Amazon credit cannot be transferred directly to your bank account
Amazon store credit and gift card balances exist only within Amazon's system. You cannot move them to a checking or savings account at any bank. Amazon does not offer a cash-out feature, and no third-party service can convert Amazon credit into bank deposits.
What you can do instead depends on what type of credit you have and what you need the money for. Some paths let you recover cash value; others let you spend the credit on things you would buy anyway. Understanding which option fits your situation saves you from wasting time on methods that do not work.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon store credit cannot be transferred to a bank account under any circumstances, and no legitimate service can do this for you.
- If you have an unused Amazon gift card, you can sell it to a gift card marketplace like Raise or CardCash, though you will receive less than the card's face value.
- If the credit came from a refund or return, you can request that Amazon issue the refund to your original payment method instead of store credit.
- You can use Amazon credit to purchase items and then resell them elsewhere, but this takes time and you may lose money in the process.
- Scams claiming to convert Amazon credit to cash are common; legitimate options always involve either selling the card itself or spending it on goods.
How to get a refund to your bank account instead of Amazon credit
If you recently returned an item or received a refund, you may have the option to choose where the money goes. When Amazon processes a return, it typically refunds to your original payment method — the card or account you used to buy the item. However, if the refund went to Amazon store credit by mistake, you can contact Amazon and ask them to reverse it.
Open the return or refund in your Amazon account under "Returns" or "Your Orders." Look for a "Contact Us" button or link. Explain that you received store credit instead of a refund to your payment method, and ask Amazon to process the refund to your original card or bank account instead. Amazon customer service can usually do this within a few business days, though it depends on how long ago the return was processed.
This option only works if the credit came from a recent transaction. If you have old Amazon credit from years ago, Amazon is unlikely to reverse it.
Selling an Amazon gift card for cash
If you have an unused Amazon gift card (not store credit from a refund), you can sell it to a gift card reseller. These are websites that buy gift cards from people and resell them to others. The most common ones are Raise, CardCash, and Decluttr. You will receive less than the card's face value — typically 70 to 90 percent — but the money goes to your bank account.
The process is straightforward. You visit the reseller's website, select Amazon as the card type, enter the card's balance, and upload a photo of the card or provide the code. The reseller verifies the card works, and if it does, they send payment to your bank account or PayPal within a few days. Payment methods vary by reseller; check their site to see whether they deposit directly to a bank account or use another method.
The percentage you receive depends on current demand. Amazon gift cards are popular, so the discount is usually smaller than for less common retailers. Rates change daily, so check multiple resellers to compare what each one is offering before you sell.
Why Amazon credit cannot be converted to cash
Amazon credit is not money. It is a store-only balance that Amazon holds on your account. Unlike a debit card or bank account, there is no way to withdraw it or move it elsewhere. Amazon's terms of service explicitly state that gift cards and store credit cannot be redeemed for cash, transferred to another person's account, or used outside Amazon's platform.
This is true for all major retailers. Target, Walmart, and Best Buy have the same rule. The credit is tied to the retailer's system and cannot be converted to a bank deposit. Any website or service claiming to do this is either a scam or is actually selling your gift card on your behalf (which you can do yourself for free).
Avoiding scams that promise to convert Amazon credit
Scammers frequently target people with Amazon credit by claiming they can convert it to cash. These scams usually work by asking you to provide your Amazon login credentials, your gift card code, or payment information. Once they have this, they either steal the credit themselves or use your information for identity theft.
Legitimate ways to get cash from Amazon credit are limited to two: selling the gift card yourself to a reseller, or requesting a refund to your original payment method if the credit came from a recent return. If a service claims to do anything else, it is not legitimate. Do not share your Amazon password, gift card codes, or bank details with any third party claiming to convert your credit.
Using Amazon credit to buy items you can resell
If you cannot sell the gift card and do not want to spend the credit on Amazon, you can purchase items with it and resell them elsewhere. This works if the credit is large enough to make the effort worthwhile. You would buy items at Amazon, then list them on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or another resale platform.
This method has drawbacks. You will likely lose money because resale prices are usually lower than retail, and you have to pay for shipping and handle customer service. You also have to wait for items to sell, which can take weeks or months. For small amounts of credit — under $20 or $30 — this is usually not worth the time.
If you do try this, stick to items that hold their value well: electronics, books, or brand-name goods. Avoid items that are hard to ship or that lose value quickly.
What to do if you received unwanted Amazon credit as a gift
If someone gave you an Amazon gift card or credit and you do not want to use it, your options are limited. You cannot return it to the person who gave it to you for cash. You can sell the gift card to a reseller if it is an actual gift card (a code or physical card), but if it is store credit already loaded into an account, you can only spend it on Amazon or let it sit unused.
If the credit came from a gift card that was never activated, you can sometimes return it to the retailer where it was purchased — usually a grocery store, pharmacy, or electronics store — for a refund. Check the card's receipt or packaging to see where it was bought, and bring the card and receipt to that store's customer service desk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer Amazon credit to someone else's bank account?
No. Amazon credit cannot be transferred between accounts or converted to cash in any way. If you want to give the value to someone else, you would need to purchase items they want and have them shipped to their address, or sell the gift card to a reseller and give them the cash.
What if I have a large amount of Amazon credit I do not want?
If the credit came from a refund, contact Amazon and ask for a refund to your original payment method instead. If it is a gift card, sell it to a reseller like Raise or CardCash. If it is old store credit with no clear source, you are unlikely to recover the value — Amazon does not cash out old balances.
Is it safe to sell my Amazon gift card online?
Yes, if you use an established reseller like Raise, CardCash, or Decluttr. These sites verify that the card works before paying you. Never sell a gift card through a personal ad or to someone you do not know, as they can dispute the transaction after receiving the code.
Can I use Amazon credit to pay a bill or buy things outside Amazon?
No. Amazon credit works only on Amazon.com and affiliated services. You cannot use it to pay utilities, subscriptions, or purchases from other retailers.
What happens if I never use my Amazon credit?
Amazon does not expire gift cards or store credit, so the balance will remain in your account indefinitely. However, if your account is inactive for an extended period, Amazon may close it, which could result in losing the credit. Using your account at least once every few years keeps it active.