Wondering how to sell diabetic test strips for cash? Yes? Here is a complete guide to selling diabetic test strips safely and legally.
Diabetic test strips, also called glucose test strips, are essential medical supplies—but many people find themselves with unopened, unused boxes they no longer need. It can happen due to a change in prescription, switching brands, or over-ordering.
Fortunately, you can sell your extra or unused diabetic test strips for cash, instead of letting them go to waste. It’s a way to recoup some costs, especially since test strips can be expensive.
In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about selling diabetic test strips—from understanding the legality and value of test strips to choosing the right platforms to sell them.
Table of Contents
What Is a Diabetic Test Strip?
A diabetic test strip, also known as a blood glucose test strip, is a small, disposable plastic tool used by people with diabetes to measure the amount of glucose (sugar) in their blood.
This medical tool is essential for diabetic patients for making decisions about food, exercise, and medication dosages (like insulin).
Is It Legal to Sell Diabetic Test Strips?
Generally, it’s legal to sell unused, unopened, and unexpired diabetic test strips in the United States. However, there are critical legal and safety boundaries you must follow to avoid fraud or legal trouble.
The legality of selling diabetic test strips depends on how they were obtained and how they are labeled.
When is it legal
Diabetic test strips are classified as Over-the-Counter (OTC) medical devices. It’s because they are not “prescription drugs,” you can legally sell them if:
- You bought them at retail price: If you purchase diabetic strips out-of-pocket at a store like CVS or Walmart.
- They are unopened and unexpired: The diabetic strip box must be factory sealed and within its expiration date.
- They are for personal use: You can sell if you have a surplus of diabetic test strips.
When is it illegal
Selling diabetic test strips becomes a crime (often a felony) in the following scenarios:
- Medicare or Medicaid Supplies: If you receive diabetic test strips through the government programs, it’s a federal crime to sell them. These boxes are often marked with a red line or text stating “Not for Retail Sale” or “Medicare/Medicaid.”
- Insurance: If your insurance company paid for the test strips, it’s prohibited to sell them for profit. If you do so, it may be considered insurance fraud.
- Test Strips from Outside the U.S.: You can’t sell test strips that were manufactured for international markets, because they have not been cleared by the FDA for domestic use.
Note: Laws can vary by location, so it’s always smart to confirm local regulations.
What Types of Diabetic Test Strips Can Be Sold?
Not all diabetic test strips are equally in demand. Moreover, there are strict rules regarding which types can be legally sold and which will be accepted by buyback companies.
Here are some of the most accepted brands:
- Accu-Chek
- OneTouch
- FreeStyle Lite
- Contour Next
- True Metrix
Buyers typically look for popular brands with long expiration dates (6–12 months). You’re only allowed to sell FDA-authorized test strips in the United States.
Where To Sell Diabetic Test Strips Online
Selling unused and unexpired diabetic test strips is legal in the United States. Many buyers use this opportunity to scam sellers. For that reason, I’ve only listed verified buyers to avoid potential online scams.
Here are some of the best places to sell diabetic test strips online, with instructions.
1. More Cash For Test Strips
More Cash For Test Strips is a well-known platform for selling diabetic test strips. It offers competitive prices with transparent payout information.
They only buy factory-sealed products and have at least 10 months left before the expiration date. Moreover, boxes with 7 to 9 months will payout half.
You’ll receive a free postage-paid mailing label or kit to ship your test strips. Once they receive and verify your order, you’ll get your cash ASAP. They pay via PayPal or check by mail.
2. TestStripSearch
TestStripSearch has been in business since 2008. It buys test strips from diabetics who no longer need them. It allows them to provide test strips at a lower price than the pharmacies.
TestStripSearch has made it easy and simple to sell diabetic test strips. They only buy factory-sealed and unopened boxes. Moreover, test strips must be at least 90 days away from the imprinted expiration date.
You’ll receive a free shipping kit, which includes a box and label. You’ll receive your payment once they verify the order. It offers many payment options, such as Venmo, PayPal, ACH Direct Deposit, Check, and Postal Money Order.
3. CashForDiabetics
CashForDiabetics is another platform that buys unused diabetic test strips and CGM supplies. You can sell a variety of test strip brands, including Accu-Chek, One Touch, Freestyle, and Contour.
You need to make sure all boxes are factory sealed and unexpired. And they prefer test strips that are 10+ months from their expiration date.
You’ll receive a free mail kit to ship your test strips. Once they receive and inspect your test strip box, they send you a check by mail.
4. Diabetic Exchange USA
Diabetic Exchange USA specializes in buying diabetic supplies, including test strips. It claims to offer the highest payouts in the industry.
They have no minimum or maximum order amount. They offer free shipping on every order, plus a shipping kit at no additional charge.
Its price quotes are guaranteed as long as your diabetic supplies meet its guidelines. You can get your money securely through PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, ACH, or check.
5. Buyback Medical
Buyback Medical is another platform that buys diabetic supplies, including test strips. You can easily sell your unused and factory-sealed test strips.
All you need to do is select the diabetic supplies you want to sell and provide basic details. They provide free shipping through USPS and UPS. After receiving your order, they will inspect and process your payment within 24 hours.
They offer a variety of payment methods, including Check, PayPal, CashApp, Venmo, and Zelle.
6. Pay For Strips
Pay For Strips is known for buying all major brands of diabetic test strips, CGMs, and Insulin Pump supplies. The platform’s streamlined sellback process ensures you get a fair and competitive quote instantly.
Like any other platform, it only accepts unopened and unexpired diabetic supplies. You’ll receive a prepaid kit or label to ship your test strip box. You can select your preferred payment method, such as PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, Cash App, or check.
7. StripsUSA
StripsUSA claims to be the #1 trusted diabetic surplus buyer in the nation. It allows sellers to conveniently sell their unused and unopened test strips.
All you need to do is fill out a sales form and receive a free prepaid shipping kit or a shipping label via email. Once they receive your package, payment is on the way. You can choose from PayPal, Zelle, Cash App, Venmo, or a business check as your payment method.
8. Diabetic Buy Back
Diabetic Buy Back is on a mission to help individuals declutter their unused diabetic supplies, including test strips.
They buy most major brands of diabetic test strips, lancets, CGMs & insulin accessories, including Dexcom, Omnipod, OneTouch, Freestyle, Bayer, and more.
The selling process is simple and easy. All you need to do is choose the product you want to sell and get an instant quote. Later, request a prepaid shipping label to ship your test strip box.
Once they receive your package, they inspect and process the payment. They offer payment methods like ACH, Zelle, PayPal, CashApp, or check.
9. SellYourTestStrips
SellYourTestStrips allows individuals to sell their extra diabetic supplies for cash. It buys back all major brands of diabetes test strips, CGMs, and Insulin Pump Supplies.
Fill out an online form to get an instant quote. If you agree with the quote, request a free prepaid shipping label. Once they receive your package, you’ll get paid via Check, PayPal, Bank Transfer, or Zelle.
10. Teststripz
Teststripz is another platform that buys back all major brands of diabetes test strips, CGMs, and Insulin Pump supplies.
The selling process is similar to other platforms. All you need to do is choose the product you want to sell and provide some basic information. You’ll get an instant quote based on your product and condition.
They offer free shipping via USPS and FedEx. You’ll get paid via Business Check, ACH, or PayPal once they receive your package.
11. Diabetics Trust
Diabetics Trust is another platform that buys diabetic supplies, including test strips. You can sell your unused and unopened test strips through its mail-in program.
All you need to do is select your products and get an instant quote. If you agree with the price, they’ll send you a free shipping label. Once they receive your package, you’ll get paid via PayPal or check.
12. Helping Diabetics USA
Helping Diabetics USA offer a secure buy-back program to sell diabetic supplies, including test strips.
You need to create an account and select the product you wish to sell. You have to provide payment information on the sale confirmation page. You can opt for a check or a faster payment through online platforms such as Apple Pay, Cash App, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.
It offers multiple shipping options. For sales totaling less than $75, users are required to use their own shipping kit and labels. For sales of $75 or more, you may choose from the following shipping options:
- Label by Email
- Kit and label by mail
- Label by Mail
13. We Buy Test Strips
As the name suggests, We Buy Test Strips is another platform that buys test strips. The selling process is similar to other platforms.
All you need to do is choose your product from the catalog. Once you complete the order, they will give you a prepaid shipping label. You’ll get paid once they receive your package. They offer payment options like check, PayPal, and ACH.
Where To Sell Diabetic Test Strips Near Me
Want to sell diabetic test strips for instant cash or avoid shipping hassle? Here are some of the best places to sell diabetic strips near you.
14. Local Pharmacies
Independent pharmacies may buy unopened and unexpired diabetic test strips. You can contact your local pharmacies to confirm whether they are willing to buy test strips.
One of the biggest benefits of selling test strips at local pharmacies is that you get paid on the spot. Moreover, there is no shipping hassle.
15. Community Health Clinics
Some community health clinics may offer a purchase program or accept surplus test strips for redistribution.
You can contact your local community health clinics to inquire whether you could sell your surplus or unused test strips.
16. Medical Supply Stores
Medical supply stores may buy unopened test strips, CGMs, or insulin-pump supplies. Prices may vary, so check multiple stores. You’ll get paid via cash or store credit.
17. Community Members
You can sell your surplus or unused diabetic supplies to your community members. To connect with potential buyers, use Craigslist or Facebook groups.
When selling to an unknown person, follow safety instructions (e.g., meet in safe public locations for in-person transactions).
Last Option: Consider Donating
Donating your unused and unexpired diabetic test strips is a responsible and noble way to help others while avoiding medical waste.
Many non-profit organizations and community programs work for people who can’t afford medical supplies, including test strips.
Here are some places to donate your test strips:
- American Diabetes Association: Connects you with communities that need diabetic supplies, including test strips.
- Insulin for Life USA: Accepts in-date strips and insulin for global relief.
- The Diabetes Foundation: Accepts test strips with at least 90 days until expiration.
- The Embrace Foundation: Receives unwanted/unused T1 and T2 diabetic supplies.
Always contact the organization or local program to inquire whether they accept your brand. Also, check the expiration date of your test strips.
You may prefer to donate locally rather than shipping. Here are some options you have:
- Free Clinics & Community Centers: Many local health clinics and charitable organizations accept test strips to give to their uninsured patients.
- Shelters: People who live in homeless shelters often don’t have access to medical supplies. You can donate your unused and unexpired test strips to them.
How the Selling Process Works: Step-by-Step Guide
Almost all online platforms that buy diabetic supplies work similarly.
Here’s a step-by-step guide you can follow to sell your strips quickly and easily through online platforms:
- Find a Buyer: To get started, choose an online platform to sell your unused/unopened test strips. Check the buyer’s reviews and BBB ratings to make sure they are legit.
- Get a Quote: Visit a buyer’s website and enter your brand and expiration date. You’ll get an instant quote for your test strips.
- Request a Kit: If you agree with the quote, request a prepaid shipping box. Most reputable buyers offer a free shipping kit.
- Prepare the Box: Use a soft-tip marker to cross out your name/address on the prescription label. Do not peel the label off, as this can tear the box and void the sale.
- Ship & Get Paid: Once the buyer receives your package, they will inspect it. If they are satisfied, they issue payment via your chosen method.
You can sell your unused and unopened test strips for cash. However, some buyers accept certain items at up to a 50% discount, depending on the severity, such as rips/non-blood stains with a total area smaller than a dime, or those that are slightly dented, creased, or have expiration dates of 7-9 months.
How Much Can I Sell My Diabetic Test Strips for?
The amount you can earn for your diabetic test strips depends on various factors. Understanding these factors helps you set a realistic expectation:
- Brand: Well-known test strip brands, such as Accu-Chek, OneTouch, and Contour, often sell for higher prices.
- Expiration Date: This is the most significant factor to fetch the higher prices for test strips. Most buyers require at least 6 to 10 months of remaining shelf life. The lower the expiration date, the less you get paid.
- Box Sizes and Quantity: Larger boxes (100 count) fetch more cash than smaller boxes (50 count).
- Demand & Market Variation: Prices vary by demand and market variation.
- Buyer: Prices can fluctuate based on buyers.
Quick Note: Name brands that are widely compatible with insurance-preferred meters fetch the highest prices. Economy brands (like store brands) sell for much less.
Estimated Payouts by Brand
| Brand Level | Popular Brands | Box Size | Estimated Payout (Per Box) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top Tier | OneTouch (Verio/Ultra), FreeStyle (Lite/Neo), Accu-Chek (Guide/Aviva) | 100-count | $25 – $45 |
| Mid Tier | Contour Next, Contour Plus | 100-count | $15 – $30 |
| Economy | ReliOn (Walmart), True Metrix, Walgreens Brand | 100-count | $5 – $15 |
Note: 50-count boxes typically pay about 40–50% of the 100-count price.
FAQs
Are resold strips safe?
It’s safe to use resold strips as long as they are unopened, unexpired, and stored well. However, tampered strips can lead to inaccurate readings, contamination, or infection.
Why would someone buy my extra strips?
Many diabetic patients don’t have health insurance or can’t afford diabetic devices. Resellers purchase test strips at a discounted price and sell them to people who need them but cannot afford the full retail price at a pharmacy.
Can I sell expired test strips?
Companies don’t buy expired strips because they may provide inaccurate glucose readings, which is a significant health risk for the user. The FDA warns against distributing expired medical devices.
What should I do about the prescription label on the box?
You should never try to peel off the prescription label, as this often damages the box and makes it unsellable. At the same time, your privacy is important.
Instead, use a soft felt-tip permanent marker to black out your name and personal information.
Final Thoughts
Selling unused and unexpired test strips is a responsible way to earn extra cash. On the other hand, you’re avoiding medical waste.
The most important thing is to ensure your strips are unopened, not expired, and legally bought. Also, you need to make sure the platform you’re using to sell test strips is legit.
What do you think about selling diabetic strips for cash? Let me know in the comments.
Recommended Articles:

