Most gift cards cannot transfer directly to your bank account, but you have several routes depending on the card type and what you want to do with the balance
A gift card is not a bank account—it is a prepaid balance held by the retailer or card issuer, and the systems do not connect. You cannot log into your bank and pull money from a Visa gift card the way you would from another bank account. But you can move the money out in other ways: spend it at the retailer, convert it to cash, sell it, or use it to buy something you can resell. Which route works depends on what kind of card you have and what you are trying to do.
The fastest and simplest option is to spend the balance at the retailer or anywhere that card is accepted. If you have a Visa or Mastercard gift card, you can use it online or in stores anywhere those cards work. If you have a store gift card—Target, Amazon, Best Buy—you can only spend it there. Neither of these puts cash in your bank account, but they free up money you would have spent anyway.
Key Takeaways
- Visa and Mastercard gift cards can be used to buy things online or in stores, but the money stays on the card until you spend it.
- Some Visa and Mastercard gift cards let you transfer the balance to a linked bank account through their issuer's app or website, but not all do.
- You can sell unused gift cards on resale platforms like Raise or CardCash, though you will receive less than the card's face value.
- Converting a gift card to cash at a store or ATM is possible with some cards but not others, and fees may explore.
- Using a gift card to buy something resellable and then selling that item is slower but works for any card type.
Transferring a Visa or Mastercard gift card to your bank account
Some Visa and Mastercard gift cards issued by banks or payment companies allow you to transfer the remaining balance to a linked bank account. This is not automatic—you have to initiate it through the card issuer's app or website. The issuer determines whether this option exists for your card.
To learn about your card supports transfers, log into the issuer's website or app using the card number. Look for an option labeled "transfer balance," "move funds," or "link to bank account." If the option does not appear, the card does not support it. Some issuers require you to verify your bank account information before allowing a transfer, and the process can take one to three business days.
Store-branded gift cards—Amazon, Target, Walmart—do not offer this option. Neither do most restaurant or entertainment cards. If your card does not support direct transfer, you will need to use one of the other methods below.
Selling a gift card for cash
Gift card resale platforms buy unused cards at a discount and resell them. You receive less than the card's face value, but you get cash or a payment method you can move to your bank account. The discount varies by card type and current demand—popular cards like Amazon or Visa gift cards typically sell for 85 to 95 percent of face value, while less common cards may sell for 60 to 80 percent.
The largest platforms are Raise, CardCash, and Decluttr. You list your card, set a price, and once a buyer purchases it, you receive payment via PayPal, bank transfer, or check. The process usually takes three to seven business days from sale to payment. Each platform charges a fee—typically 1 to 2 percent of the sale price—and may hold your payment for a few days while they verify the card works.
Before you sell, check the card's balance and make sure there are no restrictions on transfer. Some promotional gift cards cannot be resold. Read the platform's terms to understand what happens if the card is declined after you have already been paid.
Converting a gift card to cash at a store or ATM
Some retailers will let you convert a gift card balance to cash at the register, though this is not a standard policy. Target, Walmart, and Best Buy sometimes do this, but the rules vary by location and card type. Call the store before you go, because the cashier may refuse if they are not trained on the process or if your card is not may be able to access.
Some Visa and Mastercard gift cards can be used at ATMs to withdraw cash, but only if the card was issued with that feature. Check your card's terms or call the issuer to confirm. If the card supports ATM withdrawal, you can use it like a debit card at any ATM, though you may be charged a fee per withdrawal—typically $2 to $3.
Store cards and closed-loop cards cannot be converted to cash this way. Your only option with those is to spend the balance or sell the card.
Using a gift card to buy something you can resell
If none of the above options work, you can use the gift card to buy an item and then resell it. This is slower and you may lose money to resale fees, but it works for any card type. Buy something with strong resale value—electronics, brand-name items, gift cards themselves—and list it on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or a local resale app.
The downside is that you absorb the cost of shipping, resale platform fees (typically 10 to 15 percent), and the time to photograph and list the item. You may also receive less than you paid if the item is not in high demand. This method makes sense only if you have a card with a high balance and the item you buy is something people actually want.
What happens to unused gift card balances
Gift card balances do not expire in most states, but the rules vary. Federal law requires that expiration dates be at least five years from the date of issue, and many states have their own rules that extend this further. Some states require retailers to turn over unused balances to the state after a period of inactivity, though you can usually reclaim the money by contacting the retailer.
Check your card's terms for the expiration date and any inactivity fees. Some cards charge a monthly fee if you do not use them, which will eat into your balance over time. If you have a card you are not using, it is worth converting or spending the balance sooner rather than later.
Fees and timing to expect
| Method | Time to receive money | Fees or loss |
|---|---|---|
| Direct transfer to bank account | 1–3 business days | None (if available) |
| Sell on resale platform | 3–7 business days | 15–40% of face value |
| ATM cash withdrawal | when ready | $2–$3 per withdrawal |
| Store cash conversion | when ready | Varies by store |
| Buy and resell item | 1–2 weeks or more | 10–15% platform fees plus shipping |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a gift card to pay my credit card bill and then transfer the credit to my bank account?
No. If you use a gift card to pay a credit card bill, the payment goes to the credit card company, not your bank account. You would then need to withdraw the credit as a cash advance, which typically charges a fee and interest. This is not an efficient way to convert a gift card to cash.
What if my gift card has only a small balance left?
Resale platforms usually have minimum balance requirements—often $5 to $10—so very small balances may not be worth selling. Your best option is to spend the remaining balance at the retailer or use it toward a larger purchase. Some platforms do accept lower balances, so check before you assume yours is too small.
Is it safe to sell my gift card on a resale platform?
Established platforms like Raise and CardCash have buyer protection policies and verify cards before releasing payment to you. The main risk is that you could be scammed if you sell on an unverified marketplace. Stick to platforms with clear policies and buyer reviews. Always read the terms about what happens if the card is declined after you have been paid.
Can I transfer a store gift card to someone else's bank account?
No. Store gift cards are tied to the card itself, not to a person or account. You can give the physical card to someone else, or you can sell it on a resale platform. You cannot move the balance to another person's bank account directly.
Do I have to pay taxes on gift card sales?
If you sell a gift card for less than its face value, you are reporting a loss, not income. If you sell it for more than face value (rare), the difference may be taxable. Keep records of the sale price and face value. For most people, gift card sales do not create a tax issue, but consult a tax professional if you are selling multiple cards regularly.