The most direct routes to move gift card money to your bank
You can move gift card balance to a bank account through three main paths: a third-party app that buys your card for cash, a retailer's own transfer feature if they offer one, or selling the card on a marketplace. The fastest is usually a dedicated gift card app—Raise, CardCash, or Decluttr—which can deposit money within one to three business days. The catch is that you will receive less than the card's face value, typically 70 to 92 percent depending on the card brand and current demand. Some retailers like Target and Best Buy let you transfer balance directly to a linked debit card or PayPal account at full value, but this option exists only for certain brands and only if you have the original receipt or account login.
The method you choose depends on how much you need the money, how much the card is worth, and whether you have proof of purchase. A $5 card sold on an app might net you $3.50 after fees—not worth the effort. A $100 card can be worth the discount if you need cash quickly and the retailer does not offer a direct transfer option.
Key Takeaways
- Third-party gift card apps like Raise and CardCash buy your card for 70 to 92 percent of face value and deposit the money in three to five business days.
- Some retailers including Target, Best Buy, and Amazon let you transfer balance directly to a bank account or PayPal at full value if you have the original receipt or account access.
- Marketplace sales on Facebook, Craigslist, or eBay can fetch close to full value but require you to meet a buyer and carry fraud risk if the card is already spent.
- Apps that let you spend the card's balance on everyday purchases (like Venmo or PayPal) do not move money to your bank—they only let you use the balance elsewhere.
Using a gift card buying app or website
Apps and websites that specialize in buying gift cards are the fastest way to convert to cash if your retailer does not offer a direct transfer. Raise, CardCash, Decluttr, and Gameflip all work the same way: you list your card, set a price (usually lower than face value), and once a buyer purchases it, you mail the physical card or provide the code. The site then deposits money to your bank account or PayPal.
The discount varies by card type and current demand. Amazon and Target cards typically sell at 85 to 92 percent of face value. Specialty cards—restaurant chains, smaller retailers—may sell at 60 to 75 percent. You set the price, so you can choose to accept a lower offer if you need the money urgently, or wait for a buyer willing to pay closer to full value.
Timing matters. Raise and CardCash deposit within one to three business days after the buyer receives and confirms the card. Some apps hold your money for a few days as fraud protection. Read the terms before you list—some sites charge a small seller fee (usually 1 to 2 percent), and some do not.
Direct transfer from the retailer
A growing number of retailers let you transfer gift card balance straight to a bank account, debit card, or PayPal without selling to a third party. Target, Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart all offer this in their apps or online accounts. You typically need either the original receipt, the card's PIN, or login access to the account that holds the card. The transfer happens at full value—no discount—and usually completes within one to two business days.
To learn about your retailer offers this, log into your account on their website or app, look for a "Manage Gift Card" or "Transfer Balance" option, and follow the prompts. If you do not have the original receipt or account access, you may be able to call the retailer's customer service with the card number and other identifying details, though policies vary. Some retailers require the original purchaser to request the transfer.
This is the best option if available because you keep the full value and avoid marketplace risk. The downside is that not all retailers offer it yet, and some limit transfers to their own debit card or PayPal only, not to an arbitrary bank account.
Selling on a marketplace or peer-to-peer
Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, and local buy-sell groups let you sell gift cards directly to other people. You can often get 90 to 100 percent of face value this way, especially for popular retailers. The trade-off is that you have to find a buyer, arrange payment, and handle the risk that the buyer claims the card was already spent after you send the code.
If you sell on eBay or Facebook Marketplace, the platform holds your payment for a few days while the buyer confirms the card works. This protects you from fraud. For in-person sales or direct transfers, you have less protection—the buyer could spend the card and then dispute the transaction with their bank, claiming they never received a working card. To reduce this risk, meet in person if possible, let the buyer test the card balance before handing over the code, and keep proof of the transaction.
Peer-to-peer sales work best for high-value cards ($50 or more) where the effort of finding a buyer is worth the higher payout. For smaller amounts, an app is usually faster and safer.
What happens when you sell a gift card
Once you list a card on an app or marketplace, the buyer purchases it and you receive payment instructions. For apps, you typically mail the physical card or provide the code through the app's secure message system. The buyer then tests the card to confirm the balance, and if everything checks out, the app releases your payment to your bank account or PayPal.
The entire process—from listing to cash in hand—usually takes five to ten business days. Apps hold your money for two to five days as a fraud buffer, so even if the buyer receives the card instantly, you may not see the deposit for a few more days. Some apps offer instant payout for a small fee (usually 1 to 3 percent), which can be worth it if you need the money urgently.
Keep records of the transaction. Take a screenshot of the card balance before you sell it, and save the confirmation email from the app or marketplace. If a dispute arises, you will need proof that the card had the stated balance when you sent it.
Fees and what you actually receive
The amount you receive depends on the card type, current demand, and the platform you use. Here is what to expect:
| Card Type | Typical Payout Range | Why the Discount |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon, Target, Walmart | 85–92% of face value | High demand, low fraud risk |
| Best Buy, Home Depot | 80–90% of face value | Popular retailers, moderate demand |
| Restaurant or specialty chains | 60–80% of face value | Lower demand, higher fraud risk |
| Peer-to-peer marketplace | 90–100% of face value | Direct buyer, no middleman fee |
Apps and websites take a cut because they assume fraud risk and handle the logistics. Raise and CardCash typically do not charge the seller a fee, but they buy your card at a discount and resell it at a higher price. Decluttr charges a small percentage. Peer-to-peer platforms like eBay take a seller fee (usually 2 to 3 percent) but you set the price, so you can factor that in.
For a $100 card, the difference between selling at 85 percent and 92 percent is $7. Shop around if the card is high-value—check what Raise, CardCash, and Decluttr are currently offering for your specific card before you list.
Avoiding scams and protecting yourself
Gift card fraud is common, so take steps to protect yourself whether you are buying or selling. If you are selling, never send the card code before you receive payment confirmation from the platform. If you are buying from a peer seller, test the card balance before you release payment. Use platforms with buyer and seller protection—Raise, CardCash, and eBay all hold payment until the transaction is confirmed.
Be wary of buyers or sellers asking to move the transaction off-platform to avoid fees. This removes your protection. If someone offers significantly more than market rate for your card, they may be testing stolen payment methods or running a scam. Stick to established apps and marketplaces.
If you receive a card that does not work or has less balance than promised, report it immediately to the platform. Most have dispute resolution processes and will refund you if the seller cannot prove the card was valid when sent. Keep screenshots of the card balance and all messages with the buyer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a gift card to my bank account without losing money?
Yes, if the retailer offers a direct transfer feature. Target, Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart let you move the full balance to a linked bank account or PayPal at no discount. You need the original receipt or account access. If your retailer does not offer this, you will lose 8 to 40 percent of the value selling through an app or marketplace.
How long does it take to get the money in my bank account?
Through an app, typically five to ten business days from the time you list the card. The app holds your payment for two to five days as fraud protection, then deposits it. Direct transfers from the retailer usually complete in one to two business days. Peer-to-peer sales depend on when you find a buyer and how quickly they confirm the card works.
What if I do not have the original receipt for the gift card?
You can still sell it through an app or marketplace without the receipt. If you want to use the retailer's direct transfer feature, call their customer service with the card number and ask if they can process it without the receipt. Some retailers will, some will not. Apps and marketplaces do not require a receipt.
Is it safe to sell a gift card on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist?
It is riskier than using an app because there is no platform protection. The buyer could claim the card did not work after you send the code and dispute the payment with their bank. If you sell peer-to-peer, meet in person, let the buyer test the card before handing over the code, and keep proof of the transaction. For higher-value cards, eBay is safer because it holds payment until the buyer confirms the card works.
Why do gift card apps pay less than face value?
Apps buy your card at a discount and resell it to other buyers at a higher price. They also assume the risk that a card is fraudulent or already spent. Popular cards like Amazon and Target sell at higher percentages because there is more demand and less fraud risk. Specialty cards sell at steeper discounts because fewer people want them.