In this article I will walk you through everything you need to know about Walmart gift cards and I will also show you a simple strategy you could use to get a free Walmart gift card.
Gift cards are versatile, and Walmart gift cards are always a great option for loved ones. They have gift cards for every occasion, and Walmart has something for everyone.
Walmart gift cards can be purchased at Walmart, Sam’s Club, or PayPal and never expire. You can use Walmart gift cards in stores or online at Walmart and Sam’s Club. A 10% fee is added if you are not a Sam’s Club member. You can also use Walmart gift cards to buy gas at Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Murphy USA gas stations.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Walmart gift cards, including where to purchase them, how to activate and use them and check your balance.
Where to Buy Walmart Gift Cards
You can buy Walmart Gift Cards in-store at Walmart or online at Walmart.com. You can also purchase Walmart gift cards at Sam’s Club since it is owned by Walmart. In addition, PayPal is the only authorized website that sells Walmart gift cards online.
Walmart offers plastic gift cards for purchase at all Walmart and Sam’s Club locations. You can also purchase plastic cards or eGift cards on Walmart’s website. The gift cards can be loaded with any amount from $5-500.
Unfortunately, Walmart gift cards cannot be purchased at any retailer other than Walmart or Sam’s Club. That means stores like CVS, Target, Walgreens, and Costco that sell various gift cards do not sell Walmart gift cards.
If you want to purchase a Walmart gift card online, the only authorized seller other than Walmart themselves is PayPal.
You can visit PayPal’s website to buy a Walmart eGift card. The eGift card can be emailed to you or sent directly to the recipient.
You may also find Walmart gift cards for sale through third-party websites like eBay, Amazon, or Gyft. However, it is recommended to stay away from these types of sellers.
You are not guaranteed that the gift card you are purchasing through these sites is valid.
How to Activate a Walmart Gift Card
All Walmart gift cards over $250 need to be activated by the recipient before they can be used. Walmart gift cards less than $250 are already active when purchased. Walmart gift cards can easily be activated online. Activation instructions for eGift cards are sent to the email provided when the gift card was purchased.
When purchasing a gift card over $250 or 25 gift cards at a time, Walmart requires the gift card to be activated before it can be used for security reasons.
Electronic gift cards, gift cards under $250, or gift cards that were a part of a purchase of fewer than 25 cards do not need to be activated.
You can activate a Walmart gift card online, by phone, or in-store. To activate your Walmart gift card, you will need the card number, activation code, and PIN, which can be found in the email sent by Walmart or on your card.
To activate your Walmart gift card online:
Click on the link to the activation website in your email.
Next, enter your card’s number, activation code, and PIN.
Once all the information is entered and verified, your card will be activated to use.
You can also activate your card by phone. This can be handy if you aren’t great at navigating the internet.
The toll-free number is included in the activation email from Walmart and on the back of your card. You can either follow the automated prompts or speak to a customer service representative to activate your card.
If you choose to activate your Walmart gift card in-store, you can speak to the cashier when making a purchase with your gift card at the register.
If you have any issues activating your Walmart gift card or have a question, you can reach out to Walmart’s gift card support at giftcards@walmart.com or call 1-800-411-7942.
Walmart gift card support is available Monday through Friday, 7:30 am – 5:00 pm (Central Time).
How to Check a Walmart Gift Card Balance
You can check the balance on your Walmart gift card online, by calling 1-888-537-5503, or in any store with a cashier at the register. You will need the 16-digit card number and the PIN to check your gift card balance.
To check your Walmart gift card balance online:
Visit the Walmart Gift Balance website.
Enter your 16-digit card number and the 4-digit PIN. The PIN can be found in the confirmation email for eGift cards or on the back of the card for plastic cards.
Select “Get card balance.”
Your Walmart gift card balance will then be displayed on your screen.
If you are not super savvy online, you can also check your gift card balance by calling 1-888-537-5503 (also found on the back of your card).
Follow the automated voice prompts to enter your 16-digit card number and the PIN. Your card balance will then be provided to you.
Lastly, you can check your gift card balance at the register with a cashier at any Walmart location.
If you have previously used your gift card for purchases, you can find your updated gift card balance on your receipt.
How to Use a Walmart Gift Card Online
To use a Walmart gift card online, add all your items to your cart on Walmart.com and select “Gift Card” as the payment option at checkout. You will then enter your gift card number and the PIN.
Here are step-by-step instructions on how to redeem your Walmart gift card online:
Go to Walmart.com
Add items you want to purchase to your cart.
When finished shopping online, proceed to the checkout screen.
Once you reach the payment screen, select the “Gift Card” option.
Enter your 16-digit gift card number and the PIN Code. This is the same for both plastic and eGift cards. The PIN is found in your confirmation email for eGift cards. Check to ensure your gift card balance has been added to your order. The deduction should appear in your purchase summary.
Complete your order.
You can use a Walmart gift card to purchase any product sold by Walmart, except alcohol, tobacco, or firearms.
Can You Use Walmart Gift Cards at Sam’s Club?
You can use your Walmart gift card at Sam’s Club. Both plastic Walmart gift cards and eGift cards can be used at Sam’s Club warehouses or Samsclub.com. If you are not a Sam’s Club member, a 10% service fee is charged when redeeming your Walmart gift card.
Since both Walmart and Sam’s Club are owned by the same company, Walmart gift cards can be used for purchases at Sam’s Club.
However, keep in mind that if you’re not a Sam’s Club member, you’ll be charged a 10% fee for using your Walmart gift card, and it may defeat the purpose of getting a warehouse deal.
You’ll need to know your gift card’s PIN to use it at Sam’s Club warehouses or online.
Can You Use Walmart Gift Cards for Gas?
Walmart gift cards can be used to purchase gas at Walmart and Sam’s Club gas stations. You can also use Walmart gift cards at any Murphy USA gas station.
Using your plastic Walmart gift card at a Walmart or Sam’s Club gas station is as simple as using a debit card.
Just swipe your gift card to pay at the pump. Walmart gift cards can also be used at any Murphy USA gas station.
If you have a Walmart eGift card, you can still purchase gas at the Walmart or Sam’s Club gas stations.
Either print out your eGift card or pull it up on your phone to show a Walmart cashier in-store where they can switch it out for a physical card that you can swipe at the pump.
Walmart also sells a “Gas & Pump Walmart Gift Card.” This gift card can be used like any other Walmart gift card and is just decorated with a gas pump and a fuel gauge.
Can You Use Walmart Gift Cards on Amazon?
You cannot use Walmart gift cards on Amazon to purchase items from any seller. The only authorized websites to use your Walmart gift card are Walmart.com or Samsclub.com.
Only Walmart Visa Pre-Paid Credit Cards can be used for purchases on Amazon. Walmart Visa Pre-Paid Credit Cards can be used anywhere, as a regular credit card.
However, keep in mind that this card is completely different from a Walmart gift card.
Do Walmart Gift Cards Expire?
Walmart gift cards never expire. It is clearly stated in Walmart’s terms & conditions that gift cards do not have an expiration date.
In addition to your Walmart gift card never expiring, you also have the option to reload your Walmart gift card after you have drained the available funds.
Regular retail customers can reload their Walmart gift card in-store by a Walmart cashier. In addition, corporate customers with a Walmart account can reload gift cards online at Walmart.com.
What if You Lost Your Walmart Gift Card?
If you lose your Walmart gift card, you need to call their customer service number at 1-800-411-7942 and report it. Otherwise, Walmart is not responsible for lost or stolen gift cards as stated in their gift card terms & conditions.
You should call the Walmart gift cards customer service immediately after you have lost your card.
The customer service representative may cancel and replace your gift card with the remaining balance only with the original receipt.
How to Get a Free Walmart Gift Card
The easiest way to get a free Walmart gift card is by signing up for an online rewards site. Sites like Swagbucks, MyPoints, InboxDollars, or the ShopAtHome App, give their members free Walmart gift cards for completing several tasks.
These simple tasks can include anything from watching videos, shopping online, and participating in surveys.
You can get your free Walmart gift card here.
Can You Get Cash Back from a Walmart Gift Card?
You cannot get cash back from a Walmart gift card. Walmart gift cards cannot be swapped out for cash, and customers cannot be paid out for their remaining balance.
The only way you can possibly receive the cash back from your Walmart gift card is to sell it online.
This is only beneficial to buyers if you have a fully loaded gift card or have a significant amount of money left on it. You can sell your card on sites like eBay or to friends or family.
Is There a Fee for Walmart Gift Cards?
There is no service fee associated with Walmart gift cards. The only time a fee is incurred to use your Walmart gift card is if you use it at Sam’s Club and are not a Sam’s Club member. A 10% service fee is charged in that case.
There is also no fee for reloading Walmart gift cards. However, as mentioned previously, a Walmart gift card is different from a Walmart Visa Gift Card.
A percentage fee is charged when purchasing a Walmart Visa Gift Card.
Conclusion
You should now have a good idea of how to buy and use your Walmart gift card. If you have any questions regarding your gift card, Walmart has a great support line that you can call.