You cannot transfer a Mastercard gift card directly to a bank account

Mastercard gift cards are not linked to a bank account and do not have a routing number or account number. You cannot initiate a transfer the way you would from one checking account to another. Instead, you move the money by spending it or by converting it to cash through specific methods—each with different timelines, fees, and limits.

The most straightforward route is to use the card at an ATM if it has a PIN, or to make a purchase and then return it for a refund to your bank account. Both work, but they have different requirements and take different amounts of time. Some methods cost money; others do not.

Key Takeaways

  • Mastercard gift cards cannot be transferred directly to a bank account because they are not connected to one, but you can withdraw cash at an ATM or use the card to buy something and return it.
  • ATM withdrawals work only if your card has a PIN and the ATM accepts Mastercard; you may pay a fee per withdrawal, and the money appears in your account within one to three business days.
  • Purchasing an item and requesting a refund to your bank account takes longer—usually five to ten business days—but avoids ATM fees if you choose the right retailer.
  • Peer payment apps like PayPal or Venmo can move the balance to a linked bank account, but the card must be registered as a payment method first, and fees vary by app.
  • Money orders and bank deposits are slower routes that require a physical location but work if other methods are not available to you.

Withdrawing cash at an ATM

If your Mastercard gift card has a PIN, you can withdraw cash at any ATM that accepts Mastercard. The money goes into your bank account if you transfer it there yourself, or stays as cash in your wallet. The transaction typically posts to your account within one to three business days, depending on your bank and the ATM network.

Most ATMs charge a fee for withdrawals made on a card that is not from their bank—usually $2 to $3 per transaction. Some Mastercard gift cards also charge a withdrawal fee on top of that, so check your card's terms before you go to the ATM. If you have a $100 balance and both fees apply, you may net only $94 or $95.

If your card does not have a PIN, you cannot use this method. Contact the card issuer (the bank or company that sent you the card) to request one, or use one of the other methods below.

Making a purchase and requesting a refund

Buy something at a retailer—online or in person—using your Mastercard gift card, then return the item and request the refund be sent to your bank account instead of back to the card. This method avoids ATM fees but takes longer because refunds are not instant.

Refunds typically post to your bank account within five to ten business days, though some retailers take longer. Online retailers often process refunds faster than brick-and-mortar stores. You will need to provide your bank account details (routing number and account number) when you request the refund, so have those ready.

Choose an item you can return without hassle—something with a clear return window and no restocking fee. Clothing, books, and household items are usually safe choices. Avoid items with short return windows or high restocking fees, since those costs will eat into the money you are trying to move.

Using a peer payment app

Apps like PayPal, Venmo, Square Cash, and Google Pay allow you to add your Mastercard gift card as a payment method, then transfer the balance to a linked bank account. The process varies by app, but generally you add the card, initiate a transfer, and the money moves to your bank account within one to three business days.

Some apps charge a fee for transferring money to your bank account (often 1% to 2% of the amount), while others do not. Check the app's fee schedule before you start. PayPal, for example, charges a fee for transfers to a bank account but not for transfers to a PayPal balance; Venmo charges a fee only for instant transfers, not standard ones.

This method works only if the card is registered to your name and the app accepts Mastercard as a payment source. Some gift cards have restrictions that prevent them from being added to third-party apps, so try adding the card first to see if it goes through.

Depositing the card balance at a bank branch

Some banks allow you to deposit a Mastercard gift card balance directly at a teller window, though this is becoming less common. Call your bank and ask whether they offer this service. If they do, bring the card and your ID to a branch, and the teller will process the deposit.

The money typically posts to your account the same day or within one business day. This method is free and fast, but it requires a physical bank branch and may not be available at all banks. Credit unions are more likely to offer this service than large national banks.

Converting the card to a money order

If none of the above methods work, you can use your Mastercard gift card to buy a money order at a grocery store, pharmacy, or post office, then deposit the money order into your bank account. Money orders cost $1 to $5 depending on the amount and where you buy them.

This method is slow—deposits take three to five business days—and costs money, so use it only if other routes are not available. The advantage is that it works anywhere and does not require a PIN or a linked bank account.

What to do if the card has a low balance

If your Mastercard gift card has only a few dollars left, the fees for withdrawing or transferring may exceed the balance. In that case, spend the remaining amount on a small purchase—a coffee, a candy bar, a digital download—and save yourself the transaction cost. The card issuer will not refund the leftover balance, so using it is better than letting it sit.

If the balance is under $5, most ATMs and peer payment apps will not process a transaction anyway, so spending it is your only real option.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to move money from a gift card to my bank account?

It depends on the method. ATM withdrawals and bank deposits post within one to three business days. Peer payment apps take one to three business days. Refunds from purchases take five to ten business days. Money orders take three to five business days.

Will I have to pay a fee to transfer the balance?

ATM withdrawals usually cost $2 to $3 per transaction, plus any fee your card issuer charges. Peer payment apps may charge 1% to 2% of the transfer amount. Bank deposits and refunds are typically free. Money orders cost $1 to $5.

What if my Mastercard gift card does not have a PIN?

Contact the card issuer to request a PIN, or use a peer payment app, make a purchase and request a refund, or visit a bank branch to deposit the balance. You cannot withdraw cash at an ATM without a PIN.

Can I transfer the balance to someone else's bank account?

No. The card is tied to your name, and refunds and transfers go only to accounts registered to you. If you want to give the money to someone else, spend it on a gift they want, or withdraw cash and give them the cash.

What happens if I do not use the gift card?

Most Mastercard gift cards do not expire, but some have inactivity fees that kick in after a year or more of no use. Check your card's terms. If you are not going to use it, move the balance to your bank account so you do not lose money to fees.