Most gift cards cannot transfer directly to a bank account
A standard gift card—whether it's for a retailer, restaurant, or gas station—does not connect to your bank account and has no way to push money into it. The card itself is a prepaid account held by the retailer or the card issuer, not by your bank. Money stored on it stays in that closed system unless you spend it at that retailer or convert it through a specific method.
However, some gift cards do have workarounds. Visa and Mastercard gift cards, certain bank-issued gift cards, and some retailer cards with linked accounts can move money out—but the process varies, and not every card supports it. The method depends on what type of card you hold and what the issuer allows.
Key Takeaways
- Store gift cards (Target, Amazon, Starbucks) cannot transfer to a bank account because they are closed-loop cards tied only to that retailer.
- Visa and Mastercard gift cards can sometimes be added to digital wallets or used to pay bills, which indirectly moves the balance, but direct transfers are rare.
- Some bank-issued gift cards allow you to link them to your bank account and transfer the remaining balance, but you must check with your specific card issuer.
- Selling a gift card through a resale platform or trading it for cash are alternatives, though you typically receive less than the card's face value.
- Using the card to pay a credit card bill or loan payment can move the balance into your bank account indirectly, depending on your card issuer's rules.
Why store gift cards are locked to one retailer
A Target gift card, Amazon gift card, or Starbucks card is a closed-loop card. The money on it exists only within that company's payment system. Your bank has no connection to it, and the retailer has no reason to send that balance anywhere else—they want you to spend it with them.
These cards are not bank accounts. They do not have routing numbers, account numbers that your bank recognizes, or any infrastructure to move money out. Even if you call the retailer's customer service, they cannot transfer the balance to your bank because the two systems do not communicate that way.
Visa and Mastercard gift cards: limited options
Visa and Mastercard gift cards are different from store cards because they work anywhere those brands are accepted. Some of these cards do allow you to check your balance online, add them to digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay, or link them to a PayPal account. However, direct transfer to a bank account is uncommon.
What you can do instead: use the card to pay a bill online (utilities, credit card, loan payment), which moves the money out of the card and into your bank's payment system. You can also use it to make purchases and then return items for a refund to your bank account, though this is indirect and may not work depending on the retailer's return policy.
Some Visa and Mastercard gift cards issued by banks (like Bank of America or Chase) may allow balance transfers if you link the card to your online banking. Check your card's terms or contact the issuer directly to confirm whether this option exists for your specific card.
Bank-issued gift cards and linked accounts
If your gift card was issued by your own bank—for example, a Chase gift card if you bank at Chase—you may be able to link it to your checking account and transfer the balance. This is not may provide; it depends on the bank's policies and the card type.
To find out: log into your online banking, look for the gift card in your account settings, and check whether a "transfer" or "move funds" option appears. If it does not, call your bank's customer service line and ask whether the card can be linked to your checking account. Some banks allow this; others do not.
Using the card to pay bills or loans
One practical workaround is to use the gift card to pay a bill you already owe. If you have a credit card balance, a loan payment, or a utility bill due, you can use the gift card to make that payment online. The money leaves the gift card and goes toward your debt or bill, which frees up money in your bank account that you would have spent anyway.
This does not put cash directly into your bank account, but it achieves the same result: it reduces what you owe and preserves your bank balance. This method works with most Visa and Mastercard gift cards and many store cards that accept online bill pay.
Be aware that some bill payment systems charge a fee for credit card payments, so check before you proceed. Paying a utility bill or loan directly usually has no fee, but paying a credit card with another card often does.
Selling or trading the gift card
If you cannot use the card and do not want to spend it at that retailer, you can sell it on a gift card resale platform. Sites like Raise, CardCash, and Decluttr buy unused gift cards at a discount—typically 60 to 90 percent of face value, depending on demand for that card.
The process is straightforward: you list the card, the platform reviews it, and if it sells, the money goes to your bank account via direct deposit or PayPal. However, you lose money in the transaction. A $100 gift card might sell for $70 to $85. This is a last resort if you truly cannot use the card, but it does move real money into your account.
Before selling, check the card's balance to make sure it matches what you are advertising. Some platforms will not accept cards with low balances or cards from certain retailers.
What does not work
Do not expect to withdraw cash from a gift card at an ATM—most gift cards do not allow this, even if they are Visa or Mastercard branded. Do not try to transfer the balance through a peer-to-peer payment app like Venmo or Cash App; these apps do not recognize gift cards as bank accounts. Do not believe anyone who claims they can move gift card money for a fee; that is usually a scam.
Also, gift card balances do not expire in most states, but some cards do charge inactivity fees after a long period of non-use. If you are not going to use the card, sell it or give it away sooner rather than later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a gift card to PayPal and transfer the balance to my bank account?
Some Visa and Mastercard gift cards can be added to PayPal as a payment method, but PayPal will not transfer the balance to your bank account. You can use the card through PayPal to make purchases or send money, which spends down the balance, but the remaining funds stay on the card.
What if the gift card has a small balance left on it?
Small balances are difficult to use and rarely worth selling. Spend the remaining amount at the retailer, use it toward a purchase online, or combine it with another payment method. Some retailers allow you to use multiple cards for one transaction.
Can I transfer a gift card balance to someone else's bank account?
No. Gift cards are not transferable to other people's bank accounts through any official method. You can give the physical card to someone else to use, or sell it on a resale platform, but you cannot move the balance into another person's checking account.
Do digital gift cards work differently than physical ones?
No. A digital gift card code works the same way as a physical card—it is still a closed-loop or restricted payment method. The delivery method does not change what the card can do or where the money can go.
What happens if I never use the gift card?
In most states, gift card balances do not expire. However, some cards charge monthly inactivity fees after 12 to 24 months of non-use, which can drain the balance over time. If you do not plan to use it, sell it or give it away before fees kick in.