With the rise in popularity of online shopping, the demand for gift cards from major e-commerce platforms like Amazon has grown tremendously. Many shoppers consider purchasing gift cards as convenient and flexible gifts. Walmart, being the largest retail chain in the United States, is often the first stop for many consumers looking to buy gift cards for various platforms. This leads to an important question: does Walmart sell Amazon gift cards?
TLDR: Walmart does not sell Amazon gift cards either online or in-store. As competitors, the two companies have clear boundaries when it comes to cross-promoting each other. Customers looking to purchase Amazon gift cards will need to find alternative retailers such as grocery stores, convenience chains, or online platforms like Amazon itself. Understanding the logistics and options around gift card availability can save shoppers both time and frustration.
Understanding Retail Competition: Walmart vs. Amazon
Amazon and Walmart are two of the largest retailers globally, and both have made significant investments in the online and physical retail spaces. Because they are in direct competition—especially in e-commerce—each company prioritizes promoting their own brands and services over their rivals.
For this reason, Walmart does not sell Amazon-branded gift cards. Allowing the sale of a direct competitor’s products would not fit into Walmart’s strategic business model. In fact, you will also not find Walmart gift cards being sold on Amazon for the same reasons.
What Gift Cards Does Walmart Sell?
Walmart does offer an extensive variety of third-party gift cards, which fall into several categories:
- Retail & Shopping: Target, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Best Buy
- Entertainment: Netflix, Spotify, Apple, Google Play
- Gaming: Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo
- Food & Dining: Starbucks, Domino’s, Chipotle, Subway
Though Amazon is notably absent from that list, many popular options are available both in physical Walmart stores and on Walmart.com. These cards typically range in denominations from $10 to $100.
Why Doesn’t Walmart Carry Amazon Gift Cards?
The exclusion of Amazon gift cards at Walmart is a calculated business decision. Here are a few key reasons:
- Direct competition: Amazon and Walmart compete for consumer dollars in nearly every retail category, from groceries to technology. Promoting Amazon within Walmart would likely lead to sales loss.
- Brand loyalty: Each company works hard to keep customers within their own ecosystems—from apps to membership services like Amazon Prime and Walmart+.
- Strategic partnerships: Walmart may have exclusive deals with other retailers or brands that further restrict promoting competitors.
Therefore, if you’re shopping at Walmart specifically to buy an Amazon gift card, you’ll leave empty-handed.
Image not found in postmetaWhere Can You Buy Amazon Gift Cards?
Although Walmart doesn’t sell Amazon gift cards, several other reliable retailers do. If you’re in need of one, consider shopping at:
- Amazon.com: The most straightforward and customizable option, offering both physical and digital cards.
- Grocery stores: Safeway, Kroger, Albertsons, and Publix often have Amazon gift cards in their checkout lanes.
- Pharmacies: Stores like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid commonly stock Amazon gifts cards.
- Convenience stores: You may also find them at 7-Eleven, Speedway, or similar chains.
Most of these locations offer Amazon gift cards in variable denominations, letting shoppers choose custom amounts in addition to fixed values like $25, $50, or $100.
Alternatives to Amazon Gift Cards Available at Walmart
If your intention was to give someone a useful, flexible gift card but you still wish to purchase it from Walmart, here are some great alternatives that offer a similar level of utility:
- Visa and Mastercard prepaid cards: These can be used almost anywhere, including on Amazon.
- PayPal gift cards: Can be redeemed in online platforms including Amazon with a linked PayPal account.
- Retailer-agnostic gift cards: Cards like American Express Serve function across platforms and are ideal substitutes.
While these alternatives might have small activation fees, they maintain a high degree of flexibility in where and how they can be used.
Possible Misconceptions and Shopper Confusion
Some shoppers report being misinformed about Amazon gift card availability at Walmart due to older online discussions or incorrect search engine results. Others may see displays of various gift cards and assume Amazon is among them.
To avoid confusion:
- Check Walmart’s website. A search for “Amazon gift card” will yield no results.
- Call your local store for clarification before heading out.
- Use Amazon’s official gift card directory to locate local sellers.
Digital vs. Physical Gift Cards
Whether you choose to buy a gift card physically or digitally depends on your preferences. Here’s a comparison for Amazon cards (not available at Walmart, but good to know):
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Digital | Instant delivery, customizable, ideal for last-minute gifts | Requires recipient’s email, lacks physical feel |
| Physical | Visually appealing, suitable for in-person gifting | Takes time to send unless locally purchased |
Conclusion
While Walmart may be a one-stop shop for a wide range of products and services, Amazon gift cards are not part of their offerings due to the competitive nature of the two companies. Understanding this dynamic helps manage expectations and guides consumers towards better purchasing choices. Those in search of Amazon gift cards should opt for pharmacies, grocery stores, or digital options directly through Amazon.
FAQs About Buying Amazon Gift Cards at Walmart
- Q: Can I buy an Amazon gift card at Walmart?
A: No, Walmart does not sell Amazon gift cards in-store or online. - Q: Why doesn’t Walmart sell Amazon gift cards?
A: Walmart and Amazon are direct competitors, and retail strategy typically avoids promoting rival brands. - Q: Are there Walmart gift cards available on Amazon?
A: No, Amazon also does not sell Walmart gift cards for the same competitive reasons. - Q: What are some good alternatives to Amazon gift cards sold at Walmart?
A: Prepaid Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal cards can serve as flexible alternatives for online shopping. - Q: Where can I find an Amazon gift card near me?
A: Try grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores, or Amazon’s official website.
