How Can I Get Money Off Of A Gift Card?

What’s really going on when you need cash from a gift card?

Open-loop cards sometimes let you pull cash at ATMs—if the issuer allows it—but most charge withdrawal fees (3%–5% of the balance) plus whatever the ATM operator tacks on. Closed-loop cards are store-specific and usually can’t be used at ATMs; your only real options are selling or exchanging them for cash.

Here’s exactly how to turn that gift card into real money

1. Head to CardCash, CardSwap, or GiftCash.
2. Type in the card brand and exact balance. The site shows you an instant offer; accept it and enter your email.
3. Print or email the shipping label. Pop the physical card in the prepaid envelope (always use tracking).
4. Cash lands in your checking account via ACH in 1–3 business days; most resellers guarantee delivery within 7 business days.

1. Grab the PayPal app (iOS 16+ or Android 12+); sign in with your personal account.
2. Settings → Money → Add Bank or Card → Add Debit or Credit Card. Type in the gift card number, expiry date, and CVV.
3. Move the balance to your PayPal Cash account: Transfer to Bank → Instant Transfer (1.5% fee, minimum $0.25, maximum $15).
4. Add that same bank account to Venmo and use “Transfer to Bank” (free, 1–3 days) to move the money into your checking account.

1. Flip the card over—look for the Cirrus or Plus logo. Those networks let you pull cash from open-loop cards at ATMs.
2. Slide the card into any in-network ATM; pick “Checking” or “Savings” when the machine asks.
3. Withdraw the whole balance; expect a $2–$5 network fee plus another $2–$3 from the ATM owner.
4. Hold onto the receipt. If the card later shows “insufficient funds,” you’ll still owe that cash.

What to do when nothing seems to work

• Card declined at ATM? The issuer might block cash withdrawals. Call the 1-800 number on the card and ask point-blank: “Is ATM withdrawal enabled?”
• PayPal or Venmo says the card is invalid? Some open-loop cards need a quick activation call first. Dial the 1-800 number and say, “Please activate this card for card-not-present transactions.”
• Reseller offers look stingy? Check out Raise or Glyde—they often pay up to 90% for popular brands.

How to avoid gift-card headaches next time

If you get a card you won’t use, sell it right away instead of letting it gather dust. Keep the original receipt for 30 days; most resellers need proof of purchase to stop fraud.

Closed-loop cards (Target, Starbucks, Home Depot) usually fetch 85%–90% when sold to a reseller. Open-loop cards (Visa, Mastercard) can be turned into cash at an ATM or via PayPal, but you’ll lose 3%–7% to fees. Always double-check the issuer’s policy before you try any cash-out trick.