Gift cards continue to grow in popularity, with the global gift cards market projected to reach $1.4 trillion by 2027. American Express, a trusted leader in the payments industry, offers a wide selection of gift cards that can be used at major retailers like Walmart. If you‘ve received an American Express gift card or are considering purchasing one, you may be wondering: does Walmart accept American Express gift cards as payment?
In this ultimate guide, we‘ll answer that question and cover everything else you need to know about using Amex gift cards at Walmart. We‘ll walk through the process of redeeming them in stores and online, the types of American Express gift cards Walmart sells, where else they can be used, and what terms and conditions to be aware of. Plus, we‘ll share expert insights and tips for getting the most value out of your Amex gift cards.
How to Use American Express Gift Cards at Walmart Stores
Using an American Express gift card to pay for purchases at physical Walmart stores is a quick and easy process. Here‘s a step-by-step guide:
- During checkout, present the items you wish to purchase to the cashier along with your American Express gift card.
- The cashier will swipe or scan the gift card to deduct the balance and complete the transaction.
- If the total purchase is less than the gift card balance, the remaining amount will stay on the card for future use. If the transaction exceeds the balance, you can use another payment method like cash or a debit/credit card to cover the difference.
- Be sure to keep the gift card and receipt for your records.
You can also use American Express gift cards at Walmart self-checkout kiosks. Simply scan your items, swipe or scan the gift card when prompted for payment, and follow the on-screen instructions. The process is very similar to using a credit or debit card.
Redeeming an Amex Gift Card on Walmart.com
American Express gift cards can also be redeemed for online purchases at Walmart.com. Here‘s how:
- Add the desired items to your cart and proceed to checkout.
- On the payment screen, enter the 15-digit card number and 4-digit card identification number (CID) found on the front of the gift card.
- If the gift card balance covers the entire order total, confirm the payment. If the balance is insufficient, you‘ll be prompted to enter an additional payment method like a credit card to complete the purchase.
- Review and place the order – the Amex gift card will be charged and the remaining balance can be used towards a future purchase.
Some other things to keep in mind when using American Express gift cards for online Walmart purchases:
- E-gift cards or electronic/digital American Express gift cards can be applied the same way as physical cards. Just enter the card number and CID at checkout.
- Amex gift cards are accepted on the Walmart app as well. The checkout process is very similar to the desktop site.
- If you‘re purchasing an item that‘s fulfilled and shipped by a third-party Walmart Marketplace seller, American Express gift cards usually aren‘t accepted. Marketplace sellers typically have their own payment requirements.
Where Else Can I Use an American Express Gift Card?
One of the biggest advantages of American Express gift cards is that they can be used at a wide variety of retailers and restaurants, not just Walmart. According to a survey by Blackhawk Network, more than 57% of shoppers say they want a gift card that can be used at multiple merchants. From retail and gas to travel and more, Amex has you covered.
Some of the most popular places that accept American Express gift cards include:
| Retail | Restaurants | Travel |
|---|---|---|
| Target | Starbucks | American Airlines |
| Best Buy | McDonald‘s | Delta Air Lines |
| The Home Depot | Chili‘s | Carnival Cruise Line |
| Lowe‘s | The Cheesecake Factory | Hilton Hotels |
| Kohl‘s | Olive Garden | Marriott |
| Macy‘s | Panera Bread | Hotels.com |
| Nordstrom | Subway | Airbnb |
| Sephora | Taco Bell | Uber |
To find more merchants that accept American Express gift cards, you can visit the American Express gift card website and use the "Shop Gift Cards" tool. You can search by category or merchant name to see where your gift card can be redeemed.
Walmart‘s American Express Gift Card Options
Walmart sells a variety of American Express gift cards in their stores and online. Here‘s a quick overview:
Plastic Gift Cards (In-Store and Online)
- $25
- $50
- $100
- $200
Variable Load Gift Cards (Online Only)
- $20-$500
Plastic Amex gift cards are available in four fixed denominations and can be found in the gift card section at Walmart stores and online. Variable load gift cards allow you to choose a custom amount between $20-$500 to load on the card and are only available for purchase on Walmart.com.
It‘s important to note that American Express and Walmart charge purchase fees for gift cards, ranging from $3.44 for a $25 card to $6.88 for a $200 card. The fees are non-refundable and are displayed at the time of purchase. Gift cards are not redeemable for cash and cannot be returned once purchased.
Walmart Gift Card Policies and Restrictions
To prevent fraud and ensure a positive customer experience, Walmart has several policies and restrictions around gift card usage, including American Express cards. Here are some of the most important ones to keep in mind:
- Shoppers can redeem a maximum of 5 gift cards (Amex or other brands) per transaction. This policy applies both in-store and online.
- American Express gift cards cannot be used to purchase other gift cards, prepaid/reloadable cards, cell phone cards, or money services like money orders and wire transfers.
- Gift cards also cannot be used to make payments on Walmart Credit Cards.
- Amex gift cards cannot be combined with cash in the same transaction. If a purchase exceeds the gift card balance, another payment method must be used to cover the difference.
If you have any other questions about using an American Express gift card at Walmart, you can ask a store associate, contact Walmart Customer Care, or call the customer service number on the back of your gift card.
Comparing American Express Gift Cards to Other Options
While American Express gift cards offer a lot of flexibility and are widely accepted, they‘re not the only gift card option available at Walmart. Here‘s a quick comparison chart to help you evaluate different gift cards:
| Feature | American Express | Visa | Mastercard | Walmart |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart Acceptance | Yes, in-store and online | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Acceptance Beyond Walmart | Widely accepted, at many major retailers/restaurants | Most merchants that accept Visa | Most merchants that accept Mastercard | Only at Walmart and Sam‘s Club |
| Purchase Fee | $3.44 – $6.88 | $4.00 – $6.00 | $4.00 – $6.00 | $0 |
| Inactivity Fee | $0 | $2.50 – $5.00/month | $2.50 – $5.00/month | $0 |
| Reloadable | No | No | No | Yes |
As you can see, American Express gift cards have similar purchase fees to Visa and Mastercard gift cards, but don‘t charge inactivity fees that kick in if a card isn‘t used after a certain period of time (typically 12 months). Walmart gift cards are the most cost-effective since they have no purchase fees, but can only be used at Walmart and Sam‘s Club stores.
Expert Tips for Maximizing Amex Gift Card Value at Walmart
As a savvy Walmart shopper, there are several ways you can stretch your American Express gift card balance and get the most bang for your buck:
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Price match: If you find an identical item at a competitor for a lower price, Walmart will match it. Simply show the associate the competitor‘s ad or website and they‘ll adjust the price at the register. You can then pay for the discounted item with your Amex gift card.
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Use coupons and promo codes: Before shopping, check for Walmart coupons and promo codes online or in your local newspaper. You can "stack" these discounts with your American Express gift card to save even more.
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Shop online for free shipping: If you‘re shopping on Walmart.com, look for items that are eligible for free 2-day shipping or free in-store pickup. This will help you avoid shipping fees and get your items faster. You can filter your search results to only show items with free delivery or pickup.
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Take advantage of rollbacks and clearance: Walmart is known for its low prices, and you can often find rollbacks (temporary price reductions) and clearance items in-store and online. Combine these discounts with your Amex gift card to maximize your savings.
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Download the Walmart app: The Walmart mobile app is a great tool for saving money and staying organized. You can view your local store‘s weekly ad, find coupons, check prices and availability, track your orders, and more. Plus, you can use the app to pay with your American Express gift card at checkout.
Real-World Examples of Using Amex Gift Cards at Walmart
To illustrate the value and convenience of using American Express gift cards at Walmart, here are a couple real-world examples:
Sarah received a $100 American Express gift card for her birthday. She used it to purchase a new vacuum cleaner from Walmart.com for $89.99. The gift card covered the entire cost, including tax, so Sarah didn‘t have to spend any of her own money. She chose free in-store pickup and was able to get her new vacuum the same day.
Mark used a $50 Amex gift card to buy groceries at his local Walmart. He found several items on rollback and used a few coupons from the Walmart app. After applying the discounts, his total came to $48.50. He paid with the gift card and had a small balance left over for a future purchase.
These are just a couple examples, but they demonstrate the flexibility and savings potential of using American Express gift cards at Walmart.
The Bottom Line
American Express gift cards are a popular and convenient way to shop at Walmart and many other retailers. From groceries and household essentials to electronics and apparel, you can use an Amex gift card to buy almost anything at Walmart in-store or online. While there are a few restrictions and fees to be aware of, the versatility and wide acceptance make them a great gift for any occasion.
If you have an American Express gift card, consider using some of the expert tips above to get the most value out of your card. Whether you‘re shopping for everyday needs or a special purchase, Walmart offers low prices and a wide selection.
For even more flexibility, you may want to consider an American Express Serve prepaid debit card. Serve cards can be reloaded with money and used anywhere American Express is accepted. They also offer access to features like mobile check deposit, bill pay, and ATM withdrawals.
Whether you opt for a gift card or prepaid card, American Express and Walmart make it easy to shop smarter and save more.
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