The direct answer: Amazon doesn't transfer gift card balances to your bank
Amazon gift card money stays in your Amazon account as store credit. You cannot move it directly to a bank account. The only way to convert it to cash is to spend it on Amazon, then move money from your bank account to cover what you would have spent, or to sell the gift card to a third party for less than its face value.
If you received an Amazon gift card and need cash instead, your realistic options are: spend the balance on something you'd buy anyway and redirect your own cash to savings, sell the card through a reseller, or request a refund if the card was a gift and you have the original receipt or order confirmation.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon gift card balances cannot be transferred to a bank account—they exist only as store credit on your Amazon account.
- Selling a gift card through resellers like CardCash or Raise will give you cash, but you'll receive 70 to 90 percent of the card's value.
- If you spent the gift card balance and want to recover the money, Amazon refunds go back to the original payment method, not to a new bank account.
- Requesting a refund requires proof of purchase or the original order confirmation, and Amazon processes refunds within 5 to 10 business days.
Why Amazon won't let you cash out gift card balances
Amazon treats gift card balances as store credit tied to your account, not as money. This is how Amazon controls the money: once you load a gift card balance, Amazon holds that cash and you can only spend it on Amazon's platform. If Amazon allowed direct transfers to bank accounts, the company would lose control of that money and couldn't may provide you'd spend it on their site.
The same rule applies whether the gift card was physical, digital, or loaded through a promotion. Your bank account and your Amazon account are separate systems, and Amazon's payment infrastructure doesn't include a cash-out feature for gift card holders.
Selling your gift card for cash through resellers
The fastest way to convert an Amazon gift card to cash is to sell it on a gift card reseller platform. Sites like CardCash, Raise, and Decluttr buy unused gift cards from people and resell them to others. You list your card, someone buys it, and the reseller sends you cash via bank transfer, PayPal, or check.
The catch: you won't get the full value. Most resellers pay 70 to 90 percent of the card's face value, depending on demand and the card's condition. A $100 Amazon gift card might sell for $75 to $90. The reseller takes a cut because they're buying a card that's already been issued and could have restrictions or fraud holds.
The process usually takes 2 to 7 days from the time you list the card to when you receive payment. You'll need to provide the card's code (the long number on the back or in the email), and the reseller will verify it works before sending you money. Once they confirm the balance, the cash goes to your chosen payment method.
What to do if you already spent the gift card balance
If you used the Amazon gift card to buy something and now want a refund, Amazon will return the money to the original payment method—not to a different bank account. If the gift card was purchased with a credit card, the refund goes back to that card. If it was a physical gift card someone gave you, the refund goes back to whoever bought the card, not to you.
To request a refund, go to Your Orders on Amazon, find the item, and select Return or Request Refund. Amazon will ask why you want to return it. Refunds process within 5 to 10 business days, but the money appears in your original payment method, not in a new account you set up.
If you received the gift card as a gift and the original buyer wants to refund it, they can contact Amazon customer service with the order confirmation. Amazon may refund the original payment method used to purchase the card, which means the money goes back to the gift-giver's account, not yours.
Using your gift card balance strategically to free up cash
If you need cash but have an Amazon gift card balance, one indirect approach is to spend the gift card on things you'd normally buy anyway—household items, groceries, electronics—and then move the money you would have spent into your bank savings. This doesn't create new cash, but it redirects your spending and preserves your bank balance.
For example, if you have a $50 Amazon gift card and $50 in your checking account, you could use the gift card to buy groceries or supplies you need, then leave the $50 in your bank account instead of spending it. The net effect is that your gift card becomes cash in your bank account, though the process requires you to have other money available first.
Checking your gift card balance and account status
Before you try to sell or refund a gift card, verify the balance is actually there. Go to Your Account on Amazon, select Gift Cards, and look for Your Gift Card Balance. The balance shown is what you have available to spend on Amazon purchases.
If the balance is lower than expected, check Your Orders to see if purchases were made from that balance. If you see charges you didn't make, contact Amazon customer service immediately—gift card fraud is possible, though Amazon's fraud detection usually catches it quickly.
If the gift card was purchased recently and hasn't been redeemed yet, you may still be within Amazon's return window. Physical gift cards can usually be returned within 30 days of purchase if unopened. Digital gift cards are harder to return, but if you have the original order confirmation, Amazon customer service can sometimes process a refund to the original payment method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my Amazon gift card balance to someone else's bank account?
No. Gift card balances can only be transferred to another Amazon account by purchasing an Amazon gift card with your balance and sending it to them. You cannot move the money to a bank account, yours or anyone else's. The balance must stay on Amazon.
What if I sell my gift card and the buyer says it doesn't work?
Reputable resellers like CardCash and Raise verify the card balance before paying you, so this is rare. If it happens, contact the reseller's customer service with proof of the sale. Most platforms hold the buyer's payment in escrow until the card is confirmed, so you're protected. Never sell through unofficial channels or directly to strangers.
Do I have to pay taxes if I sell a gift card for less than its value?
The loss on a gift card sale is generally not deductible as a capital loss for tax purposes, because gift cards are personal property, not investments. If you received the gift card as income (from an employer or promotion), that income is taxable regardless of what you do with it. Consult a tax professional if you're unsure about your specific situation.
How long does it take to get money from selling a gift card?
Most resellers process payments within 2 to 7 business days after they verify the card balance. The exact timeline depends on the platform and your payment method. Bank transfers usually take 1 to 3 business days after the reseller sends the payment, while checks may take 5 to 10 days to arrive.
Can I use a gift card to pay off a credit card balance?
No. Amazon gift cards can only be used to buy items on Amazon or pay for Amazon services like Prime. You cannot use them to pay credit card bills, loans, or any account outside Amazon. If you need to pay a bill, you'd have to sell the gift card first, then use the cash.