You cannot move an Apple gift card balance directly to a bank account
Apple gift cards are store credit only. They work inside Apple's ecosystem — the App Store, iTunes, Apple Books, Apple Music, and Apple's retail stores. The balance cannot be transferred to a bank account, PayPal, Venmo, or any other payment service. Apple does not offer a cash-out feature.
If you have an Apple gift card you do not plan to use for Apple products or services, your options are limited to spending it within Apple's system or selling the card to someone else. There is no official path from the card to your bank.
Key Takeaways
- Apple gift card balances stay within Apple's system and cannot be withdrawn to a bank account through any official method.
- You can spend the balance on apps, subscriptions, digital content, or physical products sold through Apple's stores.
- If you want cash, you can sell the unused card to a third party, though you will receive less than face value.
- Scammers often pose as Apple support and claim they can move gift card balances to bank accounts — this is a fraud tactic.
What you can actually buy with an Apple gift card
An Apple gift card balance can be spent on anything in the App Store, including apps, in-app purchases, and games. It also covers subscriptions like Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and iCloud+ storage. You can use it to buy books through Apple Books, movies and TV shows through iTunes, and physical products through Apple.com or Apple retail locations.
If you have a family member or friend who uses Apple services, you could give them the card or its balance. Otherwise, the money stays locked inside Apple's payment system.
Selling an unused Apple gift card for cash
If you do not want to spend the balance on Apple products, you can sell the card to a reseller. Sites like Raise, CardCash, and Decluttr buy unused gift cards at a discount — typically 70 to 90 percent of face value, depending on demand. You will receive less than the card is worth, but you will get cash or a payment to your bank account.
To sell a card, you will need the card number and PIN (the 16-digit code on the back). The reseller will verify the balance before paying you. Payment methods vary by platform but usually include direct deposit to a bank account, PayPal, or a check. The process typically takes a few business days to a week.
Be cautious with third-party resellers: only use established platforms with buyer protection. Never share your card details with someone you do not know or through an unsecured channel.
Why Apple does not allow direct bank transfers
Apple gift cards are designed as closed-loop payment instruments — the money can only move within Apple's business. This protects Apple from fraud and chargebacks, and it keeps customers spending within their ecosystem. Other retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon have the same restriction on their gift cards.
Some payment services like Square Cash or PayPal do allow you to convert certain gift card balances to cash, but only for cards they have partnered with. Apple has not created such a partnership, so no mainstream payment app can convert an Apple gift card to cash on your behalf.
Recognizing gift card scams
Scammers frequently target people holding Apple gift cards by claiming they can move the balance to a bank account for a fee or through a special process. These are always frauds. Common tactics include:
- Posing as Apple support and asking you to read the card number aloud or share it via email.
- Claiming you have won a prize or refund that will be deposited if you buy an Apple gift card first.
- Offering to "convert" your card to cash through a third-party service that requires upfront payment.
- Asking you to load money onto an Apple gift card and then transfer it to them, promising a return.
Apple will never ask for your gift card number via phone, email, or text. If someone contacts you claiming to represent Apple and asking for card details, hang up or delete the message and report it to Apple directly through apple.com.
What to do if you received an unwanted Apple gift card
If someone gave you an Apple gift card and you have no use for it, selling it through a reseller is your fastest option. You lose some value, but you get cash within a week. Alternatively, you can give the card to someone who uses Apple services, or hold it in case you decide to subscribe to an Apple service later.
Do not attempt to return it to the retailer where it was purchased unless you have a receipt and it was purchased within their return window — most retailers do not accept gift card returns. Do not try to exchange it for a different brand of gift card; Apple does not facilitate those swaps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an Apple gift card to pay my phone bill?
No. Apple gift cards work only for purchases within Apple's own services and stores. If you have an Apple One subscription that bundles services, the card can pay for that, but it cannot be used to pay a carrier bill like Verizon or AT&T.
What if I lost the card number but still have the physical card?
Contact Apple Support with proof of purchase (receipt or email confirmation). They can help you recover the balance if you can verify the card was purchased by you or given to you as a gift. You will need the original receipt or the email address associated with the gift.
Can I transfer my Apple gift card balance to a family member's account?
No. The balance is tied to the account that redeems it. You can give the physical card or the code to someone else, and they can redeem it into their own Apple account, but you cannot move your existing balance to another person's account.
Do Apple gift cards expire?
No. Apple gift cards do not have an expiration date once redeemed into your account. The balance stays available indefinitely until you spend it.
Is there a way to convert my Apple gift card to Bitcoin or cryptocurrency?
Not through any official channel. Some third-party services claim to do this, but they are typically scams or charge extremely high fees. Avoid any service that asks you to share your gift card number to convert it to crypto.