Where to check your Walmart gift card balance
You can check a Walmart gift card balance in three main ways: online at Walmart.com, by phone, or in a store. The online method is fastest if you have the card number handy. The phone line and in-store options work if you have the physical card but no internet access.
To check online, go to Walmart.com/giftcards and select "Check Balance." Enter the 16-digit card number and the 4-digit PIN (usually on the back of the card). The balance appears instantly. You do not need to create a Walmart account or log in.
To check by phone, call Walmart's gift card customer service at 1-800-966-6546. Have your card number and PIN ready. A representative will read your balance to you. Wait times vary by time of day and season.
In-store, take the card to any Walmart customer service desk. An associate can scan it and tell you the balance on the spot. This works even if the card is damaged or the numbers are worn.
Key Takeaways
- The Walmart website balance checker at Walmart.com/giftcards is the fastest method and works 24 hours a day without waiting on hold.
- You need the 16-digit card number and 4-digit PIN to check balance online; the PIN is usually printed on the back of the card.
- If you do not have internet access or the card is damaged, call 1-800-966-6546 or visit a Walmart customer service desk.
- Checking your balance does not use any of the card's value — it is a free lookup that takes less than a minute.
What information you need to check balance online
The 16-digit card number is the long number printed on the front of the card. It usually appears in groups of four digits. The 4-digit PIN is a separate number, typically on the back of the card near the signature strip or magnetic stripe.
If the numbers are faded or the card is scratched, you may not be able to read them clearly. In that case, use the phone line or visit a store instead. Do not guess at the numbers — entering incorrect information multiple times may temporarily lock the card from online checks.
If you received the card by email (a digital gift card), the number and PIN were sent to your email address. Search your inbox for a message from Walmart with the subject line containing "gift card" or "eGift." The card details are usually in the email body or as an attachment.
What happens if the card number or PIN is wrong
If you enter an incorrect 16-digit number, the website will show an error message saying the card was not found. Try again, checking each digit carefully. Card numbers are case-sensitive in some systems, though Walmart's typically accepts numbers only.
If you enter the wrong PIN, the website may show a message that the information does not match. You have multiple attempts to enter the correct PIN. If you have tried several times and the card still will not work, contact Walmart customer service by phone or visit a store with the physical card.
If the card itself is damaged — bent, torn, or water-damaged — the magnetic stripe or printed numbers may no longer be readable. A Walmart associate can sometimes manually enter the number or use a different scanning method. If the card is too damaged to recover, Walmart may issue a replacement card with the remaining balance transferred to it.
Digital gift cards versus physical cards
Digital gift cards (also called eGifts) are sent by email and have no physical card. You check the balance the same way — using the card number and PIN from the email. You can forward the email to another person, or take a screenshot of the card details to use in-store.
Physical cards are plastic cards you receive in the mail or buy in-store. The balance check process is identical: online, by phone, or in-store. Physical cards can be used at any Walmart location or on Walmart.com. Digital cards work the same way once you have the number and PIN.
If you lose a digital gift card email, you may not be able to recover it unless you saved it or the sender has a copy. Walmart does not maintain a registry of digital cards by recipient email. If you lose a physical card, contact Walmart customer service with your receipt or proof of purchase — they may be able to help, though policies vary.
Using your balance after you check it
Once you know your balance, you can spend it at any Walmart store or on Walmart.com. In-store, give the card to the cashier at checkout and they will scan it like a debit card. Online, enter the card number and PIN at the payment step, just as you would a credit card.
If your purchase is less than the card balance, the remaining balance stays on the card. If your purchase is more than the balance, you will need to pay the difference with another payment method. Walmart does not allow you to split a transaction between a gift card and another payment method in-store, so you must pay the full remaining balance with the gift card first, then use another card for the rest.
Gift card balances do not expire. You can use the card months or years after you receive it. There are no monthly fees or inactivity charges, even if the card sits unused.
Troubleshooting balance checker problems
If the Walmart.com balance checker page will not load, try clearing your browser cache and cookies, then refreshing the page. If you are using an older browser, try a different one like Chrome or Firefox. The balance checker works on mobile phones and tablets as well as desktop computers.
If you see an error message saying "Card not found" or "Invalid card number," double-check that you entered all 16 digits correctly. Copy the number from the card or email slowly, digit by digit. Do not include spaces or dashes — enter only the numbers.
If the website times out or shows a "server error," Walmart's system may be temporarily down. Wait a few minutes and try again. If the problem continues, use the phone line or visit a store instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does checking my balance use any of the card's money?
No. Checking your balance is a free lookup that does not deduct any funds from the card. You can check as many times as you want without losing value.
Can I check a Walmart gift card balance without the PIN?
Online, you need both the card number and PIN. By phone or in-store, you only need the physical card — an associate can scan it without a PIN. If you have lost the card but have the number, the phone line may work with just the number, though policies vary.
What if I received a Walmart gift card as a gift but do not know the PIN?
The PIN is usually printed on the back of the physical card. If the card is damaged or the PIN is not visible, take it to a Walmart customer service desk and they can look it up or scan the card directly. You do not need the PIN to use the card in-store.
Can I check the balance on someone else's gift card?
Yes, if you have the card number and PIN, you can check the balance online. Anyone with those two pieces of information can look up the balance. Walmart does not verify who owns the card when you check online.
How long does it take to see my balance after I buy a gift card?
Physical cards bought in-store are active immediately and can be checked right away. Digital cards sent by email are active as soon as the email arrives. If you bought a card online for delivery, it may take a day or two to arrive and activate.