You cannot transfer an Amazon gift card balance directly to a bank account

Amazon does not offer a way to move gift card funds into your checking or savings account. Gift card balances live only in your Amazon account and can be spent only on Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods, or other Amazon-owned services. If you have an unused gift card and need cash instead, you will need to use a workaround — either sell the card to someone else, or spend it on something you can resell.

The reason Amazon blocks direct transfers is that gift cards are a form of store credit, not money. Your bank account holds actual currency that you own outright. Amazon's system treats gift card balance as a liability to Amazon, not as your property in the traditional sense. This is why no legitimate Amazon tool converts gift cards to cash.

Key Takeaways

  • Amazon gift card balances cannot be transferred to a bank account through any official Amazon feature or tool.
  • You can spend your gift card balance on physical items from Amazon and then resell those items for cash through eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or local buyers.
  • Third-party websites that claim to convert gift cards to cash often charge high fees, require personal information, or are scams — avoid them.
  • If you received a gift card by mistake or it was purchased fraudulently, contact Amazon customer service to report it rather than trying to convert it.
  • Selling your gift card code itself to another person through a gift card marketplace is legal but carries the risk that the buyer will dispute the transaction.

Selling your gift card code to a third party

The most straightforward option is to sell the gift card itself. Websites like Raise, CardCash, and Decluttr buy unused gift cards from people and resell them to other shoppers. You list your card's balance and condition, and if a buyer purchases it, you receive payment via PayPal, bank transfer, or check.

These marketplaces typically pay 70 to 92 percent of the card's face value, depending on demand and the card's condition. A $100 Amazon gift card might sell for $75 to $92. The process takes a few days to a week. You will need to provide the gift card code, and the marketplace will verify that the balance is real before releasing payment to you.

The downside is that you lose money in the transaction, and there is a small risk that a buyer will claim the code did not work and dispute the sale. Read the marketplace's buyer protection policy before you list. Raise and CardCash both hold funds in escrow while the buyer confirms the card works, which reduces this risk.

Buying items with your gift card and reselling them

Another route is to use your gift card to purchase items you know have resale value, then sell those items for cash. This works best if you buy items that are in high demand, new in the box, and straightforward to ship — electronics, books, video games, or brand-name household goods.

You can resell through eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark (for clothing), or local buyers. The advantage is that you may recover more than 70 percent of the card's value if you choose items wisely. The disadvantage is that you have to handle shipping, deal with returns, and wait for payment. This method also takes longer than selling the card code itself.

Before you buy, check the current resale price of the item on eBay or Marketplace to make sure it will sell. Avoid items with low demand, items that are straightforward to counterfeit, or items that are heavy or fragile.

Avoiding gift card conversion scams

Many websites promise to convert gift cards to cash when ready with no fee. These are almost always scams. They may ask you to enter your gift card code on their site, which gives them access to your balance. They may ask for personal information like your Social Security number or bank account details. They may charge a "processing fee" upfront and then disappear.

Legitimate gift card marketplaces like Raise and CardCash do not ask for your Social Security number, do not charge upfront fees, and do not promise when ready cash. They verify the card's balance before paying you. If a website promises faster or better rates than these established marketplaces, it is not trustworthy.

Never enter your gift card code into a website you do not recognize. Never pay a fee to convert a gift card. Never give your bank account login credentials to a third party. If you see an ad on social media claiming to buy gift cards for cash, assume it is a scam.

What to do if you received the gift card by mistake

If the gift card was sent to you in error, or if you believe it was purchased with a stolen credit card, contact Amazon customer service instead of trying to convert it. Amazon can investigate the purchase and may deactivate the card if it was fraudulent. If you try to spend or sell a card that Amazon later determines was bought illegally, your account could be suspended.

You can reach Amazon customer service through the Help section of your Amazon account, by phone, or by chat. Explain that you received the card and are not sure whether it is legitimate. Amazon will tell you whether it is safe to use.

Using your gift card balance for Amazon services

If you do not need cash right away, consider spending your gift card on Amazon services that have value outside the platform. You can use your balance to pay for Amazon Prime membership, Kindle books, or Audible audiobooks. These purchases do not give you cash, but they do convert store credit into something you own permanently.

You can also use your gift card to buy digital gift cards for other retailers — Amazon sells gift cards for restaurants, retailers, and entertainment services. This does not get you cash, but it lets you move your balance to a place where you might use it more easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Amazon gift card balances are tied to the account they were redeemed on and cannot be transferred between accounts. If you want to give the balance to someone else, you must sell the card code before you redeem it, or buy items and give them the physical products.

Is it legal to sell my gift card code to another person?

Yes, it is legal to sell an unused gift card code. However, Amazon's terms of service say gift cards are non-transferable, which means Amazon could theoretically refuse to honor a code you sell. In practice, this rarely happens, but it is a risk you take. Use an established marketplace like Raise or CardCash to reduce this risk.

What happens if I sell a gift card code and the buyer says it doesn't work?

Established marketplaces like Raise and CardCash hold your payment in escrow while the buyer tests the code. If the buyer reports that the code is invalid, the marketplace will investigate. If the code was valid when you sold it, you keep the payment. If it was already used or invalid, you may have to refund the buyer.

Can I use a gift card to pay for an Amazon credit card process fee?

No. Gift card balances can be used only to buy items, digital content, and services sold through Amazon. They cannot be used to pay fees, memberships outside of Prime, or third-party services.

What if my gift card has a very small balance left?

Gift card marketplaces typically accept cards with any balance above $1, but they may pay a lower percentage for very small balances. You may find it easier to straightforward spend the remaining balance on a small item from Amazon rather than trying to sell a $2 or $3 card.