You usually cannot put a gift card balance directly into a bank account

Most gift cards — whether they are Visa, Mastercard, or store-specific cards — cannot be transferred into a bank account as a deposit. The money on a gift card stays on that card until you spend it. However, there are a few real ways to convert a gift card into usable bank funds, and they depend on what type of card you have.

The most straightforward method is to use your gift card to make a purchase, then return the item for a refund to your bank account. Another option, if you have a reloadable prepaid card linked to a bank account, is to load the gift card balance onto that card. Some people also sell unused gift cards through legitimate resale platforms, though you will receive less than the card's face value.

Key Takeaways

  • Gift card balances cannot be transferred directly into a bank account — the money stays on the card itself until spent.
  • If you buy something with a gift card and return it, the refund will go to your original payment method, which may be your bank account if you used a linked card.
  • Visa and Mastercard gift cards can sometimes be added to digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay, then used to pay bills or transfer funds through banking apps.
  • Gift card resale websites will buy unused cards at a discount, and the payment goes to your bank account, but you lose a percentage of the card's value.
  • Store-specific gift cards have no conversion method — you must spend them at that retailer or sell them secondhand.

Using a gift card to buy something, then returning it

This is the simplest legal way to move gift card money into your bank account, though it requires a purchase and return. Buy an item from the store or website that issued the gift card, then return it within the store's return window. When you return the item, ask the cashier or customer service representative to process the refund to your bank account instead of back to the gift card.

This works because the refund system will send money back to whatever payment method you used. If you used the gift card to pay, the refund normally goes back to the gift card. But if you can convince the store to refund to a different method — such as a debit card or bank account you provide — some retailers will do this. Call the store's customer service line before you buy to ask whether they allow refunds to a different payment method than the original purchase.

The catch is that you must actually buy and return something real. You cannot straightforward walk in and ask for a refund without a transaction. Also, many stores will only refund to the original payment method, so this method does not always work.

Adding a Visa or Mastercard gift card to a digital wallet

If your gift card is a Visa or Mastercard branded card (not a store-specific card), you can add it to a digital wallet like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. Once it is in your wallet, you can use it to pay for things online or in stores, or in some cases, transfer the balance through a banking app.

To add it to Apple Pay: open the Wallet app, tap the plus sign, select "Credit or Debit Card," and follow the prompts to photograph or manually enter the card number, expiration date, and security code. Google Pay and Samsung Pay follow a similar process through their respective apps.

Once the card is in your digital wallet, some banking apps (like PayPal, Square Cash, or your bank's own app) will let you link the gift card and transfer small amounts to your bank account. However, this is not may provide — it depends on the app and the card issuer's rules. Your best bet is to try linking the card in your banking app and seeing whether a transfer option appears.

Selling an unused gift card through a resale platform

If you do not want to spend the gift card, you can sell it on a gift card resale website. Websites like Raise, CardCash, and Decluttr buy unused gift cards at a percentage below face value — typically 70 to 90 percent of what the card is worth. You list the card, a buyer purchases it, and the money goes to your bank account.

The process is straightforward: create an account, enter the card details (card number, PIN, and balance), set your asking price, and wait for a buyer. Once someone buys it, you provide the card information to the buyer through the platform, and the platform pays you to your bank account within a few business days.

The downside is that you lose money — a $100 gift card might sell for $75 to $85. Also, some cards (particularly store-specific ones with low demand) may not sell at all. Before you list, check whether the card has any restrictions on resale; some retailers prohibit it in their terms.

What does not work: direct transfers and third-party services

Be cautious of websites or apps that promise to when ready convert gift cards to cash or transfer them to your bank account. Many of these are scams that steal your card information or charge hidden fees. Legitimate gift card resale happens through established platforms like those mentioned above, and they always take a cut.

There is no legitimate way to transfer a gift card balance directly to a bank account without either spending the card or selling it. If someone offers you a service that claims to do this when ready or for free, it is not real.

Store-specific gift cards have no conversion option

If your gift card is for a specific store — Target, Walmart, Amazon, or a local restaurant — you cannot convert it to cash or move it to a bank account. You can only spend it at that retailer. Your only options are to use the card to buy something and return it (if the store allows refunds to a different payment method), or to sell the card secondhand at a discount.

Some stores have their own resale or trade-in programs. For example, some retailers will let you exchange an unwanted gift card for a different denomination or store credit, but this still does not put money in your bank account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer a gift card balance to my debit card?

Not directly. However, if your debit card is linked to a digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay), you can add a Visa or Mastercard gift card to that wallet and use it to pay for things. Some banking apps also allow you to link a gift card and transfer small amounts, but this varies by app and card issuer.

What if the gift card has a small balance left on it?

Small balances are difficult to convert. Resale platforms may not accept cards under a certain amount (often $5 or $10). Your best option is to spend the remaining balance at the store or use it toward a purchase you were already planning to make.

Is it legal to sell a gift card I received?

Yes, it is legal to sell a gift card you own through resale platforms. However, some retailers prohibit resale in their terms and conditions. Check the card's terms before listing it. If you sell a card that is restricted, the buyer may not be able to use it.

Do I have to pay taxes on money from selling a gift card?

Selling a gift card at a loss (below face value) is generally not a taxable event for personal use. However, if you are regularly buying and reselling gift cards as a business, the IRS may consider it taxable income. For occasional personal sales, you should not owe taxes.

What happens if I add a gift card to Apple Pay and it runs out of balance?

Once the balance is spent, the card will be declined if you try to use it again. You can keep it in your wallet, but it will not work for purchases. You can delete it from your wallet at any time.