Gift cards have become the go-to present for many occasions. They provide the recipient flexibility to choose their own gift while being easy for the giver to purchase. As the world‘s largest retailer, Walmart offers a wide variety of gift card options both in-store and online. But with so many choices, navigating the gift card aisle can seem overwhelming. This in-depth guide will tell you everything you need to know about buying gift cards at Walmart.
Gift Card Market Trends and Statistics
The gift card industry has exploded in recent years. According to a report by Research and Markets, the global gift cards market is expected to reach $1.4 trillion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 16.2% from 2020 to 2027. In the US alone, gift card sales reached $171 billion in 2022.
Digital gift cards, including e-gift cards and mobile wallet cards, are the fastest-growing segment. A survey by Blackhawk Network found that 80% of shoppers plan to purchase at least one digital gift card in 2024. Retailers are responding to this demand by expanding their digital offerings.
Walmart‘s Extensive Gift Card Selection
Walmart aims to be the top destination for gift card shoppers. Did you know that Walmart sells gift cards from over 200 different brands? In addition to their own Walmart gift cards, you can find cards for major retailers, restaurants, gaming, streaming services, and more. Here are some of the most popular options:
- Retail: Macy‘s, Target, Best Buy, Sephora, Kohl‘s
- Restaurants: Starbucks, Chili‘s, Olive Garden, Chipotle, Domino‘s
- Entertainment: Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, Nintendo, Xbox
- Travel: Airbnb, Delta Airlines, Uber
- Phone carriers: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile
Most cards are available in preset amounts like $25, $50, or $100, while others are variable load, meaning you can choose the denomination. Walmart-branded gift cards can be loaded with up to $1,000.
Walmart‘s Competitive Advantage
Why has Walmart become a top gift card seller? Their key advantages include:
-
Convenience: With over 4,700 locations in the US, there is likely a Walmart near you. Shoppers appreciate being able to pick up gift cards while doing their regular shopping.
-
One-stop shopping: Walmart‘s wide product assortment means you can buy gifts and gift cards in the same trip.
-
Variety: Few other retailers can match the breadth of Walmart‘s gift card selection.
-
Omnichannel options: Walmart offers physical gift cards, e-gift cards, and even mobile wallet cards that can be stored in the Walmart app for easy access.
-
Competitive pricing: Walmart‘s everyday low prices extend to gift cards. They often run promotions for discounts or bonuses on gift card purchases.
Can You Buy Macy‘s Gift Cards at Walmart?
One common question shoppers have is whether Walmart sells gift cards for specific retailers. Macy‘s, the iconic department store, is a popular gift card choice. But does Walmart carry them?
The answer is yes! You can find Macy‘s gift cards at most Walmart locations, typically in denominations of $25 and $50. However, selection can vary by store, so it‘s a good idea to check availability online before making a special trip. On Walmart.com, you can purchase Macy‘s physical gift cards as well as e-gift cards that are delivered via email.
Macy‘s gift cards purchased from Walmart can be used at any Macy‘s store or online at macys.com. They have no expiration dates or fees. But remember – they can only be redeemed at Macy‘s and not at other retailers.
How to Purchase Gift Cards at Walmart
Walmart aims to make gift card buying easy with multiple convenient options:
In-Store
Most Walmart stores have a dedicated gift card section, usually located near the checkout lanes. Some popular gift cards are also placed on freestanding racks throughout the store. Once you‘ve made your selection, just take the gift card to any register and pay as you normally would. Walmart accepts cash, credit/debit cards, and Walmart gift cards as payment.
If you don‘t see the specific gift card you want, ask a store associate to check their inventory. Some gift cards are kept in a locked case behind the customer service desk.
Online
You can purchase physical gift cards as well as e-gift cards on walmart.com. Navigate to the "Gift Cards" category under the main menu. From there you can shop by brand, occasion, type, or amount. Carefully review the description to determine whether you are buying a physical or digital card.
Physical gift cards ordered on walmart.com will be mailed to you or the recipient. Shipping is free on orders over $35. E-gift cards are typically delivered within hours of purchase to the email address you provide.
E-Gift Cards
E-gift cards have become increasingly popular due to their convenience. If you need a last-minute gift or want to send a gift card electronically, Walmart.com offers e-gift cards from many top brands. Some even allow you to customize the design or include a personal photo/message.
To purchase a Walmart e-gift card, select "eGift Card" from the main gift card page. Enter the amount ($5-$1,000), recipient email, name, and optional message. Once the payment is processed, the recipient will receive an email with a link to access their e-gift card. They can either print it out or just show the barcode on their smartphone to redeem in-store or online.
Walmart Gift Card Policies
Exchange Program
Have an unwanted gift card? In 2020, Walmart partnered with CardCash to launch an in-store gift card exchange program. At participating Walmart locations, you can trade in your card and receive an offer for a Walmart e-gift card instead. Typically the exchange value is 70-80% of the card‘s balance.
Several hundred retailers participate in the program, including Macy‘s, Target, Best Buy, and many restaurant chains. To determine the exchange value of your card, visit Walmart‘s gift card exchange website and enter the merchant name and balance.
Returns
Unfortunately, Walmart does not allow returns on gift cards. All sales are final, so be sure you are purchasing the correct type and denomination. The only exceptions are if the gift card is defective/not properly activated or in certain states that require refunds by law.
Cash Back
Some states have laws mandating that retailers give cash back on small balances left on gift cards (usually under $5-10). Here are the states with such laws as of 2024:
| State | Minimum Balance for Cash Refund |
|---|---|
| California | $10 |
| Colorado | $5 |
| Maine | $5 |
| Massachusetts | $5 |
| Montana | $5 |
| New Jersey | $5 |
| Oregon | $5 |
| Rhode Island | $1 |
| Texas | $5 |
| Vermont | $1 |
| Washington | $5 |
In these states, Walmart will comply and give you the remaining balance in cash at the customer service desk. Otherwise, Walmart gift card balances cannot be redeemed for cash.
Tips for Buying Gift Cards at Walmart
Follow these savvy shopping tips to get the best deals and protect yourself when purchasing gift cards at Walmart:
-
Check online before going in-store to see if the gift card you want is available and in stock at your local Walmart.
-
Compare prices on gift cards from different retailers, including Walmart. Sometimes you can find the same gift card at a discount through gift card resellers or during promotions.
-
Review the terms and conditions for each gift card before purchasing. Note any expiration dates, non-refundable policies, or fees.
-
When buying a physical gift card, carefully examine the packaging. If the PIN is exposed, the barcode is scratched off, or the packaging looks tampered with, the gift card may have been compromised. Take it to an associate for assistance.
-
Always keep your receipt as proof of purchase in case there are any issues with the gift card.
-
If you receive a Walmart e-gift card, download it promptly and keep the email notification in a safe place. Treat e-gift card numbers like cash.
-
Consider buying Walmart gift cards if you are a frequent Walmart shopper. You can often find them at a discount from resellers or earn bonus incentives. For example, if you have a Walmart credit card, you can get 3% cash back on Walmart gift card purchases online.
Pros and Cons of Buying Gift Cards at Walmart
As a savvy shopper, it‘s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of purchasing gift cards at Walmart. Here‘s a quick summary:
Pros:
- Wide selection of popular brands
- Convenient to purchase while doing other shopping
- Multiple denominations available
- Choice of physical or digital cards
- Reliable and trusted retailer
- Occasional promotions and discounts
Cons:
- May not have the most niche or local brands
- Selection can vary by location
- No returns allowed on gift cards
- Exchange offers lower value than face value of card
- Some resellers may offer better deals
Ultimately, buying gift cards at Walmart can be a smart choice for many shoppers due to the variety, convenience, and reliability they offer. However, it pays to comparison shop and read the fine print before making a purchase.
Fun Facts About Walmart Gift Cards
To wrap up, here are some interesting tidbits about Walmart gift cards:
- The first Walmart gift card was introduced in 1997.
- Walmart sells enough gift cards each year to stretch around the world one and a half times.
- The most popular Walmart gift card denomination is $50.
- In 2013, a man purchased a $200 Walmart gift card and received a card loaded with $1,800 by mistake. He reported the error and received a $50 gift card as thanks for his honesty.
- In 2022, a couple used a Walmart gift card to buy their wedding rings when they were on a tight budget.
- Walmart has offered gift cards made from wood to promote sustainability.
- For a limited time, Walmart sold gift cards that doubled as a holiday ornament.
Conclusion
Walmart is a one-stop shop for all your gift card needs. With a huge selection of retailer, restaurant, and entertainment gift cards, including Macy‘s, you can easily find something for everyone on your list. By knowing the ins and outs of Walmart‘s gift card policies and being a smart shopper, you can save money and time on your next gift card purchase. Whether you buy in-store, online, or send an e-gift card, Walmart makes the process simple and affordable. As gift cards continue to grow in popularity, expect Walmart to expand its offerings to remain the top gift card destination.
