How to get a gift card's value into your bank account

A bank won't accept a gift card as a deposit, and the store won't swap it for cash. Still, there's a straightforward route from card to account: you sell the card to a buyer who pays by bank transfer. Here's what that looks like in Europe, Mexico and the US.

Updated 2 min read

The short version

  1. Find out what the card is worthBrand, country and balance decide the price. A good buyer shows you the exact amount before asking for the code.
  2. Choose a bank transferIn euros by SEPA, in Mexican pesos by SPEI, or in US dollars by ACH.
  3. Enter your account detailsYour IBAN, your CLABE, or your routing and account numbers, plus the account holder's name.
  4. Wait for the check, then the transferThe buyer checks the card first. Once it's approved, the money is sent to your account.

Which transfer you'll get

SEPA is for euro accounts across Europe. You give your IBAN, the long number that starts with two letters, like ES or DE. Transfers usually land the same day or the next working day.

SPEI is Mexico's system. You give your 18-digit CLABE, which you'll find in your banking app. SPEI payments often arrive within minutes.

ACH is how US bank transfers move. You need the 9-digit routing number and your account number, and whether it's checking or savings. Expect one to two business days.

Details that save you a headache

  • The name you enter should match the account exactly. A transfer to an account under another name can bounce.
  • Copy the IBAN or CLABE from your app instead of typing it from memory. One wrong digit is enough to send it back.
  • Choose the currency your account holds. Paying a peso account in euros, or the other way round, can cost you a conversion fee at your bank.
  • Bank details are personal. Only enter them on the buyer's own website, never in a chat or an email.

What about PayPal first, then the bank?

That works too: get paid to PayPal and move the money to your bank from there. It's handy if you already use PayPal, but check its fees for withdrawals and currency conversion in your country; a direct bank transfer is often simpler.

Questions

Can I deposit a gift card at my bank?

No. Banks don't accept store gift cards. You have to sell the card and have the buyer pay into your account.

How long does the money take?

After the card is approved: SPEI often in minutes, SEPA usually the same or the next working day, ACH one to two business days.

Is it safe to give my IBAN or CLABE?

They're used to send you money, not to take it. Still, only share them on the buyer's website, where they should be encrypted.

Send your card's value to your bank

Pick your card, see your amount, choose a bank transfer.

See what I'd get

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