If you‘re looking for the perfect gift for the home improvement enthusiast in your life, a Lowe‘s gift card is hard to beat. Lowe‘s is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world, with over 2,200 stores across North America and a vast selection of products for every area of the home, inside and out.
In 2021, Lowe‘s net sales reached a staggering $96.3 billion, up 7.4% from 2020. Gift cards make up a significant portion of those sales. According to a 2022 report by Research and Markets, the global gift card market is expected to reach $1.4 trillion by 2027, with digital gift cards being the fastest-growing segment.
As a savvy shopper, you want to make sure you‘re getting the best deal and the most value for your money when purchasing a Lowe‘s gift card. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll break down all your options for where to buy Lowe‘s gift cards, both in-store and online. We‘ll also share expert tips for scoring discounts and maximizing your gift card purchasing power.
Buying Lowe‘s Gift Cards at Lowe‘s Stores and Lowes.com
The most direct way to purchase Lowe‘s gift cards is straight from the source, either at a Lowe‘s retail location or on their website, Lowes.com.
In-Store Purchase
At Lowe‘s stores, you‘ll typically find the gift card displays near the checkout area and customer service desk. Lowe‘s gift cards are available in denominations ranging from $5 up to $500. Here are a few benefits of buying your gift card in person at Lowe‘s:
- You can physically pick out the card design you want and ensure it‘s in good condition
- You can easily check the balance of the gift card at the register before purchasing
- You can take advantage of any in-store promotions or discounts that may be running on gift card purchases
- You can receive your gift card immediately instead of waiting for shipping
Online Purchase
If you prefer the convenience of online shopping, Lowes.com offers a variety of Lowe‘s gift card options with just a few clicks. You can choose between:
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Physical gift cards that will be mailed to your address (or the recipient‘s address) within 5-7 business days. Plastic gift cards can be made out in any amount from $5-$500 and customized with a design and dollar amount. Standard shipping is free.
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Digital/e-gift cards that will be delivered via email, usually within a few hours. E-gift cards can also be personalized with a message and made out in any denomination from $5-$500. This is a great option if you need a last-minute gift ASAP.
One perk of purchasing through Lowes.com is that you can sometimes find special promotions on gift cards that aren‘t available in stores. Lowe‘s occasionally offers bonuses on e-gift card purchases, such as an extra $10 on a $100 gift card. You can stay on top of these limited-time deals by checking the "Special Values" section of the website or signing up for email alerts.
Stores That Sell Lowe‘s Gift Cards
While buying directly from Lowe‘s is a solid option, you may be able to find better deals or more convenient options at other retailers. Many supermarkets, drugstores, and big box stores stock a wide variety of third-party gift cards, including for Lowe‘s.
However, the exact inventory and denominations may vary by store and region. If you‘re looking for a specific amount, it‘s best to call ahead or check the retailer‘s website to see what they have in stock. Note that some retailers may only sell Lowe‘s gift cards in-store and not online.
Here‘s a rundown of national retailers that typically carry Lowe‘s gift cards:
Grocery Stores
- Kroger
- Albertsons / Safeway / Vons
- Publix
- Giant Eagle
- H-E-B
- Meijer
- Wegmans
- Food Lion
Drugstores
- Walgreens
- CVS
- Rite Aid
Department Stores/Supercenters
- Target
- Meijer
- Kmart
Convenience Stores and Gas Stations
- 7-Eleven
- Speedway
- Sheetz
- Circle K
- QuikTrip
Other Retailers
- Dollar General
- Family Dollar
- Menards
- Office Depot/OfficeMax
- Staples
One notable retailer missing from this list? Walmart. The retail giant does not currently sell Lowe‘s gift cards, either in stores or online at Walmart.com.
Retail analyst and consultant Dr. Meaghan Brophy explains why: "Walmart and Lowe‘s are direct competitors, not just for home goods but also in the appliance and outdoor equipment categories. Stocking Lowe‘s gift cards would essentially be encouraging Walmart customers to shop at Lowe‘s instead. It‘s a strategic business decision on Walmart‘s part."
Online Gift Card Resellers
Another option for purchasing Lowe‘s gift cards is through online gift card marketplaces and exchange sites. These platforms allow people to buy and sell unwanted gift cards, often at a discount from the face value. Some of the most reputable and well-known sites include:
- Raise
- CardCash
- GiftCards.com
- Gift Card Granny
- CardPool
Through these resellers, you can find Lowe‘s gift cards for 1-15% off their original value. For example, you could snag a $200 Lowe‘s gift card for only $180-$190.
However, as with any secondhand marketplace, it‘s important to exercise caution. Stick to trusted, verified resellers and check their reviews and policies thoroughly before purchasing. Most sites offer money-back guarantees in case there are any issues with your gift card, but it‘s still a good idea to use a credit card for added protection.
Digital gift card options may also be more limited on resale sites compared to physical gift cards. But if you‘re willing to have the gift card mailed to you, you can often find great bargains.
Comparing Lowe‘s Gift Cards to Competitors
Lowe‘s isn‘t the only major player in the home improvement retail game, so how do their gift card offerings stack up against other top contenders? Here‘s a quick comparison:
The Home Depot
As Lowe‘s biggest rival, Home Depot offers very similar gift card options, with both physical and digital cards available online and in stores. Denominations range from $5 to $1,000.
The key differentiator is that Home Depot gift cards can be purchased at more locations, including at Walmart stores and on Walmart.com. So if you strike out finding Lowe‘s gift cards at a retailer, you may have better luck with Home Depot.
Menards
This Midwestern chain sells its own gift cards online and in its retail locations. Menards gift cards come in amounts from $10 to $500.
Like Lowe‘s, Menards gift cards are sold at various grocery stores and drugstores in the regions where it has a presence. However, since Menards has a smaller national footprint than Lowe‘s, you may have a harder time finding them outside of the Midwest.
Ace Hardware
Ace Hardware, with over 5,000 locally owned stores nationwide, also offers gift cards for its brand. They are available online at AceHardware.com and in most Ace retail locations. Amounts range from $5 to $500.
However, unlike Lowe‘s and Home Depot, Ace Hardware gift cards are not widely sold at other national retailers. You may be able to find them at some supermarkets, but your options are more limited.
Tips for Maximizing Your Lowe‘s Gift Card Purchase
Now that you know where to buy Lowe‘s gift cards, here are some expert tips for getting the most bang for your buck:
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Look out for promotions: Especially around the holidays, many retailers offer bonus deals on third-party gift cards. For example, you might get an extra $10 gift card for every $50 you spend on Lowe‘s gift cards. Always check the weekly ads and promotional signage in stores.
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Buy discounted gift cards: As mentioned above, you can often find Lowe‘s gift cards for less than face value on reputable resale sites. While it may require a bit more legwork, the savings can really add up, especially on higher-value gift card purchases.
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Use a rewards credit card: If you‘re buying a Lowe‘s gift card from a grocery store, drugstore, or big box retailer, pay for it with a credit card that earns bonus points on that category of spending. For example, the Blue Cash Preferred from American Express offers 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases.
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Earn points through Lowe‘s MVPs program: If you‘re an avid Lowe‘s shopper, it pays to join their loyalty program, MVPs. Members earn points on every purchase that can be redeemed for rewards. You‘ll earn points when buying Lowe‘s gift cards from Lowe‘s directly, and the recipient will earn points when they use the gift card to make purchases.
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Take advantage of free shipping: If you‘re buying a physical gift card online, look for retailers that offer free shipping with no minimum purchase. For example, Lowe‘s ships plastic gift cards for free, as does Home Depot. This can save you a few bucks compared to a site with paid shipping.
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Re-gift unused cards: Have a Lowe‘s gift card languishing in your wallet? Consider re-gifting it to someone who could put it to better use. Just be sure to clearly label the value and include the original receipt if possible. You can also use unwanted Lowe‘s gift cards to purchase presents for others, such as tools or small appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What denominations do Lowe‘s gift cards come in?
A: Lowe‘s gift cards are available in any amount from $5 to $500, in increments of $1. However, the exact denominations stocked may vary by retailer.
Q: Do Lowe‘s gift cards expire?
A: No, Lowe‘s gift cards do not expire and do not charge any inactivity fees. The balance stays intact no matter how long you hold onto the card.
Q: Can I use a Lowe‘s gift card online?
A: Yes, you can redeem Lowe‘s gift cards both in stores and online at Lowes.com. This gives your recipient the flexibility to shop however they prefer.
Q: Can I check the balance of my Lowe‘s gift card online?
A: Yes, you can easily check your Lowe‘s gift card balance on Lowes.com. You can also check your balance by calling 1-800-560-7172 or by visiting any Lowe‘s store at the customer service desk or checkout register.
Q: Are Lowe‘s gift cards refundable?
A: If you bought a Lowe‘s gift card from a Lowe‘s store, you can return it within 90 days for a refund as long as it hasn‘t been used. Gift cards purchased from third-party retailers are subject to that store‘s specific return policy and may not be refundable.
Q: Can I sell my Lowe‘s gift card for cash?
A: While you can‘t exchange a Lowe‘s gift card for cash directly with Lowe‘s, you can sell unwanted cards on reputable gift card resale sites like Raise and CardCash. Most platforms take a commission of 10-15%, so you likely won‘t get the full face value of the card. But it‘s a good option if you don‘t plan to use the card yourself.
Q: Do Lowe‘s gift cards work at other stores?
A: Lowe‘s gift cards are only valid at Lowe‘s stores and Lowes.com. They cannot be used at any other retailers, including home improvement competitors like Home Depot, Menards, or Ace Hardware.
The Bottom Line
Whether you‘re shopping for a housewarming, birthday, holiday, or "just because" gift, a Lowe‘s gift card is sure to be a welcome present for any DIY enthusiast or homeowner on your list. With a wide range of denominations and the flexibility to be used online or in store, Lowe‘s gift cards offer something for everyone.
While you have plenty of options for where to purchase Lowe‘s gift cards, the best choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and priorities. If you value convenience above all, buying directly from Lowe‘s is a solid bet. If you‘re looking to save a bit of cash, it may be worth browsing gift card resale sites or watching for promotions at other retailers. And if supporting a locally owned business is important to you, independent hardware stores may be the way to go.
No matter where you decide to buy your Lowe‘s gift card, following the expert tips outlined in this guide will help you maximize your value and snag the best possible deal. Happy shopping and happy gifting!
