How To Activate Different Types of Walmart Gift Cards: A 2022 Guide
Do you have a shiny new Walmart gift card to use? Before you can start spending, some gift cards require activation as a security measure. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about activating various Walmart gift cards in 2022.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- The types of gift cards that need activation
- Simple steps to activate Walmart Visa/Mastercard gift cards
- Tips for activating high-value and bulk order cards
- How to access missing Walmart eGift card codes
- The pros and cons of gift card activation
Let’s start with a quick overview of which gift cards require that extra activation step.
When Do You Need to Activate a Walmart Gift Card?
If you received a standard $25 Walmart gift card for your birthday, you don’t have to activate it. Just head to any Walmart store or enter the card number online to start spending right away.
However, these types of Walmart gift cards DO need activation first:
- Walmart Visa or Mastercard gift cards
- High-value gift cards over $250
- Bulk orders of 25+ gift cards
- Third-party branded gift cards (iTunes, Hulu, etc)
- eGift cards purchased online
Activation adds an extra layer of security and allows Walmart to verify each gift card is legitimate before use. Let’s look more closely at how to activate some of the most popular gift card types.
Activating Walmart Visa and Mastercard Gift Cards
Prepaid gift cards branded with Visa or Mastercard work similarly to debit cards. You can shop anywhere that accepts those payment networks!
To activate a Walmart Visa or Mastercard gift card, you have three options:
1. By Phone: Call 1-888-537-5503 and follow the automated activation prompts.
2. Online: Visit WalmartMoneyCard.com and register your card details.
3. In-Store: Take your gift card to any Walmart MoneyCenter and an associate can activate it for you.
No matter which method you choose, have these card details handy:
- 16-digit card number
- 3-digit security code
- Expiration date
You’ll also need the activation zip code if activating by phone. Once successfully activated, you can immediately start using your Walmart Visa or Mastercard anywhere those brands are accepted!
Activating High-Value and Bulk Order Gift Cards
According to the National Retail Federation, gift cards remain the most requested holiday gift for the 15th year in a row.
To meet demand, many customers purchase high-value or bulk order Walmart gift cards for family, employees, and clients. Any order of over 25 gift cards or cards worth more than $250 require activation first.
For high-value cards, activation instructions are provided at the time of online or in-store purchase. Typically, you‘ll need to create a Walmart.com account (if you don‘t already have one) and activate the card online.
With bulk orders, you should receive an email with detailed activation steps after purchase. Again, creating or signing into your Walmart account is necessary to activate each card.
Streamline the process by activating high-volume orders in smaller batches instead of all at once. And don’t worry – there’s no rush. Most gift cards remain valid for several years from the purchase date.
Activating Third-Party Branded Gift Cards
From streaming services to gaming to dining out, Walmart sells a huge variety of third-party gift cards. Popular options include:
- Restaurant cards like Starbucks, Olive Garden, Domino’s
- Gaming cards for PlayStation, Nintendo, Xbox
- Streaming services like Hulu, HBO Max, iTunes
- Retailers like Amazon, Target, Bass Pro Shops
Follow the instructions on the back of each gift card to activate it before use. This usually involves calling a toll-free number or visiting the brand’s website.
For example, to activate a $50 PlayStation gift card from Walmart, you would visit playstation.com/redeemcodes and enter the claim code from the card.
Activating third-party gift cards adds a layer of protection in case the card is lost or stolen before redemption.
Accessing Missing Walmart eGift Card Codes
Digital eGift cards offer a convenient online gifting option. But what if the email containing the gift card code disappears?
Don’t panic if you lose track of a Walmart eGift card email. You can easily reaccess the code with these steps:
Log into your Walmart account that received the eGift card.
Under Account > Walmart Digital Delivery Center, choose “Resend eGift Card Email”.
Enter the associated email address and order number.
Identify the missing email and select “Resend” to receive it again instantly.
Just make sure the eGift card has not already been redeemed. As long as funds remain, you can repeat this process as needed to retrieve the code.
The Benefits of Gift Card Activation
While it adds an extra step before using funds, gift card activation actually protects buyers and recipients. Here are some key benefits:
Prevents fraud: Activating cards verifies their legitimacy and validates funds are properly loaded. This deters thieves from attempting to steal and use cards.
Increases security: Activation requires the physical card or eGift code, making it more difficult for others to access and redeem funds.
Limits losses: If an inactive card is misplaced, the finder cannot start spending the money. Activation containment reduces losses.
Enhances tracking: Purchasing companies can better track gift card liabilities when balances remain inactive until the recipient activates the card.
Improves budgeting: Recipients must take the extra step to activate cards, which provides more time to plan expenditure.
While it does require some extra effort, gift card activation ultimately safeguards your personal information and gifted funds.
Get Started with Your Walmart Gift Card
Gift cards remain a beloved gift choice for their versatility and convenience. By understanding Walmart’s activation requirements for different card types, you can easily use your gifted funds.
Here are some final tips for activating and using Walmart gift cards:
Check if activation is needed before attempting to spend an eGift code or physical card.
Carefully follow all provided activation instructions included with the gift card.
Store eGift card emails or physical cards securely until ready to activate and redeem.
Contact Walmart customer service if you encounter any problems activating a gift card.
Utilize the Walmart app or website account to safely store details of multiple gift cards.
Thanks for reading this guide to unlocking your Walmart gift card funds in 2022! With so many ways to earn and redeem, Walmart gift cards really do make the perfect gift.
