You cannot move an Apple gift card directly into a bank account

An Apple gift card is a store credit that only works inside Apple's ecosystem — the App Store, Apple Music, iCloud storage, and Apple's physical and online stores. Banks do not accept them as deposits, and Apple does not offer a way to convert the card's balance into cash or transfer it to your checking or savings account.

What you can do instead is spend the card's balance on something you would normally buy with cash, then use that freed-up cash for your bank account. Or you can sell the card's remaining balance to someone else for cash. Both routes work, but they have different trade-offs.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple gift cards cannot be converted to cash or transferred to a bank account — they only work for purchases within Apple's ecosystem.
  • You can spend the balance on digital services like iCloud storage or subscriptions, which frees up money you would have spent elsewhere to deposit instead.
  • You can sell the card or its remaining balance to a gift card reseller or marketplace, though you will receive less than the card's face value.
  • Beware of scams: never send a gift card code to someone online unless you are using an established reseller with buyer protection.
  • If the card was a gift and you do not use Apple products, selling it is usually faster than trying to spend it.

Spending the balance on services you already pay for

The simplest path is to use the Apple gift card to pay for subscriptions or services you already buy. If you pay for iCloud storage, Apple Music, Apple TV+, or an app subscription, add the gift card balance to your Apple ID and let it cover those charges instead of your debit card.

When your Apple ID balance covers a recurring charge, the money that would have gone to that subscription stays in your bank account instead. Over time, this can add up — a $50 gift card covering three months of a $15 service means $45 stays in your account. This is not the same as converting the card to cash, but it is the closest thing to a direct benefit if you use Apple services regularly.

To add the card to your Apple ID, go to Settings (on iPhone or iPad) or System Settings (on Mac), find the account section, and look for "Media & Purchases." You will see an option to redeem a code. Enter the card's 16-digit code, and the balance appears in your account when ready.

Selling the card to a reseller for cash

If you do not use Apple products or services, selling the card is usually faster. Several established marketplaces buy gift cards at a discount and pay you through bank transfer, PayPal, or other methods. The most common are Raise, CardCash, and Decluttr, though others exist.

Here is how it typically works: you list the card's balance and condition (unused, partially used, or scratched), the reseller quotes you a price (usually 70 to 90 percent of face value), and if you accept, you send them the card's code. Once they verify the balance, they send you the cash through your chosen payment method.

The discount exists because resellers take on the risk that the code is invalid or already used, and they need to profit when they resell the card themselves. A $100 card might fetch $75 to $85 depending on demand and the reseller's fees. Larger balances sometimes get better rates.

Protecting yourself when selling online

Gift card fraud is common, so use only established resellers with buyer protection. Raise, CardCash, and Decluttr all hold payment until they verify the code works, which protects you if the card turns out to be invalid. Never send a code to someone on a marketplace like Facebook or Craigslist without this protection — once they have the code, they can spend the balance and you have no recourse.

Before you list the card, check its balance on Apple's website or in the App Store. Go to Settings, tap your name, select "Media & Purchases," and choose "View Account." The balance appears there. Write down the exact amount so the reseller cannot claim it is lower than it actually is.

Be cautious of resellers asking you to go off-platform to complete the sale. Legitimate companies handle everything through their website so there is a record of the transaction. If someone asks you to email the code or use a wire transfer, that is a sign to walk away.

What happens if the card has a small balance left

If you have already spent most of the card and only a few dollars remain, resellers may not accept it — many have a minimum balance requirement, often $5 or $10. In that case, your best option is to spend the remainder on something small: a song, a book, or a cheap app.

Alternatively, you can let the balance sit in your Apple ID indefinitely. It does not expire, and you can use it whenever you make a purchase in the Apple ecosystem. Some people keep small balances for this reason, explore them to future purchases without thinking about it.

Why Apple does not allow direct transfers

Apple gift cards are store credit, not money. They are similar to a Starbucks card or a Target gift card — they only work at that company's stores and services. Banks treat them differently from cash or bank transfers because the company issuing the card, not the bank, is responsible for honoring the balance.

If Apple allowed direct transfers to bank accounts, they would be converting store credit into cash, which changes their accounting and tax obligations. It is simpler for them to keep the cards within their ecosystem, which is why this option does not exist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an Apple gift card to pay my phone bill or other bills?

No. Apple gift cards only work for purchases within Apple's ecosystem — apps, subscriptions, devices, and services. You cannot use them to pay a phone bill, utility bill, or any other outside expense. Your only option is to sell the card for cash.

What if I sell the card and the buyer says the code does not work?

If you used an established reseller like Raise or CardCash, contact their customer service when ready. They hold payment until they verify the code, so if there is a problem, they will investigate before releasing your money. Never send a code without this protection in place.

Does the Apple gift card balance expire?

No. Apple gift card balances do not expire and can sit in your account indefinitely. You can use them whenever you make a purchase in the App Store, Apple Music, or other Apple services. There is no time limit.

Can I transfer an Apple gift card to someone else's account?

Once you redeem the code into your Apple ID, the balance is locked to that account and cannot be transferred. If you have an unredeemed card (the physical card or the code), you can give that to someone else and they can redeem it into their own account.

What if I lost the gift card code?

If you have the physical card, the code is printed on the back. If you lost both the card and the code, contact Apple Support with proof of purchase (a receipt or email confirmation). They may be able to help, but this depends on how the card was originally purchased.