How to transfer Amazon gift card balance to your bank account

Amazon does not let you transfer gift card balance directly to a bank account. Once you load a gift card onto your Amazon account, that money stays in your Amazon balance and can only be spent on Amazon purchases. However, there are two real ways to get the money out: spend it on something you can resell, or use a workaround that involves converting the balance into a different form first.

The most straightforward path is to buy physical items on Amazon, then sell them elsewhere for cash. This works best if you buy things people actually want — electronics, books, or brand-name goods sell faster than random items. You will take a loss on resale value, but you will get actual money into your bank account through the payment method the reseller site uses (usually PayPal, Venmo, or direct deposit).

The second option is to convert your Amazon balance into a gift card for a different retailer, then sell that card on a gift card marketplace. This is slower and involves more steps, but it avoids the resale loss if you find a buyer quickly.

Key Takeaways

  • Amazon gift card balance cannot move directly to your bank — it is locked to your Amazon account and can only pay for Amazon purchases.
  • Buying resellable items on Amazon and selling them on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Poshmark is the fastest way to convert the balance to cash.
  • You will receive payment through the reseller platform's payment method, which usually deposits to your bank account within a few business days.
  • Selling the gift card itself on a marketplace like CardCash or Raise is an option, but you typically receive 70 to 90 cents per dollar of card value.

Buying and reselling items from Amazon

This method works because you are using the Amazon balance to buy something, then converting that item into cash through a separate transaction. Start by browsing Amazon for items that hold resale value — used textbooks, unopened electronics, brand-name clothing, or collectibles sell better than generic household goods.

Buy the item using your gift card balance (it will appear as a payment option at checkout). Once it arrives, list it for sale on a platform where you already have a bank account connected. Facebook Marketplace is free and reaches local buyers, so you avoid shipping costs. eBay charges a small fee but reaches national buyers. Poshmark works well for clothing. Mercari works for almost anything.

When a buyer pays you, the money goes to your account on that platform. Most platforms deposit to your bank account within 2 to 5 business days, though some hold the money for a few days after the buyer confirms receipt. Check the platform's payout settings to make sure your bank account information is correct before you list anything.

Converting your balance to a different gift card

If you do not want to handle shipping or meet local buyers, you can buy a gift card for another retailer using your Amazon balance, then sell that card on a gift card resale site. This adds steps but removes the work of managing a physical item.

First, buy a gift card from a major retailer — Target, Walmart, Best Buy, or iTunes cards sell fastest. You can buy these directly on Amazon as digital codes that arrive when ready. Then list the card on a marketplace like CardCash, Raise, or Gameflip. These sites connect buyers and sellers of gift cards. You set the price (usually 70 to 90 percent of the card's face value), and once a buyer purchases it, the site deposits your money to your bank account.

The downside is the discount — you lose 10 to 30 percent of the card's value. The upside is speed and simplicity. The whole process takes a few days if you price the card competitively.

Why Amazon will not let you transfer the balance

Amazon treats gift card balance as store credit, not as money. This is the same reason you cannot return a gift card for cash — the balance is only good for purchases within Amazon's ecosystem. This protects Amazon from fraud and keeps the money circulating within their platform.

This is different from a debit card or a bank account, where money is yours to move anywhere. When you load a gift card onto your Amazon account, you are essentially giving Amazon permission to hold that money and let you spend it only on their site. Understanding this distinction matters because it means any path to your bank account requires an extra step — you have to convert the Amazon balance into something else first.

What to watch out for when reselling

If you choose the resale route, price items realistically. An item that cost $50 on Amazon will not sell for $50 used — expect to recover 40 to 70 percent of what you paid, depending on condition and demand. Factor in any shipping costs you will pay, since that comes out of your profit.

Be honest about item condition in your listing. Items described as "new" should be unopened. Items described as "like new" should have no visible damage. Misrepresenting condition leads to returns, refunds, and negative feedback that makes future sales harder. Take clear photos from multiple angles so buyers know what they are getting.

Watch out for platforms that hold your money longer than advertised. Some reseller sites hold funds for 14 days after a sale to protect against fraud. Check the platform's payout policy before you list, so you know when to expect the money in your bank account.

Gift card resale sites and their fees

Different platforms take different cuts. CardCash typically pays 70 to 92 percent of face value depending on the card type and current demand. Raise takes a 1 percent fee from sellers, so you keep 99 percent of what the buyer pays, but buyers often bid lower than face value. Gameflip charges a small listing fee and takes a percentage of the sale.

The best site depends on which retailer's gift card you are selling. Some sites specialize in certain cards — iTunes cards move fast on Gameflip, for example. Check current rates on a few sites before you list, since demand and payout percentages change. Listing on multiple sites at once is allowed and can help you sell faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my Amazon gift card balance to someone else's account?

No. Once a gift card is loaded onto your Amazon account, it cannot be moved to another person's account or transferred out. You can only spend it on your own purchases. If you want to give the money to someone else, you would need to buy something they want and give them the physical item.

What if I buy something on Amazon and return it — does the refund go to my bank account?

No. When you return an item bought with a gift card, the refund goes back to your Amazon balance, not to your bank account. This is another reason the resale method works — you have to convert the balance into a physical item first, then sell that item to get actual money out.

Is it legal to sell gift cards on resale sites?

Yes, it is legal to sell gift cards you own on resale marketplaces. You are selling your own property. However, read the terms of the resale site you choose — some have restrictions on certain card types or require you to verify the card balance before listing.

How long does it take to get money from reselling items?

It depends on the platform and how quickly your item sells. Facebook Marketplace can be same-day if a local buyer is interested. eBay and Poshmark typically take 5 to 10 days from sale to bank deposit, because the platform holds the money briefly to protect against fraud. Gift card resale sites usually deposit within 2 to 5 business days.

What happens if a buyer claims the item never arrived?

If you shipped the item, the platform will ask for tracking information. If you have tracking that shows delivery, you keep the money. If tracking shows it was not delivered, you will likely have to refund the buyer. This is why using tracked shipping matters — it protects you. For local sales through Facebook Marketplace, meet in a public place and have the buyer confirm they received the item before you leave.