The Complete Guide to Activating Walmart Gift Cards in 2024

ByCharles Scott Last Update on

Giving a Walmart gift card makes shopping easy for anyone on your list. However, you may need to take a few extra steps to activate certain cards before they can be used. This comprehensive guide will provide everything you need to know to successfully activate Walmart gift cards in 2024.

A Look at Walmart Gift Card Usage

Walmart gift cards continue to be a popular choice for gift-givers. According to Walmart‘s 2022 Q3 earnings report, sales of gift cards grew by 6% compared to Q3 of 2021. Further, a National Retail Federation survey found that 60% of gift-givers planned to buy gift cards during the 2022 holiday season.

With millions of gift cards being purchased, understanding proper activation procedures is crucial. Keep reading for a detailed breakdown based on my years of experience as a retail analyst.

Do You Need to Activate a Walmart Gift Card?

  • Walmart gift cards under $250 can be used right away without activation.

  • Gift cards $250 or more and multi-pack orders of 25+ gift cards require activation before use.

Walmart implemented activation requirements as a security measure for customers purchasing high-value and bulk orders of gift cards. Activating the cards helps prevent fraud.

What Walmart Gift Cards Need Activation in 2024?

Gift Card TypeNeeds Activation?
Physical gift card <$250No
Physical gift card ≥$250Yes
eGift card of any valueYes
Multi-pack with 25+ gift cardsYes

All eGift cards and high-value or bulk orders of physical gift cards need activation, regardless of the purchase date. This table summarizes the current requirements as of 2023.

Step-by-Step Guide to Activating Different Walmart Gift Cards

Follow these detailed steps to successfully activate any Walmart gift card:

Activating Physical Gift Cards $250+

  1. Visit walmartgift.com
  2. Enter the 16-digit gift card number located on the back of the card
  3. Input the secure password provided in the gift card email at time of purchase
  4. Review and accept the gift card terms and conditions
  5. Click "Activate Card"
  6. The card will now be activated and ready for purchases

Activating eGift Cards

  1. Open the Walmart eGift card email
  2. Click the prominent "Activate Card" button
  3. Sign into your Walmart.com account if not already logged in
  4. Input the secure password from the email
  5. The eGift card value will be instantly added to your Walmart account balance

Activating Multi-Pack Gift Card Orders

  1. Go to walmartgift.com
  2. Sign into your Walmart account
  3. Select "Activate Multiple Cards" near the top
  4. Carefully enter the secure password from your gift card email
  5. Accept the terms and conditions
  6. Click the "Activate Cards" button
  7. All cards from your order will be activated

Following these simple steps precisely will ensure you can start using your gift cards without any hassle. Reach out to Walmart Customer Service if you encounter any problems activating cards valued $250+ or multi-pack orders.

What to Do If You Lose Your Walmart eGift Card Email

Don‘t panic if you lose the email with your eGift card code. Here are some tips to recover it:

  • Thoroughly check spam and junk folders. Overly strict filters may block it.
  • Resend the email from your Walmart.com purchase history. Access your past orders.
  • Contact Walmart Customer Service if you still can‘t locate it. They can help recover the email.
  • Double check the email linked to your Walmart.com account. The eGift card is sent here.

Conveniently Store Activated Gift Cards in Your Walmart Account

Walmart allows you to store up to 5 activated gift cards in your account for easier access:

  1. Sign into your Walmart account
  2. Go to "Account" then select "Add New Payment Method"
  3. Choose "Gift Card"
  4. Input the 16-digit card number and 4-digit PIN
  5. (Optional) Assign a nickname like "Dad‘s Gift Card"
  6. Click "Save Card"

With this gift card storage feature, you can seamlessly apply gift card balances to future Walmart purchases without fumbling to find the numbers.

The Bottom Line on Activating Walmart Gift Cards

Activation takes just minutes and helps protect customers buying high-value or bulk Walmart gift cards. Follow the step-by-step instructions carefully for any gift card $250 and up or multi-pack orders. Recovering lost eGift card emails is also straightforward when using Walmart‘s account tools.

I hope these detailed instructions and tips make activating and using your Walmart gift cards a smooth, foolproof process. Let me know if you have any other questions!

Charles Scott is a dynamic professional whose academic and career achievements demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in the retail and consumer service industry. Graduating with an MBA from New York University in 2013, Charles has built a diverse and impressive career portfolio. He has held significant roles as a manager, advisor, and marketer, showcasing his multifaceted skills and deep understanding of the industry.

Beyond his direct professional engagements, Charles has made a notable mark as the head writer and founder of ExpertBeacon.com. This platform stands as a testament to his dedication to consumer empowerment and education. ExpertBeacon.com is a resource designed to assist consumers in addressing their persistent questions about products, services, and companies. Under Charles's leadership, the site provides in-depth, well-researched, and accurate information, all structured in easy-to-follow guides and articles. His work here not only highlights his expertise in the field but also his commitment to providing valuable, actionable information to the public.

Charles's approach is centered on a keen understanding of consumer needs and market dynamics, making him a respected voice in the industry. His contributions through ExpertBeacon.com and his professional roles reflect a blend of strategic thinking, practical knowledge, and a genuine desire to enhance consumer experiences in the retail and consumer service sectors.

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