How To Activate Walmart Gift Card: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve just received a Walmart gift card and aren’t sure whether it needs to be activated, you’re in the right place. This guide will show you how to check and activate your card.

Walmart gift cards are a convenient way to shop, whether picking up groceries, home essentials, or sending someone a thoughtful gift.

Walmart introduced gift cards to enhance shopping convenience for millions of customers. These allow you to make purchases using your Walmart gift card instead of cash or credit/debit cards. 

These types of gift cards are available in various denominations and do not always need activation before use, but Walmart has a different policy.

Walmart has both physical gift cards and eGift cards. Some physical gift cards are automatically activated, while others need activation before use. 

In this article, you will learn how to activate a Walmart gift card in detail. I’ll also explain which Walmart gift cards need activation and answer those commonly asked questions. Let’s get started.

Do Walmart Gift Cards Need Activation?

Some Walmart gift cards need to be activated before use, while others don’t—it depends on the card type and how it was purchased.

• eGift cards: Retailers deliver eGift cards via email, and they typically activate them automatically so they’re ready to use as soon as you receive them.
• Physical gift cards: Physical gift cards may or may not need activation—it often depends on the card’s value or whether it was part of a bulk or corporate purchase.

If your gift card came with activation instructions or a confirmation email, do NOT skip it. Your card might not work until it’s activated.

3 Ways To Activate Walmart Gift Card

Once you purchase or receive a Walmart gift card, you’ll usually get an activation email from the store within 48 hours. This message will contain a unique activation link, card details, a code, and instructions for activating the gift card. You can only use the gift card after you complete this step.

Didn’t get the activation email?

Check your spam or promotions folder. If it’s not there, confirm that the email address on your Walmart account is correct, and try resending the activation from your Walmart order page. 

Once you’ve gotten the details you need, you can activate your Walmart gift card through any of these three ways:

1. Online Activation
2. Phone Activation 
3. In-store Activation

1. Online Activation

The easiest way to activate a Walmart gift card is online. Here’s how:

• Open the confirmation email from Walmart that has your gift card details.
• Click on the link in the email. The URL is located on the gift card for physical gift card holders.
• Enter the card’s ID number and activation code in the provided fields.
• Once you submit the code, your Walmart gift card will activate automatically.

Now, you can redeem your Walmart gift card for online and in-store purchases at Walmart.

2. Phone Activation

Do you prefer to speak with someone over the phone? You can activate your card by calling Walmart customer service.

• Call 1-800-411-7942 (Walmart Customer Support).
• Customer service is available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Central Time).
• You’ll need your card ID number and activation code. You will receive a confirmation email including these details and the customer service contact number.

You can speak to a representative or follow the automated prompts—whichever you find most convenient.

3. In-Store Activation

If you prefer handling things in person, take your card to the nearest Walmart store. Here’s what to do:

• Visit the customer service desk and let the associate know you want to activate a gift card.
• Provide the card and, if available, your confirmation details.
• Once verified, the associate will activate the card, and you can request a printed receipt as proof.

In-store staff can also help check the balance on your Walmart gift card and confirm if it’s active.

Frequently Asked Questions About Activating Walmart Gift Cards

1. Where else can I buy a Walmart gift card besides Walmart?

In addition to Walmart’s official website and physical stores, you can purchase a Walmart gift card at Sam’s Club (a Walmart-owned retailer), via PayPal, or through other authorized sellers.

2. What information do I need to activate my card?

You’ll need the 16-digit card number and the activation code. Both are included in the email or on the physical card. The PIN is under a scratch-off section.

3. How can I check my Walmart gift card balance?

Once activated, you can check the balance using the four-digit PIN code.

• Online via Walmart’s website
• By calling customer service
• In-store at any Walmart or Sam’s Club

Don’t see a PIN? Visit a store to request a replacement card with a PIN.

4. Why do I need to activate my Walmart gift card?

To help protect your funds from fraud and unauthorized use, you need to activate your gift card if it is valued at over $250 or part of a bulk order (25+ cards). 

Conclusion

Activating your Walmart gift card is quick and straightforward, as long as you know where to look and what to expect. Whether you’re redeeming it for groceries, electronics, or even fuel, an active card makes all the difference.

But what if you have a Walmart gift card you don’t plan to use? You can sell it for cash on Nosh. Nosh is a trusted platform for fast and secure gift card trading, where you can instantly turn that unused card into money you can use instantly.

Visit Nosh today and get the value you deserve.