You can deposit a Visa gift card into a bank account, but the method depends on whether the card is reloadable or single-use
A Visa gift card is a prepaid card loaded with a set amount of money. Most Visa gift cards cannot be deposited directly like a check — the bank cannot pull money from the card itself. Instead, you move the money by spending it or transferring it in ways the card issuer allows.
The most common way to get the money into your account is to use the card to make a purchase or withdrawal, then deposit cash or a check into your bank. Some cards offer a transfer feature that lets you move money to a linked bank account. A few reloadable Visa cards work more like regular debit cards and can be linked directly to your bank account.
The exact steps depend on which type of card you have and which bank you use. Below are the real options and how each one works.
Key Takeaways
- Most single-use Visa gift cards cannot be deposited directly into a bank account because they are not linked to a bank routing number.
- You can withdraw cash from a Visa gift card at an ATM, then deposit that cash into your bank account at a branch or ATM.
- Some Visa gift cards issued by banks (like Bank of America or Chase) allow you to transfer the balance to a linked bank account through their app or website.
- Reloadable Visa cards can sometimes be linked directly to your bank account like a regular debit card, depending on the card issuer and your bank.
- ATM withdrawals usually charge a fee of $2 to $3 per transaction, so moving money this way costs more than other methods.
Withdrawing cash at an ATM and depositing it
The simplest method for most Visa gift cards is to withdraw cash at an ATM, then deposit that cash into your bank account. This works with nearly every card and every bank.
Go to an ATM that accepts Visa cards — most major networks (Allpoint, MoneyPass, Cirrus) accept them. Insert the card, enter your PIN (usually the last four digits of the card number, or a PIN you set when you activated the card), and select "Withdrawal." Take out the amount you want to move. Then go to your bank's ATM or branch and deposit the cash into your account.
The catch is cost. Most ATMs charge $2 to $3 per withdrawal when you use a card that is not from their bank. If you withdraw $100, you might pay $3 in fees. Some Visa gift cards also charge a fee for ATM use — check the back of your card or the issuer's website to see if yours does.
Transferring the balance through the card issuer's app or website
If your Visa gift card was issued by a bank — such as Bank of America, Chase, or Wells Fargo — you may be able to transfer the remaining balance to a bank account you own. This method has no fee and is faster than withdrawing cash.
Log into the card issuer's website or app using the card number and PIN. Look for an option called "Transfer Balance," "Move Money," or "Link Account." You will need to provide your bank's routing number and your account number. The issuer will verify the account (usually by depositing two small amounts and asking you to confirm them), then you can transfer the full balance or a partial amount.
This option is not available on all Visa gift cards. Cards sold at grocery stores or gas stations by third-party issuers (like Blackhawk Network or InComm) usually do not offer this feature. Only cards branded with a specific bank's name typically allow transfers.
Linking a reloadable Visa card to your bank account
Some reloadable Visa cards — cards you can add money to multiple times — work like regular debit cards and can be linked directly to your bank account. This is different from a standard gift card, which comes loaded once and cannot be refilled.
If you have a reloadable card, check the issuer's website to see if it supports linking to an external bank account. A few cards allow you to transfer money from your bank to the card, or vice versa. The process usually involves entering your bank's routing number and account number in the card issuer's app, then confirming the link with two small test deposits.
Not all banks accept links from reloadable Visa cards, and not all reloadable cards support this feature. Call your bank's customer service number (on the back of your debit card) to ask whether they accept transfers from the specific card you have.
Using the card to pay bills or make purchases, then depositing refunds
If you have a refund coming from a purchase or a bill payment, you can ask the merchant or biller to send the refund to your bank account instead of back to the gift card. This does not move the original balance, but it can help you consolidate money in one place.
For example, if you use the gift card to buy something online and later return it, ask the retailer to refund the money to your bank account instead of the card. You will need to provide your bank account number and routing number. This works best with large retailers and online stores that have flexible refund options.
This method only works for refunds, not for moving the original balance. It is useful if you have already spent part of the card and want future refunds to go to your main account.
Paying yourself through a payment app or service
Some payment apps like PayPal, Venmo, or Square Cash allow you to add a Visa gift card as a payment method. You can then transfer money from the app to your linked bank account, though this usually takes a few days and may charge a fee.
The process varies by app. In PayPal, you can add the gift card as a payment source, then transfer money to your bank account. In Venmo, you can add the card and send money to yourself if you have a linked bank account. Check the app's fee schedule first — some charge 1% to 3% for transfers, which can add up on larger amounts.
This method is slower and more expensive than ATM withdrawal or a direct transfer through the card issuer. Use it only if the other options are not available for your card.
What to do if the card has a PIN you do not know
If you received a Visa gift card as a gift and do not know the PIN, you will not be able to withdraw cash at an ATM. Call the phone number on the back of the card and ask the issuer to reset your PIN or tell you what it is. You will need to answer security questions or provide the card number and set up code.
Once you have the PIN, you can withdraw cash or use the card to make purchases. If the card issuer cannot help you set a PIN, you may only be able to use the card for in-person or online purchases, not ATM withdrawals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit a Visa gift card directly into my bank account like a check?
No. A Visa gift card is not a check and does not have a bank routing number. You must move the money by withdrawing cash, transferring through the issuer's app, or using the card to make a purchase. Your bank cannot accept the card itself as a deposit.
Will I be charged a fee to withdraw cash from a Visa gift card?
Most ATMs charge $2 to $3 per withdrawal when you use a card from a different bank. Some Visa gift card issuers also charge their own ATM fee. Check the card's terms or call the issuer to see if there is an additional fee beyond what the ATM charges.
How long does it take to transfer money from a Visa gift card to my bank account?
ATM withdrawals are when ready — you get the cash right away. Transfers through the card issuer's app usually take one to three business days. Transfers through payment apps like PayPal can take three to five business days. Direct transfers between banks are fastest if your card issuer offers them.
What if my Visa gift card is from a store, not a bank?
Store gift cards and third-party Visa cards usually do not offer balance transfers. Your best option is to withdraw cash at an ATM and deposit it into your bank account. Some cards allow you to check the balance online, which helps you know how much to withdraw.
Can I transfer money from a Visa gift card to someone else's bank account?
Not directly. You would need to withdraw cash and give it to them, or use a payment app that allows transfers between users. You cannot move the card's balance to another person's bank account without their account number and routing number, and most card issuers do not allow this.