Abstract: Techniques are provided for providing value to a user in exchange for the user's value-ascertainable item. In one technique, the user, while in a merchant's store, uses a mobile device to scan a QR code that triggers a browser application to send a request to an exchange service over a network. The request includes data that is associated with the merchant. The user provides card data of a particular gift card to the exchange service. The exchange service checks the balance of the card and sends an offer for the card to the user. If the user accepts, then the exchange service sends account information and/or a bar code to the user's mobile device. The account information or bar code can be used immediately by the user to purchase one or more items at the store.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for managing a digital wallet on behalf of a user. A user causes one or more value-ascertainable items (such as gift cards) to be reflected in the user's digital wallet. Once a value-ascertainable item is reflected in the digital wallet, the user may access the digital wallet and use the value-ascertainable item to make a purchase from a merchant that is capable of redeeming the value-ascertainable item. Alternatively, an exchange service that maintains the digital wallet allows the user to exchange the value-ascertainable item for another value-ascertainable item, whether of the same type item or a different type of item. The exchanged-for item may be used to make a purchase from a merchant that is capable of redeeming the exchanged-for item.