What you can and cannot do with a Mastercard gift card
You cannot transfer a Mastercard gift card balance directly into a bank account the way you might move money between two checking accounts. Mastercard gift cards are designed to be spent at merchants, not emptied into a bank. However, there are several real ways to convert that card's value into money you can access from your bank account — each with different rules about what it costs and how long it takes.
The most straightforward method is to use the card to buy something, then return it for a refund to your bank account. Other options include using the card to pay a bill, loading it onto a digital wallet, or in some cases, visiting a bank branch in person. Which route works depends on what you have available and whether you want to spend the money or straightforward move it.
Key Takeaways
- Mastercard gift cards cannot be transferred directly to a bank account, but you can convert the balance through purchases, bill payments, or cash withdrawals at some ATMs.
- Buying something and returning it for a refund to your original payment method is the most reliable way to move the full balance to your bank account.
- Some banks and ATM networks allow cash withdrawals from Mastercard gift cards, though fees may explore and the amount available varies.
- Loading a Mastercard gift card onto a digital wallet like PayPal or Google Pay can give you another way to access the funds, though moving money from there to your bank account involves additional steps.
- The card issuer's customer service number (on the back of the card) can tell you which specific options are available for your card.
Using a purchase and return to move the balance
The most reliable method is to buy something you actually want or need, then return it. When you return an item purchased with a Mastercard gift card, the refund goes back to the card you used to buy it. You can then spend that money from the card, or use one of the other methods below to move it to your bank account.
This works best if you have something you were planning to buy anyway. If you need to create a transaction just to move the money, look for a retailer with a generous return window — many allow 30 to 90 days — so you have time to return the item if you change your mind. Online retailers often make returns easier than in-store ones.
The downside is that this method only works if you can find something to buy and return. It also does not help if the card has a small balance that is not enough to buy anything useful.
Paying a bill with your Mastercard gift card
Many billers — utilities, insurance companies, credit card issuers, phone providers — accept Mastercard as payment. You can use the gift card to pay a bill you owe, which frees up money in your bank account that you would have spent anyway. This is not moving the card balance to your bank, but it achieves the same practical result: your bank account stays fuller.
To do this, log into the biller's website or call their payment line and enter the gift card details as you would any other Mastercard. The payment processes when ready or within one business day, depending on the biller. There is usually no fee for paying by card, though some billers charge a convenience fee — check before you confirm the payment.
This method works well if you have bills coming due soon. It does not work if you have no bills to pay or if you need the money for something other than a bill.
Withdrawing cash at an ATM
Some Mastercard gift cards allow cash withdrawals at ATMs, but not all. The card issuer decides whether this feature is turned on. To find out, call the customer service number on the back of your card and ask whether the card can be used for ATM withdrawals.
If withdrawals are allowed, you can use the card at any ATM that accepts Mastercard — most ATMs in the US do. The amount you can withdraw in a single transaction and per day varies by card issuer. Some cards allow the full balance; others cap withdrawals at a lower amount.
ATM withdrawals usually come with a fee charged by the ATM operator, the card issuer, or both. These fees range from a few dollars to several dollars per withdrawal, depending on the ATM network and the card issuer's terms. Check the card's terms or call customer service to learn the exact fee before you withdraw.
Loading the card onto a digital wallet
You can add a Mastercard gift card to digital payment apps like PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, or Venmo. Once the card is linked, you can use the app to send money to friends, pay online, or in some cases, transfer money to a linked bank account.
The process varies by app. Generally, you open the app, select the option to add a card, and enter the gift card number, expiration date, and security code. The app may verify the card with a small test charge that is refunded within a few days.
Once the card is in the app, your options depend on the app's rules. PayPal, for example, lets you transfer money from a linked card to your bank account, though this usually takes several business days. Google Pay and Apple Pay are designed for spending rather than transferring, so they may not help you move the balance to your bank. Check the specific app's terms to see what is possible.
Visiting a bank branch in person
Some banks allow you to walk into a branch and ask a teller to help you move money from a Mastercard gift card to your account. This is not a standard service, and availability depends entirely on the bank and the specific branch. A few banks do this as a courtesy; many do not offer it at all.
If you want to try this route, call your bank's customer service number or visit a branch and ask whether they can help. Be prepared to show your ID and the gift card. Even if they agree to help, the process may take several business days to complete, since the money has to move through the card network and into your account.
This method is worth trying if you have a relationship with a local bank and the other options are not available to you, but do not count on it working.
What to do if the card balance is very small
If your gift card has only a few dollars left, the fees and effort involved in moving that money to your bank account may cost more than the balance itself. A $2 ATM fee on a $5 card balance leaves you with a net loss.
In this situation, the most practical choice is usually to spend the remaining balance on something small — a coffee, a snack, a digital item — rather than trying to transfer it. If you truly cannot use the card, contact the card issuer's customer service to ask whether they offer any other options, though most will not refund small balances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a Mastercard gift card to someone else's bank account?
No. The card itself can be given to someone else to spend, but the balance cannot be transferred to another person's bank account. If you want to give someone money, you would need to spend the card balance first, then send them cash or use a money transfer service.
Will I lose money if I try to move the balance?
Possibly. ATM withdrawals and some other methods charge fees that reduce the amount you end up with. Calculate whether the fee is worth paying before you proceed. For small balances, it usually is not.
How long does it take to get the money into my bank account?
It depends on the method. A purchase refund may take three to five business days. A bill payment is usually when ready or next-day. An ATM withdrawal is when ready. A digital wallet transfer can take several business days. Check the specific service's terms for timing.
What if my gift card is expired?
An expired card cannot be used for purchases, ATM withdrawals, or most other transactions. Contact the card issuer's customer service when ready to ask about your options. Some issuers will reissue an expired card or allow you to request a refund of the remaining balance, though this is not may provide.
Can I use the gift card to withdraw cash from a store?
Some retailers allow cash back when you use a debit card, but Mastercard gift cards are not debit cards and typically do not may have access to for cash back at checkout. Your best option for cash is an ATM, if your specific card issuer allows it.