Your Walmart Gift Card Questions Answered
You just got a Walmart gift card and your mind is racing with possibilities. A new air fryer, a fresh set of tires, or maybe just a well-stocked grocery haul. But first, you need to know exactly how to use it.
Whether it’s a physical card you’re holding or an email with a digital code, the process is straightforward once you know the steps. This guide covers everything from checking your balance to splitting payments, ensuring you can use your Walmart gift card with confidence, both online and in every Walmart store.
How to Check Your Walmart Gift Card Balance
Before you start shopping, it’s smart to know exactly how much you have to spend. You don’t want to be surprised at the checkout. Luckily, checking your balance is quick and easy through a few different methods.
Check Your Balance Online
The fastest way is through the Walmart website. Go to the Walmart Gift Card balance page. You’ll need the 16-digit card number and the 4-digit PIN. For a physical card, the PIN is usually hidden under a scratch-off strip on the back. For an eGift card, this information will be in your email. Enter the details, and your current balance will display instantly.
Check Your Balance by Phone
If you prefer not to go online, you can call the automated gift card service line. Have your card and PIN ready. The system will guide you through entering the numbers using your keypad and will then tell you your remaining balance.
Check Your Balance In-Store
You can also check at any Walmart register. Simply ask a cashier to check the balance for you. They will swipe or scan the card, and the point-of-sale system will show the current amount. This is a great option if you’re already at the store and planning your purchase.
How to Use a Walmart Gift Card In-Store
Using your gift card at a physical Walmart store is as simple as using a debit card. The process is nearly identical whether you’re at a regular checkout lane, the self-checkout, or at a Walmart Neighborhood Market.
At a Staffed Checkout Register
When you’re ready to pay, hand your physical gift card to the cashier. They will swipe it through the card reader. If your purchase total is less than or equal to your gift card balance, the transaction is complete. If your purchase exceeds the gift card amount, you will need to pay the remaining balance with another form of payment, like cash, credit, or debit.
The cashier will handle applying the gift card first. You can then pay the difference. Always remember to keep your receipt, as it will show the remaining balance on the card after your purchase.
At Self-Checkout Kiosks
Using a gift card at self-checkout is also easy. After scanning all your items, select “Gift Card” as your payment method on the screen. You will be prompted to swipe the magnetic strip on the card or, on newer machines, to hold the card’s barcode under the scanner. The system will apply the funds. If there’s a remaining balance, the screen will prompt you to choose a second payment method for the difference.
How to Use a Walmart Gift Card Online at Walmart.com
Shopping online gives you access to Walmart’s full inventory. Using a gift card on the website or in the Walmart app adds a layer of security and convenience.
Adding a Gift Card to Your Walmart Account
While you can use a gift card during checkout without saving it, adding it to your Walmart account makes future purchases faster. Log into your account on Walmart.com or the app. Go to your account menu, find “Payment methods,” and select “Add a gift card.” Enter the card number and PIN. The card will now be stored in your wallet for easy selection.
Using a Gift Card During Checkout
Add items to your cart and proceed to checkout. When you reach the payment section, you will see your saved payment methods. Select your Walmart gift card from the list. If you haven’t saved it, choose “Add a gift card” and enter the details manually.
Enter the exact amount you want to apply from the card, or select “Use full balance.” If your gift card doesn’t cover the entire order total, you’ll be prompted to add a second payment method for the remainder. Complete the checkout process as usual.
Using an eGift Card Code
If you received a digital Walmart gift card via email, the process is the same. The email will contain the unique 16-digit card number and a 4-digit PIN. During online checkout, enter these codes in the gift card field. You can also add this code to your Walmart account wallet for later use, just like a physical card.
Using Walmart Gift Cards for Grocery Pickup and Delivery
Walmart’s popular grocery services fully accept gift cards. The process integrates seamlessly with your online account.
When you place an order for Pickup or Delivery through the Walmart app or website, you’ll choose your payment method at checkout. Select your saved Walmart gift card, or enter a new one. The funds will be reserved when you place the order. If you need to pay a remaining balance with another card, you can do so. Your gift card will be charged once your order is finalized.
Combining Multiple Gift Cards and Splitting Payments
Have several cards with small balances? You can absolutely use them together on a single purchase, both online and in-store.
Using Multiple Cards Online
During the online checkout process, after applying your first gift card, you’ll see an option to “Add another gift card.” You can repeat this process to apply as many cards as needed until the order total is covered. The system will apply them in the order you enter them.
Using Multiple Cards In-Store
At a register, simply tell the cashier you’d like to use more than one gift card. They will swipe each card one after another. The POS system will deduct the amount from the first card, then move to the next, and so on. You can use as many as needed. If there’s still a balance after all cards are applied, pay the difference with another method.
Important Rules and Limitations to Know
Understanding a few key policies will help you avoid any frustration.
- Walmart gift cards cannot be reloaded. Once the balance is used, the card is empty.
- They cannot be redeemed for cash, except where required by state law, and even then, only if the remaining balance is very small (usually under a certain amount, like $10).
- Gift cards do not expire, and there are no monthly service fees.
- You cannot use a Walmart gift card to purchase another Walmart gift card.
- Gift cards are valid at all Walmart stores in the United States, including Walmart Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and on Walmart.com.
Troubleshooting Common Gift Card Issues
Sometimes things don’t go perfectly. Here’s how to handle common problems.
Card Declined at Checkout
If your gift card is declined, first double-check the balance to ensure you have sufficient funds. If the balance is enough, the issue might be a system glitch. Try the transaction again. If it continues to fail, customer service can help. For online purchases, ensure you are entering the card number and PIN correctly, with no spaces or dashes.
Lost or Stolen Gift Card
Treat a Walmart gift card like cash. If it’s lost or stolen, anyone who finds it can use the remaining balance. Walmart generally cannot replace lost or stolen cards because they are not registered to an individual at purchase. Always keep your receipt, as it has the card number, which is required for any potential inquiry.
If you have the card number and PIN from your receipt, you may be able to check the balance to see if it has been used. If it was an eGift card sent to your email, only you have the code, so it’s more secure.
Damaged or Unreadable Card
If the magnetic strip is worn or the barcode is damaged, a store cashier might not be able to swipe it. However, if you have the card number and PIN (often on your original receipt or purchase confirmation), a customer service manager can often manually enter the numbers to complete your transaction. It’s always a good practice to take a picture of the back of a new gift card as a backup.
Maximizing the Value of Your Walmart Gift Card
A Walmart gift card is a key to a huge universe of products. Think beyond just groceries.
- Use it for major appliances during holiday sales.
- Apply it toward new electronics like tablets or TVs.
- Pay for a portion of automotive services like oil changes or new tires.
- Use it for Walmart’s online marketplace items shipped by Walmart.
- Combine it with Walmart’s cash-back credit card for additional savings.
Your gift card gives you flexibility. You’re not limited to one category, so consider using it for something you need but might not normally buy for yourself.
Your Next Steps with Your Walmart Gift Card
Now that you know the ins and outs, your path is clear. Start by checking your balance using the method most convenient for you. Decide whether you’re shopping online for a wider selection or heading to the store for immediate needs. Remember you can combine cards and split payments if necessary.
Keep your card and receipt in a safe place until the balance is zero. With this knowledge, you can turn that piece of plastic or digital code into exactly what you want, turning a simple gift into a practical solution.
