific percentage.

The amount a nonprofit receives depends on:

  • Liquidation value: The cash DYB receives when selling your card (often 60-90% of face value, depending on brand)
  • DYB's service fee: DYB charges a fee to cover verification, processing, liquidation costs, and operations
  • Market conditions: Some retailers' cards sell for more than others

Example:

  • Your card: $100 Starbucks gift card
  • Liquidation value: $85 (85% of face value)
  • DYB service fee: $25
  • Contribution to nonprofit: $60

DYB aims for transparency but cannot guarantee specific amounts because liquidation values fluctuate.

Which gift cards does DYB accept?

DYB accepts most major retail gift cards, but not all.

Generally accepted:

  • Major retailers (Target, Walmart, Amazon, Home Depot, etc.)
  • Restaurant chains (Starbucks, Chipotle, Panera, etc.)
  • Clothing stores (Nike, Gap, Nordstrom, etc.)
  • Entertainment (iTunes, Google Play, movie theaters, etc.)

Generally NOT accepted:

  • Visa/Mastercard/Amex prepaid cards (too difficult to verify)
  • Store-specific cards from small local businesses
  • Cards with very low balances (under $10)
  • Expired or inactive cards
  • Cards from retailers with liquidation restrictions

DYB reserves the right to decline any card for any reason. If we decline your card, we'll attempt to return it to you.

What if my card has a $0 balance or can't be liquidated?

If your card cannot be liquidated:

  1. DYB will notify you via email
  2. DYB will attempt to return the card to you at the mailing address you provided
  3. No contribution will be made to the nonprofit you selected

DYB is not responsible for:

  • Balance discrepancies (if the actual balance is lower than you estimated)
  • Cards that were expired, deactivated, or used before DYB received them
  • Lost or damaged cards during return shipping

To minimize issues:

  • Verify your card balance before donating (check the retailer's website or call customer service)
  • Provide accurate information in the donation form
  • Do not use the card after submitting it to DYB

How long does the process take?

Processing times vary. Expect several weeks to several months.

Typical timeline:

  1. Submission: You fill out the form and receive mailing instructions (instant)
  2. Mailing: You mail the card to DYB (3-7 days depending on mail speed)
  3. Verification: DYB receives and verifies the card (1-5 business days)
  4. Liquidation: DYB sells the card through liquidation partners (1-6 weeks)
  5. Contribution: DYB makes a cash contribution to the nonprofit (1-2 weeks after liquidation)

Total time: 2 weeks to 3 months (typically 4-8 weeks)

DYB does not guarantee specific timeframes. Processing depends on verification requirements, liquidation partner schedules, and nonprofit disbursement methods.

Is this secure? How do I know my card won't be stolen?

DYB takes security seriously:

Data Security:

  • All website traffic is encrypted with HTTPS/SSL
  • Card information is handled securely and retained only as long as operationally necessary
  • DYB uses trusted third-party partners for verification and liquidation

Fraud Prevention:

  • DYB may perform verification checks on card ownership
  • Suspicious submissions are flagged and investigated
  • DYB may cooperate with lawful requests related to fraud or misuse

What you can do:

  • Only donate cards you legally own
  • Don't share card information via unencrypted email
  • Keep receipts or purchase confirmations as proof of ownership
  • Report suspicious activity to support@donateyourbalance.com

DYB cannot guarantee 100% security (no system can), but we use industry-standard practices to protect your information.

Can I choose which nonprofit receives the contribution?

Yes, if the nonprofit is a DYB partner.

When you donate a card, you can select from DYB's list of partner nonprofits. DYB will make a cash contribution to that organization after liquidating your card.

If your preferred nonprofit is not listed:

  • Email support@donateyourbalance.com to request they be added
  • DYB will reach out to that nonprofit to see if they want to partner
  • There is no guarantee every nonprofit will be added (some may decline partnership)

If you don't select a nonprofit:

  • DYB may make a contribution to a nonprofit of DYB's choosing
  • Or DYB may contact you to select one before processing

For Nonprofits

Can my church, shelter, or mission promote DYB?

Yes, but you must describe DYB accurately.

You MAY:

  • Inform your supporters that DYB exists and accepts gift cards
  • Share that DYB makes contributions to organizations like yours
  • Provide DYB's website link (donateyourbalance.com)

You MUST NOT:

  • Say "We're fundraising through DYB" ❌
  • Say "DYB is running a donation drive for us" ❌
  • Promise donors tax deductions ❌
  • Guarantee specific donation amounts or percentages ❌

Why? Misrepresenting DYB's role could:

  • Trigger charitable solicitation registration requirements for DYB or your organization
  • Mislead donors about tax deductibility
  • Violate the Nonprofit Partner Acknowledgment agreement

See our Partner Agreement for specific language guidelines.

How do nonprofits receive contributions from DYB?

Via check or ACH transfer.

When you sign up as a DYB partner:

  1. You complete a nonprofit partner form
  2. You provide banking information or a mailing address
  3. DYB verifies your 501(c)(3) status
  4. DYB adds you to the partner list so donors can select you
  5. As cards are donated and liquidated, DYB makes periodic contributions to you

DYB provides reports showing contribution amounts, donor counts (anonymized if requested), and dates.

Nonprofits are responsible for:

  • Issuing any applicable tax documentation to DYB (not to individual donors)
  • Reporting contributions as revenue per IRS requirements
  • Using funds for charitable purposes consistent with your mission

Does DYB charge nonprofits any fees?

No. Nonprofits pay nothing.

DYB's service fee is deducted from the gift card liquidation proceeds before contributions are made. Nonprofits receive net contributions with no bills, invoices, or setup fees.

Disclosures Required by Law

Material Connection Disclosure

DYB is a for-profit company. We generate revenue by charging a service fee on gift card liquidations. This fee is our primary business income.

No Guarantee Disclaimer

DYB does not guarantee:

  • Specific liquidation values or percentages
  • Processing timeframes
  • Acceptance of any particular gift card
  • That any specific nonprofit will receive contributions

Consumer Protection Notice

If you believe DYB has engaged in unfair or deceptive practices, you may file a complaint with:

  • Your state Attorney General's consumer protection division
  • The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov/complaint

Governing Law

DYB operates under the laws of the United States. See our Donor Terms of Use for complete legal details.

Still Have Questions?

Contact DYB:

For legal or partnership inquiries:

This page is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Consult appropriate professionals for advice specific to your situation.