You cannot transfer gift card money directly to a bank account

Most gift cards—whether Visa, Mastercard, Amazon, or store-specific—cannot be moved into a bank account as a direct transfer. The money stays locked in the gift card system until you spend it. What you can do instead is convert the card's value into cash or a bank deposit through a few specific routes, each with different limits and fees.

The method that works depends on what type of gift card you hold. A Visa or Mastercard gift card behaves differently from an Amazon card, which behaves differently from a Target card. Some routes are free; others charge a percentage or a flat fee. Some take minutes; others take several business days.

Key Takeaways

  • Visa and Mastercard gift cards can be deposited into a bank account through mobile check deposit or by visiting a bank branch in person, though some banks may decline them.
  • Store-specific gift cards (Target, Walmart, Best Buy) must be spent at that retailer or sold to a third party; they cannot be moved to a bank account directly.
  • Third-party resale sites like CardCash and Raise buy gift cards for cash, but they pay 70 to 95 percent of the card's face value and take several days to process.
  • ATM cash withdrawal is possible only with prepaid Visa or Mastercard gift cards that have a PIN, and only at ATMs that accept that card network.
  • Peer-to-peer payment apps like PayPal and Venmo cannot receive gift card transfers, so you cannot use them as a middleman to move money to your bank.

Depositing a Visa or Mastercard gift card at your bank

If your gift card is a Visa or Mastercard branded card (not a store-specific card), your bank may treat it like a check for mobile deposit or accept it at a branch. Call your bank first—policies vary widely, and some banks refuse gift card deposits altogether.

For mobile deposit, open your banking app, select the deposit option, and photograph both sides of the card as you would a check. The app will ask for the card number, expiration date, and CVV. Your bank will then attempt to verify the card and deposit the funds. This usually takes one to three business days. Some banks complete it the same day; others hold it longer.

If mobile deposit is not available, visit a branch in person with the gift card and a photo ID. A teller can attempt to process it manually. Be prepared for the possibility that they will decline—many banks have internal rules against gift card deposits because the transaction is harder to verify than a traditional check.

This method works only if the gift card has not been partially spent. If the card has a remaining balance of $50 but you have already used $25, the bank will see the full original amount and may reject the deposit or deposit only what the card currently holds.

Selling a gift card through a resale marketplace

Sites like CardCash, Raise, and Gameflip buy unused gift cards from you and pay into your bank account or PayPal. You list the card, a buyer purchases it, and the site transfers the funds to you. The catch: you will receive 70 to 95 percent of the card's face value, depending on the card type and current demand.

The process takes three to five business days from the time a buyer claims your card. You photograph the card's front and back, provide the PIN or security code, and the site verifies the balance before releasing payment. If the balance is lower than you stated, the site may reject the card or pay you only for what remains.

Store-specific cards (Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Sephora) typically sell for 80 to 90 percent of face value. Visa and Mastercard gift cards sell for 90 to 95 percent. Less common cards may sit unsold for weeks or sell at a steeper discount.

These sites are legitimate, but they do take a commission and expose your card details to a third party. Only use them if you are certain you will not spend the card yourself and need the money in your bank account.

Withdrawing cash from an ATM with a prepaid gift card

Some prepaid Visa and Mastercard gift cards allow ATM withdrawals if they have a PIN. Not all do—many gift cards issued by retailers or restaurants are not linked to the ATM network. Check the card's terms or call the customer service number on the back.

If the card supports ATM withdrawal, visit an ATM that accepts that card network (Visa ATMs for Visa cards, Mastercard ATMs for Mastercard cards). Insert the card, enter your PIN, and withdraw up to the card's remaining balance. The ATM will charge a fee—typically $2 to $3 per withdrawal—which comes out of the card's balance.

This is the fastest way to convert a gift card to cash in your hand, but it costs money and works only if the card was issued with ATM access. Many gift cards do not have this feature.

Spending the gift card and depositing your own money instead

If none of the above routes work, the simplest option is to spend the gift card at its intended retailer and deposit your own cash or paycheck into your bank account instead. This does not move the gift card money to your bank, but it frees up your own cash to deposit.

For example, if you have a $50 Target gift card and $50 in cash, use the gift card to buy groceries at Target. Then deposit your $50 cash into your bank account. The net effect is the same: you have $50 in your bank account instead of in a gift card.

This works best if you were planning to spend the money anyway and do not need it urgently in your bank account.

Why some banks and payment apps will not accept gift cards

Banks are cautious about gift card deposits because they are harder to verify than checks or direct transfers. A check has a routing number and account number tied to a real bank. A gift card is a prepaid product with its own verification system, and the bank cannot easily confirm the balance or ownership without contacting the gift card issuer.

Payment apps like PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App do not accept gift cards as a funding source. You cannot link a gift card to these apps or transfer its balance to them. They accept bank accounts, debit cards, and credit cards—but not prepaid gift cards.

This is a deliberate design choice to reduce fraud. Gift cards are easier to steal and harder to dispute than bank accounts, so payment networks limit their use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a gift card to pay a bill online and then deposit the payment back to my bank?

No. If you use a gift card to pay a bill, the money is gone—it goes to the biller, not back to you. You cannot reverse the transaction to get the money into your bank account. Only spend a gift card on something you actually need or want.

What if my gift card has a very small balance left, like $2?

Resale sites usually have a minimum balance requirement, often $5 or $10, so a $2 card will not sell. Your best option is to spend it at the retailer or, if it is a Visa or Mastercard, attempt a bank deposit. Some banks will reject very small amounts.

Do I have to provide my PIN or security code when I sell a gift card online?

Yes, resale sites require the PIN or CVV to verify the card and prevent fraud. Only sell through established, well-reviewed platforms. Never sell a gift card through a personal ad or to someone you do not know.

How long does it take to get money from a gift card resale site into my bank account?

Once a buyer purchases your card, the site typically transfers the funds within three to five business days. The exact timeline depends on the site and your bank's processing speed. Some sites offer faster payouts for an additional fee.