how to get money off a visa gift card

Getting money off a Visa gift card can be more challenging. It can be limiting every time you receive a Visa gift card when you need cash instead. While these gift cards offer convenience, users often ask, “How do I pull money off a Visa gift card or cash out entirely?” 

You may be stuck with gift card credit that you can only use at places that accept the gift cards. Thankfully, there are simple, secure methods to cash out a Vanilla Visa gift card or any prepaid card putting money directly in your pocket.  

In this blog you will understand: 

  1. How to get money off the Visa Gift card? 
  1. Ways to cash out your Visa gift card. 
  1. Pros and Cons of converting Visa gift card to cash. 

Without further ado, let’s begin. 

Can You Get Cash Back Directly from Your Visa Gift Card? 

No, you cannot get cashback directly from a Visa gift card at ATMs and in-stores. This limitation can be frustrating especially when you are looking to cash out a Visa gift card or wondering how to withdraw your money quickly.

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 The problem is that gift cards like Vanilla Visa gift cards and more are designed for purchases not for cash withdrawal.

You do not need to worry about withdrawal as in the following section we will share 9 methods to cash out your Visa gift card easily.  

9 Alternative Ways to Cash Out Visa Gift Card 

Now that you know that you cannot cash out a Visa gift card at least by design. However, there are alternate ways to cash out on a Visa gift card.

alternatives ways to get money off a visa gift card

 Here are 9 methods you can use to get money for your gift card: 

1. Add Visa Gift Card to PayPal 

    Most likely, one of the easiest ways to “cash-in” the Visa gift card is to link your gift card to your PayPal account.

    PayPal accepts most brands of prepaid cards, including prepaid cards from Visa and MasterCard. You can use your balance anywhere and even send it to your bank account. 

    The flexibility allows you to use the gift card for online purchases or send money to friends, family, and your bank account.  

    How to Add a Visa Gift Card to PayPal? 

    • Open the PayPal app.  
    • Login into your PayPal account. 
    • Go to “Wallet” and click “Link a Card or Bank.” 
    • Enter the Visa gift card credentials. 
    • The gift card should be linked once you complete the process. 

    2. Add Visa Gift Card to Venmo 

      Just as with PayPal, you can add Visa gift card on Venmo as a means of payment, after which you can use the same card for sending payments and transferring its balance to your bank account. 

      Venmo really allows you to move money from one account to another very conveniently, and you also send funds to friends and family in the USA. 

      How to Connect Your Visa Gift Card to Venmo? 

      • Open the Venmo app and click on “Settings.” 
      • Go to “Payment Methods” and tap “Add to Cart.” 
      • Insert your Visa gift card details in the space provided. 
      • Confirm, and your gift card will be successfully added into Venmo. 
      • You can send the money from this app to your bank. 

      3. Sell Off Your Visa Gift Card 

        If you do not want to use the Visa gift card, you can sell it off to a friend or list it online for gift card exchanges like Raise or CardCash. These platforms let you sell your Visa gift card for a certain percentage of that gift card’s value.  

        This method allows you to get close to the full value of your Visa gift card in cash. This is most beneficial for people who have no use for the gift card on regular basis.  

        How to Sell Off Your Visa Gift Card? 

        • Visit a reputable gift card exchange site like Raise or CardCash. 
        • Enter your Visa gift card information and set a selling price. 
        • Once the gift card is sold you will receive your money through PayPal. 

        4. Buy an Amazon Gift Card 

          You can use a Visa gift card to buy an Amazon gift card and request cash back on the purchases made through the gift card.

          Amazon gift cards are highly versatile and can be used to buy a wide range of products or get cashback for when buying items that are eligible.  

          Amazon gift cards offer flexibility and can be used to buy anything online. The platforms also give you cashback for certain transactions.  

          How to Buy an Amazon Gift Card? 

          • Go to Amazon and add an Amazon gift card to cart. 
          • Use your Visa gift card to make the purchase at checkout. 
          • Once you get the Amazon gift card use it for purchases that offer cashback. 

          5. Pay Your Bills with Visa Gift Card  

            There are many service providers like utility corporations or phone companies that allow you to pay bills using a Visa Gift Card. This method effectively frees up cash by allowing you to use the gift card to cover for bills you would otherwise have paid with your bank funds. 

            The method is beneficial for you as it helps you save cash for other expenses, or you can even withdraw the money whenever you want to use it. 

            Process to Pay Bills with a Visa Gift Card 

            • Login to your service provider’s website or app.  
            • Find the payment section within the app. 
            • In the payment section select “Credit/Debit Card.” 
            • Enter your Visa gift card information. 
            • Verify the information and complete the purchase. 

            6. Purchase Groceries Using Visa Gift Card 

              Many grocery stores accept Visa gift cards as a payment method while purchasing essential items for everyday use.

              Once you use the gift card in a grocery store, you can free up your cash for other uses. You can even ask for your money back if the store allows it.  

              This method is beneficial for you because you get to utilize the Visa gift card for essential purchases and potentially get cashback if the store policy allows it.  

              How to Purchase Groceries using Visa Gift Card? 

              • Use the Visa gift card like a regular credit/debit card at checkout. 
              • Some grocery stores may allow cashback while paying with a gift card. 
              • If cashback is allowed, ensure you ask for it at checkout.  

              7. Buy Money Order with Visa Gift Card 

                You can buy a money order using a Visa gift card from your nearest Walmart or the Post Office. Simply ask for payment with a prepaid card at checkout, and they should allow you to complete the purchase using your gift card.

                This method is particularly useful if you need to make a large payment or if you prefer to use money orders for certain transactions.  

                Once the purchase is complete, take the money order and deposit it in your bank or cash it. Buying a money order is a reliable way to convert your Visa gift card into cash.

                It is the best way if you want to deposit your funds in a bank account. 

                Steps to Buy a Money Order with Visa Gift Card 

                • Go to a retailer that sells money orders like Walmart and USPS.  
                • Purchase a money order using your Visa gift card. 
                • You can cash the money order at your bank or deposit it to your account. 

                8. Buy and Sell Items with Visa Gift Card 

                  You can get money off a Visa gift card by buying items like trending electronics or clothes using the gift card. Once you receive the items you can resell them for cash on platforms like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace.   

                  The benefit of this method is that it allows you to cash out your Visa gift card with the potential of earning a profit by selling items at a higher price. 

                  Process of Buying Items with a Visa Gift Card 

                  • Purchase an item using the Visa gift card. 
                  • List the item on any of marketplace platforms. 
                  • Collect the payment in cash or in the bank once the item is sold. 

                  9. Regift Visa Gift Card 

                    If you do not want to go through the process of cashing out on the Visa gift card, you can regift it to a friend or family member.

                    This helps you bypass the gift card balance and give it to someone else. You can give the card as a birthday gift or even a holiday gift to a friend or a loved one. 

                    Regifting the Visa gift card allows you to save money on purchasing a gift. This also converts your gift card into cash by saving money that was first going to be used for another purpose.  

                    You can regift a Visa gift card by: 

                    • Keeping the Visa gift card in good condition. 
                    • Ensuring the balance is full and the card is not used. 
                    • Select a special occasion to give the gift. 
                    • The recipient can use the card to buy stuff they really need.  

                    Pros and Cons of Converting Visa Gift Card to Cash with Alternative Ways 

                    Converting a Visa gift card to cash is sometimes a useful option for those who prefer liquidity over spending restrictions. While convenient, having a gift card has its disadvantages, including limiting where and how you can use your balance.  

                    This article explores ways you can convert a Visa gift card into cash. In this section we will understand the pros and cons of each option.

                    Whether you have quick cash access in mind, greater flexibility of spending, or just a means to avoid fees, you must be aware of each’s pros and cons. 

                    Pros of Converting Visa Gift Card to Cash

                    There are some benefits to converting gift cards to cash using alternative ways; let’s find them out. 

                    1. Increased Flexibility in Spending

                    A significant benefit of cashing your Visa gift card is the freedom it brings. Cash can be used for paying rent, buying groceries, or while shopping at the local market, while a gift card is specific to merchants, so where you shop with that card is less flexible. 

                    2. Instant Payout of Cash for One’s Daily Use

                    The most important reason people cash out their Visa gift cards is that this can help to have cash available at the moment’s notice in case of the need to pay something urgently or for emergencies.

                    In other words, one would not be dependent on being at a location where the card is accepted to find money for gas or groceries or to pay for unexpected bills. 

                    3. Do not get charged an Expiration or Inactivity Fee

                    While most Visa gift cards do not expire fast, there are some with an inactivity fee. Liquidating your gift card can avoid such risks that may lead to losing its value over time. There is ample security for the balance since the amount will be transferred to the wallet as cash. 

                    4 Convenience when Several Options are Available

                    Various methods of changing a Visa gift card to cash include digital means such as PayPal to in-store ones, like money orders.

                    These provide diversity in options available for you to pick the most convenient one suited to your needs, time, and preference. 

                    Cons of Converting Visa Gift Card to Cash

                    There are some drawbacks to converting gift cards to cash using alternative ways; let’s find them out. 

                    1. Fees and Potential Loss of Value

                    One big disadvantage of redeeming a Visa gift card is that you may lose some of that value in fees. Conversion services-most through PayPal or gift card resale sites-tend to command small percentages or flat fees.

                    Some buyers will also pay less than the face amount of a gift card, which reduces the overall dollar value you will collect. 

                    2. Time and Effort Involved with Some Approaches

                    Some have been as short as a few minutes, like when you add your gift card to PayPal; however, the majority are quite time and effort-consuming, for instance when you sell your gift card or buy then resell items.

                    The time taken to give the cashed-out balance may also be longer than you expect.  

                    3. Risk of Scams When Using Third-Party Services

                    If you sell or trade your Visa gift card through other parties, then there are a lot of chances that they could defraud you.

                    Some buyers or unverified websites might promise to buy your gift card but do not pay for it. You must use legitimate and well-known sites to avoid losing money in your balance. 

                    4. Some Methods are Not Easily Available

                    Not all places use the following methods. For example, you cannot use a Visa gift card to acquire money orders everywhere. The store you go to may not even offer cash back if you use a gift card to make the purchase based on where you are.

                    Pros and Cons of Alternative Platforms

                    If you’re looking to convert a Visa gift card to cash through various platforms, it’s essential to understand the pros and cons of each option.

                    1. PayPal or Venmo 

                    You can easily convert your Visa gift card to cash by linking the card to your PayPal and Venmo accounts. Both platforms allow using the card balance to make a purchase or transfer its funds to a bank account in a very fast, widely accepted, and secure way. 

                    However, you may have to pay small fees to transfer the balance to your bank account, especially if it’s an immediate transfer. Not all Visa gift cards operate the same way, and there might be some restrictions on cards when selling. 

                    2. Gift Card Selling Platforms

                    The advantages range from monetizing on the gift card. You are allowed to sell your Visa gift card on some exchange websites like Raise or CardCash, which will allow you to convert the card into cash.  

                    This is possible because these sites give people the opportunity to sell the card for a quoted price and which most of the time falls below the face value of the card.

                    These are rapid and efficient exchanges of the card and your money, and you do not have to use it personally. 

                    The downside is that you are going to lose a percentage of the value of the card. Most platforms offer to sell less than the full amount of a gift card for cash, and they also often charge service fees.

                    So, while this can be a very effective method, it is not always the cheapest way to get cash. 

                    3. Pros and Cons of Purchasing Amazon Gift Cards 

                    You can buy an Amazon gift card using your physical or virtual gift card and make purchases with cashback. That is another creative way of accessing the funds. 

                    What makes an Amazon gift card very flexible is the fact that you can use it for millions of products on the site, which gives you a higher variety of choices. You can also use the card to buy items with money back on certain purchases. 

                    The disadvantage of this process is that it does not provide cash directly. For you to reap the benefit from your gift card, you need to consume at Amazon. Hence, you will be applying the cashback un-equitably in favor of all purchases. 

                    You may also find that the Amazon gift card can only be used for online shopping and hence cannot be used as an in-store product. 

                    4. Pros and Cons of Payment of Bills with Visa Gift Cards 

                    You can get money free for other use with your Visa gift card by paying your bills conveniently. Most service providers usually permit you to pay utility bills, phone bills, or even some landlords with your Visa gift card.

                    The money can then be used for more free uses while using the card when you want to pay for necessary expenses. 

                    Even though this is a useful method, it does not clear the card to hard cash. You are only rearranging funds, which may not be very effective if you really need liquid assets in a timely manner.

                    Also, most retailers don’t take gift cards, so it’s not as convenient. 

                    5. Pros and Cons of Purchasing Groceries with Visa Gift Cards 

                    Many grocery stores are now welcoming Visa gift cards so that you can use the card again for any of the primary purchases. 

                    Some places even offer cash-back if you avail yourself of a gift card, making you earn cash immediately. This is very practical when converting your card’s balance into groceries and cash. 

                    Not all stores accept cash back on gift card purchases, so it is not always reliably available to use this option.

                    Also, you cannot determine the exact amount of cash to expect since it is dependent on store policies, along with the total of whatever you spent. 

                    6. Pros and Cons of Purchasing Money Orders 

                    One of the easiest ways to get cash from a Visa gift card is by buying a money order. You should be able to find one at the local Walmart or Post Office, and then you can deposit or cash it into your bank account. This method is safe and accessible in most areas. 

                    You still face slight fees when you are purchasing the money order, and not all retail stores sell money orders along with Visa gift cards.

                    You must add this additional step of depositing the money to withdraw your money, which may take more time. 

                    7. Pros and Cons of Purchasing and Selling Stuff with your Visa Gift Card 

                    You can liquidate your Visa gift card by buying electronics or clothing and reselling them on eBay or Craigslist for cash. This method can become profitable if you get them discounted and sell at market value. 

                    It takes a lot of time since you must look for a buyer, then do all the transactions; you may also not sell it at a price equal to that which you bought, thus gaining less cash than you spent. 

                    8. Pros and Cons of Regifting Visa Gift Card 

                    One advantage of regifting is if you do not need the money for yourself; you can regift the Visa gift card.

                    It is thoughtful and practical, saving you money and creating no hassle as the recipient benefits from using the card. It is an uncomplicated way to extend the value. 

                    Regifting does not liquidate the card; therefore, it is not considered a means of cashing out. Plus, they may be limited in the same way you are when using the card, depending on where they will use it. 

                    Wrapping It Up 

                    To sum up, getting money off a Visa gift card can increase flexibility in spending, save from potential inactivity fees, and allow handling emergency money.

                    A Visa gift card can be cashed by adding it to a digital wallet, selling it online, or using it to pay for bills and groceries. Ultimately, it is about choosing the right option for you and using your Visa gift card best. 

                    If you are looking to buy a Visa gift card efficiently and securely? Visit Send Credit with over 100 products and secure services for all your gift card needs!  

                    Frequently Asked Questions

                    Is a vanilla gift card a Visa card?

                    A Vanilla gift card is similar to a prepaid Visa card. It acts just like a traditional Visa debit card. You use it for purchases anywhere that takes Visa, only this card has a preloaded balance and cannot be reloaded when its balance is depleted.

                    Can I transfer money from my Visa gift card to my bank account?

                    Yes. Services like PayPal or Venmo allow you to withdraw money from a Visa gift card to your bank account. You have to link your card with them, transfer the balance to your wallet, and then withdraw it into your bank account.


                    Head of Content
                    Liam Harper is a tech journalist with a background in software development. His unique insights into the tech industry allow him to create engaging content on cutting-edge trends and practical tech advice that informs and inspires readers.