I grew up using computers.

I never looked back.

They sat there collecting dust until I got a nostalgic second wind and turned them on.

Adam Hardy stands in front of a GameStop store. This article by Hardy explains how to get the most value from a GameStop trade-in.

Instead of getting your trade-in credit on a GameStop card, you can opt to get it on one of many other gift cards such as Applebees, Burger King and Shell gas. Tina Russell/The Penny Hoarder

Using these trade-in tricks at GameStop can get you up to 48% extra cash for your video games.

7 Ways to Make Money if You Hate People

Do you avoid people too?

Enough small talk.Here are some waysto earn extra cash, without all of the social stuff.

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Plus, that offer is barely 35% of the retail price.

We can do better than that.

Ask for Your Trade-In Value in Store Credit

In my case, the appraiser offered cash first.

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If the appraiser doesnt mention your trade-in value in store credit, be sure to ask.

My pupils turned to dollar signs when I heard his store credit offer:$111.14.

(Is this the same GameStop from my childhood?

I dont remember getting offers like that.)

And GameStop has quite a few to choose from.

Most people need gas.

Not everyone wants GameStop credit.

Remember the initial cash offer from GameStop?

It was $72.40.

Now were talking Benjamin Franklin.

But there are a few other ways to check that youre getting the best quote upfront.

These tips could increase your trade-in value even more.

Enroll in the PowerUp Rewards Program

The PowerUp Rewards program at GameStop offers members-only benefits.

The program is tiered, and the basic membership is free.

Free members also get birthday bonuses.

The trade-in perks dont really kick in until you get a PowerUp Rewards Pro membership.

This costs $14.99 a year, but it is worth it if you frequent GameStop.

check that theyre not scratched and that theyre in the original cases.

This ensures you will get the best quote.

It should go without saying, but dont have a go at trade in anything thats broken.

Throughout the year, GameStop has random trade-in deals where they will offer extra money for used games.

Sometimes it applies to all trade-ins, and other times its only for in-demand games.

They dont announce them far in advance, so youll have tocheck their website for current promotions.

PowerUp Rewards members get notifications for these trade-in events.

Timing also plays a factor regardless of the promotion.

For older games, its best to wait for one of those promotions.

Or you could wait for a really long time for the game to be considered retro.

Those games are back in style.

Now that I come to think of it, I wonder how much my GameCube could fetch me.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Heres what else you should know about GameStops trade-in program.

Is GameStop Trade In Still Available?

Yes, GameStop still accepts trade-ins.

The company paused in-person trade in services temporarily earlier in the pandemic, but the pause has been lifted.

(This should not be confused with the pauses in GameStop stock trading.)

How Does the GameStop Trade-In Policy Work?

Purging your old game library to GameStop is pretty straightforward.

You take in your gear, and an associate at the checkout counter appraises it.

Theyll give you varying quotes depending on the demand for your items and their condition.

you might sell more than video games, too.

In recent years, theyve expanded their store to include other consumer electronics outside of video games.

you’re able to now trade in all kinds of different consumer electronics.

What Do I Need to Do to Trade In My Stuff at GameStop?

Youll need to gather all the electronics you want to trade in and take it to your nearest GameStop.

A fingerprint is required.

Once everything is good to go, you then select your payment method.

Can You Trade In Video Games for Money at GameStop?

The simple answer is yes, but the whole point of this guide is to maximize your payout.

So dont take the money and run as soon as you hear the cash quote.

The tips above will maximize your GameStop trade-in value and help you get extra cash.

What bang out of Consumer Electronics Can I Trade In at GameStop?

you might trade in many different types of consumer electronics at GameStop.

Recently released video games and consoles, especially Xbox, Playstation and Nintendo, are a given.

GameStop also accepts smartphones, tablets, computer mice, controllers, select streaming devices and other accessories.

In vogue retro games and consoles are also accepted.

Yes, GameCube is considered retro now.

Is the GameStop Trade-In Program In-Person Only?

To complete your GameStop trade in, you must go in-person.

You cant secure your payment online or ship the items you want to trade.

The quote is good for one business day.

Do I Have to Be a Pro Member to Trade In My Things?

No, you dont need to be a paying PowerUp Rewards member to make trade-ins.

However, Pro members do receive an additional 10% to their quotes, among several other perks.

We recommend frequent traders to take advantage of the membership.

(Can you sense my millennial sarcasm there?)

You know which ones were talking about: rent, utilities, cell phone bill, insurance, groceries…