A multinational retail corporation, Walmart is a renowned name in the shopping world, providing a diverse range of products across numerous categories. An essential part of Walmart’s offering is its gift cards, famous for their convenience and versatility, making them an ideal present for various occasions. However, consumers often ask, “Can you buy gift cards with a Walmart gift card?” In this article, we delve into the specifics of Walmart’s gift card policy and explain why buying other gift cards with a Walmart gift card is not permissible.
A Walmart gift card, like any other gift card, is a form of electronic payment that enables the cardholder to purchase items Walmart offers. Gift cards are available in physical and digital formats and can be used in-store and online. However, it’s crucial to note that certain restrictions exist on what can be bought with a Walmart gift card.
Can You Buy Gift Cards With a Walmart Gift Card?
No, you can not buy gift cards with a Walmart Gift card because Walmart management tries to prevent fraud and ensure that the gift card’s value is used for tangible goods and services. Additionally, the resale of Walmart gift cards is prohibited.
In accordance with the company’s policy, a Walmart gift card cannot be used to purchase other gift cards. This limitation applies to Walmart gift cards and third-party gift cards available at Walmart. This policy is clearly stated on the Walmart website and in each gift card’s terms and conditions.
Understanding the Policy
Why does Walmart not allow its gift cards to be used to buy other gift cards? While this policy might initially seem limiting or unnecessary, several legitimate reasons explain it.
- Preventing Fraud: Gift cards are often targeted for fraud due to their relative anonymity and difficulty tracing transactions. By limiting the use of gift cards to buy other gift cards, Walmart reduces the potential for fraud and makes it more challenging for illegal activities to be carried out.
- Money Laundering Prevention: In some instances, gift cards have been used as a tool for money laundering. Purchasing gift cards with other gift cards could make it difficult to track money trails, hence providing a possible method for money laundering. By disallowing this practice, Walmart is playing its part in preventing such illicit activities.
- Maintaining Cash Flow: A gift card essentially promises that the cardholder will buy goods or services from the issuing company. If a Walmart gift card could be used to purchase other gift cards, it would enable the transfer of the potential business to other entities. By keeping the transactions within its products and services, Walmart ensures the money remains within its business ecosystem, thus maintaining its cash flow.
- Safeguarding Consumer Interests: The restriction helps protect consumers by ensuring that the gift card’s value is used for tangible goods and services. This eliminates the possibility of a cascading failure, where the failure of one gift card impacts others.
Walmart Gift Card Policy Basic
- Nonreturnable; not for resale: Walmart Gift Cards are not returnable or refundable for cash except where required by law. Reselling Walmart Gift Cards is strictly prohibited.
- Liability: The balance on any Walmart Gift Card is solely the liability of Wal-Mart Stores Arkansas, LLC.
- Acceptance locations: Walmart Gift Cards can be used at any Walmart store, Sam’s Club in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or online at walmart.com or samsclub.com.
- Not for promotional use: Walmart Gift Cards may be used as personal or business gifts but cannot be used in connection with any marketing, advertising, or promotional activities.
- No affiliation with Walmart: The use of Walmart’s name, logo, trade dress, or trademarks in connection with the purchase or use of Walmart Gift Cards is strictly prohibited. In addition, implying an affiliation with Walmart or its subsidiaries or affiliates is also prohibited.
- Compliance with laws: By purchasing Walmart Gift Cards, you certify that the activities in connection with which the cards will be used comply with the Terms and Conditions and all applicable laws. You agree to defend and indemnify Walmart against any claims or liabilities resulting from your use of the Walmart Gift Cards.
- Lost or stolen cards: Lost or stolen Walmart Gift Cards will not be replaced. In addition, you are responsible for keeping your Walmart.com account password safe and for any activity conducted under your account.
- Saving Walmart Gift Card Information and Viewing Balance Terms and Conditions: These terms govern the saving of Walmart Gift Card information, consolidating multiple cards, redeeming the card, limitations on use, and balance estimation.
- Walmart Gift Cards Do Not Expire: Walmart gift cards never expire.
Conclusion
While the inability to buy other gift cards with a Walmart gift card might appear inconvenient, the underlying reasons are sound and rooted in promoting business integrity, reducing fraudulent activities, and safeguarding consumer interests. As consumers, it’s crucial to understand these policies to utilize our gift cards effectively and within the constraints set by the issuing company. If you still want to purchase a gift card from Walmart, you’ll need to use a different form of payment, such as cash, credit, or debit. Remember to read and understand the terms and conditions before purchasing or using a gift card.
After leaving Wells Fargo Bank in 2014, Daniel began a career as a finance consultant, advising companies and individuals on economic policy, labor relations, and financial management.
At Promtfinance.com, Daniel writes about personal finance topics, value estimation, budgeting strategies, retirement planning, and portfolio diversification.
Read more on Daniel Smith's biography page.
Contact Daniel: daniel@promtfinance.com