Looking for the perfect gift card to give someone special? With over 130 options to choose from, Walmart has you covered. In this detailed guide, you‘ll discover the huge selection of gift card brands carried at Walmart stores and online. Get the inside scoop on purchasing gift cards in-store versus online, find tips to pick the ideal card, and learn the answers to frequently asked Walmart gift card questions. Time to find the perfect gift card for everyone on your list!
A Look At Walmart‘s Massive Gift Card Selection
Walmart offers an unrivaled assortment of both Walmart-branded and third-party gift cards. According to the retailer‘s website, there are over 137 gift card brands available as of November 2022. Cards range in value from $5 all the way up to $1,000. They cover every gifting occasion you can think of.
As a former Walmart associate turned consumer savings expert, I‘ve spent countless hours digging through the gift card selections at my local stores. In my experience, Walmart‘s selection includes cards in categories like:
- Retail: Major chains like Nike, Sephora, Lowe‘s, and everything in between.
- Restaurants: National and regional restaurant brands from fast food to fine dining.
- Entertainment: Gaming networks, streaming services, movie theaters, and more.
- Travel: Major hotels, airlines, rental car companies, and travel sites.
- Prepaid Cell Phone: Top wireless carriers and discount mobile brands.
- Grocery: Major supermarket chains minus direct Walmart competitors.
You‘ll also find cards for popular services like Uber, Starbucks, iTunes, and Google Play. Prepaid Visa, Mastercard, and American Express cards allow the recipient to shop anywhere.
Let‘s take a closer look at some of the most common gift card brands available:
Top Retail Gift Cards at Walmart
- Clothing: Nike, Adidas, Abercrombie, American Eagle
- Beauty: Sephora, Ulta Beauty, Bath & Body Works
- Home Improvement: Home Depot, Lowe‘s
- Outdoors: Cabela‘s, Bass Pro Shops
- Electronics: Best Buy, GameStop, Apple
- Department Stores: Macy‘s, Nordstrom, Kohl‘s
Top Restaurant Gift Cards at Walmart
- Fast Food: McDonald‘s, Subway, Taco Bell, Wendy‘s
- Casual Dining: Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, Applebee‘s
- Coffee: Starbucks, Dunkin, Panera, Caribou Coffee
Other Popular Gift Card Brands
- Entertainment: Playstation, Xbox, Fandango, AMC Theaters
- Travel: Southwest Airlines, Airbnb, Avis, Hilton
- Prepaid Wireless: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile
- Streaming: Netflix, Hulu, Sling TV
While individual store selection varies based on location and demand, most Walmarts carry 100+ gift card options covering every major retail and restaurant brand. You can check inventory online for your local store before even heading to the gift card rack.
According to Walmart‘s 2021 annual report, the retailer increased its eCommerce assortment to over 100 million items, including gift cards. This means even more digital gift card options beyond what your neighborhood store stocks.
Buying Gift Cards In-Store – What To Expect
All Walmart stores have a dedicated gift card rack or kiosk located near the front of the store. You‘ll typically find it between the checkout lanes and customer service desk.
Gift cards are also displayed within relevant in-store departments. For example, you can grab restaurant gift cards in electronics, game shop gift cards in the game and toy section, and so forth.
Since I‘ve shopped for gift cards at dozens of Walmarts across multiple states, here are some tips I‘ve learned:
Selection varies greatly by location based on local demand in that area. Seasonal variety comes into play as well.
The most in-demand brands tend to be major retailers, restaurants, gaming shops, and entertainment. Gift cards for niche retailers or lesser-known restaurants are less common.
Denominations range from $10 to $500 at most stores. Walmart-brand gift cards go up to $1,000.
Some brands like Southwest Airlines only offer set amounts like $50 or $100. Pay close attention so you get the right value.
Check gift card expiration dates if purchasing well in advance. Most are valid for at least a year.
Keep the gift card receipt! You‘ll need it if the card is lost or stolen to recover the balance.
Ask customer service to order a specific brand if you don‘t see it. Walmart can request new gift card inventory.
As a devoted bargain shopper, I love picking out gift cards in-store because I can take my time reviewing the options and prices. The ability to mix and match amounts is a major plus over buying set-value online cards. If your recipient is picky, the flexibility of Walmart‘s in-store selection can‘t be beat.
Buying Walmart E-Gift Cards Online
In addition to physical gift cards, Walmart also offers a massive selection of e-gift cards online. These digital gift cards get delivered to the recipient‘s email so you can send gifts remotely right from your phone or laptop.
Walmart currently offers well over 100 e-gift card brands based on the website‘s search results. You can find online cards for all the same major retailers, restaurants, gaming shops, streaming services, and more.
Here are some of the key benefits of choosing e-gift cards instead of physical ones:
Convenience: Buy and send a gift card instantly without leaving your home. No more frantic runs to the store at the last minute!
Customization: Walmart‘s e-gift cards allow you to create customized designs and messages. Make your gift extra special.
Schedule Ahead: Buy now and schedule the e-gift card delivery up to a year in advance. Never forget a birthday or anniversary again!
Expanded Selection: Access digital cards that might not be available at your neighborhood Walmart store.
Easy Returns: If you change your mind, e-gift cards are easier to return and refund compared to physical store purchases.
The e-gift card process is simple – browse brands in Walmart‘s gift card portal, customize your message and card design, enter the recipient‘s email address, and checkout. E-gift cards take 1-2 days to process before they are delivered via email.
One tip from my experience – make sure to order e-gift cards at least 2-3 days before the occasion, especially for last-minute gifters like myself. This ensures the card arrives on time.
Expert Tips For Picking The Perfect Gift Card
Even with hundreds of gift card options, settling on the right brand and amount can be tricky. Here are my top insider tips for picking gift cards like a pro:
Consider The Recipient‘s Interests
If your recipient is a frequent Starbucks customer, go with a Starbucks card. For a gamer, choose Playstation or Xbox. Tailor it to their favorite retailer or restaurant. A Visa or Mastercard allows them to shop anywhere.
Check Brand Availability
Make sure the desired brand is available at your local Walmart or online as an e-gift card. Checking Walmart.com makes this easy.
Mind The Expiration Dates
Restaurant or retail gift cards often expire within 9-24 months. Gift cards from Visa, Mastercard, or American Express have longer validity. Check terms.
Know The Card Limits
Most physical gift cards top out at $500, with some exceptions like $1,000 for Walmart-branded cards. Many e-gift cards go higher.
Add Gift Receipts
Always request a gift receipt from Walmart and include it with the gift card. This protects the balance if the card is ever lost.
Research Returns Just In Case
Know that Walmart does not allow gift card returns or refunds. Make sure your choice is right just in case.
Let Them Combine Cards
You can buy multiple lower denomination cards of the same brand to hit a higher total value. The recipient can combine the amounts.
Schedule E-Gift Cards In Advance
For important dates, schedule e-gift card delivery at least 2 days prior. You‘ll never miss a special moment again.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can pick the card your recipient will appreciate most. It takes gift cards from a generic gift to a thoughtful, personalized one.
Comparing Buying Gift Cards Online vs. In-Store
Should you buy gift cards at Walmart.com or head to your local store? Here‘s a quick comparison of the major pros and cons of online versus in-store gift card shopping:
| Online E-Gift Cards | In-Store Physical Gift Cards | |
|---|---|---|
| Selection | Broader selection of brands | Varies by location, seasonal |
| Customization | Add personalized message, design card | Basic options like gift receipts |
| Convenience | Buy from anywhere, 24/7 | Make a trip to the store |
| Amount Flexibility | Often fixed amounts | Mix and match amounts |
| When to Buy | Anytime, schedule in advance | During store hours |
| Returns | Easy online returns | Cannot be returned |
Generally, e-gift cards are better for convenience, customization, and buying in advance. But in-store allows you to hand pick brands based on location stock and mix and match amounts. There are great benefits to both!
For last-minute shoppers like myself, e-gift cards are clutch. I can buy on my phone and schedule delivery the night before a birthday or event. The customization also adds a special touch.
But for larger gifts, I still like going in-store. Being able to choose my own denomination, check expiration dates, and get a gift receipt gives me more confidence in my purchase. For big occasions, an in-store trip provides peace of mind.
Ultimately, choosing online versus in-store comes down to your timeline, customization needs, brand availability, and preference for seeing a physical gift card. Both options have their perks!
Answers To The Top 10 Walmart Gift Card Questions
Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about buying, using, and managing Walmart gift cards:
1. What brands are not available?
You generally won‘t find cards for direct Walmart competitors like Amazon and Target or smaller local businesses. Grocery stores like Kroger also aren‘t available.
2. Can I return or exchange a gift card?
Walmart does not allow any returns or exchanges on gift cards, either purchased in-store or online. Make sure your selection is right the first time!
3. Can I redeem a gift card for cash?
In most states, you cannot exchange gift cards for cash. Only [10 states] allow cash redemption by law. The card must also fall below a low balance threshold, usually $10 or less.
4. Can I move the funds to my bank account?
No, you cannot transfer or cash out the card value. The funds must be redeemed at the issuing retailer.
5. Do the cards expire?
Walmart gift cards do not expire. However, some restaurant/retail gift cards expire within 9-24 months. Check each card‘s terms. Prepaid Visa/Mastercards typically expire after several years.
6. Where can I check the balance?
Check Walmart gift card balances at any register or online. For other brands, call or visit the merchant‘s website.
7. What if my gift card is lost or stolen?
Immediately call the number on the back of the card to report it. Having the gift receipt with the card number is vital to recovering your balance.
8. How can I track purchases?
Register your card number online and you can see detailed transaction history and current balance.
9. Do Walmart gift cards ever go on sale?
Occasionally Walmart offers promotions like $5 off $50 cards around the holidays. It‘s rare but worth watching for.
10. How do I send an e-gift card?
Buy an e-gift card at Walmart.com, customize the message/design, input the recipient‘s email, and choose instant or scheduled delivery.
Knowing key details like fees, policies, and how to access balances prevents any unpleasant surprises. Now you have all the top gift card need-to-knows in one place!
Give The Gift Of Choice With Walmart Gift Cards
Gift cards from Walmart give your loved ones the freedom to pick their own perfect present. With 137+ brands covering every category imaginable, you‘re sure to find options to thrill anyone on your gift list this year.
Stop stressing about finding "the right gift"- let them choose instead! Gift cards from Walmart fit every interest, every personality, and every budget.
Head to your local Walmart or visit Walmart.com to start browsing the incredible gift card selection. Happy gifting!
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