The short answer: not directly to the card issuer, but you can convert a gift card to cash or a bank transfer in most cases
You cannot swipe a gift card at your credit card company's payment portal or over the phone to pay your bill. Credit card issuers like Chase, Capital One, or American Express accept payments only in the form of bank transfers, checks, debit cards, or money orders — not retail gift cards.
However, you have a workaround: convert the gift card to usable funds first, then pay your credit card bill with those funds. The method depends on what kind of gift card you hold and how quickly you need the money.
Key Takeaways
- Credit card companies do not accept gift cards as direct payment, regardless of the card issuer or the gift card brand.
- You can transfer a gift card balance to your bank account using third-party apps like PayPal, Square Cash, or Venmo if the card has a Visa or Mastercard logo.
- Retail gift cards (Target, Amazon, Walmart) can be converted to cash at customer service desks, though some stores charge a fee or offer less than full value.
- Using a gift card to buy something you would have bought anyway, then using that freed-up cash for your credit card bill, avoids conversion fees entirely.
- Selling a gift card on a resale platform like CardCash or Raise takes longer but may recover 80 to 95 percent of the card's value.
Converting Visa and Mastercard gift cards to bank transfers
If your gift card has a Visa or Mastercard logo, you can move the balance to your bank account through a payment app. PayPal, Square Cash (now called Cash App), and Venmo all allow you to link a gift card and transfer the balance to a connected bank account. The process typically takes one to three business days.
PayPal's method: add the gift card as a payment method in your account settings, then initiate a transfer to your linked bank account. Square Cash works similarly — add the card, then use the "Cash Out" feature to send money to your bank. Venmo requires you to add the card and then send money to yourself or a trusted contact, then withdraw to your bank.
These transfers are usually free, though some apps charge a small percentage (typically 1 to 3 percent) if you choose instant transfer rather than standard. Check the app's fee schedule before you start, as rates vary by app and by whether you have a paid account tier.
Retail gift cards: store customer service and cash-back options
If you hold a gift card from a specific retailer — Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon — you have two main paths. The first is to visit the store's customer service desk and ask to convert the card to cash. Most major retailers will do this, though some charge a small fee (usually $1 to $5) or offer slightly less than the full balance. Amazon does not offer cash conversion at all; you must spend the balance on Amazon purchases.
The second path is to use the gift card to buy something you need anyway, then use the cash you would have spent on that item to pay your credit card bill. This avoids conversion fees entirely and is often the simplest route if you were planning to shop there soon. Some retailers also allow you to check your balance online and see transaction history, which can help you plan what to buy. Walmart and Target both offer this through their websites or apps.
Selling gift cards on resale platforms
If you do not want to spend the gift card and conversion fees are a concern, you can sell it on a gift card resale marketplace. Platforms like CardCash, Raise, and Gameflip let you list unwanted gift cards for sale. Buyers purchase them at a discount, and you receive the proceeds via bank transfer or PayPal.
The amount you recover depends on the card's brand and current demand. Popular retailers like Target and Walmart typically sell for 90 to 95 percent of face value, while less common brands or specialty cards may fetch 70 to 85 percent. The platform takes a commission (usually 5 to 15 percent of the sale price), so factor that into what you will actually receive.
The trade-off is time: listing, waiting for a buyer, and receiving payment can take anywhere from a few days to two weeks. If your credit card payment is due soon, this is not the fastest option.
What not to do: avoiding scams and bad deals
Do not use third-party websites that promise to "unlock" or "liquidate" gift cards instantly for cash. Many of these are scams or charge fees so high that you lose 30 to 50 percent of the card's value. Stick to established platforms like PayPal, Square Cash, or official retailer customer service.
Avoid selling to individuals on social media or classified sites unless you can verify their legitimacy. Gift card fraud is common, and you may end up sending the card details to someone who disputes the transaction or never pays you. Do not attempt to use a gift card as collateral or to take out a loan against it. No legitimate lender accepts this, and anyone offering to do so is likely running a scam.
Timing: how long each method takes
Different conversion methods have different speeds and costs. The fastest option is to spend the gift card on something you need and free up cash that way — that happens immediately with no fees. Converting through a payment app takes a few business days but is usually free. Retail customer service conversions happen the same day but may include a small fee.
| Method | Time to receive funds | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| PayPal or Square Cash transfer | 1–3 business days | Free (or 1–3% for instant) |
| Retail customer service cash conversion | Same day | $1–$5 fee or percentage discount |
| Spend the card on a purchase | Immediate | None |
| Resale platform (CardCash, Raise) | 3–14 days | 5–15% commission |
Choose the method based on how soon you need to pay your credit card bill and how much you want to keep from the gift card's value. If your payment is due in a few days, the retail customer service desk or spending the card directly are your best bets. If you have more time and want to maximize what you recover, a resale platform may be worth the wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a gift card to pay my credit card bill if it is a Visa or Mastercard branded card?
Not directly — the credit card company will not accept it as payment. However, you can transfer the balance to your bank account using PayPal, Square Cash, or Venmo, then pay your bill from your bank account. This takes one to three business days.
What if I have an Amazon gift card?
Amazon does not offer cash conversion for gift cards. Your options are to spend the balance on Amazon purchases, sell the card on a resale platform like Raise, or use a third-party app if the card has a Visa or Mastercard logo (some Amazon gift cards do, but store-specific ones do not).
Will I lose money converting a gift card to cash?
It depends on the method. PayPal and Square Cash transfers are usually free. Retail customer service conversions may charge $1 to $5 or offer 95 to 99 percent of face value. Resale platforms take a 5 to 15 percent commission. Spending the card on something you need anyway costs nothing.
Is it safe to sell a gift card online?
Yes, if you use established platforms like CardCash, Raise, or Gameflip. These sites handle payment and dispute resolution. Avoid selling to individuals on social media or classified sites, as gift card fraud is common in those channels.
Can I use a gift card to buy something, return it, and get cash back?
Most retailers will refund a return to the original payment method, which means the refund goes back to the gift card, not to cash. Some stores may make exceptions if you explain the situation, but this is not may provide and varies by retailer policy.