Most gift cards cannot be transferred directly to a bank account

A gift card is not a bank account. It is a prepaid card issued by a retailer or payment network, and the money on it lives in that card's system, not in your bank. You cannot log into your bank and pull the balance over. However, you have several real ways to convert that money into cash or move it into your checking account — and which one works depends on what kind of card you hold and what you are willing to spend to do it.

The fastest and most direct routes are: reload the balance onto a debit card that connects to your bank, use a third-party service that buys the card from you, or spend the card down and deposit the cash. Each has different costs, timelines, and restrictions. Some methods are free; others take a cut.

Key Takeaways

  • Visa, Mastercard, and American Express gift cards can often be transferred to a linked bank account through their mobile apps or websites, though the process and fees vary by issuer.
  • Retailer-specific gift cards (Target, Amazon, Walmart) cannot be moved to your bank account directly, but you can spend them down and deposit the cash, or sell them to a reseller.
  • Third-party gift card resellers like Raise and CardCash buy your card at a discount (typically 70 to 95 percent of face value) and deposit cash into your bank account within days.
  • Some prepaid card apps let you transfer your balance to a linked debit card or bank account, but you may pay a fee of $1 to $5 per transfer.
  • Selling a gift card online or to a local buyer carries fraud risk; only use established platforms with buyer protection.

Network gift cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) versus retailer cards

The type of card you hold determines your options. A network gift card — issued by Visa, Mastercard, or American Express — works like a debit card and often has a way to move money out. A retailer gift card — from Target, Amazon, Walmart, or a restaurant — is locked to that business and has no built-in transfer feature.

Network cards are easier to convert because they are already part of the payment system. Many Visa and Mastercard gift card issuers let you link the card to your bank account through their app or website and transfer the balance, though some charge a fee ($1 to $5) and some do not. American Express gift cards often have a similar option. Check the back of your card or the issuer's website for instructions.

Retailer cards require a different approach. You cannot transfer the balance, but you can spend it down at that retailer, withdraw cash if they offer it, or sell the card to a reseller.

Transferring a network gift card balance to your bank account

If you have a Visa or Mastercard gift card, start by visiting the issuer's website or downloading their app. Look for a section called "Transfer Balance," "Move Funds," or "Link Account." You will need to provide your bank account number and routing number. The issuer will verify the account (usually by depositing a small amount and asking you to confirm it) and then let you transfer the remaining balance.

The timeline is typically one to three business days. Some issuers charge a flat fee ($1 to $5); others do not. A few require you to transfer the entire balance at once; others let you move partial amounts. Check your card's terms before you start, because fees and rules vary widely by bank and card brand.

American Express gift cards work similarly. Log into your Amex account online, find the gift card, and look for a "Transfer to Bank Account" or "Reload" option. The process is the same: provide your bank details, wait for verification, and transfer the funds.

Selling a retailer gift card to a reseller platform

If you have a Target, Amazon, Walmart, or restaurant gift card, a reseller platform is often the fastest way to get cash. Sites like Raise, CardCash, and Gameflip buy unused gift cards from you and deposit the money into your bank account. You will not get face value — the platform takes a cut — but you will get cash in a few days.

The process is straightforward. You list your card on the platform, enter the balance and card number, and wait for a buyer. Once sold, you receive an offer (usually 70 to 95 percent of face value, depending on the card and current demand). You accept, and the platform deposits the cash into your bank account within one to five business days. Some platforms pay you first; others pay after the buyer confirms the card works.

The discount varies. Popular cards like Amazon and Target typically fetch 85 to 95 percent of face value. Less common retailers or restaurant chains may go for 70 to 80 percent. Seasonal demand also matters — gift cards sell faster (and at higher percentages) right after the holidays.

Use only established platforms with buyer protection. Raise, CardCash, and Gameflip all hold your payment in escrow until the buyer confirms the card is valid. Avoid selling on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist unless you know the buyer, because you have no recourse if they claim the card does not work.

Spending down the card and depositing cash

The simplest method, if you have time, is to spend the card at the retailer and then deposit any cash change into your bank account. This works best if the card balance is small or if you were going to shop there anyway.

Buy something, pay with the gift card, and ask for the change in cash. Deposit that cash at an ATM or teller window. There is no fee and no discount — you get the full value. The downside is that it requires you to spend money first and then make a separate deposit trip.

Some retailers will not give cash change on a gift card purchase; they will only offer store credit or a new gift card. Check the retailer's policy before you count on this method.

Prepaid card apps that link to your bank account

Some gift cards come as prepaid card apps (like certain Visa or Mastercard prepaid cards, or PayPal Cash cards). These apps often let you transfer your balance to a linked bank account directly through the app. Open the app, go to "Transfer" or "Move Money," select your linked bank account, and enter the amount.

The transfer usually takes one to three business days. Some apps charge a fee (typically $1 to $3); others do not. Check your app's fee schedule before you transfer, because costs vary by provider and transfer method.

This is the fastest and most straightforward route if your gift card is already a prepaid app. If it is a physical card, you will need to register it online or in the app first to link a bank account.

What to watch out for when selling or transferring

Fraud is the main risk. If you sell a gift card online, the buyer might claim it does not work after you hand over the card number, and you will have no way to prove otherwise. Always use a platform with escrow protection, where the buyer confirms the card works before you get paid.

Fees can add up. A reseller platform might take 5 to 30 percent of the card's value. A bank transfer might charge $2 to $5. If your card balance is small (under $25), the fee might be larger than the discount you get, so do the math first.

Some gift cards have expiration dates or inactivity fees. Check the card's terms before you transfer or sell. If the card is about to expire, move quickly.

Never share your full card number with anyone except the platform you are using to transfer or sell. Scammers pose as gift card buyers and ask for the number before payment is sent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer a retailer gift card balance to my bank account directly?

No. Retailer gift cards (Target, Amazon, Walmart) are not connected to the banking system and have no transfer feature. Your options are to spend the card down and deposit cash, or sell it to a reseller platform like Raise or CardCash.

Do I have to pay a fee to transfer a network gift card to my bank?

It depends on the issuer. Some Visa and Mastercard gift card issuers charge $1 to $5 per transfer; others do not. Check your card's website or app for the fee schedule before you transfer. American Express gift cards often have no transfer fee.

How much will I get if I sell my gift card to a reseller?

Typically 70 to 95 percent of face value, depending on the retailer and current demand. Popular cards like Amazon and Target usually fetch 85 to 95 percent. Less common retailers may go for 70 to 80 percent. The platform takes the difference as commission.

How long does it take to get cash after I sell a gift card?

Most reseller platforms deposit cash into your bank account within one to five business days after the buyer confirms the card works. Some platforms pay you first; others pay after verification. Check the platform's timeline before you list your card.

Is it safe to sell a gift card on Facebook or Craigslist?

It carries risk because you have no buyer protection if they claim the card does not work after you give them the number. Use established platforms like Raise or CardCash instead, where the payment is held in escrow until the buyer confirms the card is valid.