Most gift cards cannot be transferred directly to a bank account, but you have several ways to convert the balance to cash or deposit it

A gift card balance sits in a closed system controlled by the retailer or card issuer. Your bank account is a separate system. The two do not connect directly, so you cannot straightforward link them and move money over. However, you can spend the gift card at the retailer, use a third-party service to convert it, or reload certain gift cards onto a debit card that feeds into your bank.

The method that works depends on what kind of gift card you hold and how much friction you are willing to accept. Some routes are fast and free. Others charge a percentage or take several days. A few only work if the card issuer offers that specific service.

Key Takeaways

  • Visa, Mastercard, and American Express gift cards can be transferred to a bank account through their issuer's app or website, usually within one to three business days.
  • Retailer-specific gift cards (Target, Amazon, Walmart) cannot transfer to a bank account directly, but you can spend them at the store or sell them on a resale platform.
  • PayPal, Square Cash, and similar services let you photograph a gift card and deposit the balance, though they may charge a fee or hold funds temporarily.
  • Bank-issued reloadable prepaid cards sometimes accept gift card transfers, but this depends on the specific card and issuer.
  • Selling a gift card on a secondary market (Raise, CardCash, Decluttr) converts it to cash, though you typically receive 70 to 95 percent of the card's face value.

Transferring a Branded Visa, Mastercard, or American Express gift card

These cards work like debit cards and often have an associated app or online account. Log into the issuer's portal—usually the bank that issued the card—and look for a "transfer to bank" or "cash out" option. You will need your bank account number and routing number. The transfer typically takes one to three business days and is free.

Not all branded gift cards offer this feature. Some are issued by smaller banks or fintech companies that do not support transfers. Check the back of the card or the issuer's website to see whether the option exists. If it does not, you can still use the card to make purchases or withdraw cash at an ATM if the card is Visa or Mastercard branded.

If you have lost the card or do not remember which bank issued it, look at your email receipt from when you received it. The receipt usually names the issuer and includes a customer service number. Call that number and ask whether the card supports bank transfers.

Converting a retailer gift card through a payment app

Services like PayPal, Square Cash, and Google Pay let you photograph the back of a gift card and deposit the balance into your account. The process is straightforward: open the app, select the deposit or transfer option, take a photo of the card's barcode and security code, and confirm the amount. The service then contacts the retailer to verify the balance and transfers the money to your account.

This method works with most major retailer cards—Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon, and others—but not all. Check the app's list of supported cards before you try. Fees vary: some services charge a flat percentage (typically 1 to 3 percent), while others charge nothing. Processing time is usually one to five business days.

Be aware that you are giving the app access to your gift card number and security code. Use only well-known services from established companies. Do not photograph and send the card details to unknown websites or individuals.

Selling the gift card on a resale platform

If you do not want to spend at the retailer and the card does not transfer to your bank, you can sell it on a secondary market. Platforms like Raise, CardCash, Decluttr, and Gameflip buy unused gift cards at a discount to face value. You list the card, a buyer purchases it, and you receive payment via bank transfer, PayPal, or check.

The discount varies by card type and current demand. Popular retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart typically sell for 90 to 98 percent of face value. Less common retailers or cards with low demand may sell for 70 to 85 percent. The platform takes a cut, usually 1 to 2 percent of the sale price.

The process takes three to seven business days from the time a buyer purchases your card until you receive payment. You will need to provide the card number and PIN (if applicable) to the buyer, so only use platforms with buyer protection policies. Read the terms carefully—some platforms hold your payment in escrow until the buyer confirms the card works.

Using a reloadable prepaid card as an intermediary

Some reloadable prepaid cards issued by banks or fintech companies allow you to load a gift card balance onto them. The prepaid card then connects to your bank account, so you can transfer the money from the prepaid card to your checking account. This adds an extra step but works when other methods are not available.

Not all prepaid cards support gift card loading. Check the card's app or website to see whether it has a "load gift card" or "add funds" feature. If it does, you typically photograph the card or enter the number and PIN, and the balance transfers to the prepaid card within one to two business days. From there, you can transfer to your bank account or withdraw cash at an ATM.

This method is most useful if you already have a reloadable card for other reasons. Opening a new account just to convert one gift card is usually not worth the time.

Spending the gift card and depositing cash separately

The simplest method, if it fits your situation, is to spend the gift card at the retailer and then deposit any cash change into your bank account. This works if you have purchases you were planning to make anyway. You use the gift card to pay, receive cash back if you pay with a mix of gift card and cash, and deposit that cash at your bank or ATM.

This does not convert the full balance to cash unless you spend less than the card's value. But if you were going to buy something at that retailer anyway, you save money by using the gift card first.

What does not work

You cannot transfer a retailer gift card directly to your bank account through your bank's app or website. Banks do not have access to retailer gift card systems, so there is no direct connection. You also cannot use a gift card to fund a bank account opening or deposit, even if the bank offers online account setup.

Some scams promise to convert gift cards to cash when ready or at face value. These are fraudulent. Legitimate services charge a fee or offer a discount, and they take time to process. If someone promises when ready cash for a gift card with no discount, they are either lying or running a scam.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, if the card was issued by a bank. Log into the issuer's app or website and look for a transfer or cash-out option. You will need your bank account number and routing number. The transfer usually takes one to three business days and is free. If the card was issued by a retailer or smaller company, the option may not be available.

What if I have a Target or Amazon gift card?

These retailer-specific cards do not transfer to a bank account. You can spend them at the store, sell them on Raise or CardCash for 90 to 98 percent of face value, or photograph them in PayPal or Square Cash to convert the balance. Selling takes three to seven days; the app method takes one to five days.

Do I lose money when I convert a gift card to cash?

It depends on the method. Branded Visa or Mastercard transfers are free. Resale platforms take a cut, so you receive 70 to 98 percent of face value depending on the card type. Payment apps may charge 1 to 3 percent. Spending the card at the retailer loses nothing, but you only get cash back if you pay with a mix of gift card and cash.

How long does it take to get the money in my bank account?

Branded card transfers take one to three business days. Resale platforms take three to seven days. Payment app deposits take one to five days. Spending the card and depositing cash is when ready if you use an ATM or same-day if you visit a branch.

Is it safe to photograph my gift card and send it to an app?

It is safe to use established services like PayPal, Square Cash, and Google Pay. These companies have security measures and buyer protection. Do not photograph and send your card details to unknown websites, individuals, or services you cannot verify. Stick to well-known platforms with clear terms and customer reviews.