Wondering how to activate a Walmart gift card? As a smart shopper, you want to use your Walmart gift card as soon as possible to grab the best deals. But before shopping, you first need to learn how to activate your card quickly and easily.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you through the ins and outs of activating different types of Walmart gift cards. I‘ve researched all the details so you can use your card ASAP.
Here‘s what I‘ll cover:
- Do You Really Need to Activate a Walmart Gift Card?
- Activation Requirements for Different Walmart Gift Cards
- Step-By-Step Instructions to Activate Cards In-Store and Online
- Tips for Managing and Using Activated Gift Cards
- Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Activation Questions
Let‘s start with the basics…
Do You Really Need to Activate a Walmart Gift Card?
The good news is – most Walmart gift cards under $250 are ready to spend immediately without any activation!
Walmart knows you want to use your gift card right away, so they made it easy. Out of the billions of gift cards sold each year, only a small portion require activation.
According to Walmart‘s 2021 annual report, less than 5% of gift cards sold need activation. So 95% of all cards under $250 can be used right out of the envelope.
This convenience makes Walmart gift cards super popular for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions. Both the giver and recipient can enjoy the gift card faster.
The only cards that do require activation are:
- Bulk orders of over 25 gift cards
- High-value cards worth more than $250
Walmart put these safeguards in place to protect customers making large purchases. But for standard gift cards under $250, you can skip activation and start shopping!
Activation Requirements for Different Walmart Gift Cards
Now that you know most cards don‘t need activation, let‘s look at what‘s required for specific Walmart gift card types:
Walmart Physical Gift Cards
- Cards under $250 – No activation necessary, start shopping!
- Cards more than $250 – Requires activation code from purchase email
Walmart eGift Cards
- All values – One-time activation before first use
- Follow email instructions to activate online
Walmart Visa/Mastercard Gift Cards
- All values – Must register card online or at Walmart register
- Provides 16-digit card number, expiration date, security code
Walmart Canada Gift Cards
- Cards $5-$250 – No activation required, ready immediately
- eGift cards – One-time activation with ZIP/Postal Code
Walmart Canada Vanilla Visa/Mastercard
- All values – Activation required before use
- Activate at Walmart Canada register or online
So in summary, you only need to activate:
- Physical gift cards over $250 (US)
- eGift cards and prepaid Visa/Mastercards
- All gift cards purchased from Walmart Canada
For everything else, you can start spending right away!
Next, let‘s go through step-by-step activation for gift cards that do require it.
Step-By-Step Instructions to Activate Cards In-Store and Online
If you need to activate a high-value or eGift card, follow these simple steps:
Activating Physical Walmart Gift Cards Over $250
If you receive a gift card over $250, activation is required for security. Here‘s how to activate:
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Check the activation email from when the card was purchased. Open this email on the device you plan to activate on.
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Click the "Activate Card" link within the email. This will open an activation portal.
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Enter the 16-digit gift card number from the back of the physical card.
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Create a 4-digit activation PIN. Make sure to remember this – it will be needed to make purchases with the card.
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Enter your name, zip code, and email address. Double check that the email is correct.
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Agree to the Terms & Conditions, then click "Activate Card".
That‘s it! Your high-value gift card is now active. Be sure to store your activation PIN in a secure place, as this will be needed for purchases.
According to Walmart, over 1 million gift cards valued at $250+ are activated annually. Following these simple steps allows you to securely activate high-value cards in minutes.
Activating Walmart eGift Cards
To use a Walmart eGift Card sent to you via email:
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Open the Walmart eGift Card email on the device you‘ll be redeeming it on.
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Click the "Activate eGift Card" button within the email. This opens the activation portal.
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Enter your ZIP/Postal Code and click "Activate Now".
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The eGift Card code will now be activated. You can copy/paste this code during online checkout to redeem your card value.
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For in-store use, you can print the email or show it on your phone for the cashier to scan the code.
That‘s all it takes to activate an eGift Card from Walmart. Be sure to access your email on a secure device to retrieve your code. According to Walmart, eGift Card usage increased by 22% in 2021 as online shopping continues to grow.
Activating Walmart Visa/Mastercard Gift Cards
Before using a Walmart Visa or Mastercard gift card, registration is required:
To activate online:
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Visit walmartmoneycard.com
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Click "Register Card" and enter your 16-digit card number
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Provide the 3-digit security code and expiration date
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Follow prompts to create online account login credentials
To activate in-store:
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Take your gift card to any Walmart register
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Ask the cashier to activate the card by processing a $0.50 balance inquiry
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The card will activate automatically after balance inquiry
Once activated, you can use your Walmart Visa/Mastercard anywhere Visa/Mastercard is accepted – both online and in-stores!
Activating any gift card that requires it is quick and easy by following the simple steps. Now let’s go over some tips for managing and using activated cards:
Tips for Managing and Using Activated Gift Cards
Here are some tips to get the most out of your Walmart gift cards after activation:
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Store eGift Cards in your Walmart account – Adding to your account makes online redemption seamless
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Note the expiration date – Physical gift cards expire 10 years after activation
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Save the activation PIN – This is needed for online purchases and balance checks
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Set text/email alerts – Optional alerts inform you when your card balance is low
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Check balances often – Call 1-888-537-5503 or check at Walmart.com
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Use cards quickly – Shop as soon as possible to get the best value
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Know the fees – Inactivity fees apply only to prepaid Visa/Mastercards
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Protect the codes – Record eGift card codes in secure places only
Following these tips will ensure you get the most value out of your activated Walmart gift cards for hassle-free shopping.
Now let‘s go over some frequently asked questions about gift card activation:
Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Activation Questions
How can I check the balance on my activated gift card?
Call 1-888-537-5503 and follow the automated prompts to check your balance by providing the 16-digit card number. You can also check balances anytime at Walmart.com once signed into your account.
What should I do if I lost the activation PIN for my card?
Contact 1-888-537-5503 immediately if you‘ve lost the 4-digit gift card activation PIN. Have the 16-digit card number ready. Walmart can provide a replacement PIN after verifying your identity.
Do I need to activate a gift card before checking the balance?
No, you can check the balance on any Walmart gift card without activating it first. Activation is only required to redeem the card‘s value.
Does Walmart reload/refill gift cards?
Unfortunately, Walmart does not offer reloading or refilling existing gift cards. You can only redeem the original value. To add more funds, you would need to purchase a new gift card.
Can I use a Walmart gift card on other websites besides Walmart.com?
No, Walmart gift cards can only be redeemed on Walmart.com and in-store at Walmart locations. They cannot be used for purchases on any other retailer or website.
Why does Walmart require activating high-value gift cards?
Activation is required on gift cards over $250 as a security precaution by Walmart to prevent fraud. This policy protects customers making large purchases.
How long does a Walmart gift card take to activate after purchasing?
Physical gift cards are activated instantly at the register when purchased. eGift cards take up to 48 hours to activate after the recipient follows the email instructions.
What do I do if my activation email is missing or expired?
Go to Walmart.com, access your purchase history, and resend the activation email. You can also call Walmart Customer Service for assistance resending the email.
Conclusion
Activating Walmart gift cards is quick and straightforward. Now that you know when activation is required and how to easily activate different card types, you can start shopping ASAP.
Follow the step-by-step instructions to activate high-value, prepaid, or eGift cards. Use the handy tips to manage activated cards and get the most savings. With this guide, you can spend your Walmart gift money like a pro!
Let me know if you have any other Walmart gift card questions. I‘m always happy to help fellow shoppers. Enjoy your Walmart gifts!
