You cannot deposit a gift card directly into a bank account, but you have several ways to convert the balance to cash or move it to your bank

A gift card is not a bank account and does not connect to the banking system the way a debit card does. You cannot walk into a bank and deposit a Visa gift card or a store gift card the way you would deposit a check. But the money on the card is real, and you have concrete options to get it into your account or spend it as cash.

The path you take depends on what kind of gift card you have. A network gift card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) works differently from a store gift card (Target, Amazon, Walmart). Network cards can often be linked to your bank account or used at an ATM. Store cards are locked to that retailer and require a workaround.

Key Takeaways

  • Network gift cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) can be added to your bank account through a digital wallet or linked as a payment method, but the balance does not transfer—you spend from the card itself.
  • Store gift cards cannot be deposited into a bank account directly; you must spend the balance at that store or use a third-party resale service.
  • Some network gift cards allow ATM withdrawals, but fees may apply and the card issuer must support this feature.
  • Peer payment apps like PayPal or Venmo can sometimes accept gift card numbers, though this depends on the card type and the app's rules.
  • Selling a gift card on a resale platform converts it to cash, but you receive less than face value and must wait for a buyer.

How network gift cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) connect to your bank

A network gift card can be added to your digital wallet—Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay—just like a debit card. Once linked, you can use it to pay for things online or in stores. This is not the same as depositing the balance into your bank account, but it lets you spend the money without carrying the physical card.

You can also add a network gift card as a payment method in your bank's app or on merchant websites. When you check out, you select that card as your payment source. Again, the balance stays on the gift card; you are just telling the merchant to charge it instead of your bank account.

If the gift card issuer supports it, you may be able to withdraw cash at an ATM using the card's PIN. Check the back of the card or the issuer's website to see if ATM access is included. Be aware that ATM withdrawals often come with a fee—typically $2 to $3 per transaction—and you may hit a daily withdrawal limit.

Store gift cards and why they cannot be deposited

A store gift card is issued by that retailer, not by a bank or payment network. The balance exists only within that store's system. You cannot deposit it into your bank account because your bank has no connection to Target's or Amazon's internal ledger.

Your only direct option is to spend the balance at that store. If you do not want to shop there, you can sell the card on a resale platform. Sites like CardCash, Raise, and Decluttr buy unused gift cards at a discount—usually 70 to 95 percent of face value, depending on demand for that retailer. You list the card, a buyer purchases it, and you receive payment via bank transfer or PayPal. The process takes a few days to a week.

Some retailers allow you to transfer a gift card balance to a store account or loyalty program, which you can then use to buy items and return them for cash. This is slower and riskier than resale, and not all stores permit it, but it is an option if you have no other way to use the card.

Using peer payment apps to move gift card money

Apps like PayPal, Venmo, and Square Cash sometimes accept gift card numbers as a payment method. If you link a network gift card to PayPal, for example, you can use it to send money to friends or pay for things on the platform. The balance does not move to your bank account, but you can spend it through the app.

This only works if the app supports gift cards and if the card itself allows it. Some gift cards are restricted and will not work with third-party platforms. Check the card's terms or call the issuer before you try.

Peer payment apps do not convert gift card balances to cash in your bank account. They let you spend the card balance through their system. If you need actual cash, this route does not help.

When you can withdraw cash directly from a gift card

Network gift cards that come with a PIN can sometimes be used at ATMs to withdraw cash. This is the closest you can get to moving the balance into your pocket as actual money. Not all gift card issuers support this, so check the card's documentation or call the customer service number on the back.

ATM withdrawals usually cost $2 to $3 per transaction, and you may only be able to withdraw once per day or up to a certain amount per week. The fee comes out of your gift card balance, so if you have a $50 card and pay a $3 ATM fee, you end up with $47 in cash.

Some gift cards do not allow ATM withdrawals at all. If the card was issued by a small retailer or a regional bank, ATM access may not be available. Your best bet is to contact the card issuer directly and ask whether the card can be used at an ATM.

Selling a gift card for cash: how resale platforms work

Gift card resale sites like CardCash, Raise, and Decluttr let you list a card and sell it to another buyer. You receive payment in your bank account or via PayPal, usually within a few business days of the sale. The catch is that you will not get the full face value—most platforms take a cut, and the price reflects what buyers are willing to pay for that retailer.

A $100 Amazon gift card might sell for $92 to $98 on a resale platform. A $100 card for a less popular retailer might sell for $70 to $80. The discount depends on how much demand there is for that store. Popular retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart move quickly. Niche or regional stores take longer to sell.

To sell, you list the card, provide the card number and PIN, and wait for a buyer. Once someone purchases it, you receive payment. The buyer then receives the card details. This process is safe if you use a reputable platform, but you do lose money compared to the card's face value.

What happens if you try to deposit a gift card at your bank

If you walk into a bank branch with a gift card and ask to deposit it, the teller will tell you it cannot be done. A gift card is not a check, a money order, or a bank transfer. The bank has no way to access the balance on the card or move it into your account.

Some people try to use a gift card to pay a bill or make a purchase, then return the item for a refund to their bank account. This sometimes works, but it is not reliable. The refund goes back to the original payment method—the gift card—not to your bank account. You end up with the money back on the gift card, not in your bank.

The most straightforward paths remain: spend the card at the retailer, sell it on a resale platform, link it to a digital wallet or payment app, or withdraw cash at an ATM if the card supports it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer a gift card balance to PayPal and then to my bank account?

You can link a network gift card to PayPal and use it to send money or make purchases. However, PayPal does not convert the gift card balance to cash in your bank account. The money stays on the gift card; you are just spending it through PayPal. To get actual cash, you would need to sell the card on a resale platform or withdraw it from an ATM.

What if my gift card has a PIN—can I use it like a debit card?

Yes, a gift card with a PIN works like a debit card at checkout. You can swipe it or enter the number online and use the PIN to authorize the purchase. Some cards also allow ATM withdrawals with the PIN, though fees apply. Check the card's terms to see if ATM access is included.

Do I lose money if I sell a gift card on a resale site?

Yes, you typically receive 70 to 95 percent of the card's face value, depending on how popular the retailer is and how much demand exists for that card. The resale platform takes a commission, and the price reflects what buyers are willing to pay. Popular retailers like Amazon sell closer to face value; less common stores sell at a bigger discount.

Can I deposit a store gift card if I return items to get cash back?

Returning items for a refund usually sends the money back to the original payment method—the gift card itself. You end up with the balance back on the card, not in your bank account. This does not help you move the money to your bank.

What is the fastest way to turn a gift card into cash?

If the card is a network card with ATM access, withdrawing cash at an ATM is fastest—you get money in minutes, though you pay a fee. If the card does not support ATM withdrawals, selling it on a resale platform takes a few days to a week. Spending the card at the retailer is free but requires you to shop there.