According to SendCredit, over 3.4 billion gift cards are sold annually in the U.S., with Visa gift cards being among the most popular choices. While these cards offer flexibility, many recipients prefer having direct access to cash instead. If you're looking to liquidate your gift cards, you're not alone - research shows that nearly 27% of gift card holders convert their cards to cash within the first month of receiving them.
Whether you're interested in selling gift cards locally or exploring digital conversion methods, this comprehensive guide breaks down your best options. From instant transfer services to local selling opportunities, let's explore the most efficient ways to turn your Visa gift cards into cash!
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Summary Table
Item Name | Price Range | Best For | Website |
---|---|---|---|
PayPal Transfer | 2.9% + $0.30 fee | Digital transfers | Visit Site |
Venmo Transfer | 3% fee | Peer-to-peer transfers | Visit Site |
Prepaid2Cash Service | 5.5% fee | Direct cash conversion | Visit Site |
Sell the Gift Card | 8-15% discount | Maximum value | Visit Site |
Buy Money Orders | $0.70-$1.25 fee | Bank deposits | Visit Site |
ATM Withdrawal | $2-$5 fee | Instant cash access | Visit Site |
Purchase and Resell | Varies by item | Value maximization | N/A |
Purchase | No direct fees | Direct spending | N/A |
Resell | 10-30% loss | Cash conversion | N/A |
Convert Visa Gift Cards to Cash: 9 Quick Methods (2025)
Below you'll find detailed information about each option, including what makes them unique and their key benefits.
1. PayPal Transfer
PayPal offers a straightforward way to convert Visa gift cards to cash by linking them as a funding source. Once linked, you can transfer the balance to another PayPal account or withdraw directly to your connected bank account.
Key features:
- Free transfers between PayPal accounts
- Standard bank transfers: 1-3 business days
- Instant transfer option available (1.75% fee)
2. Venmo Transfer
Venmo provides a user-friendly platform to convert gift card balances through peer-to-peer transfers. Add your Visa gift card as a payment method, then send funds to a trusted contact who can return the money via a different payment method. See our guide on digital payment options for more details.
Notable features:
- No fees for standard bank transfers
- Instant transfers available (1.75% fee)
- Social payment feed with privacy controls
3. Prepaid2Cash Service
Prepaid2Cash specializes in converting gift card balances to direct bank deposits. As a BBB-certified service, they handle the entire conversion process through their secure platform, typically completing transfers within 1-2 business days.
What you get:
- Direct bank deposits within 1-2 business days
- Conversion rates typically 92-97% of card value
- Secure, BBB-accredited service
4. Sell the Gift Card
CardCash offers a straightforward way to convert your Visa gift cards into cash, typically paying 75-85% of the card's value. The platform accepts cards from over 1,000 retailers and provides payment via direct deposit, check, or ACH transfer within 1-2 business days.
What you get:
- Instant quotes for your gift cards
- Payment within 1-2 business days
- Option to trade for other gift cards at higher values
5. Buy Money Orders
Walmart offers money orders up to $1,000 with a minimal fee of $1.00 per order. Once purchased, you can deposit these directly into your bank account. Note that some gift card issuers may decline money order purchases, so check your card's terms first.
Key details:
- Money orders up to $1,000
- $1.00 fee per money order
- Available at service desk or Money Center
6. ATM Withdrawal
While not all Visa gift cards support ATM withdrawals, those that do typically work at any ATM displaying the Visa logo. Be aware that both ATM operators and card issuers may charge fees, usually $2-5 per transaction. Check your card's PIN setup instructions and withdrawal limits before attempting this method.
7. Purchase and Resell
This method involves using your Visa gift card to purchase items that have strong resale potential, then selling them for cash. Focus on products with consistent demand like electronics, popular toys, or limited-edition items that can be resold quickly on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or local marketplaces.
Key considerations:
- Research items with proven resale value before buying
- Factor in marketplace fees (typically 10-15%)
- Consider seasonal items for better margins
8. Purchase
Using your Visa gift card for direct purchases offers the simplest conversion path. Most major retailers, both online and in-store, accept Visa gift cards just like regular credit cards. This method works best when you're planning to make necessary purchases anyway, effectively converting your gift card to value without losing money on fees or discounts.
Where to use:
- Online retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Target
- Physical stores: Accepted anywhere Visa is taken
- Gas stations and grocery stores for essentials
9. Resell
Sell your Visa gift card directly through dedicated gift card exchange platforms for immediate cash, though expect to receive 80-95% of the card's value. Popular marketplaces like CardCash and Raise connect sellers with verified buyers while handling transaction security.
Trading options:
- Online exchanges: 80-90% cash value
- Local buyers: Up to 95% value possible
- Store credit options: Often higher redemption rates
Final Words
Converting Visa gift cards to cash doesn't have to be complicated, with options ranging from free methods like PayPal transfers to paid services charging 3-5% in fees. Choose the method that best fits your needs and timeline, considering factors like convenience, fees, and whether you need instant access to cash.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Converting Visa Gift Cards to Cash
What are the safest ways to convert a Visa gift card to cash?
The safest methods include linking the card to PayPal or Venmo and transferring funds to your bank account, or using the Prepaid2Cash service, which is BBB-certified. You can also sell the card through legitimate platforms like CardCash, though this typically results in receiving slightly less than the card's full value.
Can I withdraw cash from an ATM using a Visa gift card?
While some Visa gift cards support ATM withdrawals, many do not allow this feature. If ATM withdrawals are supported, be aware that fees may apply.
How can I convert my Visa gift card to cash using PayPal?
You can add your Visa gift card to PayPal as a funding source, then send money to a trusted friend or secondary account. Once the money is transferred, you can withdraw the funds to your linked bank account as cash.
What options do I have if I want to get the full value of my gift card?
Using PayPal or Venmo transfers typically allows you to retain the full value of your card, minus any associated transfer fees. The Prepaid2Cash service is another direct method, while selling on platforms like CardCash usually results in receiving less than the full value.