How to check your Walmart gift card balance

You can check your Walmart gift card balance in three ways: online at Walmart.com, by phone, or in a store. Each method takes a few minutes and requires your card number.

To check online, go to Walmart.com, scroll to the bottom of the page, and look for "Gift Card Balance" under the Customer Service section. Enter your 16-digit card number and the 4-digit PIN on the back of the card. The balance appears instantly.

To check by phone, call 1-800-966-6546. A representative will ask for your card number and PIN, then tell you the balance. This method works if you do not have internet access or prefer speaking to someone.

In a store, take your card to the customer service desk. An associate can look up the balance on their register in seconds. No purchase is necessary.

Key Takeaways

  • Walmart gift card balances can be checked online, by phone at 1-800-966-6546, or at any store's customer service desk.
  • You will need your 16-digit card number and the 4-digit PIN printed on the back of the card to check your balance online or by phone.
  • Gift card balances do not expire, so you can use your card whenever you choose.
  • If your card is lost or stolen, contact Walmart customer service immediately with your card number so they can flag it.

What happens if your card balance is zero

If your balance shows zero, the card has been fully spent. You can still keep the card, but it cannot be used for purchases until it is reloaded with money.

Some people reload their Walmart gift cards at customer service or at the register when they shop. Others simply set the card aside. There is no penalty for having a zero balance, and the card will not close or become invalid.

Reloading your gift card

You can add money to a Walmart gift card at any Walmart store or online at Walmart.com. In a store, go to customer service or the registers and tell an associate you want to reload your card. They will accept cash, debit, or credit payment and add the amount to your card immediately.

Online, log into your Walmart account, go to the gift card section, and select "Reload a Gift Card." Enter your card number, the amount you want to add, and your payment method. The balance updates within minutes.

You can reload your card as many times as you want. There is no limit to how much money can be on a single card at one time, though individual reload amounts may be capped depending on your payment method.

Using your card for online and in-store purchases

Walmart gift cards work for purchases at any Walmart store and on Walmart.com. In a store, hand your card to the cashier at checkout, and they will swipe or scan it like a debit card. Online, enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV during checkout under the payment method section.

Your card can be used for groceries, clothing, electronics, and nearly everything Walmart sells. The only exceptions are items Walmart does not accept gift cards for, such as alcohol in some states or certain restricted items. The cashier or website will let you know if an item cannot be purchased with a gift card.

If your purchase costs more than your card balance, you can pay the difference with another payment method. If your purchase costs less, the remaining balance stays on your card for future use.

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged

Contact Walmart customer service at 1-800-966-6546 as soon as possible if your card is lost or stolen. Have your card number ready if you can provide it. Walmart can flag the card to prevent unauthorized use, though they cannot always recover the full balance if someone has already spent it.

If your card is physically damaged — cracked, faded, or unreadable — take it to any Walmart customer service desk. An associate can look up your balance and issue you a replacement card with the same balance transferred to it.

Keep your card number and PIN private, just as you would with a debit card. Do not share these numbers via email, text, or phone unless you initiated the contact with Walmart directly.

Understanding gift card terms and expiration

Walmart gift cards do not expire. You can use your card months or years after you receive it, and the balance will remain the same. This is true whether the card was purchased by you or given to you as a gift.

Some states have laws that require retailers to honor gift cards indefinitely or to allow you to cash out a small remaining balance after a certain period. If you have questions about your state's rules, Walmart customer service can explain what applies to you.

If you receive a Walmart gift card and do not plan to use it soon, store it in a safe place. Write down the card number and PIN separately in case the card is lost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my Walmart gift card balance to another card?

No, Walmart does not transfer balances between cards. If your card is damaged, you can get a replacement with the same balance, but you cannot move money to a different card. If you want to give your balance to someone else, they would need to use your card to make purchases.

What if I lost my PIN but still have my card?

You can check your balance and use your card in a store without the PIN — just give it to the cashier. Online, you will need the PIN to check your balance on Walmart.com. Call 1-800-966-6546 if you need help retrieving or resetting your PIN.

Do Walmart gift cards work at Sam's Club?

No, Walmart gift cards can only be used at Walmart stores and Walmart.com. Sam's Club has its own gift cards. If you have a Walmart card and want to shop at Sam's Club, you would need a separate Sam's Club gift card.

Can I use my gift card to buy another gift card?

Yes, you can use your Walmart gift card to purchase other Walmart gift cards or gift cards from other retailers that Walmart sells. The purchase will deduct from your balance just like any other purchase.

What if my card shows a balance but the purchase was declined?

This can happen if the card number was entered incorrectly, the card is damaged, or there is a temporary system issue. Try the purchase again, or take your physical card to a store and ask an associate to run it. If the problem continues, call customer service at 1-800-966-6546.