How To Shop and Save Money With Walmart Gift Card

Let’s face it -saving money while shopping is something we all strive for. Whether it’s buying household essentials or snagging the latest tech gadgets, we want to make sure we’re getting the most for our money. And that’s where Walmart gift cards come in. 

If you’re like me, you probably already have a gift card or two tucked away, but did you know you could be using them to stretch your budget even further? In this article, I’ll walk you through how to shop smarter and save more by using Walmart gift cards, and I’ll share some personal tips I’ve picked up along the way.

What is a Walmart Gift Card?

A Walmart gift card is a prepaid card that you can use to pay for your purchases when shopping at Walmart stores or online. This card comes in various denominations, ranging from $5 to $500. When you buy one, you can use the amount on it to buy groceries, clothes, electronics, or anything in between, just like you would with cash. 

Walmart gift cards come in two formats: physical and eGift cards. Physical Walmart gift cards are the traditional, plastic gift cards you’re probably familiar with. They can be purchased in-store or online, and they come in a variety of designs. 

On the other hand, digital Walmart gift cards are delivered electronically. With one of these, you have no need to worry about losing or misplacing the card. They are perfect for those who prefer shopping online or just want a more convenient way to use gift cards. 

How to Save Money Using Walmart Gift Cards

When you think about shopping at Walmart, you probably think of low prices. But even low prices can be lowered further, especially when you use Walmart gift cards. Here’s how I use Walmart gift cards to save:

1. Take Advantage of Discounts

Walmart often offers gift cards at a lower price than face value, especially during special holidays. For example, I once found a deal where I got a $50 gift card for $45, which meant I was already saving before I even stepped foot in the store. This may not sound like a lot, but when you’re doing your weekly shopping, it adds up!

2. Use Gift Cards for Special Promotion

Walmart has gift card promotions throughout the year. These are usually linked with specific products, like electronics or exclusive items. Once, I was eyeing a new coffee maker, and there was a promotion that allowed me to get a $10 Walmart gift card with my purchase. Not only did I get the product at a great price, but I also got a gift card I could use later.

3. Use Gift Cards to Budget

One of the biggest advantages of using a gift card is that it helps you stay within your budget. By using Walmart gift cards for everyday items, I give myself a set spending limit. So when I load a card with a set amount each month, I can shop guilt-free without worrying about overspending. And once the gift card balance is up, I quit spending until the next month.

4. Use Gift Cards During Big Sale Events

Walmart has a variety of sale events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or even Walmart’s own deals event. If you combine your gift card with these sales, you get even more savings. 

How To Shop In-Store With Your Walmart Gift Card

Using a Walmart gift card in-store is quick and easy. If you’ve never used one before, don’t worry, I’ve put together this step-by-step guide to help you shop with confidence.

Step 1: Pick Out Your Items

Before you use your gift card, you’ll need to decide what you want to buy. This could either be groceries, clothes, electronics, or home goods. Walmart stores are large, so you may want to check the aisle signs to find your items quickly and add them to your basket.

Step 2: Head to the Checkout Counter

Once you’ve gathered everything you need, head to the checkout counter. If you’re at a Walmart Supercenter, you’ll have the option to choose between a regular checkout lane or a self-checkout station. Both are perfectly fine for using a Walmart gift card, but if you’re in a hurry, self-checkout might be a quicker option.

Step 3: Scan Your Items

At the checkout counter, the cashier or the system will begin scanning your items. If you’re using self-checkout, follow the prompts on the screen to scan each item and place it in the bagging area. But if you’re at a regular checkout, the cashier will scan your items for you.

Step 4: Present Your Walmart Gift Card

After all of your items are scanned and the total is calculated, you’ll be prompted to pay. This is when you’ll pull out your Walmart gift card. Here’s how you can use it:

• At a Regular Checkout: When the cashier asks for payment, simply hand them your Walmart gift card. They’ll swipe or scan the barcode on the card and apply the balance to your total. If you have a remaining balance after using the gift card, you can pay the difference using another payment method (credit card, debit card, or cash).
• At Self-Checkout: The screen will prompt you to “Swipe or Insert Gift Card.” At this point, you’ll either swipe the card’s magnetic strip or insert it into the card reader. The system will automatically apply the gift card balance to your total. If the amount on the gift card doesn’t cover the full cost of your items, you’ll be asked to pay the remaining balance using another payment method.

How To Shop Online With Your Walmart Gift Card

Shopping online with your Walmart gift card is just as easy as shopping in-store. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Sign Into Your Walmart Account

Before you can start shopping, make sure you’re signed into your Walmart account. If you don’t have one, it’s a good idea to create an account, as it allows you to save your billing information, shipping address, and gift card details for future purchases.

Visit Walmart.com or open the Walmart app on your phone. Click on Sign In at the top of the page. Enter your login details (email and password) or sign up if you’re a new user.

Step 2: Browse and Select Your Items

Once you’re signed in, browse through the online store and find the products you want to buy. Walmart’s website and app are user-friendly, so it’s easy to search for specific items. You can even filter results by category, price, and customer ratings to help you make a decision faster.

If you’re shopping for a special deal, be sure to check the sale sections for extra savings.

Step 3: Add Items to Your Cart

After you’ve found the items you want to buy, simply click on Add to Cart. You can continue shopping and add as many items as you need. When you’re done, click on the shopping cart icon at the top of the page to review your selections.

Step 4: Proceed to Checkout

Once you’re happy with your cart, click Proceed to Checkout. This will take you to a page where you can confirm your shipping details and payment method. If you’re not already signed in, Walmart will prompt you to log in here.

Step 5: Enter Your Gift Card Information

On the payment screen, you’ll see an option to enter your Walmart Gift Card information. Here’s how you do it:

• Enter Gift Card Number: Your Walmart gift card will have a 16-digit number on the back (sometimes under a scratch-off panel). Enter this number into the designated field.
• Enter PIN (if applicable): Some gift cards come with a PIN that you need to enter. If your card has a PIN (found under a scratch-off area), be sure to include that too.
• Apply: Once you’ve entered both the card number and PIN, click the Apply button. The system will apply the balance of your gift card to the total amount of your purchase.

If you’ve used your Walmart account in the past, your gift card might be saved under “Payment Methods,” so you can select it easily.

Step 6: Review Your Total 

Once the gift card is applied, Walmart will subtract the gift card amount from your total purchase. If the total cost of your order is more than the balance on the gift card, you’ll need to pay the remaining amount using another payment method, such as a credit card or debit card.

Step 7: Complete Your Purchase

Once you’ve applied the gift card and any other payment methods, review your order summary to make sure everything is correct, from the items to the shipping details and payment methods. If everything looks good, click “Place Order” to complete your purchase.

You’ll receive an order confirmation, and your items will be shipped directly to your address, or made ready for pick-up if you choose Walmart’s pickup option.

How to Check Your Walmart Gift Card Balance Online

Before walking into that store with your gift card, it’s advisable to first know how much you have left on it. Here’s how you can check your Walmart gift card balance online:

1. Go to Walmart’s gift card balance page.
2. On the page, you’ll see a place to enter your gift card details. Input the gift card number and 4-digit PIN.
3. Click on the “Check Balance” button. Walmart will instantly display the current balance on your gift card.

Common Questions About Walmart Gift Card Usage

1. Can I reload my Walmart gift card?

No, you cannot reload your Walmart gift card. Once the balance on one card is exhausted, you will need to get another card. 

2. Can I use a Walmart gift card for online orders?

Absolutely! You can use a Walmart gift card to pay for items when shopping online at Walmart.com or through the Walmart app. Simply enter the card number and PIN during the checkout process to apply the balance.

3. Can I transfer the balance or funds from my gift card to another card or account?

No. You cannot transfer funds from the gift card to another account card.

4. What happens if my Walmart gift card doesn’t cover the full cost of my purchase?

If your Walmart gift card doesn’t cover the full cost of your purchase, you’ll be prompted to pay the remaining balance using another payment method, such as a credit card, debit card, or PayPal.

5. Do Walmart gift cards expire?

Yes, Walmart gift cards expire. If yours does, you can request a replacement card online at www.walmartgift.com or by calling Walmart customer service at 1-866-633-9096.

6. Can I use multiple Walmart gift cards in one transaction?

Yes, you can use multiple Walmart gift cards in a single transaction. When you’re checking out, you can apply as many gift cards as needed to cover your purchase, just as long as they’re within the total balance of your items. 

7. What do I do if my Walmart gift card is lost or stolen?

If your Walmart gift card is lost or stolen, contact Walmart customer service immediately. They may be able to assist you in replacing the card, but you’ll need to have proof of purchase and the card number.

Final Thoughts: How You Can Save More Today

Shopping smart isn’t just about finding the best deals, it’s about using the tools you have, like Walmart gift cards, to maximize those deals. Gift cards are an easy and effective way to save money, and you don’t have to be a savvy shopper to get great results. Just a little planning and awareness can go a long way.

So next time you’re heading to Walmart, think about how you can use gift cards to stretch your dollars even further. Trust me, once you start using Walmart gift cards strategically, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start earlier. Happy saving!