Can I Use My Walmart Gift Card Online How To Guide

Walmart gift cards are a popular choice for gifts, rewards, and personal budgeting. Whether received during the holidays or earned through a promotional offer, many people wonder if these cards can be used beyond in-store purchases. The good news is yes — Walmart gift cards can be used online at Walmart.com. However, knowing the correct process, limitations, and best practices ensures a smooth checkout experience.

This comprehensive guide walks through everything you need to know about using your Walmart gift card online, including eligibility, step-by-step redemption, troubleshooting common issues, and expert-backed tips to maximize your card’s value.

Understanding Walmart Gift Card Types

Before attempting to use your gift card online, it's essential to identify which type you have. Not all Walmart gift cards function the same way, and confusion often arises between two main categories: store-only gift cards and prepaid Visa/Mastercard gift cards sold by Walmart.

• Walmart Store Gift Cards: Issued directly by Walmart, these can be used both in stores and online at Walmart.com. They typically display “Walmart” branding without a Visa or Mastercard logo.
• Walmart-Branded Prepaid Cards (Visa/Mastercard): These are third-party prepaid cards sold at Walmart but operate like regular credit cards. They can be used anywhere that accepts Visa or Mastercard — not just on Walmart.com.

Only the first type — the official Walmart store gift card — is required for direct redemption on Walmart.com. If your card has a Visa or Mastercard logo, it cannot be applied as a \"gift card\" during Walmart checkout but may still work as a standard payment method.

Tip: Always check the back of your card for terms. A true Walmart store gift card will explicitly state it can be used at walmart.com.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Your Walmart Gift Card Online

Using your Walmart gift card on Walmart.com is straightforward when you follow the correct procedure. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:

1. Create or Log Into Your Walmart Account
   While guest checkout is available, linking your gift card balance to a Walmart account gives you more control. Sign in at Walmart.com or create a free account if you don’t already have one.
2. Add Items to Your Cart
   Browse Walmart’s website and select the products you wish to purchase. Proceed to checkout once ready.
3. Enter Shipping Information
   Provide your shipping address. Note: Walmart gift cards cannot be used for international orders. Delivery must be within the U.S., including territories like Puerto Rico.
4. Navigate to Payment Options
   On the payment screen, look for the section labeled “Gift cards, registries, & promotions.” Click or tap “Apply a gift card.”
5. Enter Your Gift Card Number and PIN
   Scratch off the silver coating on the back of your physical card to reveal the 16-digit card number and 4-digit PIN. Enter both accurately. For e-gift cards, this information is provided in the email.
6. Apply the Balance
   Click “Apply.” The system will verify the card and deduct the available amount from your total. If your purchase exceeds the balance, you’ll need to cover the remainder with another payment method (credit card, debit card, PayPal, etc.).
7. Complete Your Order
   Review your order summary and confirm the transaction. You’ll receive an email confirmation shortly after.

If your card doesn’t apply, double-check the digits entered. Even one incorrect number will cause the system to reject it.

Managing Multiple Gift Cards and Balances

You can use more than one Walmart gift card per transaction, which is helpful if you’ve accumulated several smaller-value cards. During checkout, after applying the first card, simply click “Add another gift card” and repeat the process.

Additionally, you can register your physical or digital gift cards to your Walmart.com account to track balances over time. This feature prevents loss of value due to misplaced cards.

Action	Where to Do It	Notes
Check Balance	Walmart.com/giftcards/balance	Requires card number and PIN
Register Card	My Account > Payment Methods > Add Gift Card	Link to account for easy future use
Replace Lost Card	Customer Service (1-800-411-7942)	Only possible if registered
Use Multiple Cards	Checkout page	Up to five cards per order

Common Issues and How to Resolve Them

Despite the simplicity of the process, users occasionally encounter problems. Here are some frequent issues and their solutions:

• “Invalid Card Number” Error: Re-enter the number carefully. Ensure no spaces or extra characters are included. Verify that you’re entering the gift card number, not the receipt number or order ID.
• PIN Not Working: The PIN is separate from the card number and usually four digits. If scratched poorly, misread digits are common. Try under bright light or magnification.
• Card Has No Remaining Balance: Check the balance online before attempting checkout. If zero, the card may have been partially used previously.
• Cannot Apply Card at Checkout: This may occur if the order includes Marketplace items from third-party sellers who don’t accept gift cards. Remove those items or pay separately.

“We recommend registering all gift cards immediately upon receipt. It adds a layer of security and makes balance tracking effortless.” — Lisa Tran, Senior Customer Support Advisor at Walmart Digital Services

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Holiday Shopping Success

Sarah received three Walmart gift cards totaling $150 during the holiday season. Instead of letting them sit in a drawer, she decided to buy groceries and household essentials online while recovering from a minor injury that made shopping difficult.

She logged into her Walmart account, added toilet paper, laundry detergent, frozen meals, and snacks to her cart — totaling $138. At checkout, she applied all three gift cards successfully. Since the combined balance exceeded her total, she didn’t need a secondary payment method. Her order was delivered in two days, and she saved valuable energy and time.

By planning ahead and verifying balances early, Sarah maximized her gift card utility without stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Walmart gift card on third-party sellers on Walmart.com?

No. Walmart gift cards cannot be used for items sold by third-party Marketplace sellers unless the seller specifically accepts them. These transactions require a credit/debit card or PayPal.

What happens if my purchase is more than my gift card balance?

You can combine your gift card with another payment method. The system automatically applies the full gift card balance and prompts you to enter additional payment for the remaining amount.

Do Walmart gift cards expire?

No. Under federal law and Walmart policy, store gift cards do not expire, nor are there dormancy fees. The balance remains valid indefinitely, making them ideal for saving or strategic spending.

Maximizing Your Walmart Gift Card Value: Pro Tips

To get the most out of your Walmart gift card, consider these actionable strategies:

Tip: Pair your gift card with Rollback or Clearance deals online to stretch every dollar further.

• Use During Sales Events: Time your purchase around Walmart’s seasonal sales like Black Friday, Back-to-School, or Cyber Week to maximize buying power.
• Combine with Cashback Apps: Use platforms like Rakuten or Ibotta when shopping via Walmart.com to earn cash back, even when paying primarily with a gift card.
• Buy Digital Gift Cards: Some users exchange Walmart gift card balances for other retailers’ digital gift cards through peer marketplaces (though this violates Walmart’s terms). Stick to permitted uses to avoid complications.
• Monitor for Auto-Reload Promotions: Occasionally, Walmart offers promotions where loading a certain amount onto a gift card earns a bonus (e.g., load $100, get $10 free). These are often advertised in-store or via email.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Using your Walmart gift card online is not only possible — it’s a convenient and efficient way to shop from home. With proper registration, accurate entry of card details, and awareness of restrictions, you can seamlessly integrate your gift card into everyday purchases.

Whether stocking up on essentials, preparing for a special occasion, or simply managing your household budget, your Walmart gift card offers flexibility and value. Take a few minutes today to check your balance, register your card, and plan your next online order.

💬 Have questions about using your Walmart gift card? Share your experience or ask for help in the comments — your insight could help others make smarter, smoother purchases!