You cannot deposit a gift card directly into a bank account
A gift card is not a check or a transfer—it is a stored balance on a specific retailer's system or network. Your bank has no way to read it or pull money from it. To move that money into your bank account, you need to convert the gift card to cash or a bank transfer first, and the method depends on what kind of gift card you hold.
The three main routes are: sell the card to a third party for cash, use a retailer's app or website to transfer the balance to a payment account you control, or spend the card at the retailer and deposit your own cash separately. Each has different timelines, fees, and payout amounts.
Key Takeaways
- Visa, Mastercard, and American Express gift cards can often be transferred to a PayPal account or linked bank account, but retailer-specific cards (Target, Amazon, Starbucks) cannot be moved to a bank account directly.
- Gift card resale sites like Raise, CardCash, and Decluttr buy unwanted cards for 60 to 90 percent of face value and deposit cash to your bank account within days.
- Some retailers let you check your balance and spend the card online or in-store, then deposit your own cash refund if you return items or receive a store credit.
- Bank transfers from network gift cards (Visa/Mastercard) typically take one to three business days and may have a small fee or minimum balance requirement.
- Selling a gift card for less than its face value is normal and expected; the discount reflects the buyer's risk and the reseller's fee.
Network gift cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) versus retailer cards
Network gift cards are issued by Visa, Mastercard, or American Express and work like debit cards anywhere those networks are accepted. They often have your name printed on them or are registered to an email address. These cards can usually be linked to a PayPal account, a mobile wallet, or transferred to a bank account through the card issuer's website or app.
Retailer-specific gift cards (Amazon, Target, Starbucks, Best Buy, Walmart) are only good at that retailer or its partners. They cannot be transferred to a bank account. Your only options are to spend the balance at the retailer, sell the card to a resale site, or give it away.
Check the front or back of your card. If it says Visa, Mastercard, or American Express, you likely have a network card. If it shows only a retailer's logo, it is retailer-specific.
Transferring a network gift card to your bank account
If you have a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express gift card, the issuer's website or mobile app usually lets you link it to a bank account or PayPal. Log in with the card number and security code, look for a "transfer funds" or "add to account" option, and follow the prompts to enter your bank details.
The transfer typically takes one to three business days. Some issuers charge a small fee (usually $1 to $3) or require a minimum balance (often $10 or $20) to transfer. Check the card's terms before you start—this information is usually on the back of the card or in the issuer's app.
If the card is registered to an email address you no longer use, you may need to update your account information first. Contact the card issuer's customer service number (printed on the back) if you cannot access your account or if the transfer option does not appear.
Selling a gift card through a resale site
Gift card resale sites buy unwanted cards from you and deposit cash to your bank account. The most common platforms are Raise, CardCash, Decluttr, and Gameflip. Each site has a different selection of retailers and different payout rates.
The process is straightforward: enter the retailer name and card balance, take a photo of the card (front and back, with security code visible), and upload it. The site reviews the card and makes an offer—usually 60 to 90 percent of face value, depending on demand for that retailer. If you accept, the site deposits cash to your bank account within one to five business days.
Payout rates vary by retailer and by site. A Target card might sell for 85 percent on one platform and 75 percent on another. Check rates on two or three sites before you sell. Be aware that some sites charge a small processing fee (usually 1 to 3 percent) that comes out of your payout.
The card issuer does not know you sold it. Once the buyer redeems the card, the transaction is between them and the retailer. You have no further liability.
Spending the card and depositing cash yourself
If the card balance is small or you plan to shop at that retailer anyway, you can simply spend the card and deposit your own cash or paycheck to your bank account separately. This is not a direct conversion, but it accomplishes the same goal: moving money into your account.
Some retailers also offer store credit or refunds to a payment method if you return items. If you buy something with the gift card and then return it, ask whether the refund can go to your bank account instead of back to the card. Policies vary by retailer.
What to watch for when selling a gift card
Gift card resale is legitimate, but a few precautions protect you. Never sell a card through an unknown marketplace or to a private buyer—use established platforms with buyer and seller protections. Do not share the full card number or security code with anyone except the resale site's secure upload system.
Payout rates are always less than face value. A $100 card selling for $75 is normal and expected. The discount reflects the buyer's risk (the card could be empty or stolen) and the reseller's fee. If a site offers 100 percent or more, it is a scam.
Some retailers restrict resale in their terms of service, but enforcement is rare and does not affect you as the seller. Once you sell the card, the resale site and the buyer assume any risk.
Timing and fees across all methods
| Method | Payout Rate | Time to Bank Account | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network card transfer to bank | 100% | 1–3 business days | $1–$3 (some issuers) |
| Resale site (Raise, CardCash, etc.) | 60–90% | 1–5 business days | 1–3% processing fee |
| Spend at retailer, deposit cash | 100% | Depends on deposit method | None |
The fastest and most complete payout is a network card transfer, if your card qualifies. Resale sites are best for retailer-specific cards you will not use. Spending the card yourself takes longer but avoids any discount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a Visa gift card directly into my bank account?
Not directly through your bank's deposit system. But you can link the Visa card to your bank account or PayPal through the card issuer's app or website and transfer the balance over one to three business days. Check the back of the card for the issuer's website or customer service number.
What if my gift card has a low balance—is it worth selling?
Resale sites usually have a minimum balance requirement, often $5 or $10. Below that, selling is not worth the effort. Spend the card at the retailer or give it away instead. Check the resale site's terms to confirm the minimum before you upload the card.
How do I know if my gift card is a network card or retailer-specific?
Look at the front of the card. If it displays a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express logo as the main brand, it is a network card. If it shows only a retailer's name or logo (Amazon, Target, Starbucks), it is retailer-specific and cannot be transferred to a bank account.
Can I use a gift card resale site if I live outside the United States?
Most major resale sites operate only in the US and require a US bank account for payout. If you live abroad, check the site's terms or contact customer service. Some international platforms exist but are smaller and have fewer retailers available.
What happens if the resale site does not pay me after I sell my card?
Established sites like Raise and CardCash have buyer and seller protections. If payment does not arrive within the stated timeframe, contact the site's customer service with your transaction ID. Keep screenshots of your upload and the offer confirmation. Disputes are usually resolved within a few business days.