Does Walmart Sell Best Buy Gift Cards in 2023? An Expert Seller‘s Guide
As an experienced ecommerce seller, I often get asked if major retailers like Walmart sell the gift cards of their competitor brands. When it comes to Best Buy gift cards specifically, the short answer is no, Walmart does not sell them directly in-store or on their website.
But why doesn‘t Walmart sell Best Buy gift cards, and where can shoppers get them instead? In this detailed guide, I‘ll share my insider perspective on gift card sales along with tips to help you choose the perfect gift card purchase this year.
Why Walmart Doesn‘t Sell Best Buy Gift Cards
Walmart offers an incredible array of gift cards, with whole displays showcasing everything from retail to restaurant cards. But you won‘t find Best Buy among them for a couple key reasons:
1. Best Buy is a major competitor to Walmart in consumer electronics sales. Walmart reported $34.9 billion in U.S. electronics and appliances sales in 2021, while Best Buy pulled in $28.4 billion domestically. Both chains aim to win over tech shoppers, so Walmart avoids directly promoting a rival.
2. Walmart wants to keep gift card dollars spent in its own stores and online. When a customer purchases a Walmart gift card, the retailer can count on securing that business and getting an additional sale. Stocking Best Buy cards would drive sales away.
3. Supporting a competitor‘s revenue stream provides no benefit. As a business, Walmart naturally wants to maximize its own profits rather than help Best Buy‘s success.
This "avoid the competitor" approach goes both ways too – you won‘t find Walmart gift cards for sale at Best Buy locations either.
Smart Walmart Gift Card Alternatives
Just because Walmart doesn‘t sell Best Buy branded gift cards doesn‘t mean you‘re out of luck buying tech gifts there. Consider these handy alternatives:
Walmart Gift Card – With vast electronics and tech inventory, a Walmart card lets recipients browse for their ideal item. Often you can get bonus cards or discounts too!
Mastercard Gift Card – This prepaid debit card carries the Mastercard logo and can be used for purchases anywhere Mastercard is accepted, including Best Buy in-store and online.
Visa or American Express Gift Card – These major credit card gift cards also provide flexible spending power at electronics retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and more.
The advantage of these types of gift cards is they aren‘t limited to just Best Buy. The recipient can shop multiple stores for exactly what they want.
Where You Can Buy Best Buy Gift Cards
If you really want to give the gift of Best Buy specifically, there are plenty of options to purchase their branded gift cards:
Best Buy Stores – All retail locations sell physical and digital Best Buy gift cards in any denomination.
BestBuy.com – E-gift cards are delivered by email in any amount between $5-$500.
Amazon – Physical and digital Best Buy cards sold at full face value. Prime shipping available.
eBay – Individual sellers list new and used Best Buy cards, often at a discount.
Grocery/Drug Stores – Major chains like Kroger, Safeway, CVS, and more carry Best Buy cards.
For the best value, keep an eye out for discounted Best Buy gift cards up to 15% off or more on resale sites like eBay and Amazon. Carefully vet the seller and check any gift card balances before purchase.
Expert Tips for Buying and Using Gift Cards
Based on my extensive experience as an ecommerce seller, here are my top insider tips for maximizing your gift card strategy:
For flexibility, consider a Mastercard or Visa card over a store-specific card, unless you know their preferred retailer.
Purchase gift cards with bonus offers when available – like getting 10% extra value free.
Opt for e-gift cards to save time and enable last minute gifts. But physical cards work better for gifts by mail.
For big ticket items, break up the purchase amount across 2-3 gift cards to improve affordability.
To get the best deal, buy discounted gift cards from reputable resale sites like CardCash or Raise. Always verify the balance.
If buying secondhand, examine the card thoroughly for tampering and keep the gift receipt.
For partially used cards, consolidate balances for easier tracking before redeeming.
Don‘t wait too long to use gift cards – more than $1 billion in cards go unused each year in the U.S.!
Take advantage of loyalty programs and rewards associated with branded gift cards.
Monitor the balance as you use the card and keep the number recorded safely.
The Bottom Line
Walmart chooses not to directly sell Best Buy gift cards in order to avoid promoting a major retail competitor. But alternate gift card options are available to shop Best Buy if you don‘t need a branded card specifically. Just consider the flexibility, deals, and convenience when picking the perfect gift card this holiday season.
