Direct deposit from the card issuer is rarely an option—most gift cards don't connect to bank accounts at all
Gift cards and bank accounts operate on separate systems. A Visa or Mastercard gift card can transfer money to your bank account, but a store gift card (Amazon, Target, Starbucks) cannot. The method depends entirely on what kind of card you hold and what the issuer allows.
If you have a reloadable prepaid card (like a Visa gift card or a payroll card), you may be able to link it to your bank account and transfer the balance. If you have a store-specific gift card, you will need to spend it first, then deposit the refund or use a third-party service to convert it to cash.
The fastest and most direct route is to check whether your card issuer offers a transfer feature in their mobile app or website. If not, you have three other paths: spend the card and deposit a refund, use a gift card resale site, or visit a retailer that offers cash-back.
Key Takeaways
- Visa and Mastercard gift cards can sometimes transfer to a bank account through the issuer's app or website, but store gift cards cannot.
- Spending the gift card at the retailer and requesting a refund to your bank account is the most straightforward method for store cards.
- Gift card resale platforms like Raise or CardCash will buy your card for less than face value and deposit cash to your bank account within days.
- Some retailers allow you to use a gift card to buy a money order or prepaid card, which you can then deposit or cash out.
Transferring a prepaid Visa or Mastercard gift card directly
Prepaid cards issued by Visa or Mastercard often come with a mobile app or online portal. Log in and look for a "transfer" or "send money" option. Some cards allow you to link a bank account and move your balance directly, though this feature is not universal.
If the app does not show a transfer option, call the customer service number on the back of the card. Ask whether the card supports bank transfers. If it does, you will need your bank's routing number and your account number. The transfer usually takes one to three business days and may have a small fee.
Some prepaid card issuers charge a fee for transfers—anywhere from $1 to $5. Check the card's terms before you initiate the transfer. If the fee is steep, one of the other methods below may cost you less.
Spending the card and requesting a refund to your bank account
This works for any gift card, store or brand. Buy something at the retailer, then return it within the return window. When you return the item, ask the cashier to refund the amount to your original payment method. Since you paid with the gift card, the refund will go back to that card.
Once the refund lands on the gift card, you can then transfer it to your bank account using the method above, or spend it again. This adds extra steps, but it works when the card issuer does not offer direct transfers.
The catch: you must return within the retailer's return window, which is usually 30 to 90 days. If you are past that window, this route is closed. Also, some retailers will only refund to the original payment method if you have a receipt—keep yours if you plan to return.
Using a gift card resale platform
Websites like Raise, CardCash, and Decluttr buy gift cards at a discount and deposit cash to your bank account. You list your card, a buyer purchases it, and the site sends you the money. The process typically takes three to five business days.
The trade-off is that you will receive less than the card's face value. A $100 gift card might sell for $85 to $95, depending on the retailer and current demand. Popular cards (Amazon, Target, Walmart) sell faster and at higher percentages. Niche or regional cards may sell for significantly less or not at all.
To use these platforms, you will need to provide your bank account details for the deposit. Most require you to verify the card's balance and take a photo of the back (covering the security code partially). Read the site's terms about what happens if the card is declined after you have sold it—some hold you liable for a refund.
Converting the gift card to a money order or prepaid card
Some retailers allow you to use a gift card to purchase a money order or a prepaid card like a Green Dot card. You can then deposit the money order at your bank or transfer the prepaid card balance to your bank account.
This method works at Walmart and some grocery stores. Walk to the money services desk, hand over your gift card, and ask to buy a money order. The retailer will charge a small fee (usually $0.50 to $1.50). You then deposit the money order at your bank like any other check.
Alternatively, buy a prepaid card with your gift card balance, then link that prepaid card to your bank account and transfer the money. This adds a step but may be faster than waiting for a money order to clear.
What happens if your gift card has a small balance left
If your card has $5 or less remaining, resale sites may not accept it. Transfer fees and resale discounts can eat up the entire balance. In these cases, spend the remaining amount on a small purchase at the retailer, or donate the card to a local charity.
Some retailers also allow you to combine multiple gift cards at checkout. If you have several cards with small balances, you can consolidate them into one purchase and then return it for a refund to one card, reducing the number of transfers you need to make.
Fees and timing to expect
Direct transfers from a prepaid card to your bank account usually take one to three business days and may cost $1 to $5. Resale platforms take three to five business days and charge you through a discount on the card's face value. Money order purchases take one to three days to clear at your bank and cost $0.50 to $1.50 per order.
If you are in a hurry, spending the card at the retailer and requesting a refund is often fastest—refunds typically post within one to two business days. If you want the most money, a direct transfer from a prepaid card issuer costs the least, assuming the issuer offers it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a store gift card directly to my bank account?
No. Store gift cards like Amazon or Target cards are not linked to bank accounts and do not support transfers. You must spend the card first, resell it, or convert it to a money order or prepaid card before moving the money to your bank.
What if my gift card issuer does not offer transfers?
Use a resale platform like Raise or CardCash, spend the card and request a refund, or buy a money order with it. Each method takes a few days and may cost a small fee or result in a discount on the card's value.
Do I lose money when I resell a gift card?
Yes. Resale platforms typically pay 85 to 95 percent of the card's face value, depending on the retailer and demand. Popular cards sell closer to face value; less common cards may sell for much less or not at all.
Is it safe to sell my gift card online?
Established platforms like Raise and CardCash have buyer protection policies and verify card balances before purchase. Read the site's terms about liability if the card is declined after sale. Never sell a card through an unverified third party or social media.
How long does it take to get the money in my bank account?
Direct transfers from a prepaid card issuer take one to three business days. Resale platforms take three to five business days. Money order deposits take one to three business days to clear. Refunds from a retailer usually post within one to two business days.