The direct answer: most gift cards cannot transfer to a bank account

You cannot move money from a closed-loop gift card—the kind issued by a single retailer like Target or Starbucks—directly into a bank account. Those cards only work at that retailer or its partners. If you have money left on one, you spend it at the store, request a refund to your original payment method, or use a third-party service that converts the balance to cash (though these charge fees).

Open-loop cards—Visa or Mastercard gift cards—can move money to a bank account, but the process depends on the card issuer and whether the card is reloadable. Some cards let you transfer the full balance in one step. Others require you to spend the money first, then request a refund. A few do not allow bank transfers at all.

The fastest and cheapest route is usually to spend the gift card and let the refund land in your bank account automatically. If that is not an option, a peer-to-peer payment app or a cash withdrawal at an ATM (if the card supports it) may work, though both come with limits or fees.

Key Takeaways

  • Retailer-specific gift cards (Target, Walmart, Starbucks) cannot transfer to a bank account—you must spend them at that store or request a refund to your original payment method.
  • Visa and Mastercard gift cards sometimes allow direct bank transfers through the card issuer's website or app, but you must check your specific card's terms first.
  • If direct transfer is not available, you can withdraw cash at an ATM (if the card supports it), use a peer-to-peer app, or spend the card and request a refund.
  • Third-party services that buy gift card balances charge 5 to 15 percent in fees and should only be used if no other option exists.
  • Keep your gift card receipt and any activation documentation—you will need proof of the card's value if you dispute a failed transfer or refund.

How to check if your gift card can transfer to a bank account

The first step is to identify what type of card you have. Look at the front: if it says Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover, it is an open-loop card and may support bank transfers. If it shows only a retailer's name or logo, it is closed-loop and cannot transfer directly.

For open-loop cards, visit the card issuer's website or call the number on the back. Look for a section called "Manage Your Card," "Account Settings," or "Transfer Funds." Some issuers (like certain Visa gift card programs) allow you to link a bank account and transfer the full balance in one transaction. Others do not offer this feature at all. The card's terms and conditions, usually available as a PDF on the issuer's site, will state whether transfers are allowed.

For retailer-specific cards, check the store's website under "Gift Cards" or "Account Help." Most will show you how to check your balance and explain refund options. Some retailers allow you to request a refund to the original payment method (your bank account, if that is how you bought the card). Others only refund to store credit or a new gift card.

Direct bank transfer from open-loop gift cards

If your Visa or Mastercard gift card issuer supports transfers, the process usually works like this: log into your account on the issuer's website or app, select "Transfer Funds" or "Move Money," and enter your bank account details (routing number and account number). You will then confirm the transfer amount and submit. The money typically arrives in your bank account within one to three business days.

Some issuers require you to verify your bank account first by depositing small test amounts (usually under $1 each) and then confirming those amounts in your gift card account. This step can add two to five business days to the process. A few issuers do not allow transfers at all, even if the card is reloadable—in those cases, you will need to use a different method.

Before you start, make sure your gift card has been activated and has a balance. Unactivated cards or cards with zero balance cannot be transferred. If you bought the card recently and have not used it yet, activate it first by following the instructions on the card's packaging or the issuer's website.

Spending the card and requesting a refund

If direct transfer is not available, the simplest route is often to spend the gift card at the retailer, then request a refund to your original payment method. If you bought the card with your bank account (via debit card or bank transfer), the refund will go back to that account.

To do this, make a purchase at the store using the gift card, then contact customer service and explain that you want to return the item for a refund. The refund will process to your original payment method—your bank account—within the retailer's standard refund window, usually five to ten business days. Keep your receipt and any order confirmation emails as proof.

This method works best if you have something you actually want to buy or can buy something and return it without hassle. If the retailer charges a restocking fee or does not accept returns, this option becomes expensive or impossible.

ATM withdrawals and peer-to-peer transfers

Some open-loop gift cards can be used at ATMs to withdraw cash, though not all. Check the card's terms or call the issuer to confirm. If your card supports ATM withdrawals, you can withdraw cash and deposit it into your bank account at your bank's ATM or branch. The withdrawal may come with a fee (typically $2 to $3 per transaction), and some ATMs charge an additional surcharge.

Alternatively, you can transfer the gift card balance to a peer-to-peer payment app like PayPal, Venmo, or Square Cash if the app accepts gift card funding. Not all apps allow this, and those that do may have limits on how much you can transfer per day or per month. Once the money is in the app, you can transfer it to your bank account, though this usually takes one to three business days and may incur a fee if you use an instant transfer option.

Both methods are slower and more expensive than a direct transfer or refund, so use them only if other options are not available.

Third-party gift card services and their costs

Services like Raise, CardCash, and Gameflip buy gift cards from you at a discount and pay you via bank transfer or PayPal. If you have a gift card you cannot use and no other transfer method works, these services can convert it to cash. However, they charge a significant fee—typically 5 to 15 percent of the card's value—and the payout is lower than the card's face value.

For example, a $100 gift card might sell for $85 to $90 on these platforms after fees. The process usually takes one to two weeks: you list the card, the service verifies the balance, and then they send you payment. Some services require you to provide the card number and PIN, which carries a small risk if the service is compromised, though most reputable platforms have buyer protection policies.

Use these services only as a last resort. They are useful if you have a gift card you will never use and no other way to convert it, but the fee makes them expensive compared to spending the card or requesting a refund.

What to do if a transfer or refund fails

If you attempt a direct bank transfer and it does not go through, check your gift card account first to confirm the balance is still there. If the money disappeared but did not arrive in your bank account, contact the gift card issuer immediately. Provide them with the transaction confirmation number (if you have one), the date and time of the transfer attempt, and your bank account details. They can investigate whether the transfer is pending or if it failed and needs to be reissued.

If you requested a refund from a retailer and it has been longer than their stated refund window, contact the store's customer service with your receipt or order number. Ask them to confirm the refund status and provide an expected arrival date. If the refund was issued but has not appeared in your bank account after ten business days, contact your bank—the money may have been sent to an old account or blocked by a fraud filter.

Keep all documentation: the gift card receipt, activation confirmation, transaction records, and any emails from the issuer or retailer. This proof will help resolve disputes faster if something goes wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer a Walmart or Target gift card to my bank account?

No. Walmart and Target gift cards are retailer-specific and cannot transfer to a bank account. You can spend the card at the store, request a refund to your original payment method if you bought it with a debit card or bank transfer, or sell the card on a third-party platform for less than its face value.

What if my gift card issuer does not allow bank transfers?

Try withdrawing cash at an ATM if the card supports it, or transfer the balance to a peer-to-peer app like PayPal. If neither works, spend the card and request a refund, or sell it on a service like Raise or CardCash. The last option will cost you a fee, but it converts the card to cash if you cannot use it otherwise.

How long does a gift card bank transfer take?

Direct transfers usually arrive in one to three business days. If the issuer requires you to verify your bank account with test deposits first, add two to five business days. Refunds from retailers typically take five to ten business days. ATM withdrawals are instant, but you will need to deposit the cash yourself.

Is it safe to sell my gift card on a third-party platform?

Reputable platforms like Raise and CardCash have buyer protection and verify balances before paying you. However, you are sharing your card number and PIN, which carries a small risk. Only use these services if you trust the platform and have no other way to convert the card. Read reviews and check the company's refund policy before listing your card.

Can I transfer money between two gift cards?

No. Gift cards cannot transfer balances to each other. You can only move money from a gift card to a bank account (if the issuer allows it), spend it at the retailer, or convert it to cash through an ATM or third-party service.