The most direct way: use your card issuer's app or website
Most gift cards issued by Visa, Mastercard, or American Express let you transfer the balance to a linked bank account through their official app or website. Log into your card's portal, look for a "transfer to bank" or "cash out" option, and follow the prompts to connect your checking account. The money usually lands within one to three business days.
The catch: not all gift cards support this. Store-branded cards (Target, Best Buy, Amazon) typically do not. Visa and Mastercard gift cards almost always do. Check your card's terms or call the customer service number on the back to confirm whether your specific card allows transfers.
If your card does support transfers, this is the fastest and safest route because the issuer handles the transaction directly—no third party, no fees beyond what your bank might charge for receiving an ACH deposit (usually nothing).
Key Takeaways
- Visa, Mastercard, and American Express gift cards can usually be transferred to a bank account through their app or website in one to three business days.
- Store-branded gift cards (Target, Walmart, Amazon) do not support direct bank transfers and require alternative methods.
- Spending the card down at a store and depositing cash is slower but works for any card; ATM withdrawals are not an option for gift cards.
- Third-party apps that buy gift cards for cash charge fees (typically 5 to 15 percent) and should only be used if direct transfer is not possible.
- Never share your gift card number with anyone claiming to transfer it for you; legitimate transfers happen only through the card issuer's official channels.
Spend the card at a store and deposit the cash
If your gift card does not support direct bank transfer, you can spend it at the issuing retailer or a partner merchant, withdraw cash as change, and deposit that cash into your bank account. This works for any gift card but requires a trip to a physical location and a visit to your bank or ATM.
The timeline depends on your bank's deposit policy. Most banks credit cash deposits the same day if you deposit before the cutoff time (usually 2 p.m. on a business day). Some banks hold cash deposits for one business day as a fraud precaution.
This method is free but inconvenient. It also only works if the retailer will give you cash back—not all will, and some limit cash-back amounts. Call ahead to confirm the store's policy.
Use a gift card resale or cash-out app
Apps like Raise, CardCash, and Gameflip buy gift cards for cash and deposit the money into your bank account. You photograph or enter your card details, the app verifies the balance, and you receive an offer (usually 85 to 95 percent of the card's face value). If you accept, the money transfers to your linked bank account within one to five business days.
The trade-off is the fee. You lose 5 to 15 percent of the card's value depending on the card type and current demand. A $100 gift card might net you $85 to $95. The fee is steeper for store-branded cards and lower for Visa or Mastercard gift cards.
These apps are legitimate but should be a last resort. Only use them if the card issuer does not support direct transfer and you cannot spend the card yourself. Always use the official app from a well-known company, never a pop-up ad or unknown platform.
What not to do: common mistakes and scams
Do not sell your gift card to a stranger online or through social media. Scammers buy cards, drain them, and then claim the transaction was fraudulent—leaving you out the money and the card. Do not use your card number in a chat or email to someone offering to transfer it for you. Legitimate transfers happen only through official channels run by the card issuer.
Do not assume you can withdraw cash directly from an ATM using a gift card. Most gift cards are not linked to a PIN and will not work at ATMs, even if they carry a Visa or Mastercard logo. The only way to get cash is to spend the card and ask for change, or use a resale app.
Do not ignore the card's expiration date. Some gift cards expire after a set period (often three to five years), and once expired, the balance may be forfeited. Check your card's terms and transfer or spend the balance before the expiration date passes.
How to link your gift card to your bank account safely
When you transfer through an official app or website, you will need to provide your bank account number and routing number. These are safe to share with the card issuer because they are the legitimate entity issuing the card. You can find your routing number on the bottom left of a check, or by calling your bank or logging into your online banking portal.
Before you enter your information, confirm you are on the official website or app. Type the URL directly into your browser or download the app from the official app store (Apple App Store or Google Play), not from a link in an email or text. Phishing emails that look like they are from Visa or Mastercard often direct you to fake sites designed to steal your banking information.
Once the transfer is complete, the money appears in your checking account as a deposit. Your bank will show it as an ACH credit or transfer from the card issuer. You can then spend it, move it to savings, or use it however you need.
Timing: how long each method takes
| Method | Time to Bank Account | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct transfer (app or website) | 1–3 business days | Free | Visa, Mastercard, Amex gift cards |
| Spend and deposit cash | Same day to 1 business day | Free | Any card; requires store visit |
| Resale app (Raise, CardCash) | 1–5 business days | 5–15% fee | When direct transfer is not available |
The fastest option is spending the card at a store and depositing cash the same day, but this only works if you have a physical location nearby and your bank processes deposits quickly. Direct transfer through the card issuer's app is nearly as fast and requires no travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a store gift card (Target, Walmart, Amazon) to my bank account?
No. Store-branded gift cards do not support direct bank transfers. Your options are to spend the card at the store and deposit cash, or use a resale app (though resale apps typically offer lower rates for store cards). Some retailers have their own cash-out programs—check the store's website or call customer service to ask.
What if my gift card has a small balance left on it?
Most direct transfer services require a minimum balance, often $5 to $10. If your card is below that, spend it at the store or combine it with another card if the retailer allows it. Resale apps may also decline very small balances because the fee would exceed the remaining value.
Do I need to pay taxes on gift card transfers to my bank account?
No. Transferring a gift card balance to your bank account is not taxable income—you are moving money you already received as a gift. Taxes only apply if you earn money (such as selling the card for more than you paid for it, which is rare).
What happens if I lose my gift card before I transfer it?
Contact the card issuer immediately with your card number and receipt. Most issuers can freeze the card and reissue it or transfer the balance to a new card, but you must act quickly. If someone else uses the card first, recovery depends on the issuer's fraud policy—some will refund unauthorized charges, others will not.
Can I transfer a gift card to someone else's bank account?
No. Direct transfers through the card issuer's app require you to link your own bank account. If you want to give the money to someone else, transfer it to your account first, then send them the money through your bank's transfer service or another payment method.