What you can and cannot transfer from Amazon
Amazon does not let you move your account balance directly to a bank account. If you have money sitting in your Amazon account — whether from a gift card, a refund, or a promotional credit — that money stays in Amazon's system and can only be spent on Amazon purchases.
The one exception is if you are a seller with an Amazon Business account. Sellers can request payouts to a linked bank account, but this applies only to money you have earned from selling items, not to personal account balances or gift card funds.
If you have a personal Amazon account with a balance you no longer want to use, your realistic options are to spend it on Amazon purchases or let it sit unused. There is no official way to convert it to cash in your bank account.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon account balances, gift cards, and promotional credits cannot be transferred to a bank account on a personal account.
- Only Amazon sellers can request payouts to their bank account, and only for earnings from sales, not personal balances.
- Money in your Amazon account can only be used to buy items on Amazon or through Amazon-owned services like Whole Foods.
- If you want cash instead, your only option is to spend the balance on something you can resell or give away, then sell that item elsewhere.
Why Amazon keeps the money in their system
Amazon's policy exists because gift cards and account credits are how the company keeps money moving through its platform. Once you load a balance into your Amazon account, Amazon benefits from you spending it there rather than elsewhere. Allowing transfers to bank accounts would defeat that purpose.
This is different from a debit card or a checking account, where the money is yours and the bank has no stake in how you spend it. Your Amazon balance is more like store credit — it has value only within Amazon's ecosystem.
How to use an Amazon balance you do not want
If you have money in your Amazon account that you genuinely do not want to spend there, you have a few workarounds, though none are direct.
The most straightforward option is to buy something on Amazon and resell it. Purchase an item that holds its value well — electronics, books, or brand-name goods — then list it on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or another resale platform. Once you sell it, the cash goes to your bank account. You will lose some money to the resale platform's fees and the difference between retail and resale prices, but you recover some of the balance.
Another option is to buy a gift card for someone else using your Amazon balance, then ask them to send you the cash equivalent. This only works if you trust the person and they are willing to do it. Many people will not, since they would be converting their own money into yours.
What happens to unused Amazon balances
Amazon account balances do not expire. If you have a gift card balance or promotional credit sitting in your account, it will remain there indefinitely until you spend it or your account is closed.
If your account is inactive for an extended period, Amazon may close it, but they do not automatically forfeit the balance. If you return to your account later, the balance should still be there. However, if Amazon closes your account due to inactivity or violation of their terms, recovering that balance becomes much harder and may require contacting Amazon's customer service.
How Amazon sellers can transfer money to their bank
If you sell items through Amazon, the process is different. Amazon deposits your earnings into a linked bank account on a regular schedule — typically every 14 days, though this varies by account type and region.
To set this up, you go to your Seller Central account, navigate to the Payments section, and add your bank account details. Amazon verifies the account by depositing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) and asking you to confirm them. Once verified, your sales earnings transfer automatically.
This payout system applies only to money you have earned from selling. Any promotional credits Amazon gives you as a seller still cannot be transferred to your bank account — they function the same way as personal account balances.
Alternatives if you need cash instead
If you are in a situation where you need cash and have an Amazon balance, consider whether you actually need to convert it. Amazon accepts payment for many things beyond physical goods — you can use your balance to pay for Kindle books, Prime Video rentals, Whole Foods purchases, or AWS services if you use those.
If none of those options work for you, the resale route is your most practical choice. Buy something returnable if possible, so you have a safety net if the resale does not work out. Keep your receipts and be realistic about how much you will recover after fees and the difference between retail and resale prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my Amazon gift card balance to PayPal or another payment app?
No. Amazon does not allow transfers to PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, or any other payment service. Your balance exists only within Amazon's system and cannot be moved out.
What if I have a promotional credit that expires?
Promotional credits from Amazon do have expiration dates, and they disappear once that date passes. Check your account for the expiration date. Unlike regular gift card balances, expired promotional credits cannot be recovered.
Can Amazon customer service transfer my balance for me?
No. Amazon's customer service cannot override the system to move your balance to a bank account. They can help you understand your balance or troubleshoot if money is missing, but they cannot process transfers out of the Amazon system.
What if I have a refund pending — does that go to my bank or my Amazon balance?
Refunds go back to your original payment method. If you paid with a debit card, the refund goes to that card. If you paid with an Amazon gift card balance, the refund goes back to your Amazon account balance. You cannot choose where the refund lands.
Is there a way to convert my Amazon balance to cryptocurrency or another currency?
No official way exists through Amazon. Any service claiming to convert Amazon balances to crypto or cash is likely a scam. Stick with the resale method if you need to move the money out of your Amazon account.