Direct transfers from gift cards to bank accounts are not possible

You cannot transfer money directly from a gift card to a bank account. Gift cards and bank accounts are separate payment systems, and the card issuer does not allow that kind of transfer. However, you have several practical ways to convert a gift card balance into money you can access through your bank account.

The method you choose depends on the type of gift card you hold, whether it has a remaining balance, and how quickly you need the money. Some routes take minutes; others take a few business days. Some cost nothing; others charge a small fee.

Key Takeaways

  • You cannot transfer a gift card balance directly to a bank account, but you can spend the card at a retailer and deposit the cash, or use a resale platform to sell the card for bank transfer.
  • Visa, Mastercard, and American Express gift cards can sometimes be added to digital wallets like PayPal or Apple Pay, which then link to your bank account for withdrawal.
  • Selling your gift card on a marketplace like CardCash or Raise converts it to cash, though you typically receive 70 to 95 percent of the card's face value.
  • Using a gift card to buy something you would normally purchase, then returning it for a refund to your bank account, works only if the retailer offers bank refunds.
  • Some gift cards allow you to request a check or direct deposit if the issuer has a customer service option for that, though this is rare and depends on the card type.

Spend the card and deposit cash at your bank

The simplest method is to use the gift card to buy something, then deposit the cash you would have spent into your bank account. This works best if the gift card is for a store where you shop regularly or for something you need anyway.

If the gift card has a balance smaller than what you want to buy, you can pay the difference with another payment method. The store will deduct the gift card amount and charge your debit card or cash for the rest. You then have the cash you saved, which you can deposit into your bank account.

This method is free and takes no time, but it requires you to make a purchase. If you have no use for anything at that retailer, this route may not work for you.

Sell the gift card on a resale marketplace

Websites like CardCash, Raise, and Decluttr buy unused gift cards directly from you. You list the card, name your price (usually a discount from face value), and a buyer purchases it. The site then deposits money into your bank account or sends you a check.

Most resale platforms pay 70 to 95 percent of the card's face value, depending on the retailer and current demand. Popular retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart typically sell for higher percentages than niche stores. The payout usually arrives in your bank account within 3 to 5 business days after the buyer confirms receipt of the card.

You will need to provide the card number and PIN (if there is one) to the buyer. Some platforms hold the payment in escrow until the buyer confirms the card works, which adds a day or two to the timeline. This method costs nothing upfront, but you lose a percentage of the card's value.

Add the card to a digital wallet and transfer from there

If your gift card is a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card (not a store-specific card), you may be able to add it to PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or another digital wallet. Once the card is in the wallet, you can link that wallet to your bank account and transfer money out.

The process varies by wallet and card type. PayPal, for example, lets you add most Visa and Mastercard gift cards and then transfer the balance to your linked bank account. Apple Pay and Google Pay primarily use digital wallets for spending rather than transferring money out, so they are less useful for this purpose.

Check the specific wallet's website or app to see whether it supports transfers from gift cards. If it does, the transfer usually completes within 1 to 3 business days and costs nothing.

Request a check or direct deposit from the card issuer

Some gift card issuers, particularly those for Visa and Mastercard, allow you to request a check or direct deposit of your remaining balance. This option is rare and depends on the card's terms, but it is worth checking if you have a card from a major issuer.

Contact the customer service number on the back of the card and ask whether you can request a payout. If the issuer offers this, they will ask for your bank account details or mailing address. A check typically arrives in 5 to 10 business days; a direct deposit may take 2 to 3 business days.

This method is free and direct, but not all issuers offer it. Some will only process payouts if the card balance falls below a certain threshold, such as $5 or $10.

Return a purchase and request a bank refund

If you used a gift card to buy something and then returned it, some retailers will refund the money to your bank account instead of back to the gift card. This works only if you have a receipt and the retailer's return policy allows bank refunds.

Most large retailers like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy will refund to the original payment method if you return within their return window (usually 30 to 90 days). If you paid with a gift card, the refund goes back to that card. However, if you ask the customer service desk whether they can refund to a bank account instead, some will do so if you provide your account details.

This method is free but requires a purchase and return, and it only works if the retailer agrees. It also takes several business days for the refund to post to your bank account.

Avoid common scams and fees

Be cautious of websites or services that claim to convert gift cards to cash instantly or with no discount. Legitimate resale platforms always take a percentage, and instant transfers do not exist for gift cards.

Never share your gift card details with someone you do not trust, and avoid services that ask you to pay an upfront fee to convert your card. If you use a resale marketplace, stick to established platforms with buyer protection policies, such as CardCash or Raise, which hold payment in escrow until the transaction is confirmed.

Be aware that selling a gift card on an unofficial marketplace or to a stranger carries the risk that the card has already been used or that the buyer will dispute the transaction after receiving it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer a Visa gift card to my bank account?

Not directly, but you can add it to PayPal or another digital wallet that links to your bank, then transfer the balance. Alternatively, contact the card issuer to ask whether they offer direct deposit or check payouts. You can also sell the card on a resale marketplace like CardCash.

What if my gift card has a small balance left?

Small balances are harder to sell on resale platforms because the discount makes the payout minimal. Your best options are to spend it at the retailer, add it to a digital wallet if it is a major card brand, or contact the issuer to ask about a payout threshold.

Do I lose money when I sell a gift card?

Yes, resale platforms typically pay 70 to 95 percent of face value. The exact percentage depends on the retailer and current demand. Popular retailers like Amazon pay higher percentages than smaller or niche stores.

How long does it take to get money from selling a gift card?

Most resale platforms deposit money into your bank account within 3 to 5 business days after the buyer confirms the card works. Some hold payment in escrow for an extra day or two. Direct deposit or check requests from the card issuer typically take 2 to 10 business days.

Is it safe to sell my gift card online?

Established resale platforms like CardCash and Raise use escrow and buyer protection to reduce fraud risk. Avoid unofficial marketplaces or selling to strangers. Never pay an upfront fee to convert your card, and do not share card details with unverified buyers.