The short answer: most gift cards cannot transfer directly to a bank account

Most gift cards are not connected to a bank account, so you cannot move the balance directly into one. A gift card issued by a store (like Target or Best Buy) or a restaurant works only at that business or its partners. A few exceptions exist — some Visa or Mastercard gift cards can be linked to a bank account, and some prepaid cards function like bank accounts — but the standard store gift card has no way to send money to your bank.

What you can do instead depends on what kind of gift card you have. You can spend the balance at the store, sell the card to someone else, or use it to buy something you can resell. Some cards let you transfer the balance to another card from the same company. A few prepaid cards let you withdraw cash at an ATM, which you could then deposit.

Key Takeaways

  • Store gift cards (Target, Amazon, Starbucks) cannot transfer money to a bank account because they are not bank products.
  • Visa or Mastercard gift cards sometimes allow you to add them to a digital wallet or link them to a bank account for online purchases, but this does not move the balance — it only lets you spend it.
  • Some prepaid cards issued by banks or payment companies do function like bank accounts and may let you withdraw cash or transfer funds.
  • If you need cash, you can spend the gift card on items you resell, or use a gift card exchange service, though these typically take a percentage.

Store gift cards and why they cannot transfer to a bank

A store gift card is essentially a promise from that store to give you goods or services up to a certain dollar amount. The money does not sit in a bank account — it sits in the store's accounting system as a liability. When you swipe the card, the store deducts from that balance and gives you merchandise. There is no bank involved and no way for the card to send money anywhere.

This is different from a bank account, where your money is held by a financial institution and can be moved to other accounts, withdrawn as cash, or transferred to other people. A gift card is a one-way ticket to spend at one place.

Visa and Mastercard gift cards: what they can and cannot do

Visa or Mastercard gift cards work differently from store cards because they are issued by banks or payment processors, not by individual retailers. These cards can be used anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted — online, at different stores, at gas stations. This makes them more flexible, but they still do not transfer money to a bank account.

What you can do with a Visa or Mastercard gift card: add it to a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay, use it to pay for online purchases, or swipe it like a debit card. Some of these cards allow you to set up a PIN and withdraw cash from an ATM, which you could then deposit into your bank account — but the card itself does not push money to your bank. You have to pull the cash out first.

Check the back of your card or the issuer's website to see if ATM withdrawals are allowed. Some cards charge a fee for each withdrawal, and some limit how much you can take out at once.

Prepaid cards that function like bank accounts

Some prepaid cards issued by banks or payment companies (like NetSpend, Chime, or Gobank) are designed to work like checking accounts. These cards come with a routing number and account number, just like a regular bank account. Money loaded onto these cards can sometimes be transferred to another bank account, though the process and fees vary by card.

If you received a prepaid card as a gift, check whether it came with account information. If it did, you may be able to link it to your bank account through your bank's transfer system or the card issuer's app. This is not the same as a gift card — it is a financial product that behaves more like a bank account.

Be aware that prepaid cards often charge monthly fees, ATM fees, or transfer fees. Read the fee schedule before you assume it is cheaper than other options.

Using a gift card exchange service or reselling the card

If you need cash and cannot use the gift card at the store, you can sell it to someone else through a gift card exchange service. Websites like Raise, CardCash, and Decluttr buy unused gift cards at a discount — typically 70 to 90 percent of the card's face value — and pay you through PayPal, direct deposit, or check.

The trade-off is that you lose money. A $100 gift card might sell for $75 to $85. But if you have a card you will not use, this turns it into cash you can deposit into your bank account. The payment method varies by service, so check what they offer before you list your card.

Some services require you to photograph the card or provide the card number and PIN before they pay you, so only work with established platforms that have buyer protection. Read reviews and check how long the service has been operating.

Spending the gift card and depositing the proceeds

Another option is to spend the gift card on something you can resell. Buy an item at the store, then sell it online through eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or a local resale app. The cash from the sale can go into your bank account.

This works best if the store sells items with stable resale value — electronics, brand-name clothing, or unopened products. It does not work well if you buy perishable items or things that lose value quickly. You also have to account for the time it takes to list and sell the item, and any fees the resale platform charges.

What to do if the gift card has a small balance

If the gift card has only a few dollars left, it may not be worth the effort to exchange or resell it. Most exchange services have a minimum card value they will accept, often $5 or $10. At that point, your best option is to spend it at the store on something small, or combine it with another payment method to buy something you need.

Some stores let you use multiple gift cards on one purchase, so if you have several low-balance cards, you can stack them together and use one transaction to clear them all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I link a store gift card to my bank account?

No. Store gift cards are not connected to banking systems and cannot be linked to a bank account. Visa or Mastercard gift cards can sometimes be added to a digital wallet or used online, but this does not transfer the balance to your bank — it only lets you spend the card's money.

What if my gift card is a Visa card — can that go to my bank?

Not directly. A Visa gift card can be used to pay for things online or in stores, and some allow ATM withdrawals. If your card supports ATM withdrawals, you can take out cash and deposit it into your bank account, but the card itself does not transfer funds to a bank.

Do gift card exchange services really pay you?

Yes, established services like Raise and CardCash do pay, but at a discount — usually 70 to 90 percent of face value. They make money by reselling the cards at full value. Only use services with good reviews and buyer protection, and never send a card before payment is confirmed.

Is there a fee to transfer money from a prepaid card to my bank?

It depends on the card. Some prepaid cards allow transfers for free, while others charge a fee per transfer or per month. Check the card's fee schedule or contact the issuer before you transfer. Some cards also limit how many transfers you can make.

What happens to gift card money if I never use it?

That depends on the state and the card issuer. Most states have laws requiring gift cards to be honored for a set period — often five to ten years — before the issuer can claim the money as unclaimed property. Check your state's laws and the card's terms to see when it expires.