How to Activate & Register Walmart Gift Card? 

Walmart dominates the retail market in the USA with its massive reach to customers. They have over 4600 stores across the 50 states having a dominating presence in the Texas, Florida and Georgia. They also have an estimated monthly online traffic of a whopping 795 million on their website. 

With a presence that big, no wonder that Walmart gift cards are one of the most popular gifting choices in the USA. Whether you are shopping instore or online, these gift cards provide you with the freedom to access almost everything Walmart offers from groceries, gas and more. 

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But before you can spend a cent, you first need to understand how to activate Walmart gift card? While most Walmart gift cards are ready to use straight out of the box, especially if you bought it from Walmart. However, if you get one from a third-party retailer, it might need to be activated first. 

Do Walmart Gift Cards Need Activation? 

It depends on where you got your Walmart gift card: 

• Bought at Walmart? You’re set. The cashier activates it during checkout. 
• Ordered online from Walmart? eGift cards sent to your email are ready instantly. That’s how an e-gift card work, no extra steps.  
• Physical cards shipped to you may need activation (your order email will tell you). 
• Purchased elsewhere? Cards from stores like CVS or Kroger must be activated at their register. 
• Promotional cards? These usually come pre-activated, a perk of the invention of gift cards. 

How to Activate a Walmart Gift Card? 

There are many ways you can activate a Walmart gift card like: 

1. Walmart Gift Card bought instore. 
2. A gift card ordered online. 
3. Activation of gift card via phone call. 

Let’s dive into these methods of Walmart gift card activation. 

How to Activate a Walmart Gift Card Bought In-Store? 

If you bought it at a Walmart register, activation happens automatically. But if your card doesn’t work later: 

• Double-check the PIN strip on the back, scratch it fully with a coin. 
• Visit walmart.com/account/giftcards/balance to confirm activation. 

Activating Walmart Gift Cards Ordered Online 

eGift Cards: Open your email, click the link or PDF, and find your card details. No activation needed, it’s ready! 

Physical Cards: Check your order email. If activation is required: 

• Click the provided link. 
• Enter the activation code (not your PIN). 
• Submit, done in seconds. 

Activate Walmart Gift Card by Phone 

Stuck? Call 1-888-537-5503 (Walmart Gift Card Support). Have ready: 

• Your 16-digit card number 
• The 4-digit PIN 
• Your receipt (if possible) 

They handle common issues like: 

• Cards from other stores that weren’t activated. 
• Damaged PIN strips. 
• Balance confusion. 

How to Know If Your Walmart Gift Card Is Already Activated? 

Visit Walmart’s check balance page, and enter your card number and PIN: 

• Balance appears? You’re good to go. 
• “Card not activated” error? Follow the guide above and get your Walmart gift card activated. 

Note: Walmart cards don’t expire, this isn’t an expiration issue. 

What to Do If Your Walmart Gift Card Doesn’t Work? 

Stuck at checkout with a gift card that is restricted? It can be frustrating, and these fixes usually work. 

“Card Not Activated” (Common from Other Stores) 

This often happens with cards bought at grocery stores, drugstores, etc, not Walmart itself. 

First, try taking it back to that store with your receipt. Their service desk can usually activate it quickly. 

Can’t return there or lost the receipt? Call Walmart Gift Card Support: 1-888-537-5503. 

Tell them where you bought it. Have your card number and PIN ready. 

Card Damaged or PIN Rubbed Off 

Did the card get bent? Or is the PIN scratch-off gone? 

Don’t guess the PIN. Just call support at 1-888-537-5503. 

Explain the damage. If you know the card number (even partly) or have the receipt, they can often help. 

Pro Tip: They’ll usually transfer any remaining balance to a new card for you. Keeping your receipt makes this much smoother. 

Balance is Zero (Or Suspect Fraud) 

Finding an empty balance feels awful, especially if you didn’t use it. 

Always buy cards from trusted places like Walmart or major retailers. It helps prevent this. 

Act fast if it happens. 

First, call Walmart Gift Card Support immediately: 1-888-537-5503. 

Then, contact the store where you bought the card (if not Walmart). Give both places the card details, your receipt, and explain the issue. 

Reporting quickly gives you the best chance to resolve it. 

Tips for Safe Use After Walmart Gift Card Activation 

Here are some tips for safe usage of a Walmart gift card after activation: 

Register It (Optional but Recommended) 

Think of registering your card like putting your name inside a jacket pocket. It’s not mandatory but heading to Walmart’s website and clicking “Manage Card” to register adds a layer of protection. If that card slips out of your wallet before you’ve spent it, registration gives you a fighting chance to recover the balance. Peace of mind for two minutes of your time? Worth it. 

Guard Your PIN 

That little PIN code? Guard it like the last slice of pizza. Never share it, and don’t scribble it on the card. Why? Because anyone with those numbers can spend your balance instantly, online or in-store. And while we’re here, wondering if gift cards work internationally? Generally, US Walmart cards stick close to home, only at US Walmart stores and Walmart.com. 

Use It Sooner Rather Than Later 

Let’s be real, gift cards have a way of vanishing into the junk drawer abyss. Try to use yours relatively soon. While Walmart gift cards don’t expire in most states (always peek at the card’s fine print just in case), why risk forgetting it or losing it? Keep that receipt tucked away until the balance hits zero, just for safe keeping. Easy habit, big payoff. 

Wrapping It Up 

Learning how to activate Walmart gift card is simple once you get the hang of it. Just remember these key points: 

• Cards you pick up directly from Walmart – whether in the store or online – are almost always good to go right away. The activation’s usually handled for you at checkout. 

• It takes seconds and confirms the card is active and has the funds you expect. Think of it like a quick pulse check for your card. 

• Hold onto that receipt until every cent is spent, especially if you bought the card from another retailer. It’s your best backup if any questions pop up. 

Now that you’ve got the lowdown on how to activate a Walmart gift card, you’re all set! Go treat yourself or pick up the essentials – whether you stroll into your local Walmart or click around on Walmart.com. Enjoy the ease and put that gift card to work, hassle-free.