Wondering if you can return gift cards purchased at Walmart for a cash refund?
Looking for a way to convert a third-party gift card into a Walmart one?
Below, we explain everything you might want to know about when you can — and when you cannot — return gift cards to Walmart!
Can You Return Gift Cards to Walmart?
In most circumstances, you cannot return Walmart or third-party gift cards to Walmart and receive a refund. However, in some situations, you may be able to receive cash from your gift card’s remaining balance if the balance is very low.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Walmart does not allow customers to return Walmart or third-party gift cards for cash or a refund.
- In some states, Walmart will cash out a gift card if it has reached a low balance.
- Walmart does have a program where they buy back third-party gift cards and convert them into Walmart gift cards.
Walmart has different policies regarding different gift cards. While you often cannot return any type of gift card, there are some exceptions. Below, we explain.
Can You Return Walmart Gift Cards With a Receipt?
Walmart’s policies state that you can never return a Walmart gift card, with or without a receipt.
Unfortunately, they do not allow any returns, even if you have a receipt. Even if you have not used the gift card or registered it, you will not be able to return it.
As a result, you’ll have to use this gift card at Walmart.
However, some states do allow you to request a low balance of a gift card to be cashed out. So, if you’ve used up most of your gift card, you can request for the rest of it to be cashed out. Walmart will allow this.
These states include:
- Washington
- Vermont
- Texas
- Rhode Island
- Puerto Rico
- Oregon
- New Jersey
- Montana
- Massachusetts
- Maine
- Colorado
- California
Unfortunately, there is no known balance limit on when you can request your gift card to be cashed out.
Can You Return Third-Party Gift Cards at Walmart?
If you have bought a third-party gift card at Walmart, you also cannot return it for a refund. Walmart’s policies state that they do not allow for any gift cards to be returned, regardless of what the gift card is.
As a result, these third-party gift cards cannot be returned at Walmart:
- Steam gift cards
- Apple gift cards
- Google Play gift cards
- Starbucks gift cards
- eBay gift cards
- Any other third-party gift card that isn’t a Walmart brand or company
However, you may be able to convert the gift card into a Walmart gift card through Walmart’s buy-back service!
But this doesn’t necessarily mean you get a refund. The money on the third-party card will just be switched over to a Walmart gift card.
Why Can’t You Return Unused Gift Cards to Walmart?
Walmart’s official policies state that they will never allow customers to return unused gift cards for a refund. Obviously, this can feel unfair — especially if it’s unused and you have your receipt.
While Walmart hasn’t come out and clarify why they do not offer returns, there may be a few reasons why they have such a strong stance on this matter.
Firstly, Walmart wants you to shop at their stores. You already have a Walmart gift card. If they refund you the gift card amount, then you might not shop at Walmart and use that money at their store. Obviously, they don’t want that — and they’ll keep this from happening.
Therefore, they’ll always work to encourage you to spend money at Walmart.
Secondly, Walmart’s system itself may just not have the capacity to handle this transaction, especially when it comes to third-party gift cards.
Can You Return a Prepaid Visa Card to Walmart?
You cannot return a prepaid Visa card to Walmart, even if it has never been used.
Walmart does not allow any gift cards to be returned for a cash refund. As a result, you’ll have to use that Visa gift card to not waste money on it.
Conclusion
Walmart’s policies state that they do not allow customers to return Walmart or third-party gift cards for any type of refund. However, Walmart does offer to convert third-party gift cards into Walmart gift cards.
You may also be able to cash out the remaining low balance of your Walmart gift card at your local store, though this depends on what state you live in!