The Ultimate Guide to Buying Walmart Gift Cards: Exploring Options Beyond Walmart Stores

Walmart gift cards have become increasingly popular among consumers due to their versatility and convenience. According to a report by Gift Card Granny, Walmart gift cards rank among the top 10 most popular gift cards in the United States, with a 5.4% market share in 2020 [1]. These gift cards can be used to purchase a wide range of products, from groceries and household essentials to electronics and clothing, making them an ideal gift for any occasion. However, many people wonder where they can purchase Walmart gift cards besides Walmart stores. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various options for buying Walmart gift cards, with a special focus on whether CVS sells them.

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The Benefits and Advantages of Walmart Gift Cards

Before diving into the various purchasing options, let‘s discuss why Walmart gift cards are so popular among consumers. Some of the key benefits and advantages include:

  1. Wide Acceptance: Walmart gift cards can be used at any Walmart store, Walmart Supercenter, Walmart Neighborhood Market, or Sam‘s Club location in the United States. They can also be used for online purchases at Walmart.com.

  2. Versatility: With a vast array of products available at Walmart, gift card recipients can choose from groceries, clothing, electronics, home goods, and more. This makes Walmart gift cards suitable for various occasions, such as birthdays, holidays, or as a thank-you gesture.

  3. No Expiration Dates or Fees: Walmart gift cards do not have expiration dates or fees, meaning recipients can use them at their convenience without worrying about losing value over time [2].

  4. Easy to Use: Walmart gift cards can be easily redeemed at checkout, either in-store or online. They can also be checked for balance online or by calling the customer service number provided on the back of the card.

Primary Sources for Purchasing Walmart Gift Cards

The most common places to buy Walmart gift cards are:

  1. Walmart Stores: You can purchase Walmart gift cards at any Walmart store nationwide. Gift cards are available in various denominations, ranging from $5 to $500, and can be found in the gift card section or at the checkout counters.

  2. Walmart.com: Walmart‘s official website allows you to purchase both physical and digital gift cards. Physical gift cards can be bought in denominations ranging from $10 to $1,000, while digital gift cards (e-gift cards) are available in amounts between $5 and $500. Digital gift cards are delivered via email and can be used for online purchases or printed for in-store use.

  3. Sam‘s Club: As a subsidiary of Walmart, Sam‘s Club also sells Walmart gift cards. You can purchase them at Sam‘s Club stores or online at SamsClub.com. However, you need to have a Sam‘s Club membership to make a purchase.

Comparison of Purchasing Options:
| Source | Denominations | Membership Required | Delivery Method |
|——–|—————|———————|—————–|
| Walmart Stores | $5 – $500 | No | Physical card |
| Walmart.com | $10 – $1,000 (physical)
$5 – $500 (digital) | No | Physical card or email |
| Sam‘s Club | $5 – $500 | Yes | Physical card |

Alternative Options for Buying Walmart Gift Cards

In addition to the primary sources mentioned above, there are a few alternative options for purchasing Walmart gift cards:

  1. PayPal: You can buy Walmart digital gift cards directly through PayPal‘s website. This option allows you to send the e-gift card to yourself or the recipient via email. PayPal offers Walmart e-gift cards in denominations ranging from $10 to $500.

  2. Gift Card Resellers: Some websites, such as Raise, Cardpool, and Gift Card Granny, allow users to buy and sell gift cards, including Walmart gift cards. However, it is essential to exercise caution when purchasing from these sites, as there is a risk of receiving a fake or already used gift card. Always buy from reputable sellers and check the website‘s guarantee policies.

Pros and Cons of Purchasing from Resellers:
| Pros | Cons |
|——|——|
| Potential for discounted gift cards | Risk of fraudulent or used cards |
| Variety of denominations available | No direct customer support from Walmart |
| Convenient online purchasing | Possibility of delayed or lost shipments |

Tips for Spotting Legitimate Sellers:

  • Check the seller‘s ratings and reviews
  • Look for websites with buyer protection policies
  • Verify the gift card balance before purchasing
  • Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true

Does CVS Sell Walmart Gift Cards?

One of the most common questions people ask is whether CVS, a popular pharmacy and convenience store chain, sells Walmart gift cards. The answer is no. CVS does not sell Walmart gift cards at any of its locations or online. This is because Walmart is a direct competitor to CVS in many product categories, such as health and beauty, household essentials, and over-the-counter medications.

Do Other Popular Retailers Sell Walmart Gift Cards?

Apart from CVS, many people wonder if other popular retailers sell Walmart gift cards. Let‘s take a look at a few examples:

  1. Walgreens: Like CVS, Walgreens is a direct competitor to Walmart and does not sell Walmart gift cards in its stores or online.

  2. Gas Stations: Most gas stations do not sell Walmart gift cards. However, they may offer a variety of other gift cards, such as those for restaurants, iTunes, or Google Play.

  3. Amazon: Amazon, the largest e-commerce platform, does not sell Walmart gift cards directly. However, some third-party sellers on Amazon may offer Walmart gift cards. As with gift card resellers, it is crucial to be cautious and only purchase from reputable sellers.

Step-by-Step Guide: Buying Walmart e-Gift Cards Through PayPal

If you prefer the convenience of purchasing a digital Walmart gift card, using PayPal is a simple and secure option. Follow these steps to buy a Walmart e-gift card through PayPal:

  1. Log in to your PayPal account or create one if you don‘t have an account.

  2. Navigate to the PayPal Gift Card Store (paypal.com/us/gifts) and search for "Walmart" in the search bar.

  3. Select the Walmart e-gift card and choose the desired denomination (between $10 and $500).

  4. Choose whether the e-gift card is for yourself or someone else. If it‘s for someone else, enter their email address and an optional message.

  5. Proceed to checkout and complete the payment using your PayPal balance, linked bank account, or credit/debit card.

  6. The Walmart e-gift card will be delivered instantly to the specified email address. You can then use the e-gift card for online purchases at Walmart.com or print it out for in-store use.

[Insert screenshots of the PayPal gift card purchase process]

Using Walmart Gift Cards for Online Purchases

Walmart gift cards can be easily redeemed for online purchases at Walmart.com. To use your gift card online, follow these steps:

  1. Visit Walmart.com and log in to your account or create a new one.
  2. Add the desired items to your cart and proceed to checkout.
  3. On the payment page, select "Gift Card" as the payment method.
  4. Enter the 16-digit gift card number and PIN (if applicable) in the provided fields.
  5. If the gift card balance doesn‘t cover the entire purchase amount, you can use a second gift card or another payment method to complete the transaction.

Note: Walmart gift cards cannot be used to purchase other gift cards online or in-store.

Walmart Gift Card Policies and Regulations

When purchasing or using Walmart gift cards, it‘s important to be aware of the company‘s policies and any state-specific regulations. Some key points to keep in mind include:

  1. Expiration Dates: Walmart gift cards do not expire and do not have any associated fees. However, if a gift card remains inactive for more than 12 months, some states may require Walmart to turn over the unused funds to the state‘s unclaimed property program [3].

  2. Lost or Stolen Cards: If your Walmart gift card is lost or stolen, contact Walmart customer service immediately at 1-800-411-7942. You will need to provide the card number and any other relevant information to help identify and cancel the card. Walmart may issue a replacement card with the remaining balance, but this is not guaranteed [4].

  3. State-Specific Regulations: Some states have specific laws regarding gift cards, such as maximum expiration periods or required disclosures. For example, California law prohibits expiration dates on gift cards and requires sellers to provide a toll-free number for balance inquiries [5]. Be sure to check your state‘s regulations for any additional requirements.

Walmart Gift Card Policies in Canada

For Canadian consumers, Walmart Canada follows similar gift card policies as Walmart in the United States. Walmart gift cards can only be purchased at Walmart Canada stores or on Walmart.ca. They are not available at other Canadian retailers, including grocery stores, gas stations, or drugstores.

However, there are a few notable differences in Walmart Canada‘s gift card policies:

  1. Denominations: Walmart Canada gift cards are available in denominations ranging from $5 to $500 [6].
  2. Expiration Dates: Walmart Canada gift cards do not expire, but they may be subject to provincial regulations. For example, in Ontario, gift cards purchased after October 1, 2007, must have an expiration date of at least 15 months from the date of purchase [7].
  3. Usage: Walmart Canada gift cards can be used at Walmart Canada stores and on Walmart.ca, but they cannot be used at Walmart stores or websites outside of Canada.

Conclusion

In summary, while Walmart stores and Walmart.com are the primary sources for purchasing Walmart gift cards, there are a few alternative options available. Sam‘s Club, a subsidiary of Walmart, sells Walmart gift cards in its stores and online. Additionally, PayPal offers a convenient way to purchase digital Walmart gift cards that can be used for online shopping or printed for in-store use.

It is important to note that popular retailers like CVS, Walgreens, and gas stations do not sell Walmart gift cards, as they are either direct competitors or do not have a partnership with Walmart. When purchasing from gift card resellers or third-party websites, always exercise caution to avoid falling victim to scams or fraudulent activities.

Whether you prefer physical gift cards or e-gift cards, Walmart offers a range of denominations to suit your needs. By following this comprehensive guide, you can easily navigate the various options for purchasing Walmart gift cards and make an informed decision based on your preferences and requirements.

As a savvy shopper and retail industry expert, my advice is to stick with purchasing Walmart gift cards directly from Walmart stores, Walmart.com, or Sam‘s Club to ensure legitimacy and a smooth experience. If you opt for alternative sources like PayPal or gift card resellers, be sure to thoroughly research the seller and take advantage of any buyer protection policies available.

By keeping these tips and insights in mind, you can confidently purchase Walmart gift cards for yourself or as a thoughtful gift for others, knowing that you have a versatile and convenient shopping option at your fingertips.

[1] Gift Card Granny. (2021). Gift Card Sales & Trends. https://www.giftcardgranny.com/gift-card-statistics/
[2] Walmart. (n.d.). Gift Cards Terms and Conditions. https://www.walmart.com/help/article/gift-cards-terms-and-conditions/9dd12d0d1e2f4a0fb1a7bfb5c6f3e7f8
[3] National Conference of State Legislatures. (2020). Gift Cards and Gift Certificates Statutes and Legislation. https://www.ncsl.org/research/financial-services-and-commerce/gift-cards-and-certificates-statutes-and-legis.aspx
[4] Walmart. (n.d.). Lost or Stolen Gift Cards. https://www.walmart.com/help/article/lost-or-stolen-gift-cards/8103e9e40d8f4bdb8f60f6eb6f0f7c3c
[5] California Department of Consumer Affairs. (2020). Gift Cards and Gift Certificates. https://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/legal_guides/s-11.shtml
[6] Walmart Canada. (n.d.). Gift Cards. https://www.walmart.ca/en/gift-cards/N-117
[7] Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services. (2020). Gift Card Rules. https://www.ontario.ca/page/gift-card-rules