You cannot transfer an Amazon gift card balance directly to a bank account
Amazon gift card funds live in your Amazon account only. They do not convert to cash and cannot be moved to a checking or savings account, no matter which bank you use. Once you load a gift card balance, you can spend it only on Amazon.com or Amazon-owned services like Whole Foods or Prime Video.
If you have an unused physical gift card or a digital code you have not redeemed yet, you have a few real options to get cash instead. But once the balance is in your Amazon account, your only path to cash is to buy something and then sell it—which costs you money and time.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon gift card balances cannot be transferred to a bank account once they are added to your account.
- An unredeemed gift card code can be sold on a gift card resale site like Raise or CardCash, though you will receive less than the card's face value.
- If the balance is already in your Amazon account, you can buy an item and resell it, but shipping costs and marketplace fees will reduce what you get back.
- Amazon does not refund gift card balances to a bank account under any circumstance, even if the card was a gift or a mistake.
Selling an unredeemed gift card code for cash
If you have not yet entered the gift card code into your Amazon account, you can sell the code itself on a resale marketplace. Sites like Raise, CardCash, and Decluttr buy unused gift card codes and pay you cash or a check. You photograph or type in the code, list it for sale, and once a buyer purchases it, you receive payment.
The catch is that resale sites take a cut. A $100 Amazon gift card typically sells for $85 to $95 on these platforms, depending on current demand. The site transfers money to your bank account via ACH (the same system used for direct deposit) or sends a check. Processing usually takes three to seven business days after the sale completes.
This route works only if the code has not been redeemed. Once you enter it into your Amazon account, the code is locked to that account and cannot be sold.
Buying and reselling an item from your Amazon balance
If your gift card balance is already in your Amazon account, you can buy a physical item and then resell it on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or another platform. The item must be in new condition and returnable for this to work without major loss.
The math is unfavorable. If you buy a $50 item with your gift card and resell it, you will pay eBay's seller fees (around 12 percent), shipping costs, and the risk that the buyer returns it. You will likely recover $35 to $40 of the original $50. The more expensive the item, the higher the fees in dollar terms, so this method loses money on purpose.
This option exists only because it is technically possible, not because it makes financial sense. Use it only if you have a specific item you were already planning to buy and resell, or if the gift card balance is small enough that the loss is acceptable.
Why Amazon will not refund gift card balances
Amazon's terms of service state that gift card balances are non-refundable and cannot be converted to cash. This applies even if someone else loaded the card into your account without your permission, or if you received it as a mistake. Amazon treats gift cards as a one-way transaction: money goes in, and only Amazon purchases come out.
If you contact Amazon customer service and explain that you need cash instead of a gift card balance, they will not reverse the transaction or move the funds to your bank account. They may offer to help you find items to purchase, but that is the extent of their assistance. The policy is firm across all account types and regions.
What to do if someone gave you an unwanted gift card
If the gift card code has not been redeemed yet, ask the person who gave it to you for the code so you can sell it on a resale site. Explain that you prefer cash or that you do not shop on Amazon. Most people will understand and provide the code if they still have it.
If the code has already been redeemed into your account, your options narrow. You can ask the gift giver to contact Amazon and request a refund to their original payment method—Amazon sometimes honors this if the card was purchased recently and the request comes from the original buyer. But if the card was purchased more than a few weeks ago, or if the giver no longer has proof of purchase, Amazon will decline.
The resale route (buying an item and selling it elsewhere) remains your only other option, but as noted above, you will lose money in the process.
Protecting yourself from unwanted gift card balances
If you are setting up a new bank account and someone offers you an Amazon gift card as a welcome bonus or incentive, ask whether you can receive cash or a direct deposit instead. Many employers, banks, and retailers offer both options. If Amazon gift cards are the only option, consider whether you will actually use the balance before accepting.
When you receive a physical gift card, do not redeem it immediately. Keep the code separate from your Amazon account until you are certain you want to spend the money on Amazon. Once the code is in your account, your only exit is through resale of purchased items, which costs you money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my Amazon gift card balance to someone else's bank account?
No. Gift card balances cannot be transferred between accounts or converted to cash in any form. The only way to move value is to buy an item and have someone else purchase it from you, which defeats the purpose.
What if I have a very large Amazon gift card balance I do not want?
If the code has not been redeemed, sell it on Raise or CardCash immediately—the larger the balance, the more you will recover. If it is already in your account, you can buy high-value items (electronics, appliances) and resell them, though fees will still reduce your recovery to 60 to 75 percent of the balance.
Does Amazon ever make exceptions for gift card refunds?
Amazon may refund a gift card to the original purchaser's payment method if the card was bought very recently and the request comes directly from the buyer. This is rare and requires proof of purchase. They will not refund to a different bank account or to the recipient under any circumstance.
Are there any apps or services that convert Amazon gift cards to cash?
No legitimate service converts an already-redeemed Amazon balance to cash. Resale sites like Raise and CardCash work only with unredeemed codes. Be cautious of any service claiming to convert your balance—these are typically scams designed to steal your account login or personal information.
What happens if I buy something with my gift card and return it?
The refund goes back to your Amazon gift card balance, not to a bank account. You cannot use returns as a way to convert the balance to cash. The funds simply stay in your account until you spend them on another purchase.