Yes, you can buy Walmart gift cards with a credit card in most cases
You can use a credit card to buy Walmart gift cards both in-store and online. Walmart accepts all major credit cards — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover — at checkout. The transaction counts as a regular purchase on your credit card statement, which means it will affect your credit utilization and appear in your billing cycle like any other charge.
The main thing to understand is that buying a gift card with a credit card is not the same as getting a cash advance. You are making a purchase, so you pay the regular purchase APR (if you carry a balance), not a cash advance fee. The gift card itself has no separate interest rate — once you buy it, the balance sits on the card until someone spends it.
Key Takeaways
- Walmart accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover both in-store and online when you buy gift cards.
- Buying a gift card counts as a purchase on your credit card, not a cash advance, so you avoid cash advance fees.
- The purchase will increase your credit utilization ratio, which can temporarily lower your credit score if your balance is already high.
- Some credit cards earn rewards on gift card purchases, but others exclude them — check your card's terms to know what you earn.
- Walmart's own credit card (Walmart Credit Card) can be used to buy gift cards, but the Walmart MoneyCard (a prepaid card) cannot be used to buy other gift cards.
How the purchase appears on your credit card statement
When you buy a Walmart gift card with your credit card, the charge shows up as a purchase from Walmart. The amount is added to your current balance when ready, whether you buy it in-store or online. If you pay your full statement balance by the due date, you pay no interest on the gift card purchase. If you carry a balance, the purchase APR applies to the gift card charge just like any other purchase.
The purchase also counts toward your credit utilization ratio — the percentage of your total credit limit that you are using. If you have a $5,000 limit and you buy a $500 gift card, your utilization jumps to 10% (or higher if you already had a balance). High utilization can temporarily lower your credit score, even if you pay the balance in full later. This matters most if you are planning to explore for a loan or new credit card soon.
Rewards and cash back on gift card purchases
Whether you earn rewards on a Walmart gift card purchase depends on your specific credit card's terms. Some cards earn cash back or points on all purchases, including gift cards. Others exclude gift card purchases from rewards entirely. A few cards earn a lower rate on gift cards than on other purchases.
The best way to know is to check your card's benefits guide or call the card issuer directly. If you are considering a new card partly to buy gift cards, ask before you open the account. For example, some cash back cards earn rewards on all Walmart purchases, while others may have restrictions. The Walmart Credit Card itself earns rewards on Walmart purchases, including gift cards, but the rate varies depending on whether you use it in-store or online.
Using Walmart's own credit card to buy gift cards
The Walmart Credit Card (a Mastercard issued by Capital One) can be used to buy Walmart gift cards both in-store and online. The purchase counts as a Walmart purchase on your account, so it may earn the rewards rate your card offers. However, the Walmart Credit Card is a store card, meaning it can only be used at Walmart and Sam's Club — you cannot use it anywhere else.
If you are thinking about opening a Walmart Credit Card mainly to buy gift cards, consider whether you shop at Walmart regularly enough to make the rewards worthwhile. The card has no annual fee, but it also has a lower credit limit than many general-purpose cards, and the APR is typically higher. Use it only if you already plan to shop there frequently.
What does not work: Walmart MoneyCard and other prepaid cards
The Walmart MoneyCard is a prepaid card, not a credit card. You cannot use it to buy other Walmart gift cards — Walmart's system blocks this transaction. The same rule applies to most other prepaid cards and gift cards: you generally cannot use one gift card to buy another gift card at the same retailer.
If you have a Walmart MoneyCard and want to give someone a Walmart gift card, you will need to use a different payment method — a credit card, debit card, or cash. This restriction exists to prevent fraud and to keep gift card balances within Walmart's system rather than moving them between prepaid products.
Online versus in-store purchases
Buying a Walmart gift card online or in-store works the same way with a credit card. Online, you add the gift card to your cart and pay at checkout just like any other item. In-store, you take the physical card to the register and swipe or insert your credit card. Both methods process when ready, and both count as purchases on your credit card statement.
The main difference is delivery. Physical gift cards bought in-store are ready to use when ready. Digital gift cards bought online are sent via email and can be used right away. If you buy a physical card online, Walmart will mail it to you, which takes several business days. Choose the method based on when the recipient needs to use the card.
Potential issues and what to watch for
The most common issue is confusion about whether a gift card purchase is a cash advance. It is not — as long as you buy the card itself, not a cash advance from an ATM or bank. A gift card purchase is a regular purchase and carries no cash advance fee.
Another issue is fraud. If you buy a gift card with a credit card and the card is later compromised, the credit card company can dispute the charge. However, the gift card itself may already be spent by then. To protect yourself, buy gift cards from the main customer service desk or a staffed register rather than from an unattended kiosk, and check the card's balance before you leave the store if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does buying a Walmart gift card with a credit card count as a cash advance?
No. Buying a gift card is a purchase, not a cash advance. You pay the regular purchase APR if you carry a balance, not a cash advance fee. A cash advance only happens if you withdraw cash from an ATM or ask a bank for cash using your credit card.
Will buying a gift card hurt my credit score?
It may temporarily lower your score because it increases your credit utilization ratio. If you already have a high balance, a large gift card purchase can push your utilization higher, which credit scoring models view as riskier. The effect is temporary — your score recovers once you pay down the balance.
Can I use a gift card to buy another gift card at Walmart?
No. Walmart does not allow you to use one gift card to buy another gift card. You must use a credit card, debit card, or cash. This rule applies to most retailers and exists to prevent fraud and keep gift card balances in the system.
What if I want to return a gift card I bought with my credit card?
Walmart's policy is that gift cards cannot be returned or refunded. Once you buy a gift card, the money is on the card. If the card is unused and you want your money back, you would need to contact Walmart customer service to discuss your specific situation, but a refund to your credit card is not may provide.
Do I earn rewards if I buy a Walmart gift card with my credit card?
It depends on your card's terms. Some credit cards earn rewards on all purchases, including gift cards. Others exclude gift cards from rewards. Check your card's benefits guide or contact the issuer to find out whether gift card purchases earn cash back or points.