Common Walmart Gift Card Issues and How to Solve Them

Troubleshooting Your Walmart Gift Card

While Walmart Gift Cards are a convenient way to pay, you might occasionally run into an issue. Most problems are easy to resolve with a few simple steps. This guide addresses the most common challenges and provides practical solutions to get your card working correctly.

Issue 1: Card is Not Activated

Problem: You try to use your card, but the transaction is declined because the card is not active.

Solution:

• Check Activation Status: First, ensure the card was activated at the time of purchase. If you received it as a gift, the purchaser might have forgotten to have it activated.
• Activate It: Follow the steps in our How to Activate Your Walmart Gift Card article. You can activate it online at www.walmartgift.com or by calling the number on the back of the card.

Issue 2: Incorrect Balance

Problem: You believe the balance on your card is incorrect, or it shows a zero balance when you expect to have funds.

Solution:

• Check Your Balance: Use one of the methods in our How to Check Your Walmart Gift Card Balance guide to verify the current balance.
• Review Transactions: If the balance is lower than expected, review your transaction history online or request it from customer service to identify any unauthorized charges.
• Contact Customer Service: If you suspect an error, call the customer service number on your card immediately to report the issue.

Issue 3: Transaction Declined

Problem: Your card is declined even though you have sufficient funds.

Solution:

• Confirm the Balance: Double-check that your purchase amount does not exceed your available balance.
• Use as Credit: When paying, select "Credit" instead of "Debit." Most gift cards do not have a PIN and should be processed as a credit transaction.
• Check for Online Shopping Restrictions: If you are shopping online, ensure you have registered your card with your billing address. Some merchants require this for verification.
• Try a Different Merchant: Some merchants may have restrictions on gift card usage. Try using your card at a different location.

Issue 4: Lost or Stolen Card

Problem: Your gift card has been lost or stolen.

Solution:

• Report It Immediately: Call the customer service number on the back of the card (or find it online) to report it. You will need the card number, so it's a good idea to keep a record of it.
• Request a Replacement: In some cases, the remaining balance can be transferred to a new card, though this is not always guaranteed. The Visa/Mastercard Zero Liability policy may offer protection for unauthorized purchases.
• Provide Proof of Purchase: Having your original receipt can help in the replacement process.

Issue 5: Unreadable Card Number or Security Code

Problem: The card number or security code is scratched or faded, making it unreadable.

Solution:

• Contact Customer Service: If you cannot read the necessary numbers, customer service may be able to help if you can provide other identifying information, such as the original purchase receipt.
• Try Different Lighting: Sometimes changing the angle or lighting can help make faded numbers more visible.
• Use a Magnifying Glass: A magnifying glass might help you read partially visible numbers.

Issue 6: Card Expired

Problem: Your gift card has passed its expiration date.

Solution:

• Check Expiration Policy: Most Walmart gift cards do not expire, but some promotional cards might have expiration dates.
• Contact Customer Service: If your card has expired, contact customer service to see if the balance can be restored or transferred to a new card.

Issue 7: Online Purchase Problems

Problem: Your card is not working for online purchases.

Solution:

• Register Your Card: Many online merchants require gift cards to be registered with a billing address before use.
• Check International Restrictions: Some gift cards cannot be used for international online purchases.
• Verify Merchant Acceptance: Ensure the online merchant accepts the type of gift card you have (Visa, Mastercard, etc.).

When to Contact Customer Service

If none of the above solutions work, don't hesitate to contact Walmart gift card customer service. Have the following information ready:

• Your 16-digit card number
• The 3-digit security code (if readable)
• Purchase receipt (if available)
• Details about the problem you're experiencing

Customer Service Numbers:

• Walmart Gift Cards: 1-888-537-5503
• Walmart Visa Gift Cards: 1-866-633-9096

By following these troubleshooting tips, you can resolve most common Walmart Gift Card issues and continue to enjoy a smooth shopping experience.