You cannot deposit a Visa gift card directly into a bank account the way you would a check
A Visa gift card is a prepaid card, not a bank account. Your bank's deposit system—whether that's an ATM, mobile app, or teller—is built to accept checks and cash, not card-to-card transfers. If you try to deposit the card itself, it will be rejected.
What you can do instead is move the money from the gift card to your bank account through a few specific routes. Each one works differently, takes a different amount of time, and has different limits or fees. The fastest and most direct method depends on whether your bank offers a transfer feature, whether you have access to an ATM that accepts the card, or whether you are willing to spend the money first and then deposit cash.
Key Takeaways
- Visa gift cards cannot be deposited like checks; you must transfer the balance through a separate transaction.
- The fastest method is often a peer-to-peer transfer app like Venmo or PayPal if someone else sends you money in exchange for the gift card balance.
- Many Visa gift cards work at ATMs for cash withdrawal, which you can then deposit as cash into your bank account.
- Some banks allow you to link the gift card as an external account and transfer money directly, though this is less common.
- Spending the gift card and depositing the refund as cash works but requires a purchase and a return, making it slower than other methods.
Using an ATM to withdraw cash from the gift card
Most Visa gift cards work at ATMs just like a debit card. Insert the card, enter the PIN (usually printed on the back or in the paperwork that came with it), and withdraw cash up to the card's balance or your daily withdrawal limit. The money comes out as cash in your hand.
Once you have the cash, deposit it into your bank account at an ATM, teller, or mobile app (if your bank accepts mobile check deposit). This method is straightforward but has two catches: ATM withdrawals often charge a fee—sometimes $2 to $3 per transaction—and your bank may have daily deposit limits for cash. If the gift card balance is large, you may need to make multiple withdrawals over several days.
Check the gift card paperwork or call the number on the back to confirm it has ATM access and what the withdrawal fee is before you start. Some gift cards restrict ATM use or charge more than others.
Linking the gift card to a peer-to-peer payment app
Apps like Venmo, PayPal, Square Cash, and Zelle let you add a Visa gift card as a payment method. Once it is linked, you can send money from the gift card to another person's account in the app, or in some cases transfer it directly to your own bank account if the app supports that feature.
PayPal is the most straightforward for this: you can link the gift card, then transfer the balance to your linked bank account. The transfer usually takes one to three business days and may have a small fee depending on your account type. Venmo and Square Cash typically require you to send money to another person, so this works best if you have a trusted friend or family member who can receive the transfer and send it back to your bank account, or if you have a second account of your own in the app.
Check each app's terms before you start, because some have daily sending limits or fees for transfers to bank accounts. The fee is usually a flat amount or a small percentage of the transfer.
Asking your bank if it accepts external card transfers
Some banks allow you to link an external card—including a Visa gift card—to your account and transfer money from it. This is less common than the other methods, but it is worth asking your bank directly. Log into your online banking portal and look for an option to "add external account" or "link a card," or call your bank's customer service line and ask if they support transfers from prepaid Visa cards.
If your bank does support this, the process is usually: add the gift card as an external account, verify it with a small test deposit or code, then initiate a transfer from the gift card to your checking account. Transfers typically take one to three business days. There is usually no fee on your end, though the gift card issuer may charge a transfer fee.
Not all banks offer this feature, and some only allow it for certain types of accounts. If your bank says no, move to one of the other methods.
Making a purchase and depositing a refund
If you have a small balance left on the gift card and the other methods are not practical, you can spend the card on a purchase, return the item, and deposit the refund as cash or check. This is slow and only works if you have something you can buy and return without hassle.
For example: buy a gift card from a retailer using your Visa gift card, then return it for cash. Or buy something you know you can return, get your money back, and deposit it. The refund may come as cash, a check, or a credit back to the original card—if it goes back to the gift card, you are back where you started. Ask the retailer how they issue refunds before you buy.
This method is not efficient for large balances and should only be your last resort.
What to do if the gift card has a small balance left
If the card has only a few dollars remaining, the fees for ATM withdrawal or app transfer may eat up most or all of the balance. In that case, it is often simpler to spend the remaining amount on a small purchase—a coffee, a snack, a digital download—rather than trying to transfer it. The card issuer may also allow you to request a check for the remaining balance; call the number on the back and ask.
Some gift card issuers will mail you a check for the balance if you request it, though this can take two to four weeks. This option is worth exploring if the balance is significant enough to justify the wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a Visa gift card at my bank's ATM like a check?
No. ATMs accept checks and cash, not cards. You can use the gift card to withdraw cash at an ATM, then deposit that cash into your account, but you cannot deposit the card itself.
Will I be charged a fee to transfer money from a gift card to my bank account?
It depends on the method. ATM withdrawals usually charge $2 to $3 per transaction. Peer-to-peer apps may charge a small fee for bank transfers. Direct bank transfers vary by bank. Always check the terms before you start.
How long does it take to move money from a gift card to my bank account?
ATM cash withdrawal is instant. Transfers through apps or your bank typically take one to three business days. Requesting a check from the card issuer takes two to four weeks.
What if my Visa gift card does not work at ATMs?
Not all gift cards allow ATM withdrawals. Check the paperwork or call the number on the back. If ATM access is blocked, use a peer-to-peer app or ask your bank about linking the card for a direct transfer.
Can I transfer a Visa gift card balance to someone else's bank account?
Not directly. The card is tied to the balance, not to a person. You can send money through a peer-to-peer app if you link the card there, but the recipient would need an account in that app. You cannot move the card itself to another person's bank account.