One of the most adaptable gift cards you can get your hands on is a Walmart gift card. Walmart gift cards can be redeemed to purchase various products ranging from home appliances to groceries. But what if you are not planning to redeem the card? Is getting cash back a viable option? In this post, you will learn how to get cashback from your Walmart gift card while avoiding being scammed online.
As a gift card recipient, there's no denying the allure of exploring your options for turning a gift card into cash. Most people try selling their gift cards through dedicated online platforms like Reddit. This is because most companies don’t offer a direct and easy way to exchange gift cards for cash. But what about Walmart?
Well, it is not that easy—While the idea of selling gift cards for cash is appealing, finding even the most basic information about the process can be difficult. Imagine the worst-case scenario: you visit a fraudulent website and give away your gift card details. So, what is the appropriate way to get cashback on your Walmart gift card? Read on to find out.
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What Is Walmarts Gift Card Policy?
Before planning on getting cashback from your gift card, it is essential that you understand Walmart's gift card policy and what it has to say about cashback.
Walmart’s gift card policy is quite clear when it comes to returns and refunds. As of now, Gift cards purchased from Walmart are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Unfortunately, cashback is not an available option. The policy applies to the following gift cards.
- Basic Walmart Gift Cards
- Walmart Membership Benefits Preloaded Gift Cards
- Speciality gift cards from Walmart in conjunction with other businesses such as iTunes and SUBWAY.
A small legal loophole allows you to circumvent the company's no-returns policy for gift cards. Some states in the United States mandate that stores must reimburse customers in cash for gift cards with a balance of less than $10. If you are in one of these states, you will be able to get cashback for your Walmart gift card quickly.
So, What states have this mandate? Let’s find out.
Which U.S. States Authorize Gift Card Refunds In Cash?
According to the National Conference Of State Legislature (NCSL), up to ten jurisdictions mandate that stores give customers their money back if a gift card's balance falls below a particular threshold. Rhode Island and Vermont have the lowest maximum redemption requirements at $0.99, while California has the most at $9.99. The national average is $4.99.
In the best interest of consumers, these cashback rules have been enacted on a state level to protect them from being scammed out of their remaining balances on gift cards.
The following states mandate retailers to issue customers a cashback on their gift cards. We have also included the maximum amount payable.
- California: $9.99
- Colorado: $5.00
- Maine: $4.99
- Massachusetts: $4.99
- Oregon: $4.99
- Rhode Island: $0.99
- Vermont: $0.99
- Washington: $4.99
Visit your neighbourhood Walmart store and ask for cash for any remaining balance on a Walmart gift card purchased in one of the aforementioned states. Don't be afraid to contact Walmart's customer service if the cashier or management at the store you're returning anything to is unsure of the return policy.
Please keep in mind that Walmart gift cards can be purchased in amounts ranging from $5 to $500. California and Colorado are the only states that will give you cash for your unused gift card, and only up to $9.99 and $5, respectively.
How To Sell Walmart Gift Card For Cashback
What other options are available if you are not in a state mandating retailers to issue cash refunds for gift card balances? Selling your gift card on an online marketplace is a great alternative. You may however not be able to recoup the entire value of the card once you sell it. CardCash, Raise, and Cardpool are some of the best online gift card exchanges.
Don't feel obligated to sell your Walmart gift card; you can always return it for a store credit. As an incentive, Walmart will "buy back" gift cards from customers through the CardCash website. Up to 95% of the original card's value can be redeemed for other retailer gift cards. This is a reasonable offer, plus it frees you up to explore other retail options.
A Clever Trick To Get Cash Back For Your Walmart Gift Card
You could take advantage of their return policy if you want to get cash for your Walmart gift card. Walmart's return policy has a reputation for being unclear, taking up five pages to explain the process. Good for you; you dont have to understand most of it.
The first thing you should do is look for an item priced slightly above the value of your card. Purchase it and cover the difference using an alternative payment method, such as a credit or debit card. Make sure you keep the receipt. Once you have the product, keep it in good condition—it would be best if you dont open the box if packaged. Now, return the item within 14 days of making the purchase. Any money originally loaded onto your Walmart gift card will be returned to you. It will be loaded onto your debit or credit card, or you will receive cash. If you have a Walmart gift card, you may use this simple hack to get cash back.
How To Exchange A Walmart Gift Card With That Of Another Brand
Because Walmart does not permit returns or offer refunds for gift cards, the retailer has devised a gift card exchange scheme whereby customers can trade in their Walmart gift cards for cards from other retailers. As part of the scheme, Walmart will pay you anywhere from 70% to 95% of the value of your gift card via their CardCash service. You can exchange Walmart gift cards for brands such as Amazon, Chiptole, Uber, and eBay.
Bottom Line
Unfortunately, as of now, Walmart does not issue a direct method for customers to get cash back for their gift cards. Additionally, the retail giant does not accept gift card returns nor issue refunds for gift cards purchased. The best way to exchange your gift card for cash is by selling it. You can do this through various online marketplaces such as Reddit. Just make sure you don't interact with fraudulent people who might steal your card details.