Walmart is a retail giant that has become synonymous with affordability, convenience, and variety. With over 4,700 stores across the United States and a robust e-commerce presence, it‘s no surprise that Walmart gift cards are a popular choice for birthdays, holidays, and other gift-giving occasions. In fact, according to a survey by the National Retail Federation, gift cards have been the most requested holiday gift item for 13 years in a row, with 59% of consumers saying they would like to receive one.
But if you‘ve found yourself with a Walmart gift card in hand, you might be wondering about the best ways to use it. Can it be applied toward groceries, clothing, electronics, or gas? Are there any restrictions or limitations to be aware of? And what should you do if you have a gift card balance you can‘t seem to spend? Don‘t worry – as a seasoned retail expert and consumer advocate, I‘m here to provide you with the ultimate guide to getting the most out of your Walmart gift card. Let‘s dive in!
A Brief History of Walmart Gift Cards
Walmart first introduced its gift card program in 2004, starting with physical cards sold in stores. Over the years, the company has expanded its offerings to include digital gift cards delivered via email, as well as reloadable cards that can be topped up with additional funds. In 2021, Walmart sold over $2 billion worth of gift cards, representing a significant portion of the $160 billion U.S. gift card market.
One notable milestone in Walmart‘s gift card journey came in 2018, when the retailer partnered with Green Dot to launch the Walmart MoneyCard. This reloadable prepaid debit card functions similarly to a gift card, but can also be used to receive direct deposits, withdraw cash at ATMs, and send money to other users. It‘s an innovative example of how Walmart is continuously evolving its financial services to meet the needs of its customers.
Where to Purchase Walmart Gift Cards
If you‘re interested in buying a Walmart gift card for yourself or someone else, you have a few options. The most obvious is to visit your local Walmart store, where you‘ll typically find a display of gift cards near the checkout lanes or customer service desk. Walmart sells its own branded gift cards in denominations ranging from $5 to $500, as well as cards for a variety of other retailers and restaurants.
You can also purchase Walmart gift cards online at Walmart.com. Digital gift cards are available in amounts from $5 to $200 and can be delivered immediately via email or scheduled for a future date. Physical cards bought online will be shipped to you free of charge, usually within 3-5 business days.
Interestingly, Walmart has partnerships with several other retailers that allow their gift cards to be purchased using Walmart gift cards. These include Sam‘s Club, Vudu, and even some international Walmart brands like ASDA in the UK. So if you have a Walmart gift card but would prefer to shop elsewhere, you may still have some options.
Using Your Walmart Gift Card In-Store
Once you have a Walmart gift card in hand, the most straightforward way to use it is by shopping at a brick-and-mortar Walmart store. You can apply your gift card balance toward any merchandise sold at Walmart, including groceries, household essentials, apparel, electronics, toys, and more. Simply present your gift card at checkout and the cashier will scan it to deduct the purchase amount from your balance.
One common question shoppers have is whether Walmart gift cards can be used to buy other gift cards. The answer is no – Walmart‘s policy prohibits the purchase of any gift cards (including Visa, Mastercard, or American Express prepaid cards) with a Walmart gift card. This rule is designed to prevent fraud and money laundering.
It‘s also worth noting that while Walmart gift cards never expire and don‘t charge any fees, they cannot be redeemed for cash. So if you‘re left with a small balance on your card after making a purchase, you‘ll need to keep the card and use it toward a future purchase. Walmart does offer the option to consolidate multiple gift cards into a single card, which can be helpful for managing those leftover balances.
Pumping Gas with Your Walmart Gift Card
One lesser-known fact about Walmart gift cards is that they can be used to purchase fuel at select gas stations. As I covered in a previous article, Walmart has partnerships with Murphy USA, Murphy Express, and Sam‘s Club fuel stations that allow customers to pay at the pump using a Walmart gift card.
However, there are a few caveats to keep in mind. Not all Murphy locations have the technology in place to accept gift cards, so it‘s best to check with the station beforehand. Additionally, if you‘re paying with a Walmart gift card inside a Murphy store rather than at the pump, you may be limited to using it for fuel only – not other convenience store merchandise.
At Sam‘s Club fuel stations, you can use your Walmart gift card at the pump just like you would a credit or debit card. No Sam‘s Club membership is required. This can be a great option for saving money on gas, as Sam‘s Club often offers some of the lowest fuel prices in town.
Shopping Walmart.com with a Gift Card
If you prefer the convenience of online shopping, you‘ll be pleased to know that Walmart gift cards can be used to make purchases at Walmart.com. The process is simple – just enter your gift card number and PIN during checkout, and the balance will be applied to your total. You can use multiple gift cards per transaction, and if you don‘t have enough gift card funds to cover the full amount, you can pay the remaining balance with a credit or debit card.
One advantage of using a Walmart gift card online is that you‘ll have access to an even wider selection of products than what‘s available in stores. Walmart.com sells millions of items across categories like home, fashion, beauty, sports, and more, including many from third-party Marketplace sellers. You can use your gift card on any of these items, with the exception of certain restricted products like alcohol and firearms.
Another benefit of shopping online with a Walmart gift card is the ability to take advantage of special promotions and discounts. Walmart frequently offers free shipping, percentage-off deals, and other incentives to its online shoppers. By using a gift card, you can stretch those dollars even further and potentially score some amazing bargains.
Creative Ways to Use a Walmart Gift Card
While most people use their Walmart gift cards for everyday purchases like groceries or household items, there are plenty of more creative ways to put that balance to work. Here are a few ideas:
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Donate to a charitable cause. Walmart supports a variety of charitable organizations through its "Spark Good" program, which allows customers to donate their gift card balances to non-profits like the American Red Cross, Feeding America, and St. Jude Children‘s Research Hospital. If you have a gift card you don‘t plan on using, consider putting it toward a good cause.
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Buy supplies for a DIY project. Walmart carries a wide selection of arts and crafts supplies, home improvement tools, and other materials for do-it-yourself projects. Use your gift card to stock up on everything you need to tackle that Pinterest-inspired renovation or creative endeavor.
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Treat yourself to a new hobby. Have you been wanting to try your hand at gardening, photography, or cooking? Walmart sells starter kits and equipment for a variety of hobbies at affordable prices. Use your gift card to invest in a new pastime without breaking the bank.
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Create a themed gift basket. If you have a friend or family member with a birthday or special occasion coming up, consider using your Walmart gift card to put together a personalized gift basket. You could fill it with their favorite snacks, self-care items, or hobby-related gear – the possibilities are endless!
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Support a local school or classroom. Many teachers spend their own money on classroom supplies each year. If you have a Walmart gift card to spare, consider donating it to a local school or teacher to help offset those costs. You could also use the gift card to purchase items like backpacks, notebooks, or art materials to donate directly.
Walmart Gift Card Hacks and Tips
To wrap up this ultimate guide, I wanted to share a few expert tips for getting the most value and convenience out of your Walmart gift card:
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Check your balance regularly. Before you start shopping, it‘s a good idea to check your gift card balance online or in-store. This will help you avoid surprises at the checkout lane and ensure you have enough funds to cover your purchase.
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Opt for email delivery. If you‘re purchasing a Walmart gift card as a present, consider choosing email delivery instead of a physical card. Not only is this a more environmentally-friendly option, but it also ensures the recipient will receive their gift on time and can easily keep track of the card number and PIN. Just be sure to double-check the email address before sending!
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Take advantage of Walmart‘s price matching policy. Did you know Walmart will match the price of an identical item found on a competitor‘s website? If you find a better deal elsewhere, you can use your Walmart gift card to purchase the item at the lower price. Just be sure to review the full terms and conditions of the policy before requesting a price match.
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Split payment methods. If you don‘t have enough gift card balance to cover the full cost of your purchase, don‘t worry – Walmart allows you to split the payment across multiple methods. You can use your gift card for part of the total and then pay the remaining amount with cash, credit, or debit.
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Keep your gift card secure. While Walmart gift cards don‘t expire, it‘s still important to keep them in a safe place to avoid loss or theft. Consider storing the card number and PIN in a secure digital wallet or password manager for easy access. And if you do lose a gift card, contact Walmart customer service right away to see if they can offer any assistance.
The Bottom Line
Walmart gift cards are a versatile and convenient way to shop for everything from everyday essentials to special occasion gifts. By understanding the ins and outs of where and how to use them, you can maximize the value of your gift card and discover creative ways to put it to work. Whether you‘re stocking up on groceries, filling up your gas tank, or treating yourself to a new hobby, a Walmart gift card can help you save money and simplify your shopping experience.
I hope this ultimate guide has provided you with plenty of helpful tips and inspiration for getting the most out of your Walmart gift card. And if you have any other clever ideas for using or stretching those gift card dollars, I‘d love to hear about them! Feel free to share your own experiences or advice in the comments below.
