How to Transfer Amazon Gift Card Balance to Bank Account?

We have all been there. A well-meaning relative sends an Amazon gift card for your birthday, but what you really need is cash for groceries or to pay a bill. The question is a common one: can you transfer Amazon Gift Card balance to bank account?

The direct answer is no. Amazon gift cards are designed to be spent on the vast marketplace of Amazon.com, not to be converted directly into cash.

However, with a bit of knowledge and caution, there are paths to access those funds. This guide will walk you through the official, direct methods and the unofficial, indirect ways to withdraw money from Amazon gift card balances.

Direct Methods to Transfer Amazon Gift Card Balance to Bank Account

These methods involve using Amazon’s own services and policies. They are the safest and most reliable, though they come with specific limitations.

1. Amazon Pay

Amazon Pay is the closest you can get to an official method. It allows you to use your Amazon balance at thousands of participating online stores, not just on Amazon.com.

While you cannot send the money directly to your bank account, you can use it for purchases you would have made anyway, effectively freeing up other cash.

Think of it this way: if you use your Amazon gift card balance to buy a new coffee maker from a site that accepts Amazon Pay, you will not have to use the money in your bank account.

It is an indirect transfer of Amazon Gift Card balance to bank account in a practical sense. This is also a secure alternative if you usually buy gift cards with a credit card for other retailers; you can use your existing Amazon balance instead.

2. Contact Amazon Customer Support

This is the most direct path to ask for a cash conversion, but it is a narrow one. It must be understood that Amazon’s rules are clear: gift cards cannot be refunded or traded for cash.

An exception is rarely considered, and only in very specific situations. If you are a victim of a documented fraud, or if a scammer sent you the card, customer support might help.

A positive outcome is not promised, but it is the only official channel for such a request. Politely explaining your situation to a support agent is your only option here.

Success is not guaranteed and is entirely at Amazon’s discretion. It is not a viable method for simply wanting to cash out an Amazon gift card you received as a legitimate gift.

Indirect Methods to Transfer Amazon Gift Card Balance to Bank Account

When direct methods are not an option, people turn to peer-to-peer exchanges. These methods carry more risk but are commonly used. The goal remains the same: to find a way to transfer Amazon Gift Card balance to bank account through a third party.

The two main ways to cash out an Amazon gift card, are as follows:

1. Trading on Platforms Like Reddit

Websites and subreddits like r/giftcardexchange are dedicated to this purpose. Users who want to sell their Amazon balance connect with users who want to buy Amazon gift cards at a discount.

• Process: You post an offer to sell your Amazon balance (e.g., a $100 balance for $85 in PayPal or Cash App). A buyer agrees, you receive the payment, and then you send them the gift card code.
• Benefit: It can be a relatively fast way to convert your balance.
• Risk: This is the high-risk zone for gift card scams. You could be dealing with fraudulent buyers who reverse their payment after you send the code.

2. Reach Out to People Directly (Social Media) 

Your personal network on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram can be a safer marketplace. You can post that you have an Amazon gift card balance you are looking to sell.

A friend or family member who was already planning to make an Amazon purchase might be happy to buy it from you at face value or a small discount.

• Process: A simple post explaining what you have to offer.
• Benefit: Dealing with people you know, and trust significantly reduces the risk of being scammed.
• Risk: Minimal, though it relies on someone in your network needing an Amazon gift card at that moment.

Benefits and Risks Associated with Indirect Methods

The primary benefit of these methods is that they work to convert your balance into a spendable currency like PayPal or cash, which can then be moved to your bank. They fill the gap left by Amazon’s restrictive policies.

The risks, however, are significant. The digital world is full of individuals looking to exploit others. The moment you consider an indirect method to transfer Amazon Gift Card balance to bank account you must be on high alert.

Safety Tips When Using Indirect Methods

If you choose an indirect path, your safety comes first. Only use trading platforms that are known to be trustworthy, much like you would pick a reputable marketplace. Look for communities with strong feedback systems and identity checks.

1. Use Reputable Platforms

Stick to established forums with robust feedback and verification systems. Check a user’s trade history extensively.

2. Never Go First if You Are the Seller

As the seller of the digital code, you hold the item that can be instantly duplicated. A common safe practice is for the buyer to send the payment first. Once the payment is confirmed in your account, you then send the gift card code.

3. Understand the Red Flags of Gift Card Scams

Be extremely wary of anyone offering to overpay, rushing you, or communicating poorly. Legitimate buyers are clear and patient.

Remember, legitimate businesses and government agencies will never demand payment via gift cards, so if you need to return gift cards involved in a scam, contact Amazon and the FTC immediately.

4. Start with Small Amounts

If you are new to trading, test the waters with a small amount ($10-$20) to build trust and understand the process before attempting to withdraw money from Amazon gift card balances of a higher value.

Wrapping It Up

A direct transfer Amazon Gift Card balance to bank account is not a feature offered by Amazon. The safest path is to use the balance for your own needs via Amazon.com or Amazon Pay. For those determined to convert it to cash, indirect peer-to-peer methods exist, but they require a cautious and informed approach to avoid the pitfalls of gift card scams. While the desire to cash out an Amazon gift card is understandable, your security should always be the most important factor in your decision.